''Aso ni San Roque'' (International title: ''San Roque's Pet'' / ) is a
Philippine television drama
Philippine television drama, also known as ''teleserye'', Filipino telenovelas or P-drama, is a form of melodramatic, serialized, televised fiction in the Philippines. ''Teleserye'' is derived from two Filipino words: "tele", short for "''telebis ...
fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction involving Magic (supernatural), magical elements, typically set in a fictional universe and sometimes inspired by mythology and folklore. Its roots are in oral traditions, which then became fantasy ...
series broadcast by
GMA Network
GMA Network (Global Media Arts or simply GMA) is a Philippine free-to-air television and radio network. It is the flagship property of publicly traded GMA Network, Inc. Its first broadcast on television was on October 29, 1961. GMA Network (f ...
. Directed by
Don Michael Perez
Don Michael Perez is a Filipino television writer, film writer, television director, and film director. He is a resident writer and director for GMA Network.
His most famous works were ''Mulawin'', ''Destiny Rose'' and ''Kambal, Karibal''.
Fil ...
, it stars
Mona Louise Rey
Mona Marbella Al-Alawi (; born 19 August 2004), known professionally as Mona Louise Rey, is a Filipino actress and model. She is known for television series '' Munting Heredera'' (2011), ''Aso ni San Roque'' (2012), and '' Luna Blanca'' (2012) a ...
. It premiered on September 10, 2012, on the network's Telebabad line up replacing ''
Makapiling Kang Muli
''Makapiling Kang Muli'' (International title: ''Together Again'' / ) is a 2012 Philippine television drama romance series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Ricky Davao, it stars Richard Gutierrez and Carla Abellana. It premiered on June 4, ...
''. The series concluded on January 11, 2013, with a total of 90 episodes. It was replaced by ''
Indio Indio may refer to:
Places
* Indio, Bovey Tracey, an historic estate in Devon, England
* Indio, California, a city in Riverside County, California, United States
People with the name
* Indio (musician), Canadian musician Gordon Peterson
* Índio, ...
'' in its timeslot.
Premise
Separated from her birth parents at a very young age, a blind girl named Fatima grows up under the protective wing of Mother Ben, an old gay man under the control of a
criminal syndicate
Organized crime (or organised crime) is a category of transnational, national, or local groupings of highly centralized enterprises run by criminals to engage in illegal activity, most commonly for profit. While organized crime is generally th ...
. Since then, Mother Ben has been her sole protector, and uses Fatima's disability to help her escape hardships and mischief caused by the cruel syndicate.
Aside from having a pure, good heart, a dark secret lies within Fatima. She is the daughter of a mortal man and a ''
manananggal
The ''manananggal'' is a mythical creature in the Philippines that separates from their lower part of its body and their fangs and wings give it a vampire-like appearance.
Mythology
The ''manananggal'' is described as scary, often hideous, u ...
'', a traditional demoness that separates at the midsection so the upper half can fly at night to feed on blood. Fatima is thus the subject of a
prophecy
In religion, a prophecy is a message that has been communicated to a person (typically called a ''prophet'') by a supernatural entity. Prophecies are a feature of many cultures and belief systems and usually contain divine will or law, or prete ...
that spells the end of all evil beings on earth.
As Fatima reaches the age of seven, the search for her intensifies as
witches
Witchcraft traditionally means the use of magic or supernatural powers to harm others. A practitioner is a witch. In medieval and early modern Europe, where the term originated, accused witches were usually women who were believed to have use ...
,
centaur
A centaur ( ; grc, κένταυρος, kéntauros; ), or occasionally hippocentaur, is a creature from Greek mythology with the upper body of a human and the lower body and legs of a horse.
Centaurs are thought of in many Greek myths as being ...
s,
mermaid
In folklore, a mermaid is an aquatic creature with the head and upper body of a female human and the tail of a fish. Mermaids appear in the folklore of many cultures worldwide, including Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Mermaids are sometimes asso ...
s and other malignant creatures join forces to prevent the girl from fulfilling the prophecy.
Cast and characters
Lead cast
*
Mona Louise Rey
Mona Marbella Al-Alawi (; born 19 August 2004), known professionally as Mona Louise Rey, is a Filipino actress and model. She is known for television series '' Munting Heredera'' (2011), ''Aso ni San Roque'' (2012), and '' Luna Blanca'' (2012) a ...
as Fatima Salvador
:A blind girl with a golden heart who is the offspring of a mortal and a
manananggal
The ''manananggal'' is a mythical creature in the Philippines that separates from their lower part of its body and their fangs and wings give it a vampire-like appearance.
