''Nasaan Ka Maruja'' ( ''Where Are You Maruja?'') is a Philippine weekly television series aired from May 2 to August 8, 2009 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 ...

. It was adapted from the 1967 movie ''Maruja'', itself based on a 1950s

comic a Media (communication), medium used to express ideas with images, often combined with text or other visual information. It typically the form of a sequence of Panel (comics), panels of images. Textual devices such as speech balloons, Glo ...

Mars Ravelo Marcial "Mars" Ravelo (October 9, 1916 – September 12, 1988) was a Filipino comic book cartoonist and graphic novelist who created ''Darna, Dyesebel, Captain Barbell, Lastikman'', ''Bondying'', '' Varga'', ''Wanted: Perfect Mother'', ''Hiwag ...

. The series premiered on the

Komiks Presents ''Komiks'' () is a Philippine television fantasy-drama anthology broadcast by ABS-CBN from February 4, 2006, to August 8, 2009, spanned for three years. The series features popular local comic book stories by comic writers Pablo S. Gomez, Fran ...

showcase which featured works of Ravelo.

Origins

Earlier versions

Maruja Maruja is a Filipino comic book character created by Mars Ravelo. It is about an immortal love story about two people whose love for each other transcended a century. Written by Mars Ravelo and illustrated by Rico Rival, it was a story that ...

'' is one of

's masterpieces. He first published it in

comics a medium used to express ideas with images, often combined with text or other visual information. It typically the form of a sequence of panels of images. Textual devices such as speech balloons, captions, and onomatopoeia can indicate ...

during the 1950s. In 1967, the first film entitled ''Maruja'' was released starring the queen of Philippine movies,

Susan Roces Jesusa Purificacion Levy Sonora-Poe (July 28, 1941 – May 20, 2022), known professionally as Susan Roces (), was a Filipino actress. She was the wife of Ronald Allan Kelley Poe, better known as Fernando Poe Jr. Roces was regarded as the "Quee ...

. The movie was remade in 1978 as ''Gumising Ka Maruja'' and again in 1996 as ''Maruja'' starring

Carmina Villaroel María Carmina Muñiz Villarroel-Legaspi (; August 17, 1975) is a Filipino actress, television presenter, and product endorser. Personal life Villarroel was previously married to Rustom Padilla in 1994; the two had no children, and Villarroel ...

Series adaptation

In 2007,

bought the rights to make ''Maruja'' into a TV series. ''Maruja'' was supposed to be included in Sineserye Presents: The Susan Roces Cinema Collection, which featured Susan Roces' most classical films. It was supposed to star

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

Ruffa Gutierrez Sharmaine Ruffa Rama Gutierrez (born June 24, 1974) is a Filipino Model (person), model, beauty queen, host and actress. She was the 1992 Look of the Year - Philippines, Binibining Pilipinas World, Binibining Pilipinas World 1993 and Second Run ...

. But even before production began, the Ravelos stated that Mars Ravelo's name should be included in the title because Maruja is his work and not the movie firm's. ABS-CBN then decided to put the show's production on hold until the problem was fixed. A year later, ABS-CBN then released ''Nasaan Ka Maruja?'' as part of

which featured Mars Ravelos masterpieces. New actors and actresses were also involved in the project, because of some problems.

Synopsis

Cristy dreams of a certain couple, Maruja and Gabriel, who had a hard time being together because of their different status in life. They were both killed after getting married. Little did Cristy know that she and Ross, her half-sister's fiancé, would bring back to life the unfinished love story of Maruja and Gabriel.

Reincarnation

The storyline deals with the concept of reincarnation: Maruja (Kristine Hermosa) reincarnated as Cristy & Gabriel (Derek Ramsey) reincarnated as Ross. Cristy Rivera (Kristine Hermosa) is a magazine columnist who possesses psychic & paranormal abilities that help her see ghosts. She has a half-sister named Helen (Karylle) who is engaged to Ross Lozano. Ross used to draw sketches of Maruja even before they met in real life. What is the connection of Cristy & Ross to Maruja & Gabriel? Will Ross totally leave Helen for Cristy? And what will be Helen's move? Cristy having an open third eye has the ability to see ghosts or dead people and to communicate and to talk to them.

