GMA Network's fantasy drama series "Maria Clara at Ibarra" is a consistent talk of the town — online and offline — since it premiered in October 2022. It has been lauded for its brilliant cast, overall production value and seamless incorporation of modern twists without veering too far away from José Rizal's novel, Noli Me Tángere.
From Crisostomo Ibarra, Dennis Trillo transitions into mysterious jeweler Simoun in ‘Maria Clara at Ibarra.’
Deservingly, the show already received several accolades as such Best TV Series, Best Performance by an Actor in a Lead Role (TV Series) for Dennis Trillo, Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (TV Series) for Juancho Triviño and Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (TV Series) for Andrea Torres from the 7th GEMS Awards 2023, as well as Best Primetime Drama Series, Culturally Relevant TV Series and all major acting awards for its lead cast as bestowed by the 2023 Platinum Stallion National Media Awards, among many other citations.Trillo, who plays the role of Crisóstomo Ibarra, said of their awards in a media conference, "Nakakatuwa, proud na proud kami na mapasama sa programa na ito na talaga namang maraming tumangkilik at maraming nakapansin. Ngayon, dumarating naman ang mga parangal. Feeling ko isa ito sa pinakaimportanteng shows ng itong dekada na ito."According to head writer, Suzette Doctolero, they are humbled that the audience patronized the story they worked hard for. Concept-wise, they wanted to offer a historical series that will not bore the Filipino audience."Ang soap opera kasi by nature ay napaka-eskapismo. At yung Noli Me Tangere at El Filibusterismo kahit siya ay fiction, hindi siya escapism pero siya ay realistic. Nangyayari noon at ngayon masasalamin pa rin doon," explained Doctolero."Ang unang challenge ay paano ito ike-kwento sa paraang ang audience ng soap ay mag-i-i-stick. Also, paano i-a-adapt ang naratibo ng Nol at El Fili into a visual feast para sa TV. Hindi namin ito kinuha chapter by chapter but ano ang magandang unahin pag na-translate niyo sa telebisyon. Ano din ang pwedeng kunin na napapanahon pa rin at nakakarelate ang mga tao," she added.