Mythology
The ''manananggal'' is described as scary, often hideous, u ...
. Behind her persona is a prophecy that destined her to end the dark forces that plaguing the human race. Because of this mission, her life is now in danger as the legions of darkness are lurking to kill her to prevent her from fulfilling the prophecy.
* Princess the dog as Anghel
:
St. Roch
Roch (lived c. 1348 – 15/16 August 1376/79 (traditionally c. 1295 – 16 August 1327, also called Rock in English, is a Catholic saint, a confessor whose death is commemorated on 16 August and 9 September in Italy; he is especially invoked a ...
's dog who came to life to be Fatima's guide through her quests and battles to defeat the evil forces.
Supporting cast
*
LJ Reyes
Lourna Jane Pujeda Reyes (born December 25, 1987), known professionally as LJ Reyes, is a Filipina actress. She is best known as one of the Final Four in the second season of the widely acclaimed GMA reality TV show, '' StarStruck''. She won ...
as Lualhati Salvador / Lourdes
:Mateo's great love. Lourdes is a beautiful and kind-hearted young lady. But behind this beautiful persona concealed a dark secret—she belongs to a family of manananggal, but the reluctant one. This revelation altered the love Lourdes and Mateo hoped to share together for life. This dim chapter in Lourdes' life turns into a joy as she gives birth to Mateo's child—a beautiful baby girl she named Fatima. But another tragic twist of fate unwittingly leads Lourdes apart from her baby.
*
TJ Trinidad
Raul Fenstad "TJ" Trinidad Jr. (born January 22, 1976) is a Filipino
Filipino may refer to:
* Something from or related to the Philippines
** Filipino language, standardized variety of 'Tagalog', the national language and one of the official ...
as Police C/Insp. Mateo Salvador
:A righteous, very principled and reliable policeman with a scarred past—one that continues to haunt him till this very day. In the wake of his doomed romance with Lourdes, Mateo vows vengeance on the whole manananggal race, completely unaware that Lourdes is carrying his child. Years passed. In an unexpected turn of events, he cross paths with a blind beggar named Fatima and eventually became attached to her, unaware of their real connection.
*
Pen Medina
Crispin "Pen" Parungao Medina Sr. (born August 27, 1950, in Arayat, Pampanga) is an actor from the Philippines who started acting in theater plays in his youth. He eventually played versatile roles on the big screen and in various television s ...
as Ben "Mother Ben" Asino
:An old gay man who happens to be under the control of a syndicate. Loud and unconventional. He is a merry deviant in a cheerless world of misery and tears. He adopts Fatima and from then on, he became the sole protector of the poor, blind little girl.
*
Eddie Garcia
Eduardo Verchez Garcia (; May 2, 1929 – June 20, 2019), known colloquially as Manoy, was a Filipino actor, television personality, film director and producer. With almost 600 film and television roles and a career spanning seven decades, he ...
as Supremo
:The powerful head of all aswangs. Though he acknowledges the age-old adage that good will always triumph over evil, this does not prevent him from trying to make a difference. His mission is to spread evilness to mankind, to conquer the earth and make it his kingdom and to kill the blessed child, Fatima.
*
Gardo Versoza
Mennen Torres Polintan (born July 8, 1969), known professionally as Gardo Verzosa, is a Filipino actor and comedian.
Career
He started out in roles such as Sabik Sa Halik, Machete II, Halimuyak Ng Babae and Kirot. He was known as "NINO ESPEDIL ...
as Kanlaon
:The king of the "aswang ng hangin" or the winged-vampires, better known in
Philippine mythology
Philippine mythology is the body of stories and epics originating from, and part of, the indigenous Philippine folk religions, which include various ethnic faiths distinct from one another. Philippine mythology is incorporated from various ...
as
manananggal
The ''manananggal'' is a mythical creature in the Philippines that separates from their lower part of its body and their fangs and wings give it a vampire-like appearance.
Mythology
The ''manananggal'' is described as scary, often hideous, u ...
. He goes to great length to find and kill Fatima to prevent her from fulfilling the prophecy.