Mediumship

Cristy believes that she has the ability to see the spirits or ghosts of dead people. This brings the idea of having a

third eye The third eye (also called the mind's eye or inner eye) is a mystical invisible eye, usually depicted as located on the forehead, which provides perception beyond ordinary sight. In Hinduism, the third eye refers to the ajna (or brow) chakra. In ...

but is also able to dream about the past or even see the future through dreams. Later, a ghost of her mother shows to her explaining what exactly is this ability and that she should use this gift to help other spirits to cross the light, at the same time, knowing her true identity.

Cast and characters

Main cast

Kristine Hermosa Kristine Hermosa Orille-Sotto (; born September 9, 1983), professionally known by her maiden name Kristine Hermosa, is a Filipina actress. She is known for her roles in ''Pangako Sa ’Yo'' (2000–2002), ''Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas'' (2003–2004 ...

as Maruja S. Martinez/Cristy Mondes Rivera† – Gabriel's love interest in the past when she was Maruja and as Cristy, a magazine columnist who possesses psychic and paranormal abilities and helps dead people who are not in peace. She falls in love with her sister's fiancé, Ross. She is haunted by a persistent and vague dreams of Maruja and Gabriel. *

Derek Ramsay Derek Arthur Ramsay Jr. (born December 7, 1976) is a British-Filipino model, actor, and host. As of 2019, he is an exclusive talent of GMA Network. In 2021, he file for indefinite leave and is currently inactive in showbiz to attend personal li ...

as Rodrigo Santiago/Ross Lozano – Maruja's fiancé in the past when he was Romualdo and when he is Ross, he is marrying Cristy's half-sister, Helen. He falls in love with Cristy. He has visions of Cristy as Maruja. Ross also experiences dreams of Maruja & Gabriel. He has drawn Maruja when he was younger and then starts drawing Cristy. Ross confessed he has feelings for Cristy because he has a dream of her as Maruja. Ross reveals the truth to Helen (Karylle) that he is in love with another woman which is Helen's half-sister, Cristy. In the past, he killed Gabriel (

Piolo Pascual Piolo Jose Nonato Pascual (, born January 12, 1977) is a Filipino film and television actor, singer, model, and producer. Early life Piolo Jose Nonato Pascual was born on January 12, 1977, in Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center located in Malate ...

) and Maruja and after that he killed himself. In the present, he accidentally killed Cristy but Cristy survived. *

Karylle Ana Karylle Padilla Tatlonghari (born March 22, 1981), known mononymously as a Karylle, is a Filipino singer, actress, TV host and musical theatre performer. She is heralded as "''OPMs Showbiz Royalty''". She notably received a nomination for ...

as Helen Rivera† – Cristy's half sister who is engaged to Ross. Helen discovers Cristy is the girl in Ross' sketches. She discovers Ross & Cristy's relationship. She died after knowing Ross' and Cristy's relationship. She has been haunting Cristy but doesn't want to connect. Helen is willing to protect Cristy from Ross.

Supporting cast

John Estrada John Anthony Siason Estrada (born June 13, 1973) is a Filipino film and TV actor who has starred in a number of roles as a leading man, comedian and villain. He is a contract actor of ABS-CBN, where he remained there from 1990 to 2018 and re ...

as Michael – an editor-in-chief in a magazine where Cristy works, who is also in love with her. *

Enchong Dee Ernest Lorenzo Velasquez Dee (, born November 5, 1988), professionally known as Enchong Dee, is a Filipino actor, model, and swimmer. Dee is a contract artist of ABS-CBN's Star Magic. He came to prominence after starring in his first major TV ...

as Brian Lorenzo – Ross' brother: He learns the secret of Ross as Gabriel in the past. *

Gloria Romero Gloria Romero may refer to: *Gloria Romero (actress) Gloria Anne Borrego Galla (born December 16, 1933), known professionally as Gloria Romero (), is a multi-awarded Filipino actress, regarded as the “Queen of Philippine Movies”, her care ...

as Lola Rosing – Cristy and Helen's grandmother. It was alter revealed that she also have the same ability as Cristy. *

Kitkat Kit Kat (stylised as KitKat in various countries) is a chocolate-covered wafer bar confection created by Rowntree's of York, United Kingdom, and is now produced globally by Nestlé (which acquired Rowntree's in 1988), except in the United Stat ...

as Debbie – Cristy's best friend who works together with Cristy as a magazine columnist. *Bing Pimentel as Shirley Rivera – Alfred's second wife. She finds it hard to accept Cristy as her stepdaughter *Menggie Cobarrubias as Alfred Rivera – Cristy and Helen's father. *Raquel Villavicencio as Mirasol Lozano – Brian and Ross' mother. She divorced their father after knowing that he's having an affair with another woman.

