Arzen Rose Dulzura

“Laban, Babae!” These 10 femme fatales from Kapamilya teleseryes have inspired women to be ‘badass’

Article (news)

Mary Ann Bardinas

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1741569807384Thumb-Feature (4).jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>We’ve probably seen a lot of movies and series that portray women as damsels in distress who need to be rescued by knights in shining armor whenever they are in danger. However, there have already been a plethora of television shows that capture women as femme fatales (or “dangerous women”) through their badass female characters who can definitely fend for themselves in times of crises.</p><p>While the word “badass” can have a negative connotation for some, it’s actually the perfect word to describe women since it’s synonymous with “tough,” “uncompromising,” “intimidating,” “formidable,” and “excellent,” which the majority of us absolutely embody.</p><p>As <a href="http://abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/"><strong><u>ABS-CBN Entertainment</u></strong></a> joins in celebrating National Women’s Month this March, let us present to you in this special feature 10 female characters from Kapamilya teleseryes in recent years who can be considered the ultimate epitomes of “badassery”—or the state of being badass!</p><p><strong>Gab Rivera</strong>, <a href="http://abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/incognito"><strong><u>Incognito</u></strong></a></p><script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAEyze-tm4MR6kEa&amp;cid=ABUM-fcktdlkjRL0"></script><p>Her voluminous curly hair and daring outfits as she sashayed down the streets of Cerdova during her much-awaited entrance in “<a href="http://abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/incognito"><strong><u>Incognito</u></strong></a>” were indeed already hints of how dangerous Gabriela “Gab” Rivera is, compellingly played by actress Maris Racal. As the narrative progresses, we get to further see how fierce she is with the way she bravely confronts the enemies and skillfully handles guns and does stunts, as we’d seen during the battle of the “kontraks” with Marconi’s henchmen.</p><p>However, Gab wasn’t able to display her feistiness through the combats they engaged in, as she got to show it as well with how she defied her father, Samuel (Joel Torre), who she completely abhors because he highly disapproves of her career choices and is involved in illegal gambling business. Besides, who would forget that instance when she disguised as a lawyer to help Tomas (Anthony Jennings) get out of jail and indeed succeeded in tricking the police with her assertiveness and intelligence?</p><p><strong>Max Alvero</strong>, <a href="http://abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/incognito"><strong><u>Incognito</u></strong></a></p><script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAEyze-tm4MR6kEa&amp;cid=ABTW3tvrv_tbiWX_"></script><p>It isn’t only Gab who’s the femme fatale in “<a href="http://abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/incognito"><strong><u>Incognito</u></strong></a>” but also Max Alvero, impressively portrayed by fast-rising actress Kaila Estrada. She has not only wowed us with her adeptness in computers as an expert hacker and cyber operation specialist, which is definitely a huge help in their missions, but with her innate courage in facing up to the opponents, whether all by herself or as part of the group.</p><p>We also got to witness her courage when it was revealed that she took the risk of putting her life and career on the line by opting to save her beloved fiancé, Sevi (Victor Silayan), rather than obey their commander’s order for them to abort their mission as it was already perilous for her and her troopmates</p><p><strong>Tindeng</strong>, <a href="http://abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/batangquiapo"><strong><u>FPJ&#x27;s Batang Quiapo</u></strong></a></p><div><iframe width="1265" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kTuFduixni8?si=XkOhB8ihTS7O67Xh" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Tindeng, astoundingly depicted by veteran actress Charo Santos, in “<a href="http://abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/batangquiapo"><strong><u>FPJ’s Batang Quiapo</u></strong></a>,” has proven that badassery isn’t and will never be defined by age. We’ve already seen her astonishing courage in the face of adversaries, which include her cruel son-in-law Rigor (John Estrada) and his late mistress, Lena (Mercedes Cabral), with whom she would clash often.</p><p>Despite already being in her senior years, it’s truly amazing how Tindeng is still capable of protecting and defending herself, her loved ones, and other people in need, even though it means having to put herself in danger. </p><p> <strong>Madonna</strong>, <a href="http://abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/batangquiapo"><strong><u>FPJ&#x27;s Batang Quiapo</u></strong></a></p><div><iframe width="1265" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g90nvWM_42M?si=Sq0AWDzlaua2CTee" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>In a world dominated by men, another woman to stand out in “<a href="http://abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/batangquiapo"><strong><u>FPJ’s Batang Quiapo</u></strong></a>” is Madonna, played by actress Kim Domingo. Just on her first-ever encounter with Tanggol (Coco Martin), she immediately wowed viewers not only with her radiantly glowing mestiza splendor but also with her impressive fighting skills as well.