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2 presidents, 1st Olympic gold, 4 leading ladies: Just a list of facts that show how old ‘Ang Probinsyano’ is

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Miguel Dumaual, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="(Left) Hidilyn Diaz reacts to her Olymic gold, (middle) Coco Martin poses with Julia Montes, (right) and President Rodrigo Duterte addresses the nation amid the COVID-19 pandemic. " src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2021/entertainment/09/28/20210928-hidilyn-angprobinsyano-duterte.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>(Left) Hidilyn Diaz reacts to her Olymic gold, (middle) Coco Martin poses with Julia Montes, (right) and President Rodrigo Duterte addresses the nation amid the COVID-19 pandemic. <em>Vicenzo Pinto, AFP/ ABS-CBN/ Robinson Niñal, Presidential Photo</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA — A Philippine president’s entire term in office: that’s how long “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” has been running, with enduring popularity that has cemented the primetime series as a pop culture force.</p><p>In that process, the Coco Martin starrer has also beaten what seemed to be insurmountable odds, from the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, to losing its free-TV broadcast with the franchise denial of ABS-CBN.</p><p>Today, September 28, marks the sixth year since “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” premiered, making it the Philippines’ longest-running weekday drama series, surpassing the original “Mara Clara,” also of ABS-CBN.</p><p>That’s a long, long crusade against crime and corruption, with Martin’s well-loved Cardo navigating numerous life-changing events and surviving countless near-deaths.</p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/07/17/19/may-isa-pa-cardos-apparent-death-spawns-triplets-meme">‘May isa pa!’ Cardo’s apparent death spawns ‘triplets’ meme</a></li></ul><p>To put that duration in perspective, here’s a list of facts that show just how much can change in a span of six years, from politics, to sports, and showbiz:</p><div><strong>1. Coco Martin has had four leading ladies as Cardo since 2015.</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Coco Martin and Julia Montes pose together during an event announcing the latter’s addition to the cast of ‘FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano’ in July 2021. ABS-CBN" src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2021/entertainment/09/28/20210928-ang-probinsyano-1.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>Coco Martin and Julia Montes pose together during an event announcing the latter’s addition to the cast of ‘FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano’ in July 2021.<em> ABS-CBN</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>Julia Montes’ Mara is Cardo’s current love interest, following the deaths of Alyana (Yassi Pressman) and Carmen (Bela Padilla), and the departure of Glen (Maja Salvador).</p><div><strong>2. Iza Calzado has starred in three primetime series that aired in the same block as ‘Ang Probinsyano.’</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Iza Calzado portrayed Ellice in ‘Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin,’ which ran for seven months until March 2021. ABS-CBN" src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2021/entertainment/09/28/20210928-ang-probinsyano-2.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>Iza Calzado portrayed Ellice in ‘Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin,’ which ran for seven months until March 2021. <em>ABS-CBN</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>Calzado, who was a guest star in the first year of “Ang Probinsyano,” joined the main cast of “A Love to Last” in 2017 and “Ngayon at Kailanman” in 2018, and became the lead star of “Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin,” along with Jodi Sta. Maria, in 2020.</p><div><strong>3. There have been 10 Kapuso-turned-Kapamilya stars since ‘Ang Probinsyano’ went on air.</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Lovi Poe poses after her contract-signing with ABS-CBN in September 2021. ABS-CBN" src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2021/entertainment/09/28/20210928-ang-probinsyano-3.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>Lovi Poe poses after her contract-signing with ABS-CBN in September 2021. <em>ABS-CBN</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>The latest of whom is Lovi Poe, who signed with ABS-CBN this month, following the likes of Janine Gutierrez and Regine Velasquez. Here’s the <a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/01/15/21/janine-gutierrez-and-17-kapuso-turned-kapamilya-stars">timeline</a> of transferees, tracing back to September 2015.</p><div><strong>4. Five ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ winners have been named since Cardo started his anti-crime crusade.</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Liofer Pinatacan is named ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Connect’ winner in March 2021. ABS-CBN" src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2021/entertainment/09/28/20210928-ang-probinsyano-4.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>Liofer Pinatacan is named ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Connect’ winner in March 2021. <em>ABS-CBN</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>Miho Nishida and Jimboy Martin were the victors of the “737” edition in November 2015. Maymay Entrata was named “Big Winner” of the “Lucky” season in March 2017, while Yamyam Gucong won the “Otso” edition in August 2019. The most recent winner is Liofer Pinatacan of the “Connect” season, which concluded in March 2021.</p><div><strong>5. Tawag ng Tanghalan has produced five champions through its regular editions in the past six years.</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="‘Tawag ng Tanghalan’ grand champion Reiven Umali performs on the ‘It’s Showtime’ stage. Twitter: @itsshowtimena" src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2021/entertainment/09/28/20210928-ang-probinsyano-5.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>‘Tawag ng Tanghalan’ grand champion Reiven Umali performs on the ‘It’s Showtime’ stage.<em> Twitter: @itsshowtimena</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>The latest champion, Reiven Umali, just won this month. He follows in the footsteps of Noven Belleza (2017), Janine Berdin (2018), Elaine Duran (2019), and JM Yosures (February 2021).</p><div><strong>6. P-pop groups BGYO and BINI entered as trainees and graduated from Star Hunt Academy within a fraction of Cardo’s six-year run.</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Privé Alliance/ Metro.Style" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2021/life/09/03/20210903-bgyo-bini_1.jpg"/><figcaption><em>Privé Alliance/ Metro.Style</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>The fast-rising music acts trained for two years under Star Hunt Academy. BGYO debuted as an official group in January 2021, while BINI was launched in June.