*
Angelika Dela Cruz as Bulan
:An evil
witch
Witchcraft traditionally means the use of Magic (supernatural), magic or supernatural powers to harm others. A practitioner is a witch. In Middle Ages, medieval and early modern Europe, where the term originated, accused witches were usually ...
, who also ruled as the queen of the "aswang ng apoy" or the fire-powered witches. In the real world, she is known as the ruthless and fearless head of a syndicate involved in child trafficking and where Mother Ben and Fatima work. Legend has it that Bulan was once a goodhearted person, but the tragic death of her beloved husband and son led her to embraced evilness. She is the traitor to aswang's by not listening to Supremo.
*
Gwen Zamora
Gwenaelle Tasha Mae Agnese-Semerád better known as Gwen Zamora (born 10 August 1990) is a Filipina-French actress, model and former dancer in the Philippines. She was previously under GMA Network for six years until switching management to Viva A ...
as Anaira
:An evil
mermaid
In folklore, a mermaid is an aquatic creature with the head and upper body of a female human and the tail of a fish. Mermaids appear in the folklore of many cultures worldwide, including Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Mermaids are sometimes asso ...
who also ruled as the queen of the "aswang ng tubig" or the sea-based evil creatures. She preys on fishermen by using her mesmerizing beauty and charm. Anaira apparently has a soft spot for children, converting them into her minions whenever possible. This makes her the least motivated at hunting down the prophesied child. She now seeks to become Fatima's surrogate mother, unaware that she is the very child her brethren seeks to eliminate. Because of that soft spot her human heart and mind has a conscience and still has good in her heart.
*
Paolo Contis
Paolo Enrico Tusi Contis (born March 14, 1984) is a Filipino actor host singer and comedian of Italian descent. Contis debuted as a child actor in the ABS-CBN show ''Ang TV'' during the 1990s. A GMA Network artist for 17 years, he has won sever ...
as Sento / Peter Silverio
:The leader of the "aswang ng lupa" or the land-based aswangs. In his past life, he was Peter Silverio, a wealthy and popular equestrian who sold his soul to the devil to regain his strength and to have eternal life. Using his strength and fast ability, he preys on people that's cross his paths, most commonly virgin women and lost travelers.
*
Rich Asuncion
Richell Pacaldo Angalot Asuncion-Mudie (born January 22, 1989) is a Filipino actress who became the First Princess of '' StarStruck: The Next Level''. Asuncion was also First Runner-up of Binibining Pilipinas 2009.
Biography and career
Richell ...
as Bernice Montemayor
:An ambitious, aggressive and tough TV reporter/journalist. She is so focused and she would do everything to attain her goals and would do everything for the man she loves—Mateo. Although not intentionally she led Bulan and Sento to Fatima before she can get to Mateo and in the process she became a mixture of n aswang of lupa and apoy by them.
* Eddie Garcia as Police Director Danilo P. Aragon
:The husband of Doña Constancia and the brave and principled head of "Task Force Kababalaghan" or the paranormal division of National Police. His son was killed by the aswang and vows to take revenge on them.
*
Boots Anson-Roa
Maria Elisa Cristobal Anson-Rodrigo (née Anson; born January 30, 1945), better known as Boots Anson-Roa, is a Filipina actress, columnist, editor, and lecturer.
Early life and education
Anson-Roa, a Bicolana, is the eldest daughter of post-w ...
as Doña Constancia Aragon
:The wife of Director General Danilo Aragon, a rich and strict woman who finds Fatima while wandering in the streets with her pet dog, Anghel. Upon learning that the girl is an orphan, Constancia takes her to her mansion to look after her.
* Gene Padilla as SPO3 Paul Andrade
:Mateo's bubbling, yet loyal, sidekick and fellow cop. Serves as the series' source of comic relief, he apparently suffers from an allergy to dogs; and because of that, he can tell whenever Angel the dog is within his vicinity, much to Mateo's convenience.
*
Nova Villa
Novelita Villanueva Gallegos (born April 16, 1946), better known as Nova Villa, is a Filipino actress and a veteran comedian.
With a career spanning more than 50 years, Villa is recognized as the original 'Goddess of Comedy' and one of the defi ...
as Ofelia Sandoval
:The aunt of Mateo who also acts as his surrogate mother. Deeply religious and full of virtue. She also served as one of Mateo’s sources of comfort in his times of distress, and has some knowledge concerning the supernatural, such as the Tikbalang's weakness.
*
Buboy Garovillo as Noah
:A former clergyman who lost his mind after he witnessed the tragic death of his family.
