Agua Bendita

Agua Bendita
Created by	Rod Santiago
Directed by	Malu Sevilla Tots Sanchez Mariscal
Starring	Andi Eigenmann Matteo Guidicelli Jason Abalos John Estrada Vina Morales Pilar Pilapil Alessandra De Rossi Dimples Romana Jason Gainza Malou De Guzman
Theme music composer	Rey Valera
Opening theme	"Malayo Pa Ang Umaga" (First) Sung by Aria Clemente, (Second) Sung by Vina Morales
Country of origin	Philippines
Original languages	Filipino/Tagalog, Cebuano, English
No. of episodes	69 (As of June 11, 2010)
Production
Production location	Philippines
Running time	30-45 mins.
Original release
Network	ABS-CBN
Release	February 8, 2010 – Present (ongoing)

Agua Bendita (lit. "Holy Water") is a fantasy drama series on ABS-CBN in the Philippines starring Andi Eigenmann.

Overview

Comics

Agua Bendita was a comic created by Rod Santiago in the 1980's and was published by Liwayway Comics.

Komiks adaptation

Serialized on Komiks, first aired in 2006 and again during Holy Week 2007, with two-part episodes in Season 1 starring Shaina Magdayao as Agua/Bendita and Rayver Cruz as Ronnie.

TV Series

Plot

Agua Bendita focuses on two different but otherwise identical twin sisters. Bendita is born normal while her sister Agua is born blue and has a body that resembles water in a humanoid form, however if Agua is submerged in water, she appears normal. Despite Agua's physical defect, she forms a loving relationship with her parents and attempts to have a good relationship with her sister. Bendita, despite Agua's attempts to bond with her, rejects her twin and appears to not want to have anything to do with Agua. When Agua disappears for some time, it becomes apparent that regardless of Bendita's mistreatment of her sister, that she has some tender feelings for Agua. As both sisters grow older, Bendita has developed many insecurities while Agua tries to find her place in the world around her.

Synopsis

A couple from San Antonio, Marcial and Mercedes, waited for 5 long years to once and for all conceive a child. And upon getting their hands on the unlikely chance, they learn about Mercedes’ critical condition that puts her pregnancy at great risk. Desperate to save his wife and the twins in her womb, Marcial steals the agua bendita that Padre Gido had left for Criselda. Surprisingly, it miraculously salvages the lives of his whole family; but since he had taken the said agua bendita in a deceitful manner, he couldn’t help but be deeply bothered by his conscience. And just as he had expected, karma instantly takes its toll on them--one of their babies is born with an unusual physical trait. Aware that Agua’s predicament will truly upset Mercedes, Marcial decides to hide the kid away from his family. Without hesitation, he tells his wife that she unfortunately died immediately after birth. Discreetly, he sends Agua off with his most trusted housemaid to a secluded place. But after the enraged townsmen in the area learned about her existence, he was left with no other choice but to lock her up inside an abandoned room inside their house for her own safety. Agua continues to wonder why she can't be with her mother and twin sister as Marcial still fears for his daughter's safety. Meanwhile, Amalia spoils Bendita much to Marcial's displease. This ignites further disagreement between Marcial and Amalia, and Mercedes is caught in between. While Marcial is out, Amalia calls a priest to have the entire house and the clinic blessed. Tonyang immediately hides away Agua.

Mercedes wonders why her husband spends most of his time at the clinic. Amalia suspects that her son-in-law is having an affair and attempts follows his tracks. She and Mercedes barged in the secret room in the clinic where they see Agua. Upon catching sight of Agua’s unusual physical appearance, Mercedes is immediately caught in surprise. She simply couldn’t believe that the extraordinary kid happens to be Bendita’s twin sister. But after giving much thought on the matter, she finally ends up accepting the fact that Agua is also her daughter who deserves all the motherly care and affection that she can offer. Mercedes then decides to take the kid inside their house and in order to successfully do so, Mercedes and Marcial decide to introduce Agua to Bendita. But to their dismay, Bendita is pretty much vocal with her refusal to accept Agua in any way. Bendita and her grandmother Doña Amalia deviously trick Agua to once and for all keep her out of their way. Insistently, they bring the poor kid with them, and they relentlessly leave her behind in the middle of nowhere. Completely oblivious, Agua tries seeking her way home, but a group of wicked men furiously run after her. Fortunately, she meets a nice kid named Tod. After she miraculously cured the young boy’s disability, he gladly escorts her back to her parents. Incidentally, Tod happens to be Criselda’s son. And upon learning about the miracle Agua can do, her husband couldn’t help but grow interested with the kid’s wonder.

