''Iisa Pa Lamang'' (International title: ''My Only One'' / ) is a 2008

Philippine The Philippines (; fil, Pilipinas, links=no), officially the Republic of the Philippines ( fil, Republika ng Pilipinas, links=no), * bik, Republika kan Filipinas * ceb, Republika sa Pilipinas * cbk, República de Filipinas * hil, Republ ...

melodrama A modern melodrama is a dramatic work in which the plot, typically sensationalized and for a strong emotional appeal, takes precedence over detailed characterization. Melodramas typically concentrate on dialogue that is often bombastic or exces ...

romantic

suspense Suspense is a state of mental uncertainty, anxiety, being undecided, or being doubtful. In a dramatic work, suspense is the anticipation of the outcome of a plot or of the solution to an uncertainty, puzzle, or mystery, particularly as it aff ...

television series A television show – or simply TV show – is any content produced for viewing on a television set which can be broadcast via over-the-air, satellite television, satellite, or cable television, cable, excluding breaking news, television adverti ...

directed by Ruel S. Bayani and Manny Q. Palo. The series stars an ensemble cast consisting of

Claudine Barretto Claudine Margaret Castelo Barretto (; born July 20, 1979) is a Filipino actress, singer, and entrepreneur. Popularly dubbed as “''The'' ''Optimum Star''” by various media outlets, Barretto has won 3 FAMAS Award including 2 Best Actress w ...

Angelica Panganiban Angelica Panganiban (; born Angelica Jane David Charlson on November 4, 1986) is a Filipino-American actress, model, TV host and comedienne. Regarded as the new “Queen of Drama” by various media outlets, Panganiban is recognized as one of ...

Diether Ocampo Diether Pascual Ocampo (born July 19, 1973) is a Filipino actor, singer, and model. Background Ocampo was born on July 19, 1973 in Aniban, Bacoor, Cavite, where he attended school. He attended De La Salle University-Dasmarinas. He is of German ...

Gabby Concepcion Gabriel Arellano Concepcion (born 5 November 1964) is a Filipino actor, singer and businessman. He began his show business career in the 1980s as a teen commercial model and is known for his debonair career in Philippine cinema, spanning several ...

Cherry Pie Picache Cherry Pie Sison Picache (born May 27, 1970) is a Filipino actress who has starred television and in mainstream and independent films and has worked as a print and TV commercial model for Palmolive, Camay, and Eskinol. Cherry Pie is notable ...

, Susan Roces,

Laurice Guillen Laurice Ilagan Guillen-Feleo (born January 31, 1947) is a Filipino actress, film and television director, and college professor. Early life and acting career Guillen studied at St. Theresa's College, Cebu City, earned an AB English degree before ...

Joel Torre José Rizalino "Joel" de León Torre (born June 19, 1961) is a Filipino actor and producer who is best known for his numerous films such as the biographical film ''José Rizal'' (1998), crime thriller film '' On the Job'' (2013) and the historica ...

Melissa Ricks Melissa Marie Ricks-Macatangay (born January 9, 1990) is a Filipino actress of American descent. She was a runner-up in the reality talent search '' Star Circle Quest'' on ABS-CBN. Background Career In 2004, Ricks joined the reality talent sea ...

, and

Matt Evans Matthew Nicolas Evans (born October 22, 1986) is a Filipino actor who rose to prominence after appearing in Filipino soap operas '' Komiks Presents: Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko'', '' Tanging Yaman'' and '' Rosalka''. Evans previously compet ...

. The series premiered on

ABS-CBN ABS-CBN (an initialism of its two predecessors' names, Alto Broadcasting System and Chronicle Broadcasting Network) is a Television in the Philippines, Philippine Commercial broadcasting, commercial broadcast broadcast network, network tha ...

's ''Primetime Bida'' nighttime block replacing '' Lobo'' on its timeslot from July 14 to November 11, 2008. The series is part of ABS-CBN International Sales, a line-up of Filipino

telenovela A telenovela is a type of a television serial drama or soap opera produced primarily in Latin America. The word combines ''tele'' (for "television") and ''novela'' (meaning "novel"). Similar drama genres around the world include '' teleserye'' ...

Synopsis

The story revolves on a barrio lass Catherine Ramirez (

), a young woman who has been deprived of everything. Due to her mother's death and her father's disappearance, she is concerned that one day someone will abandon her and she will end up like her parents. She grows up in the care of her grandmother Aurora ( Susan Roces). The family is connected to the Castillejos, a family Aurora is a part of; she was born out of wedlock to the late Castillejo patriarch. Their lives seem to be in an unlikely fate when Isadora (

) the greedy new wife of Aurora's stepbrother, tries to take control of half of their property. Isadora has a son named Miguel. On the night of their arrival Miguel runs away after being horribly abused by his mother. Miguel runs into the barn; Catherine follows him and sees him crying. The young Rafael (

AJ Perez Antonello Joseph Sarte Perez (February 17, 1993 – April 17, 2011) was a Filipino actor. He was a member of ABS-CBN's Star Magic in Batch 13. He portrayed one of the lead characters in the 2009 miniseries '' Your Song Presents: Underage''. In 2 ...

