''Mundo Man ay Magunaw'' (International title: ''Even If the World Ends'') is a 2012

Philippine drama television series 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 ...

based on the 1990 film of the same name starring Susan Roces,

Nida Blanca Dorothy Guinto Jones (January 6, 1936 – November 7, 2001), popularly known by her stage name Nida Blanca, was a Filipina actress. After a successful acting career in films during the 1950s, many of which are with actor Nestor de Villa, sh ...

, Toby Alejar,

Alicia Vergel Erlinda Gaerlan Asturias-Aguilar (June 7, 1927 – May 20, 1992), popularity known as Alicia Vergel, was a Filipino people, Filipina actress noted for her roles as fighting women and amazons and, like Norma Blancaflor, for her heart-shaped face. ...

Dante Rivero Dante Rivero is a Filipino film and television actor who has won a FAMAS award and nominated for a Gawad Urian Award The Gawad Urian Awards are annual film awards in the Philippines held since 1977. It is given by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang ...

, Michael Locsin,

Jennifer Sevilla Jennifer Sevilla-Go (born May 14, 1974) is a Filipino actress in movies and television shows. She was a former member of '' That's Entertainment''. Personal life Jeniffer Sevilla was born on May 14, 1974 in Quezon City. She is only child. She st ...

Sheryl Cruz Sheryl Rose Anna Marie Sonora Cruz (born April 5, 1974), better known as Sheryl Cruz, is a Filipino actress and singer. She is known for her roles as Divina Ferrer in 2007's television drama series ''Sinasamba Kita'', as Valeria in '' Bakekang ...

and

Romnick Sarmenta Romeo Nicolas Sarmenta Tejedor (born April 28, 1972 in Quezon City, Philippines), known professionally as Romnick Sarmenta, is a Filipino actor best remembered as the five-year-old boy who played the role of Peping in the TV series ''Gulong ng ...

Seiko Films Seiko Films was a Philippine film production company owned and run by Robbie Tan. It is known for its bold film of the late 1990s. Seiko Films was known for its tagline "If it's from Seiko, it must be good" used from 1989 to 1994. History Seik ...

. It is topbilled by

Empress Schuck Empress Karen Carreon Schuck-Guingona (born 19 February 1993), also known mononymously as Empress, is a Filipino actress, model, singer, dancer and fashion designer. Early life Schuck was born on 19 February 1993 in Quezon City to a Filipino-Ge ...

Eula Valdez Maria Julia Amorsolo Valdes (; born December 11, 1968), professionally known as Eula Valdes, is a Filipino actress, best known for her role as Amor Powers in the original version of ''Pangako Sa 'Yo'' (2000) and as Janice in the ''Bagets'' film ...

Ejay Falcon Ejay Lasap Falcon (born 21 November 1989) is a Filipino actor, model, endorser and politician who is the vice governor of Oriental Mindoro. As an actor, he came to prominence in 2008 after winning the reality show '' Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Ed ...

and

Nikki Gil Monica Pauline "Nikki" Santos Gil-Albert (; born August 23, 1987) is a Filipino singer, actress, host, model, and video jockey. She is known for being part of the afternoon remake of '' Carlo J. Caparas' Pieta'' (2008–2009) and, in 2009, for ...

. 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 ''Kapamilya Gold'' afternoon block from January 30, 2012 to July 13, 2012. The series was streaming online on

YouTube YouTube is a global online video platform, online video sharing and social media, social media platform headquartered in San Bruno, California. It was launched on February 14, 2005, by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim. It is owned by ...

Production

After the success of the afternoon dramas ''

Natutulog Ba ang Diyos? ''Natutulog Ba ang Diyos?'' () is an ABS-CBN production which was aired from July 16 to October 12, 2007. It is based on the 1988 film, '' Natutulog Pa ang Diyos'' which, in turn, is based on the original novel of the same name by Ruben R. Marc ...

'' and ''

Magkano Ang Iyong Dangal? 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 befor ...