Cast and characters

Main Cast

• Andi Eigenmann / Xyriel Anne Manabat (young)

as Agua Cristi - Agua is born with an unexplainable physical defect. In fear that she will suffer ridicule and persecution because of her appearance, her father hides her in a hidden place in their house. Her family has been moving around due to fears that people will take her away. It is later revealed that Agua can heal people with her tears in grief which she first used in helping Tod.

as Bendita Cristi - Bendita is the physically normal of the twin. Despite being normal, she grew up with a lot of insecurities with her twin, Agua. Bendita has a spoiled personality. She feels that her parents are taking all their attention to Agua due to her disability, leaving her behind. She grew up hating Agua and is very close to her grandmother. However, it got weaker as she learned it was her grandmother who keeps her distanced with her father.

• Matteo Guidicelli / Bugoy Cariño (young) as Ronnie Aguirre - a rich kid who became a good friend of Agua. He met Agua when they were young. Unfortunately, he got blind when he met again Agua when they were older. Without knowing Agua’s real identity, Ronnie learned to love her for her personality. His mother is a maid from a rich Italian family who got impregnated by the owner's son. To cover the shame, Ronnie's father left them leaving not a single penny and just with a house as he disappeared from their lives. Fortunately, Ronnie's grandfather is very pleased with his existence and thus, inheriting him and her mother his riches. Bendita on the other hand is trying her best to be close as possible with him. Torn between the twin, he seems to favor Agua over Bendita.

• Jason Abalos / Maliksi Morales (young) as Paculdo "Paco" Barrameda - a poor boy who is the son of Criselda and Baldo and is often called "Tod" when he was young. He met the twin when he once saved their lives on separate occasions. He was tasked by his mother to bring her Agua in order to be freed from her disorder; with which he often works on different jobs which would lead him to the Cristi's. Despite being only used by his mother, it seems he has developed special feelings for Agua as he carries on with the task.