Guests by episode

Episode 1: Stefanie

Tirso Cruz III Tirso Silvano Cruz III (born April 1, 1952) is a Filipino actor, comedian, and singer. He currently serves as the Chairperson of the Film Development Council of the Philippines. Regarded as a "matinee idol", Cruz is a FAMAS Award and Gawad Uria ...

as Dr. Joselito L. Ocampo Jr. – a doctor who suffers miserably due to the recent death of his wife. He later committed suicide. * Assunta de Rossi as Stefanie Miranda – Dr. Ocampo's wife, who wants Cristy to tell her husband that its time to move on and stop him from committing suicide.

Episode 2 and 3: Teddy

Mat Ranillo III Matias Archibald Ranillo III (born October 5, 1956), also known by his screen name Mat Ranillo III is a Filipino-born American actor. Personal life Matias Archibald Ranillo III is the second of seven children and the first son of actors Mat Ran ...

as Teodoro "Teddy" Lozano – Brian & Ross's father – Ross and Brian's father who rejected his family but recently came back for Ross' wedding. Unfortunately he died in a car accident and wanted to communicate with his family through Cristy.

Episode 4 and 5: Jenny

*Andre Tiangco as Raul Sandoval – Jenny's father who was trying to be strong after his only child's death. *

Yayo Aguila Yayo Aguila (born Maria Rosario Racelis Aguila; September 13, 1967) is a Filipina actress whose career began through the cult film series ''Bagets''. Career Yayo Aguila's career began in 1982. Her breakout film was the cult film ''Bagets'', wh ...

as Brenda Sandoval – Jenny's mother who still feels awful after her daughter's death. *Angel Sy as Jenny – a ghost of a little girl who died in an illness. She stays in a hospital bed and can't move on unless she would be able to talk to her parents. *

Francis Magundayao Francis Elmer Cabalteja Magundayao (born May 14, 1999) is a Filipino actor and commercial model. He was first known as Iking in the series, ''Darna''. He is also known for portraying young Travis (adult version portrayed by Gerald Anderson) in ...

as Myrno "Boy" Alicante

Episode 6: Diane

Dimples Romana Dianne Marie Bonifacio Romana-Ahmee (born November 13, 1976) or better known as Dimples Romana is a Filipino actress. Career Romana finished at International Hospitality Management Major in Culinary Arts at Enderun College after she finished h ...

as Dianne Gomez – she died with cancer and later found at as a ghost that her husband is having an affair with her best friend. She then started to startle every woman who comes near her husband including Cristy. *

Baron Geisler Baron Frederick von Geisler (; born June 5, 1982) is a Filipino actor, businessman, occasional model, resource speaker, amateur artist, and aspiring poet of German-American descent. As a child actor and later as a teen idol, Geisler's career ha ...

as Jeff Gomez – Dianne's husband. He loves his wife, but admits that he had an affair with his wife's best friend. *Ina Feleo as Aimee – Dianne's best friend who had an affair with Jeff.

Episode 7: Caloy

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 Caloy Rueda – a ghost of a security guard who was murdered in the same building where Cristy works. *LJ Moreno as Linda – the security guard's girlfriend who he wants to warn that her new man is the one who killed Caloy. *

Ryan Eigenmann Ryan Richard Alatiit Eigenmann (; born July 22, 1977) is a Filipino actor. Early life Ryan Richard Alatiit Eigenmann was born on July 22, 1977. He is one of the third generation of the Mesa-Gil clan of actors. His grandparents are musician Eddi ...

as Jimmy – Linda's new boyfriend, who actually killed Linda's former boyfriend, Caloy.

