Anna Marie Lukban

SALUTE! 4 Kapamilya teleseryes that honor our real-life heroes in uniforms

Article (news)

Mary Ann Bardinas

<p>For years, teleseryes have been a powerful storytelling platform for storytelling, as they mirror real-life struggles, victories, and everyday circumstances of Filipinos. At the same time, they‘ve also been an important medium not just to entertain viewers with the remarkable narratives, spectacles, and performances they offer, but also to inspire, teach, and encourage us through the journeys of their characters.  </p><p>Among these stories were those of our brave, resilient, and patriotic soldiers and police officers that showcased not just action-packed scenes but also their personal struggles, sense of duty, and indomitable spirit.  </p><p>This “Araw ng Kagitingan” (Day of Valor), which the nation observes every April 9 to honor the courage and sacrifice of the tens of thousands of Filipino and American soldiers who fought against theinvading Japanese forces during World War II in 1942, let&#x27;s revisit the four Kapamilya teleseryes that brought the stories of our valiant uniformed heroes to life. </p><div> </div><div><strong>Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin (2011) </strong></div><p>Broadcast in 2011, <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/9/14/throwback-coco-martin-as-alexander-and-javier-in-minsan-lang-kita-iibigin-2011-0137"><strong><u>“Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin”</u></strong></a> blended military action, family drama, and romance. It followed the story of Alexander “Xander” del Tierro (Coco Martin), a man born into a powerful military family who had to navigate duty, love, and family expectations.  </p><p>Despite his initial reluctance, he had no choice but to pursue the same path as his father and grandfather in the armed forces, where he confronted dangerous missions along with emotional struggles related to love, loyalty, and identity. While fulfilling his role as a soldier, Xander grappled with the pull of romance after falling in love with Krista (Maja Salvador), a young female rebel who aimed to avenge the deaths of her parents, as well as the demands of responsibility.</p><p>The story unfolded across two generations, revealing deep-rooted family secrets, betrayals, and rivalries that shaped Xander’s destiny. He also got to meet his long-lost twin brother, Javier, who grew up under the care of their mom, Lora (Amy Austria-Ventura), in the mountains where the rebels hid. At its core lay the tangled ties between soldiers, loved ones, and adversaries, underscoring the heavy price of loyalty and duty. </p><div> </div><div><iframe width="966" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cchFqGD1SKE?si=HYXNINmYW7diTL0u" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><div><strong>The General’s Daughter (2019) </strong></div><p>From portraying a legendary superheroine and a fierce werewolf, Angel Locsin once again got to showcase her flair for drama and action in the 2019 series “The General’s Daughter,” wherein she portrayed 2nd Lt. Rhian Bonifacio, a military nurse in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) dedicated to saving lives and taking care of the wounded and injured.</p><p>Unbeknownst to her colleagues, she was trained to be a spy by her adoptive father, Lt. Gen. Santiago Guerrero Sr. (Tirso Cruz III), to infiltrate the armed forces and take down a powerful general—B/Gen. Marcial de Leon (Albert Martinez)—oblivious that the man she was meant to destroy was her biological father. As she carried out high-risk missions and uncovered the truth about her identity, Rhian eventually found herself caught between loyalty to her false family that raised her and her sense of duty and honor. </p><div> </div><div><iframe width="966" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cKbbK3YTnxM?si=1pOALNNC_qJUfV_K" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> </div><div> </div><div><strong>FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano (2015 – 2022)</strong> </div><p>Running for nearly seven years from September 28, 2015, to August 12, 2022, with 1,696 episodes divided into five major narrative arcs, “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” has been considered the record-holder for the longest-running drama teleserye in the Philippines. It was loosely based on the 1997 film of the same name starring the late King of Philippine Cinema Fernando Poe Jr. and was topbilled by Kapamilya Primetime King Coco Martin in dual roles.  </p><p>It followed the life of the titular character, Ricardo “Cardo” Dalisay(Coco Martin), a simple lad from Botolan, Zambales, who became a dedicated police officer who dived into perilous missions to fight crime, corruption, and terrorism in the Philippines. Initially driven by his personal quest for justice after the death of his twin brother, Cardo rises through the ranks while confronting powerful syndicates and abusive officials.</p><p>As his journey progressed, the series expanded into a larger narrative, as he even became a leader of the vigilante group called Vendetta at some point in his pursuit of going against the corrupt government. The story of Cardo indeed showed not only the risks faced by people in uniform but also the moral challenges that come with upholding justice, peace, and order.  </p><div> </div><div><iframe width="966" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MdKrjVWR8uQ?si=whGmbLrH16eR0NAh" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><div><strong>A Soldier’s Heart (2020) </strong></div><p>Aired in 2020, “A Soldier’s Heart” took viewers inside the gritty and turbulent landscape of the Philippine Army, as it demonstrated the sacrifices, struggles, and brotherhood of soldiers through the stories of those who were serving in the 4th Infantry Division.  </p><p>Among them were Pfc. Alex Marasigan (Gerald Anderson), an information technology expert who quit his desk job and joined the military to serve the country just like his brother, Capt. Elmer Marasigan (Vin Abrenica), as well as their other comrades, namely, Sgt. Abraham “Abe” Kamlun (Carlo Aquino), Sgt. Michael Mendoza (Nash Aguas), Capt. Jethro Mondejar (Elmo Magalona), 2nd Lt. Phil Panganiban (Jerome Ponce), and Capt. Lourd Bacalso (Sue Ramirez).</p><p>It was later revealed that Alex was actually the long-lost brother of Saal Alhuraji (Sid Lucero), the leader of the terrorist group who sought to avenge their father killed by the military. As they figured in an all-out war, Alex and his comrades aimed to stop Saal’s insurgent forces and seek peace, the estranged brothers were both killed.  </p><p>Amid relentless battles with rebels and personal challenges, these uniformed men got to forge bonds that transcend blood, confronting dilemmas of duty, self-discovery, and honor. The plot weaved emotional depth into intense military action, highlightingthe costs of loyalty to family and duty, personal identity, and the brutal realities of war. </p><div> </div><div><iframe width="966" height="543" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vL_2ZJ8zeLk?si=2dRDKnmvVIMkY2f1" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><p>The timeless themes of brotherhood, sacrifice, and patriotism elevated these series beyond a mere portrayal of law enforcement and military life. These are truly heartfelt tributes to the unmatched valor, extraordinary sacrifices, and enduring spirit of Filipino soldiers and police. Salute!</p>

<p>As we commemorate the heroism of the defenders of our country’s freedom during the “Fall of Bataan” this April 9—“Araw ng Kagitingan”—here are the four Kapamilya teleseryes that pay homage to our valiant soldiers and police!</p>

As we commemorate the heroism of the defenders of our country’s freedom during the “Fall of Bataan” this April 9—“Araw ng Kagitingan”—here are the four Kapamilya teleseryes that pay homage to our valiant soldiers and police!