Guest cast
*
Rafael Rosell
Rafael Rosell IV (born November 10, 1982) is a Filipino actor and model.
Early life
Rafael Rosell IV was born in Stavanger, Norway on November 10, 1982 to Filipino parents; his father, Rafael Rosell III, is a geologist from Cebu, and his mother ...
as Anton Martinez
*
Diva Montelaba
Hyacienth Diva Mantalaba, better known as Diva Montelaba (born January 14, 1991 in Cebu City, Philippines), is a Filipina actress. She was one of the Final Five in the fifth season of '' StarStruck'', a reality-based talent search show of GMA Ne ...
as Ruka
*
Ehra Madrigal
Ehra-Lessien is a municipality in the district of Gifhorn, in Lower Saxony, Germany. The Municipality Ehra-Lessien includes the villages of Ehra and Lessien.
Volkswagen Group test track
Volkswagen Group owns a test track facility in Ehra-Lessi ...
as Lena Martinez
*
Sherilyn Reyes-Tan
Sherilyn Reyes-Tan (born February 10, 1975) is a Filipino actress, comedienne, television personality, host, and entrepreneur. She is known for her role as Liza Arellano in '' Sinungaling Mong Puso''.
She is also a parenting blogger and use ' ...
as Diga
* Gerard Pizarras as Iwak
*
Raquel Montesa
Raquel Monteza (born Maria Teresa Calimbahin Rounsaville on September 30, 1955) is a Filipino actress.
Career
Monteza appeared in movies such as ''"What Am I Living For"'' (1970) starring Eddie Peregrina,
''"Kapag may Gusot, may Lusot"'' (1973) ...
as Anton's mother
*
Ervic Vijandre
John Ervic Manalo Vijandre (born January 26, 1986) is a Filipino professional basketball player, actor, model, and politician. As a basketball player, he plays for the Marikina Shoemasters of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL). Vi ...
as Robert Tolentino
*
Ryza Cenon as Grace Santos
*
Mariz Ricketts
Mariz Ricketts is a Filipino singer, television host, film and television actress, and film producer in the Philippines.
Career
Mariz performed the theme song in the film ''Ang Lihim Ng Golden Buddha'' (1989). She became a popular as a singer ...
as Rosa Santiago
* Djanin Cruz as Zita Dizon
* Kiel Rodriguez as Timo Magno
*
Roldan Aquino
Rolando Desembrana Aquino (May 2, 1942 – March 10, 2014) was a Filipino actor and director, best known for playing antagonist roles in films and television shows. He also became a Born-Again Evangelical Christian and he was ordained as a past ...
as General
*
Miguel Tanfelix
Miguel Torrejos Tanfelix (born September 21, 1998) is a Filipino actor.
Tanfelix received his breakthrough performance when he played the role Niño , a mentally challenged boy in the series '' Niño'' (2014). He is also known for the aftern ...
as Onyok
*
Julian Marcus Trono
Julian Marcus Daang Trono (born September 16, 1997) is a Filipino actor, dancer, choreographer and media personality. He is a contract artist of VIVA Artists Agency.
Trono has since moved to VIVA Artist Agency and acts in a romantic pairing with ...
as Joem
* Chinggay Riego as Oryang
* Mary Joy Gula as Kiting
*
Barbara Miguel
Renerich Marl Ocon Jovenier (born May 15, 2004), better known by her stage name Barbara Miguel, is a Filipino actress
An actor or actress is a person who portrays a character in a performance. The actor performs "in the flesh" in the trad ...
as Didi
* Elvis Gutierrez as Marcus
Production and development
Originally created/conceptualized by writer and director,
Jun Lana
Rodolfo R. Lana Jr. (born October 10, 1972), known professionally as Jun Robles Lana, is a Philippines, Filipino filmmaker. The winner of 11 Palanca Awards, Palanca Awards for Literature, he became the youngest member of the Palanca Awards#Palan ...
for
GMA Network
GMA Network (Global Media Arts or simply GMA) is a Philippine free-to-air television and radio network. It is the flagship property of publicly traded GMA Network, Inc. Its first broadcast on television was on October 29, 1961. GMA Network (f ...
