Since the Philippines has been a predominantly Christian nation for centuries, with the majority of the population identifying themselves as Roman Catholics, there’s definitely no wonder why faith is also integrated into many films and series. From seeing characters speaking to God through solemn supplications to watching some of them express their exasperation in the midst of terrible events, these just prove how faithful we are to Him regardless of what happens in our lives. 

While we’ve likely seen a lot of drama, romance, action, and comedy—and maybe even horror—over the years of watching television, there were also a few teleseryes that offered inspiration to the viewers through their faith-based narratives that uplifted our spirituality and strengthened our belief in God. 

As we commemorate the sufferings, passion, and sacrifices of our ultimate Savior, Jesus Christ, this Holy Week, let us look back on the five Kapamilya series that warmed our hearts and inspired us with the lead characters’ unbelievable encounters with God and/or other significant figures in the Christian faith.

May Bukas Pa (2009)

First, and definitely one of the most iconic inspirational serye that ABS-CBN Studios has ever made, is “May Bukas Pa,” which, as we all know, follows the adventures of the wide-eyed little boy (both literally and figuratively) named Santino, impressively portrayed by then-child star Zaijian Jaranilla. He didn’t just endear us with his cuteness and cheerfulness, but his unwavering faith in God and unbelievable wisdom, too, which are inspired by his conversations with “Bro” and with the priests who have raised him since he was a baby.

Santino’s strong faith in Jesus Christ, whom he fondly calls “Bro” or “kuya,” gave him the special ability to not only see and speak with Him but to also do miracles, such as by healing sick people and helping others get through their emotional, physical, and mental struggles via the wisdom he imparted.

It was also his faith in Him that saved him from imminent death when he fell into a comatose state after getting severely hurt during a tumultuous confrontation that sparked between his biological dad, Mayor Enrique Rodrigo (Albert Martinez), and a group of farmers.

100 Days to Heaven

It has been a common belief that the souls of the departed wander here on earth first prior to entering heaven. However, it was an entirely different story for Anna Manalastas, the lead character in ‘100 Days To Heaven” played by veteran actress Coney Reyes, who transformed into her childhood form, compellingly depicted by then-child actress Xyriel Manabat, after her deal with Saint Peter (Noel Trinidad), the gatekeeper of Heaven (a.k.a. “Tagabantay”).

Tagabantay initially condemned her to hell because of how wicked she was when she was still alive, yet eventually agreed to grant her wish for a second chance. However, there was an outrageous twist—she could live again and make amends with those she wronged as her younger self and for 100 days only.

Fortunately, she crossed paths with an underprivileged family who willingly took her in and helped her with her missions. Little did she know that Sophia (Jodi Sta. Maria), the adoptive sister of her best friend, Kevin (Louise Abuel), was her long-lost daughter, which they both discovered along the way. Throughout her journey on Earth, Anna had several encounters with Tagabantay, who took on the form of different humans and even animals and insects, with various guest artists portraying the role. In the end, she learned the real meaning of love, forgiveness, and sacrifice.

Oh My G! (2015)

Who said inspirational seryes could only be starred in by kids, right? In 2015, ABS-CBN aired “Oh My G,” a daytime series which story revolves around the life of Sophie Cepeda, an orphaned teen girl impressively played by Janella Salvador. At a young age, she had already gone through a lot of challenges in life, which all started after both of her parents died due to a tragic accident. This made her begin to doubt the existence of God and condemn Him for taking them away from her and letting her suffer.

However, God, whom she fondly addressed as “G”, eventually exposed Himself to her and spoke to her by taking on different forms, as a reminder for her and viewers alike that He would always be there for us and He would never forsake us through the ups and downs of life. “G” also made her realize that everything happens for a reason and that life has no shortcuts, so we should just trust the process and put our trust in Him.

Nathaniel (2015)

Inspired by the popular belief that people turn into angels once they die, especially if babies or children because their heart and soul are still pure, “Nathaniel” tells the story of the titular character, a young angel who went back to Earth seven years after he died as a baby due to a vehicular accident that his family got involved in.

Nathaniel (Marco Masa) returned as an ordinary kid with a mission of restoring people’s faith in God and reminding everyone of their innate kindness. He got to experience what it was like to have a happy family through the Bartolome family, who willingly adopted him despite not having much in life. During his sojourn, he was able to help and touch the lives of some people of Bayan ng Laging Saklolo, including his biological parents Rachel (Shaina Magdayao) and Paul (Gerald Anderson), as well as his grandma Angela/AVL (Coney Reyes), mostly through the words of wisdom that he imparted.

As Nathaniel failed to accomplish one of his missions well, Maestro (Freddie Webb), the lead guardian angel, consoled him by reminding him to not blame himself because as much as he wanted to save everyone, it’s definitely impossible, especially if humans do not want to help themselves. Besides, humans make their own decisions, to which angels like them can’t meddle in but can only just watch.

Huwag Kang Mangamba (2021)

Regardless of which generation we belong to, anyone can definitely relate to Mira and Joy, once estranged sisters impressively played by Gen Z stars Andrea Brillantes and Francine Diaz, who inspired us to renew and strengthen our faith in God.

While Mira’s relationship with God has been strong despite the challenges she went through, Joy used to be like her townsfolk in Hermoso, who lost their devotion in God after the tragedies that happened in their town. However, Joy eventually had a change of heart after she miraculously came back to life after an accident and her emotional encounter with Jesus Christ, whom they both fondly call “Bro.”

The two ladies may have faced many trials together in their pursuit of restoring the faith and kindness of the people of Hermoso, yet they’re still able to succeed with the help of several who believed in them and in God. However, it was not only the mission that Mira and Joy were able to accomplish, for they were also able to find out that they’re sisters, got reunited with their estranged grandma, and learned about what happened to their late mom. “Bro” has also ingrained in them not to easily lose hope because all hardships and sacrifices will pay off in the end.