Episode 8 and 9: Sammy

Nicole Uysiuseng Nicole Kim Uysiuseng-del Prado (born August 18, 1990), is a former Filipino actress, model, and was the second runner-up of the reality television show Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition Plus. She was also a member of ABS-CBN's Star Magic. Takin ...

as Levi *

Julia Montes Mara Hautea Schnittka (; born March 19, 1995), known professionally as Julia Montes (), is a Filipino-German actress and model. She is one of the most sought-after actresses in the country and has been hailed as the “''Royal Princess of Dram ...

as Maura *

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 Lino *

Joshua Dionisio Ralph Joshua Dela Cruz Dionisio (born December 14, 1994 in Quezon City) is a former Filipino actor. He is best known for his role as Ken Pamintuan in ''Super Inggo'' and the young Cholo in the Philippine remake of '' Stairway to Heaven''. Early l ...

as Perry *Quintin Alianza as Sammy

Episode 10: James

Coco Martin Rodel Pacheco Nacianceno (born November 1, 1981), known professionally by his stage name Coco Martin (), is a Filipino actor, director, and film producer. He is best known for playing the lead roles in ''Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin'', '' Walang H ...

as James – the ghost of Leila's ex-boyfriend, he is a drug addict and thinks that the ghost of a guy named Edgardo is haunting him. He seeks help from Cristy after dying from an overdose of sleeping pills. *

Maja Salvador Maja Ross Andres Salvador-Ortega (; born October 5, 1988) is a Filipino actress, performer, television host, occasional producer, and talent manager. Referred to as the “Majestic Superstar”and the "''Queen of Revenge Drama''", Salvador is ...

as Leila – James' ex-girlfriend. She was supposed to leave for Canada but after finding out that James died, she changed her mind. *

Joross Gamboa John Ross Sanchez Gamboa (born November 28, 1984), known professionally as Joross Gamboa, is a Filipino actor and model who was a 2nd runner-up in the 1st season of Star Circle Quest. Career After four years of being with ABS-CBN Star Magic, ''J ...

as Edgardo – the man who Leila and James accidentally killed after drunk driving. He was haunting James when he was alive, forcing him to resort to using pills which led to his overdose. *

Nikki Bacolod Nikki Bacólod (born Monique Echieverri Bacólod on August 18, 1989), is a Filipino people, Filipina singer, television host, swimmer and actress. She is best known for placing as first runner up in the 2005 season of ABS-CBN's Search for the ...

as Sarah – Edgardo's wife, she received a letter from James before he died. *

Carlo Aquino Carlo Jose Liwanag Aquino (born 3 September 1985) is a Filipino actor and musician known for being the lead singer of the band Kollide and formerly of JCS with John Prats and Stefano Mori. Aquino achieved critical recognition for his performan ...

as Randolf – friend of James and Leila.

Episode 11: The Real Gabriel

as Gabriel Montero – the mysterious man who is connected to Maruja's life. It was later revealed that he was the man Maruja is running away with, and not Ross' past self. *

Jairus Aquino Jairus Reuel Balagtas Aquino (, born April 1, 1999) is a Filipino actor best known for his roles in ''Super Inggo'', ''Kung Fu Kids'' and ''Luv U''. He appeared in several television advertisements before his first television appearance as an ...

as Young Gabriel *

Alexa Ilacad Alexandra Madarang Ilacad (born 26 February 2000), better known as Alexa Ilacad is a Filipino actress, singer, songwriter, host, dancer, vlogger and model. She appears in various commercials and shows of ABS-CBN Corporation, ABS-CBN, and is bes ...

as Young Maruja *

Melissa Mendez Melissa Mendez (; born July 27, 1964) is a Filipina film and TV actress. Mendez was nominated for a Best Actress FAMAS Award for the film ''Kalakal'' (2008). Mendez produced an independent movie, ''Hilot'' (2009) with Empress Schuck. It was dire ...

as Maruja's mother

Episode 12: Romualdo

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 ...

as Old Gabriel (present time)

Movies

1967 original movie cast *

as Maruja Isabel Sevilla Y Vira/Cristy Rivera *

Romeo Vasquez Ricardo Alandy Sumilang (April 9, 1939 – May 2, 2017), also known by his stage name Romeo Vasquez, was a Filipino actor and former matinee idol of Philippine cinema. Career Vasquez was discovered by director Armando Garces who saw him while p ...