, ''Aso ni San Roque'' is a drama-fantasy-adventure serial lies in the old "battle between good and evil" plot. Contrary to the first report published in entertainment news website, PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal), the series is not based from Lana's 2012
Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival
The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is a film festival in the Philippines held annually during the month August at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex and various cinemas. Its aim is the development and promotion of Fi ...
entry, ''
Bwakaw
''Bwakaw'' is a 2012 Philippine comedy drama film written and directed by Jun Lana. Eddie Garcia stars as a lonely gay man in his 70s who cares for a stray dog he named ''bwakaw''. The film was first screened as part of the 2012 Cinemalaya Philippi ...
''. Lana clarifies that the series is actually inspired from
San Roque and his canine's moving story. San Roque, also known as Saint Roch or Saint Rocco, is the saint usually depicted in statue form in Catholic churches as the one with a walking stick on the left hand, while the other hand is pointing on to a wound on one of his knees with a dog sitting by his side. The Catholic Church named him patron of dogs,
plague
Plague or The Plague may refer to:
Agriculture, fauna, and medicine
*Plague (disease), a disease caused by ''Yersinia pestis''
* An epidemic of infectious disease (medical or agricultural)
* A pandemic caused by such a disease
* A swarm of pes ...
, pestilence and
AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a spectrum of conditions caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a retrovirus. Following initial infection an individual m ...
. He is also the patron saint of invalids. In the series, San Roque brought his dog come to life to save and be a guide to Fatima, the blessed child who prophesied to be the one who will end the existence of evil entities on earth. Using a saint as part of a drama series is actually not new for the network, as they already used the same formula/format
iracle, apparitionin their previous TV series like in 2007 television adaptation of the film, ''
Mga Mata ni Anghelita
''Mga Mata ni Anghelita'' (International title: ''Anghelita'' / ) is a 2007 Philippine television drama fantasy series broadcast by GMA Network. The series is an adaptation of a 1978 film of the same title. Directed by Gil Tejada Jr. and Khryss ...
'' (lit. Angelita's Eyes) and in 2010
fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction involving Magic (supernatural), magical elements, typically set in a fictional universe and sometimes inspired by mythology and folklore. Its roots are in oral traditions, which then became fantasy ...
-
dramedy
Comedy drama, also known by the portmanteau ''dramedy'', is a genre of dramatic works that combines elements of comedy and drama. The modern, scripted-television examples tend to have more humorous bits than simple comic relief seen in a typical ...
series ''
Magic Palayok
''Magic Palayok'' (International title: ''Magic Pot'') is a 2011 Philippine television drama fantasy comedy series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Joel Lamangan, it stars Geoff Eigenmann, Carla Abellana and Angeli Nicole Sanoy. It premiere ...
'' (lit. The Magic Clay Pot).
The series also highlights
Pinoy mythology by putting
aswang
Aswang is an umbrella term for various shape-shifting evil creatures in Filipino folklore, such as vampires, ghouls, witches, viscera suckers, and werebeasts (usually dogs, cats, pigs). The aswang is the subject of a wide variety of myths, s ...
,
manananggal
The ''manananggal'' is a mythical creature in the Philippines that separates from their lower part of its body and their fangs and wings give it a vampire-like appearance.
Mythology
The ''manananggal'' is described as scary, often hideous, u ...
,
tikbalang
The Tikbalang (/ˈtikbaˌlaŋ/) (also Tigbalang, Tigbalan, Tikbalan, Tigbolan, or Werehorse) is a creature of Philippine folklore said to lurk in the mountains and rainforests of the Philippines. It is a tall, bony humanoid creature with the he ...
,
bruha and
sirena as part
illainsof the story. Series' director,
Don Michael Perez
Don Michael Perez is a Filipino television writer, film writer, television director, and film director. He is a resident writer and director for GMA Network.
His most famous works were ''Mulawin'', ''Destiny Rose'' and ''Kambal, Karibal''.
Fil ...
stated that, the network is aiming to enrich Filipinos
specially the young onesknowledge of the country's rich culture, beliefs and mythology by using this kind of concept, just like what the network did in their past television series, in the likes of ''
Darna
Darna () is a Filipina superheroine created by writer Mars Ravelo and artist Nestor Redondo. The character's first appearance was in ''Pilipino Komiks'' (Ace Publications, Inc.) #77 on May 13, 1950. Darna is a retooling of Ravelo's earlier cha ...
'', ''
Dyesebel
''Dyesebel'' () is a Filipino comic book character, conceived by Mars Ravelo and drawn by Elpidio Torres. Dyesebel is a mermaid, who eventually gains full human form through a deal with a sea-witch.