</p><p>And now that she’s part of Tanggol’s league, we get to see her more in action while still amazingly keeping herself in vogue by wearing all-black body-hugging leather suits, bright red lips, and slicked-back hair. Who would think that with her slender figure, she can knock assailants down with her punches and kicks, as well as with her astonishing dexterity in handling weapons, right? </p><p><strong>Jasmin Flores</strong>, <a href="http://abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/lavenderfields"><strong><u>Lavender Fields</u></strong></a></p><script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAEyze-tm4MR6kEa&amp;cid=ABRgpfkwQTUdeuxF"></script><p>A living proof of the oft-quoted adage, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned,” we all witnessed how Jasmin, impeccably played by award-winning seasoned actress Jodi Sta. Maria courageously went through a lot of challenges and battles in her search for her long-lost daughter, Camilla (Janell Gonzaga), who was stolen from her at birth. Besides, her entire being was also filled with wrath after her mother was ruthlessly killed and she was brutally tortured by the wicked Buenavidezes and their henchmen.</p><p>These unfortunate events in her life fueled her to rise up and prepare herself—with the help and guidance of another strong woman like her, Aster Fields (Maricel Soriano) —for the wars she would surely get herself into, including her almost incessant showdowns with Iris (Janine Gutierrez). </p><p><strong>Iris Buenavidez</strong>, <a href="http://abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/lavenderfields"><strong><u>Lavender Fields</u></strong></a></p><div><iframe width="1265" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OrChm_hHxN8?si=AZvqz73AXozZ1mmi" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Although she’s a villain, we couldn’t help but still empathize with Iris, who only wanted to be loved by the people she loved without having to share it with anyone else. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to get it from the two most important men in her life–her dad, Vittorio (Edu Manzano), and her husband, Tyrone (Jericho Rosales). These apparently motivated her to learn how to fend for herself and not completely depend on anyone else, particularly when it comes to defending herself from her enemies.</p><p>And she’s able to utilize the courage and self-defense skills that she possesses during her skirmishes with Jasmin, whom she considers as her stiffest rival, most especially in the heart of Tyrone. </p><p> <strong>Amy Paraiso</strong>, <strong><em>Pira-pirasong Paraiso</em></strong></p><div><iframe width="1265" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NV3ZzZ6Uog8?si=E0wt2EDTbLzhXhvi" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Growing up in a family whose main source of livelihood was conning and robbing privileged people, Amy (Loisa Andalio) didn’t only have to master tricks on how to get their every job done flawlessly and swiftly, but she also had to learn various combat techniques just in case something unexpected came up and they had to save themselves or their companion. </p><p>Later on, Amy was able to utilize everything that she learned in saving herself and her real family when they were abducted.</p><p><strong>Mara</strong>, <strong><em>FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano</em></strong></p><div><iframe width="1265" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d9brFrO-Gww?si=_HJ17XpNz6oKQfuh" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Beneath the angelic and demure appearance of Mara, astoundingly portrayed by Julia Montes, lies a strong and ferocious woman who can unbelievably knock out hooligans all by herself, carry high-caliber weapons, and even drive a motorcycle! Totally badass, right? And we got to witness Mara do all that when she saved Aurora (Sharon Cuneta), who was subsequently revealed to be her biological mother, from a group of henchmen. </p><p><strong>Rhian Bonifacio</strong>, T<strong><em>he General’s Daughter</em></strong></p><div><iframe width="1265" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k7Je_VZJQiU?si=LttdFmeOwxqMuXay" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Angel Locsin’s last acting role on television prior to becoming a public service host program and taking her long hiatus from showbiz, Rhian Bonifacio of the 2019 spy-action drama series “<strong><em>The General’s Daughter</em></strong>” is another true epitome of what a badass woman is. </p><p>An indoctrinated military nurse, she isn’t only skilled in providing medical assistance or first-aid treatment but also in handling weapons and doing self-defense. </p><p>It was truly amazing how she bravely confronted all the challenges, battles, and enemies that came upon her—all by herself most of the time. </p><p><strong>Ivy Aguas</strong>, <strong><em>Wildflower</em></strong></p><div><iframe width="1265" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zw0Kb88QVXc" title="[ENG SUB] Ep 256 | Wildflower | Maja Salvador, Tirso Cruz III, Aiko Melendez" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Undoubtedly one of the most famous characters that Maja Salvador has ever played throughout her prolific showbiz career, Ivy Aguas (a.k.a. Lily Cruz) went on to become among the most iconic characters on TV, with “<strong><em>Wildflower</em></strong>” being one of the critically acclaimed teleseryes. </p><p>A perfect example of what a badass woman is, Ivy exacted revenge at and stood up against the wickedness of the notorious and powerful Ardiente family with the help of the wealth and skills she gained from her adoptive mom, Priyanka Aguas (Priscilla Arguelles). </p><p>With how strong-willed, vicious, manipulative, cunning, and wise she was, Ivy succeeded in her goal of toppling down the Ardientes in the end.</p><p>These wonderful women from Kapamilya teleseryes are indeed proof that we can be our own heroines for we have in us incredible power only waiting to be unleashed, especially in times of great need. Laban, babae!</p>

<p>This National Women’s Month, meet the 10 femme fatales from Kapamilya teleseryes who have inspired women to be badass and be their own heroines!</p>

This National Women’s Month, meet the 10 femme fatales from Kapamilya teleseryes who have inspired women to be badass and be their own heroines!