Heaven-sent: These teleserye characters mirror angels in disguise

In life, we sometimes meet people who help us just when we need it the most. With child-like faith, we call them ‘angels in disguise.’ They are like quiet heroes sent from the heavens to change our lives in ways we didn’t expect. 

And just like in real life, teleseryes have given us characters who fit this role perfectly. They’re the ones who show up to extend kindness and comfort, and sometimes even redirect someone else’ path for the better—just at the right moment.  

This Holy Week, we’re looking back at some Kapamilya teleserye characters who beautifully mirrored what it means to be an angel in disguise.  

In the life of Grace (Zia Grace), a grade school student silently suffering from abuse at home, her angel in disguise came in the form of her teacher, Anna (Julia Montes). At school, Anna was often misunderstood as strict and distant. But it was Anna who stepped in when Grace was already at a breaking point. She dropped everything to save her student, even if it meant putting herself in danger, just to protect the child in “Saving Grace: The Untold Story.”  

When life’s tragedies left Jasmin (Jodi Sta. Maria) broken and on the run in “Lavender Fields,” she found an angel in Aster (Maricel Soriano), the benevolent woman who offered her a lifeline. Bloodied and disheveled from escaping the grip of the powerful Buenavidez family, Jasmin stumbled upon Aster, who, instead of turning her away or asking questions, took her in without judgment. 

Aster clothed her, gave her a home, and treated her like a daughter. She even let Jasmin borrow her name, giving her new identity as Lavender Fields, so she could start anew. Aster became the light that helped Jasmin find her strength. So, when she passed, it felt as if the heavens also mourned with Jasmin. 

When Caroline (Belle Mariano) was abducted in “Can’t Buy Me Love,” her angel came in the form of a charming stranger, Bingo (Donny Pangilinan). He swooped in just in time to rescue her, opening the way to a slow-burn romance. Bingo and Caroline’s story showed us that sometimes an angel in disguise doesn’t just appear out of nowhere, as their lives had already crossed paths in ways they didn’t even realize. It was as if the heavens had planted an angel in Caroline’s life long before she knew she’d need one. 

She may not have traditional wings, but Narda/Darna (Jane de Leon)’s role as the “Babaeng Lumilipad” perfectly captures the essence of an angel in disguise in “Mars Ravelo’s Darna.” Her identity as Darna is kept a secret, and she only transforms into the superhero when danger arises, just like an angel who appears when the situation calls for it. With her angelic beauty and big heart, Narda was the guardian the whole town of Nueva Esparanza could always rely on.  

With her angelic charm, Annika (Dexi Diaz) once saved Santino (Ronwaldo Martin) by showing him the kindness he was missing. She stood up for him when he was bullied while working as a cleaner at the boxing gym where she trained. But more than just rescuing him from the bullies, Annika helped him when he was lost and needed direction. Her encouragement and belief in his potential sparked inspiration in Santino’s heart, motivating him to dream and take control of his life. Now, we can’t help but wish that one day, the angel who once helped him find his path would return to guide him again. 

Who says angels can’t wear leather jackets? In the trending action-drama series “Incognito,” Greg (Ian Veneracion), also known as ‘The Kontraktor,’ became exactly that for the former soldiers who had lost their sense of purpose after being discharged from service. Just when they were unsure of where to go or how to start again, Greg showed up, not with wings, but with a mission. He gave them a job, and the hope that they might someday be reinstated.  

Whether in reel or real life, angels don’t always come with halos or wings, but they walk among us. Sometimes, they come as people who simply show up, care deeply, and change everything.