Aside appearing in Pilipino Komiks, Dyesebe ...
'', ''
Joaquin Bordado
''Joaquin Bordado'' is a 2008 Philippine television drama action series broadcast by GMA Network. The series is based on a Philippine comic book serial by Carlo J. Caparas with the same title. Directed by Mac Alejandre and Argel Joseph, it stars ...
'' and ''
Luna Mystika
''Luna Mystika'' is a Philippine television drama fantasy series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Michael Tuviera and Gil Tejada Jr., it stars Heart Evangelista and Mark Anthony Fernandez. It premiered on November 17, 2008 on the network's ...
''. In the story, the aswangs are divided into four classes: Aswang ng Hangin, most commonly known as the manananggals or the winged-vampires. It headed by the dreadful Kanlaon which played by
Gardo Versoza
Mennen Torres Polintan (born July 8, 1969), known professionally as Gardo Verzosa, is a Filipino actor and comedian.
Career
He started out in roles such as Sabik Sa Halik, Machete II, Halimuyak Ng Babae and Kirot. He was known as "NINO ESPEDIL ...
; the Aswang ng Lupa or the land-based evil entities, who ruled by Sento, played by
Paolo Contis
Paolo Enrico Tusi Contis (born March 14, 1984) is a Filipino actor host singer and comedian of Italian descent. Contis debuted as a child actor in the ABS-CBN show ''Ang TV'' during the 1990s. A GMA Network artist for 17 years, he has won sever ...
, the heartless half-human, half-horse creature popularly known as the tikbalang; Aswang ng Tubig or the sea-based evil creatures. It headed by Queen Anaira, an evil mermaid which portrayed by
Gwen Zamora
Gwenaelle Tasha Mae Agnese-Semerád better known as Gwen Zamora (born 10 August 1990) is a Filipina-French actress, model and former dancer in the Philippines. She was previously under GMA Network for six years until switching management to Viva A ...
; and the Aswang ng Apoy or the fire-powered witches ruled by Bulan, played by
Angelika dela Cruz.
Casting
The cast was first presented during the series' story conference held on August 2, 2012, at
GMA Network Center
The GMA Network Center is the headquarters and broadcast complex of the GMA Network, a major radio and television network in the Philippines. It is located at EDSA corner Timog Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City. It is the network's main television a ...
.
Mona Louise Rey
Mona Marbella Al-Alawi (; born 19 August 2004), known professionally as Mona Louise Rey, is a Filipino actress and model. She is known for television series '' Munting Heredera'' (2011), ''Aso ni San Roque'' (2012), and '' Luna Blanca'' (2012) a ...
was chosen to play the role of Fatima, the protagonist. Rey, who rose in stardom after the successful drama series ''
Munting Heredera
''Munting Heredera'' (International title: ''Little Heiress'') is a Philippine television drama series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes, it stars Gloria Romero. It premiered on May 9, 2011 on the network's Telebabad li ...
'', felt overwhelmed with the network's support for her career and at the same time, excited for the role assigned on her.
Meanwhile, Princess, a two-year-old half
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a Scottish breed of retriever dog of medium size. It is characterised by a gentle and affectionate nature and a striking golden coat. It is commonly kept as a pet and is among the most frequently registered breeds ...
and half
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are dogs belonging to two breeds of the spaniel dog type: the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel of which are commonly called simply Cocker Spaniel in their countries of origin. In the early 20th century, Cocker ...
, was chosen to be part of the series as Anghel, San Roque's dog who defend and guide the main character through her adventures. Don Michael Perez said, "Princess, is definitely born to be a star," he says. The dog's trainer Ergie Estrella said that he did not encounter difficulty in training the star dog, saying that all it takes is positive reinforcement.
TJ Trinidad
Raul Fenstad "TJ" Trinidad Jr. (born January 22, 1976) is a Filipino
Filipino may refer to:
* Something from or related to the Philippines
** Filipino language, standardized variety of 'Tagalog', the national language and one of the official ...
and
LJ Reyes
Lourna Jane Pujeda Reyes (born December 25, 1987), known professionally as LJ Reyes, is a Filipina actress. She is best known as one of the Final Four in the second season of the widely acclaimed GMA reality TV show, '' StarStruck''. She won ...
shared equally important roles in the series. Reyes considered this series as her biggest break ever. After being typecast in villain characters
Time_of_My_Life''_and_''The_Good_Daughter.html" ;"title="Time of My Life (Philippine TV series)">Time of My Life'' and ''The Good Daughter">Time of My Life (Philippine TV series)">Time of My Life'' and ''The Good Daughter'', the network assigned her to play one of the main characters in the series, as birthmother of Mona Louise Rey's character. In one of her interviews, Reyes said that it's her first time to play a mother role on TV but she doesn't mind doing it as long as the story is good and the character, as well.