) saves the two in from a fire. Catherine suddenly sees Rafael as a guardian while Miguel owes him his life, but is jealous. The young puppy love is cut short, but Catherine remembers the promise the three made that when the time comes they will all meet again. Catherine grows into a beautiful woman. When Miguel (

) comes home, a longing affection strikes them and draws an attraction. But beyond their happiest moments Rafael (

) comes home to visit the two. What Catherine does not know is that they returned just to see her and spend time with her. Miguel's ex-girlfriend Scarlet (

) comes home from abroad to disturb Miguel. Catherine and Miguel try to escape and get help from Rafael. Catherine is abducted, leaving them worried and speechless. Three months pass and Catherine is trapped in a basement. She tries her best to run away and is saved by Louella from this heartache. She decides to regain her strength from the pain that this has caused her. Catherine, in the middle of hope and salvation, meets a rich old man Martin Dela Rhea (

Bembol Roco Rafael Aranda Roco, Jr. (born November 20, 1953), popularly known as Bembol Roco, is a Filipino actor whose work ranges from films to television. He is famous for his critically acclaimed role as Julio Madiaga in '' Maynila: Sa mga Kuko ng Liw ...

). After finding important belongings and a load of cash at a park, he repays the offer by giving her a scholarship. She agrees and does well; leading her to a position and eventually, a proposal of marriage. Even though her grandmother opposes, she uses this as a way to fight off Isadora and Scarlet, who is revealed to be Martin's spoiled daughter and now Miguel's wife. But how long will she be happy? How long will she suffer the consequences of her decision? Who will be the only one so far to love her? In the end, whom will she choose: Rafael or Miguel

Cast

Main cast

Gabby Concepcion at the KC Concepcion Live US Concert Tour, November 2010

Supporting cast

Guest cast

Frances Makil-Ignacio Frances Makil-Ignacio is a Filipino actress (born March 29, 1971). From 2001-2012, she starred in numerous shows of ABS-CBN as a contract actress. In 2012, she briefly transferred to TV5 as part of Valiente before staging an ABS-CBN comeback the ...

as Winnie "Tita Winnie" Ignacio: One of Scarlet's employees and friend. *

Martin del Rosario Martin Miguel Mangay del Rosario (born November 25, 1992) is a Filipino actor and model who is known for his portrayal of Norberto Matias in the 2011 drama series ''Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin'', as Severino Monzon in the TV adaptation of '' Pintad ...

as Eric Suarez: Toby's friend. * Reb Sibal as Jonas *

Beauty Gonzalez Christine Marie Luche Gonzalez-Crisologo (; born 28 May 1991), professionally known as Beauty Gonzalez, is a Filipina actress from Dumaguete City. Biography Beauty Gonzalez was born as Christine Marie Gonzalez in Dumaguete City to Carina Luc ...

as Jenna: Sofia's best friend * Cheska Garcia as Tracy *

Angel Aquino Angel Aquino (born Angelita Velasquez Aquino on February 7, 1973) is a Filipino film and television actress. She is currently part of ABS-CBN's contract talents. She is mostly known for her lead antagonist roles such as Ether in '' Encantadia: ...

as young Isadora * Aldred Gatchalian *

Neil Ryan Sese Neil Ryan Sese (born April 26, 1979) is a Filipino actor. He is currently working as an exclusive talent of GMA Network. Sese is best known for portraying Asval in the 2016 version of ''Encantadia''. Background Neil Ryan Sese was only seven y ...

as Atty. Sanchez† * Jefrrey Hidalgo as TBC: A woman Isadora hired to pose with Catherine, naked, hoping to destroy Miguel and Catherine's relationship by sending pictures. The former succeeds and their relationship is ruined. * Soliman Cruz * Jeoff Monzon *

as young Rafael Torralba: Young Raphael saved Catherine and Miguel as becomes their ''"Kuya"''. *

Chinggoy Alonzo Ramón "Chinggoy" Alonzo (; July 22, 1950 – October 15, 2017) was a Filipino actor in theater, movies, and television. He was nominated for FAMAS Award Best Supporting Actor in ''Ikaw Naman ang Iiyak'' (1996). Career Alonzo was active in the ...

as Don Amadeo Castillejos†: The late head of the Castillejos' clan and Aura's father. * Angelo Patrimonio * Mika dela Cruz as young Sofia Castillejos / Sofia Ramirez * Gemmae Custodio as young Catherine Ramirez *

Donita Rose Donita Rose Cavett (born December 5, 1974) is a Filipino-American actress, TV host and former MTV Asia VJ. Early and personal life Donita Rose Cavett was born in Utah on 5 December 1974 and moved to the Philippines when she was five years old. ...

as Rose Ramirez†: Rolando's wife and Catherine and Anna's late mother. * Bing Pimentel as Anna Ramirez†: Catherine's deceased older sister and Rose and Rolando's daughter. * John Suarez as young Miguel Castillejos: After being abused greatly by his mother, Isadora Castillejos, Miguel decided to run away and he meets Catherine and Raphael. Little did he know that they would be in a love triangle in their adult years.

International broadcast

References

{{Reflist ABS-CBN drama series Television series by Dreamscape Entertainment Television 2008 Philippine television series debuts 2008 Philippine television series endings Philippine melodrama television series Thriller television series Philippine romance television series Filipino-language television shows Television shows set in Manila Television shows set in Quezon City