'', ABS-CBN decided the next "sineserye" would be ''Mundo Man ay Magunaw''. It served as

's comeback to portraying dramatic roles. She recently played the main antagonist Selina Pereira-Matias†, an iconic role first played by Filipina actress,

Princess Punzalan Bernadette Vela Punzalan-Field (born November 20, 1968), known professionally as Princess Punzalan, is a Filipino actress. She began her career starring in '' Lovingly Yours: The Movie'' (1984) and ''Lovingly Yours, Helen'' (1992-96) and was n ...

. Eula's hit role in the remake ''

Mula sa Puso ''Mula sa Puso'' ( en, From the Heart) is a 1997 Philippine primetime melodrama romance television series originally aired by ABS-CBN from March 10, 1997, to April 9, 1999 (the series ended for 2 years in its long-run) replacing '' Maria Mer ...

'' got her praise because she last played villainous protagonist in 2000's ''

Pangako Sa ’Yo ''Pangako Sa 'Yo'' (International title: ''The Promise'' / ) is a Philippine primetime soap opera series that aired on ABS-CBN. It stars an ensemble cast led by Kristine Hermosa, Jericho Rosales, Eula Valdez, Tonton Gutierrez and Jean Garcia. It ...

'' as the iconic Amor Powers. Valdez's second protagonist in her comeback primetime drama series ''

Darating ang Umaga ''Darating ang Umaga'' (International title: ''Till Morning Comes'' / ) is a Philippine drama made by ABS-CBN aired from March 3 to November 14, 2003 replacing '' Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan''. Starring Vina Morales and Eula Valdez. It also starred ...

'' as Almira "Mira" Banal-Cordero alongside

Vina Morales Sharon Garcia Magdayao (born October 17, 1975), known by her stage name Vina Morales (), is a Filipino singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur and model. Dubbed as the “''Ultimate Performer''” by various media outlets, she has won 2 Awit ...

. Her last protagonist role was in the remake of ''

Maria Flordeluna ''Maria Flordeluna'' is a Philippine primetime soap opera that aired on ABS-CBN and DZMM TeleRadyo in the Philippines and on The Filipino Channel worldwide. A radio version of the series aired weekdays on DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 in the Philippine ...

'', where she played Jo Esperitu, immortalized by

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 ...

in the original ''Flor de Luna''. ABS-CBN wanted her to play Olivia La Pena, a role which was played by popular veteran actress Susan Roces. She accepted the role in a conference in October 2011, and filming began in December 2011. The next roles were given to

Empress An emperor (from la, imperator, via fro, empereor) is a monarch, and usually the sovereignty, sovereign ruler of an empire or another type of imperial realm. Empress, the female equivalent, may indicate an emperor's wife (empress consort), ...

who would play Sheryl San Juan (originally portrayed by

) and Jennifer "Jenny" La Pena would go to

, (originally portrayed by character actress

was cast as Nico (originally portrayed by

), who then would work again with Empress after they starred in ''

Guns and Roses Guns N' Roses is an American hard rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1985. When they signed to Geffen Records in 1986, the band comprised vocalist Axl Rose, lead guitarist Slash, rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, bassist Duff McKa ...

''. Freelance actress

Sylvia Sanchez Jossette Campo-Atayde (born May 19, 1971), better known as Sylvia Sanchez, is a Filipina actress and comedian. She is the wife of Art Atayde and the mother of actors Arjo Atayde and actress Ria Atayde. Personal life Sanchez was born and raised ...

left GMA 7 to go back to her home network to play Lani San Juan (originally portrayed by

). In this latest version, Lani is a villain. The role of Donya Alicia La Peña is played by comedian and veteran actress

Tessie Tomas Tessie Tomas (born October 31, 1950) is a Filipina actress, host, standup comedian, and a former advertising executive. She is best known for being part of the RPN sketch comedy show '' Champoy'' and the host of the ABS-CBN talk show ''Teysi ng ...