Meanwhile, Trinidad is all praise for his screen partner, said that Reyes is nice and very committed. "And I think, it’s gonna be a good partnership for the show and, you know, with the whole cast, story, and the script, it’s so exciting. Very fast-paced", he added.
The dark forces or the main antagonists of the story are portrayed by
Angelika dela Cruz,
Gardo Versoza
Mennen Torres Polintan (born July 8, 1969), known professionally as Gardo Verzosa, is a Filipino actor and comedian.
Career
He started out in roles such as Sabik Sa Halik, Machete II, Halimuyak Ng Babae and Kirot. He was known as "NINO ESPEDIL ...
,
Gwen Zamora
Gwenaelle Tasha Mae Agnese-Semerád better known as Gwen Zamora (born 10 August 1990) is a Filipina-French actress, model and former dancer in the Philippines. She was previously under GMA Network for six years until switching management to Viva A ...
and
Paolo Contis
Paolo Enrico Tusi Contis (born March 14, 1984) is a Filipino actor host singer and comedian of Italian descent. Contis debuted as a child actor in the ABS-CBN show ''Ang TV'' during the 1990s. A GMA Network artist for 17 years, he has won sever ...
. Dela Cruz was cast as Bulan, an evil
witch
Witchcraft traditionally means the use of Magic (supernatural), magic or supernatural powers to harm others. A practitioner is a witch. In Middle Ages, medieval and early modern Europe, where the term originated, accused witches were usually ...
and the leader of the syndicate; Versoza playing Kanlaon, the king of the
manananggal
The ''manananggal'' is a mythical creature in the Philippines that separates from their lower part of its body and their fangs and wings give it a vampire-like appearance.
Mythology
The ''manananggal'' is described as scary, often hideous, u ...
s; Zamora playing the role of Anaira, an evil
mermaid
In folklore, a mermaid is an aquatic creature with the head and upper body of a female human and the tail of a fish. Mermaids appear in the folklore of many cultures worldwide, including Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Mermaids are sometimes asso ...
; while Contis playing the role of Sento, the leader of the
tikbalang
The Tikbalang (/ˈtikbaˌlaŋ/) (also Tigbalang, Tigbalan, Tikbalan, Tigbolan, or Werehorse) is a creature of Philippine folklore said to lurk in the mountains and rainforests of the Philippines. It is a tall, bony humanoid creature with the he ...
s.
Rafael Rosell
Rafael Rosell IV (born November 10, 1982) is a Filipino actor and model.
Early life
Rafael Rosell IV was born in Stavanger, Norway on November 10, 1982 to Filipino parents; his father, Rafael Rosell III, is a geologist from Cebu, and his mother ...
had a guest role in the series. He played Anton, the man who saved LJ Reyes' character from the wrath of manananggals. This served as his first project in GMA Network.
Pen Medina
Crispin "Pen" Parungao Medina Sr. (born August 27, 1950, in Arayat, Pampanga) is an actor from the Philippines who started acting in theater plays in his youth. He eventually played versatile roles on the big screen and in various television s ...
was cast as mother Ben, an elderly gay and the adoptive parent to the lead character. Originally, the role was offered to
Eddie Garcia
Eduardo Verchez Garcia (; May 2, 1929 – June 20, 2019), known colloquially as Manoy, was a Filipino actor, television personality, film director and producer. With almost 600 film and television roles and a career spanning seven decades, he ...
but due to health concern, Garcia later requested the producers to give him less time-demanding character. He portrayed the role of Supremo, instead.
Ratings
According to AGB Nielsen Philippines' Mega Manila household television ratings, the pilot episode of ''Aso ni San Roque'' earned a 26.2% rating. While the final episode scored a 24.2% rating.
References
External links
* {{IMDb title, 2946528
2012 Philippine television series debuts
2013 Philippine television series endings
Fantaserye and telefantasya
Filipino-language television shows
GMA Network drama series
Television shows set in Manila