</p><div><strong>7. The Philippines has produced two Miss Universe winners since 2015.</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Instagram: @catriona_gray" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2019/life/09/28/20190928-pia-catriona.jpg"/><figcaption><em>Instagram: @catriona_gray</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>Pia Wurtzbach became the third Miss Universe from the Philippines in December 2015. Catriona Gray, meanwhile, was crowned in December 2018.</p><p><strong>8. Two Filipinos were crowned Miss Earth in the last six years</strong>.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Karen Ibasco of the Philippines competes in the Miss Earth 2017 pageant. " src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2019/life/09/28/20171104-miss-earth-2017-coronation-gc-020.jpg"/><figcaption>Karen Ibasco of the Philippines competes in the Miss Earth 2017 pageant.<em> George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>Angelia Ong and Karen Ibasco respectively won the international Miss Earth pageant in December 2015 and November 2017.</p><div><strong>9. Manny Pacquiao has had seven boxing matches since Cardo’s introduction.</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Manny Pacquiao fights against Yordenis Ugas of Cuba during the WBA Welterweight Championship in Las Vegas, Nevada IN August 2021. " src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2021/afp/08/22/20210821-pacquiao-ugas-afp-3.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>Manny Pacquiao fights against Yordenis Ugas of Cuba during the WBA Welterweight Championship in Las Vegas, Nevada in August 2021. <em>Patrick T. Fallon, AFP</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>The presidential aspirant fought Floyd Mayweather, Jr. in May 2015, four months before “Ang Probinsyano” premiered, so that match is not counted. After that defeat, the boxing champ recorded five wins, most recently over Keith Turman in 2019, and two losses, most recently to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021.</p><div><strong>10. Hidilyn Diaz won nine medals from international weightlifting events, including the Philippines’ first Olympic gold, within the duration of ‘Ang Probinsyano.’</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Hidilyn Diaz reacts after placing first in the women’s 55kg weightlifting competition during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in July 2021. " src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2021/life/07/27/20210726-olympics-diaz-gold-6.jpg"/><figcaption>Hidilyn Diaz reacts after placing first in the women’s 55kg weightlifting competition during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in July 2021.<em> Vincenzo Pinto, AFP</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>That count excludes Diaz’s gold from the Asian Championships in 2015, which happened weeks before the primetime series debuted. She brought home the Olympic gold in July 2021.</p><div><strong>11. Cardo has seen two sitting Philippine presidents, so far.</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="PCOO/AFP" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2019/life/09/28/duterte-pnoy-1.jpg"/><figcaption><em>PCOO/AFP</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>Rodrigo Duterte succeeded Benigno Aquino III on June 30, 2016. Aquino passed away in June 2021.</p><div><strong>12. There have been two national elections since ‘Ang Probinsyano’ premiered.</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Ballot boxes are inspected for the 2016 national elections in this file photo. " src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2019/news/05/08/20190508-ballot-boxes.jpg"/><figcaption>Ballot boxes are inspected for the 2016 national elections in this file photo.<em> ABS-CBN News/File</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>Duterte was elected president in 2016, while a new set of officials were voted into office in 2019. It remains to be seen whether Cardo will see a third national election, which is only months away, in May 2022.</p><div><strong>13. ABS-CBN fully migrated to digital after being forced off free television, due to its franchise denial by a congressional panel.</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Coco Martin joins a rally calling for ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal in February 2020. " src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/life/02/21/kapamilya-artists-at-rally-for-abs-cbn-franchise-renewal-1.jpg"/><figcaption>Coco Martin joins a rally calling for ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal in February 2020.<em> Alec Corpuz, ABS-CBN News</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>With ABS-CBN’s free-TV channel being shuttered by government in July 2020, “Ang Probinsyano” along with the Kapamilya network’s current programs were made available on several platforms. Currently, the action-drama series is accessible via Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z Channel 11, TV5, CineMo, iWant TFC, TFC, WeTV, and iflix.</p><div><strong>14. The world transitioned to a new normal amid a still-raging pandemic.</strong></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="The MRT-3 accommodates passengers with physical distancing measures, as a safety protocol against COVID-19, in September 2020. " src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/news/09/14/20200914-covid19-physical-distancing-mrt-md-7.jpg"/><figcaption>The MRT-3 accommodates passengers with physical distancing measures, as a safety protocol against COVID-19, in September 2020.<em> Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>For “Ang Probinsyano,” and the film and TV industry at large, that has meant shifting to quarantined or “bubble” filming, where strict safety protocols are observed.</p><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" frameBorder="0" height="100%" id="ivsplayer01" scrolling="no" src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/html/iframe-src.html?iframeid=ivsplayer01&amp;key=e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603&amp;spid=3001339&amp;vid=1784458" width="100%"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div>

A Philippine president’s entire term in office: that’s how long “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” has been running, with enduring popularity that has cemented the primetime series as a pop culture force.

2 presidents, 1st Olympic gold, 4 leading ladies: Just a list of facts that show how old ‘Ang Probinsyano’ is

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2 presidents, 1st Olympic gold, 4 leading ladies: Just a list of facts that show how old ‘Ang Probinsyano’ is

Miguel Dumaual,

ABS-CBN News

Published Sep 28, 2021 09:02 PM PHT

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FPJ's Ang Probinsyano

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