(originally immortalized by

). The role of Dante, Olivia's love interest, was given to Emilio Garcia (originally immortalized by

Synopsis

''Mundo Man Ay Magunaw'' is an afternoon drama that tells the story of three women whose lives intertwine in the twist of fate. After 20 years of imprisonment, Olivia La Pena is ready to start a new life again and rebuild the family she never had. The story also follows the lives of her estranged daughters Sheryl and Jennifer who will learn that to understand the other they must learn how to love one another at all costs to save each other.

Plot

20 years ago, Olivia San Juan (

Jodi Santamaria Jodi Chrissie Garcia Sta. Maria (born June 16, 1982) is a Filipino actress. Sta. Maria was recognized as one of the most sought-after actresses in the entertainment industry. She is best known for her iconic roles in ABS-CBN drama shows. One o ...

) fell in love with her longtime suitor Carlos La Pena (Christopher Roxas). They marry. At the same time she is in the middle of a relationship with Dante (James Blanco/Emilio Garcia) who then marries Lailani "Lani" (

Katya Santos Katya Santos (born 1981/1982) is a Filipino actress and model. She started her career on the Philippine television series '' Ang TV'' and ''Oki Doki Doc'' at the age of 13. Since then she has become a sex symbol in the Philippine cinema having s ...

), Olivia's sister. Olivia grows in burden after killing her husband to save her younger daughter who then is taken by Carlos' mother Alicia La Pena (

) who then grows hatred for her own daughter-in-law without her knowledge of the real reasons on Carlos's death and Olivia's intentions. Olivia has another baby girl named Bianca (also known as Sheryl, which is a real La Peña) but the girl was given away to Lani, without Olivia's knowledge. Alicia has taken her daughter Jenny to the States after Olivia's mother's death and, finding out her younger daughter Bianca is assumed dead, the latter is set on a not so unkind reunion. After 20 years, Olivia is out of prison and is set to live a new life. Her daughter Jennifer (

) has grown into an intelligent, beautiful, young woman who is taught to become successful in life with the help of her overbearing grandmother Donya Alicia whose shadow she lives under. Jennifer grows hatred for her biological mother Olivia who tries her best to reconnect with her. In her thought that this idea is just a way to ruin the relationship between her grandmother and to ruin her family and start troubles in order to gain her trust, Jennifer crosses paths with Sheryl San Juan (

) a poor lass who tries to bind her family back together in search of hopes that she will one day find her father again after leaving her family to work abroad. Sheryl gains faith with her childhood friend Niko (

) who then courts her and becomes her boyfriend. On the other hand, Jennifer struggles with an upcoming marriage with Mike Sarmiento (

Alex Castro Alexis Collera Castro (born September 27, 1985), better known as Alex Castro, is a Filipino model, singer, actor and politician currently serving as the Vice Governor of Bulacan since 2022. He is previously a member of the Bulacan Provincial B ...

) to save the family business from falling apart while in a private relationship with Jenny's cousin Ramona (

Dianne Medina Maria Patricia Dianne Perez Medina-Ilustre (born November 5, 1986) is a Filipino actress, dancer, television host, anchor and part-time model. Medina is also a former member of ABS-CBN's developmental talent agent Star Magic. Early life Dianne Me ...

). In Olivia's search for a better life, she accepts employment with a lonely bar and restaurant owner Emilio (Allan Paule) who tries to regain her ability to love again. The story further focuses on the difficult relationships that tear the families apart when Dante comes back into Olivia and Lani's lives after he's released from a crime and freak accident that has scarred him for life. The story ladders on the relationship Olivia must face between her daughter Jennifer and her true identity and the conflicting relationship between her and Lani over Dante's love for her and her obsessive sister. The ladder is caught up with Donya Alicia's never-ending quest to destroy Olivia's life. The plot worsens when the family's relationships start to tear apart with the revenge, greed, and the corruption consuming the lives of Alicia and Lani; Olivia trying to find peace with her daughter Jennifer; and Sheryl trying to save her love life for Nico and her friendship with Jennifer and trying to make peace between her parents. In the end, will the obstacles and clues lead to reveal the truth of their true identities? Will the family one day be together against all odds?