Supporting cast

• Vina Morales as Mercedes Montenegro-Cristi - Mercedes took a long time to be impregnated and when had a chance she unfortunately caught an illness that may cause to end her life. This caused her to panic because it is possible that they have to choose either to save her life or the twins' life. However, she was miraculously cured when Marcial brought the mysterious agua bendita, but this came on an exchange where one of the children had an unexplainable disability, Agua.
• John Estrada as Dr. Marcial Cristi - Mercedes' husband, he was poor yet Mercedes had fallen in love with him. Due to his status, Mercedes' mother Amalia have hated Marcial. Luckily, Marcial managed to finish a course of Medicine and have managed to help his wife.
• Pilar Pilapil as Doña Amalia Montenegro - Mercedes' mother. She is very close to Bendita, but not to Agua who she mostly state as a 'freak'. She is often the reason of Agua's misfortune and hardships. Her evil attitude was even inherited by Bendita due to their closeness. She also doesn't like Marcial for her daughter, causing her to not talk with her daughter for a long time, that is until she got pregnant.
• Alex de Rossi as Divina - a girl whose father is the late husband of Doña Amalia's sister. Since her father died, she had always been abused and shamed by the family. She had feelings toward Marcial and became evident when she intentionally kissed him on the lips. She is sometimes conspired by Doña Amalia to fulfill the Doña's goal of breaking Marcial's family bond; usually agreeing with the plan just to gain the upper hand towards Marcial's heart.
• Dimples Romana as Criselda Barrameda - Padre Guido's niece who was the supposed recipient of the miraculous agua bendita. Unfortunately, Marcial stole the Agua Bendita from her. Finding out that Marcial stole the agua bendita while she was helpless, she never stopped hunting down the family. Following them everywhere to get revenge causing her husband to be sent to jail. She is Paco's mother and has a disorder (specifically Epilepsy) which is the reason why Padre Guido searched for the Agua Bendita.
• Carlos Agassi as Baldo Barrameda - Criselda's husband who is a gambler and a drunk. He tried to kidnap Agua to make money out of her healing abilities. He mistakenly kidnapped Bendita and was sent to jail. He is Tod's father.
• Malou Crisologo as Tonyang/Muchacha - Agua's nanny. She always takes care of Agua and most of the time becomes her companion. Tonyang has been the family's maid/nanny for a long time and is one of Marcial trusted people. She and Marcial are the only two people who knew about Agua's disability when she was born.
• Jason Gainza as Ben - a fisherman who saved Agua after accidentally being dragged to the sea. He firsted hated Agua, but later accepted her.
• Malou de Guzman as Rosy - Ben's wife who have helped Agua from danger. At first, she is so afraid from her but after being reminded by their lost daughter, she finally accepted her. They have taken care of Agua until she grows up.
• Bing Loyzaga as Solita Aguirre - Ronnie's mother who is very consistent being in social life. She was once a maid on a rich Italian family. She got impregnated by one of the owner's son. The family didnt want anything to do with Ronnie, so they decided to just give the the house on the village where Doña Amalia's house stands.
• Zaijian Jaranilla as the voice of Otep - Agua's fish (clownfish) friend who she attempted to steal in a pet store but then she got caught. Luckily, Marcial saw what Agua did and apologized to the saleslady and bought Otep for Agua. She freed him from an aquarium to the ocean. They have once met again when Agua accidentally got lost in the ocean.
• Zoren Legaspi as Luisito Hong Kong - Lisa's son who used to court Mercedes and was originally arranged to be with her. However, due to Mercedes' rebellion, she ended up marrying Marcial. When Mercedes and her family decided to migrate in America, he found a chance to caress Mercedes once again.

Guest cast

• Pen Medina as Padre Guido - the original owner of the miraculous Agua Bendita. He is Criselda's uncle and have asked Marcial to give the agua bendita to Criselda to cure her illnes. Unfortunately, Marcial stole it and instead gave it to Mercedes. Due to this circumstances, Padre Guido from time to time appears in Agua's dream to help her use the abilities she has gained from the Agua Bendita.
• Neil Ryan Sese as Señor Lucas - a faith healer who helped Criselda when they needed some money. Criselda acts as if she is being healed by Lucas to attract customers. He was accidentally killed by Baldo when he was arguing who should keep Agua in their stead.
• Lollie Mara as Donya Caridad Montenegro - Amalia's sister. She is Divina's cruel stepmother. Right after her husband died, she started to not care about Divina.
• Lyka Ugarte as Donya Lisa - Amalia's friend who owned the boat from what's supposed to bring the Cristi family to their hiding island. But sadly, Agua fell from the boat because Doña Amalia pushed her off and was never seen again. Lisa is also Luisito's mother.
• Miguel de Guzman as Tod's friend - When Tod was working on a vulcanizing shop, he had a fellow worker and a friend who is also a kid.
• Angel Sy as Bimby - Daughter of the Water Theme Park Owner.

Komiks version cast

• Shaina Magdayao as Agua/Bendita
• Rayver Cruz as Ronnie
• Jaclyn Jose as Celeste Cristi
• Raymond Bagatsing as Dr. Rodrigo Cristi
• Amy Perez as Solita
• Lou Veloso as Ben
• Beverly Salviejo as Rosy
• Mosang as Tonyang
• Joshua Dionisio as Young Ronnie
• Kathryn Bernardo as Young Agua/Bendita

See also

• List of programs broadcast by ABS-CBN

External links

• Official ABS-CBN Agua Bendita site