as Gabriel *

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 Rodrigo *

Luis Gonzales Luis F. Mercado (June 21, 1928 – March 15, 2012) also known as Luis Gonzales, was a Filipino actor who appeared in more than 100 films during his career, most of them by Sampaguita Pictures. Early life Raised in Tondo, Manila, Gonzales may be ...

as Rosanno Gabriel *Nello Nayo as Don Igmindo *

Mary Walter Mary Walter (September 10, 1912 – February 25, 1993) was a Filipina actress whose eight decade-long film acting career saw her transformation from a romantic lead in the silent film era into a wizened fixture in horror movies in the late 19 ...

as Doña Concha *

Caridad Sanchez Caridad Yuson Sanchez-Babao (born August 1, 1933 in Mandaue) is a Filipina actress, mostly seen on GMA Network. In 1977, she played the role of Nanay Idad in the revival TV drama series based from the very successful radio soap opera (first he ...

as Petra * Etang Discher *

Perla Bautista Perla Marcial Bautista (born February 18, 1940) is a multi-awarded actress in the Philippines. She acted in more than 250 movies and television shows. She won the Best Actress FAMAS Award for ''Markang Rehas'' (1962). She also won Gawad Urian A ...

*Dely Villanueva *

Andres Centenera Andrés Centenera (born 1914, date of death unknown) was a Filipino character actor. He was the grandfather of Filipino singer Rafael Centenera. He appeared in films from 1937 to 1979. Andres Centenera, born in Goa, Camarines Sur. He was the so ...

*Paquito Salcedo *Felisa Salcedo *

Jay Ilagan Julius Abad Ilagan (January 20, 1955 – February 4, 1992) was a Filipino actor. He hosted ''Stop, Look and Listen'' and starred in ''My Son, My Son'' and '' Goin' Bananas'', and starred and participated in a number of movies. Born Julius Abad ...

*Angel Confiado 1978 Movie remake cast *

as Maruja Isabella Sevilla/Nina Concepcion *

Phillip Salvador Phillip Mikael "Ipe" Reyes Salvador (born Felipe Reyes Salvador; August 22, 1953) is a three-time FAMAS award-winning Filipino film and television actor. Acting career Salvador made his film debut in 1971 with ''Adios Mi Amor''. He toiled in m ...

as Marco Lorenzo/Rodrigo De Velasquez *

Mario O' Hara Mario Herrero O'Hara (April 20, 1946 – June 26, 2012) was a Filipino film director, film producer and screenwriter known for his sense of realism often with dark but realistic social messages.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 ...

as Cristy *

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 ...

as Joel *Manny Ojeda as Señor Juan Miguel *

as Señora Agida *

Ronnie Lazaro Ronnie Zabala Lazaro (born November 14, 1957) is a Gawad Urian Award-winning Filipino film and television actor, producer, casting and art director. Biography He has received many nominations throughout his career as an actor, nine of which wer ...

as Vergel *

Peque Gallaga Maurice Ruiz de Luzuriaga Gallaga (August 25, 1943 – May 7, 2020), better known as Peque Gallaga, was a multi-awarded Filipino people, Filipino film-maker. His most significant achievement in film was ''Oro, Plata, Mata'', which he directed aft ...

1996 Movie remake cast *

as Maruja Isabel Sevilla/Nina Concepcion *

Rustom Padilla Binibini Gandanghari (; born Rustom Cariño Padilla;
Robinpadilla.net. Retrieved on August 17, 2012. ; Septembe ...

as Marco Lorenzo *

Eric Quizon Enrico "Eric" Smith Quizon (born January 20, 1967) is a Filipino actor, director, producer, writer and comedian. He is the 12th child of the late comedian-actor, Dolphy. He is also a co-owner of Café Famous in Greenbelt, Makati. In late 2022, ...

Albert Martinez Alberto Pineda Martinez (born April 19, 1961), is a Filipino actor, director and producer. Early life He was born in Manila on April 19, 1961 to Bert Martinez, and Margarita Pineda. Career Martinez began as a film actor. He took his first tel ...

Jaclyn Jose Mary Jane Santa Ana Guck (born October 21, 1964), better known by her stage name Jaclyn Jose, is a Filipino cinema and television actress who has earned international critical acclaim. She is best known for her roles in the films ''Private Sho ...