Cast and characters

Main cast

as Bianca La Peña/Sheryl San Juan: The younger half-sister of Jennifer and the legitimate daughter of Olivia and Carlos (she's Donya Alicia's biological granddaughter), she will live under the lies and the pains of her life will intertwine with Olivia and Jennifer who are her real family. She will do anything to save the ones she loves and even the ones she has grown to learn and love the most she has been a dutiful daughter to Lani and dreams of keeping her life intact but with her discovering her true identity will she also get the chance to love and be loved? *

as Jennifer "Jen" La Peña: The real and eldest illegitimate daughter of Carlos, but the real daughter of Dante to Olivia who will live under a lie and will try her best to keep her mother out of her life. She tries to be a perfectionist and tries at all odds to save her family business. She tries to find her true identity and to keep her trust for her grandmother. She finds herself loveless and assumes a newfound happiness with Sheryl and Niko who will regain her spirit and learn meaningful lessons. Will she learn how to follow her heart even if it hurts the ones around her or live in burden with the choices given to her under the shadow of her grandmother? *

as Olivia "Olive" San Juan-La Peña: The real mother of Sheryl and Jenny and a main protagonist. She was in prison because she accidentally killed her husband Carlos La Pena. After a series of events, she is out of imprisonment after 20 years and tries to rebuild a new life and a family she has never had. She will face the trials of her mother-in-law and the changes between her daughter Jenny and will find a new love in Emilio. Will she be ready to face the next few challenges and changes in her life? *

as Dominiko "Niko" Poblador: Sheryl's childhood friend and suitor. He will be the main object of affection to Sheryl and Jenny; his love will be tested with trust. *

as Donya Alicia La Peña: She is the main antagonist and Olivia's mother-in-law. She took care of Jenny (actually, she's not her biological granddaughter) as a way to get rid of the pain in her heart after the death of her only son Carlos. Her anger for Olivia intensifies as she tries her best to get rid of Olivia. She has always been influential to her granddaughter and those around her but tries to save her company from bankruptcy. She tries to solve her problems with prayer but has no idea on how to solve her personal problems, especially emotionally and financially. Also, she's the biological grandmother of Sheryl (the real La Peña) and was finally reconciled to Jenny. She was pushed and killed by Lani into the bed and hit her head during their confrontation at night. *

as Leilani "Lani" San Juan: Olivia's sister and the one bound to save her relationship with Dante and Sheryl. She uses alcohol to keep the pain of her past from battling her emotions; she will try her hardest to have the family she has never had even if it takes getting rid of Olivia; she will learn from a support group to help her with her struggles. She's the adoptive mother/biological aunt of Sheryl and also the non-biological mother of Jenny until the end of episode, Lani was sentenced to prison after she pushed Donya Alicia into the bed and killed (even Olivia is the second murder case, first is killing Carlos by stabbing with the scissor) and she gets hostage with her daughter. *Emilio Garcia as Dante Santos: The real man behind all Olivia and Lani's troubles and the biological father of Jennifer. * Allan Paule as Emilio: Olivia's boss and Olivia's love interest who will teach Olivia to love and trust again and save her from harm. In a full trailer, he supposed to be played Dante Santos. *

as Michael "Mike" Sarmiento: In a planned marriage with Jenny and Ramona's lover. *

Jayson Gainza Jayson Gainza (born April 27, 1980) is a Filipino actor, comedian, impersonator and former reality show contestant. Gainza was the first runner-up (the Second Big Placer) in ''Pinoy Big Brother''. He garnered 312,258 votes, equal to 27.5% of t ...

as Fortunato "Atoy" Poblador: Father of Niko and family friend of the San Juans. *

Pinky Amador Pilar Cristina Roxas Amador (born 16 March 1966), commonly known by her stage name Pinky Amador, is a Filipina actress, singer, commercial model and TV host. Amador was in the original London cast of the Cameron Mackintosh musical hit ''Miss S ...

as Matilda La Peña: The mother of Ramona and main conflict of Alicia and the La Pena family. *

as Ramona La Peña: The daughter of Matilda and Jennifer's cousin (actually, Sheryl's cousin) who is in a relationship with Mike which leads to abuse.

Supporting cast

*Franco Daza as Edward Fuentebella *Jong Cuenco as Paul Sarmiento *Gilleth Sandico as Nenita Sarmiento *Shey Bustamante as Beatrice Miranda *

Hiyasmin Neri Hiyasmin Neri (born July 17, 1990) is a Filipino actress, host and musician. Career Hiyasmin Neri was introduced via Star Magic batch 15. Her first regular TV appearance was in ABS-CBN's '' The Wedding'', where she played a pregnant teenager and ...

as Diana Valera *Princess Manzon as Alex *April Sun as Casey *Rosario "Tart" Carlos as Christy *Joma Labayen as Joma

Special participation

as Young Olivia *

James Blanco James Blanco Castillo (born June 15, 1981), known professionally as James Blanco, is a Filipino singer-songwriter, actor, and model. A freelance actor, he is known for his roles in '' Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin'' (2001 – 2002), '' Rubi'' (2010), ...

as Young Dante *

as Young Lani *

John Manalo John Vladimir Cruz Manalo (born September 6, 1995), popularly known by his stage name John Manalo, is a Filipino actor who is formerly a member of ABS-CBN's circle of homegrown talents named Star Magic. He is a multi-awarded child actor. He is ...

as Young Niko * Brenna Peñaflor as Young Sheryl *Kimberly Fulgar as Young Jenny *Christopher Roxas as Carlos La Peña *Tanya Gomez as Monalisa San Juan *Levi Ignacio as Police Inspector

Theme song

* "Hulog ng Langit" -

Donna Cruz Donna Cruz Yrastorza-Larrazabal professionally known as Donna Cruz is a Filipina singer and actress. She is a member of the Philippine showbiz family Cruz. Her self-titled debut album ''Donna'' was well received by the general public and earn ...

(released 1999) (covered by

Aiza Seguerra Cariza "Ice" Yamson Seguerra (born September 17, 1983), formerly and still known professionally as Aiza Seguerra, is a Filipino actor, singer-songwriter, director and guitarist. Initially coming out as a lesbian in 2007, Seguerra now identifies ...

and

Angeline Quinto Angeline Ticman Quinto (; born November 26, 1989) is a Filipina singer, actress, entrepreneur and winner of '' Star Power: Sharon's Search For The Next Female Pop Superstar'' in 2011. Quinto has been dubbed as the "''Philippines’ Queen of ...

for the teleserye, then a duet version in 2010 by

Frencheska Farr Marie Frencheska Mae Tobias Farr-Jose (born September 9, 1992) is a Filipino-British singer, model and actress. She was the Are You the Next Big Star? grand champion along with Geoff Taylor. Early life and career Farr was born in Pasay City, ...

and Geoff Taylor for

GMA 7 DZBB-TV, Channel 7 (analog) and Channel 15 (digital), is the flagship TV station of Philippine television network GMA. The station is owned and operated by GMA Network Inc. with its studios are located at the GMA Network Center, EDSA corner ...

's ''

Langit sa Piling Mo ''Langit sa Piling Mo'' (International title: ''Heaven with You'' / ) is a 2010 Philippine television drama romance series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Gil Tejada, Jr., it stars Heart Evangelista and Mark Herras. It premiered on May 31, ...

'')

References

External links

* * * * {{ABS-CBN Adaptations (Local Films) ABS-CBN drama series 2012 Philippine television series debuts 2012 Philippine television series endings Thriller television series Live action television shows based on films Filipino-language television shows Television shows set in the Philippines