''Nasaan Ka Maruja'' ( ''where are you Maruja?'') is a

Philippine television drama Philippine television drama, also known as ''teleserye'' is a form of melodramatic, serialized, televised fiction in the Philippines. ''Teleserye'' is derived from two Filipino words: "tele", short for "''telebisyón''" (television), and "''se ...

fantasy Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction that involves supernatural or Magic (supernatural), magical elements, often including Fictional universe, imaginary places and Legendary creature, creatures. The genre's roots lie in oral traditions, ...

series broadcast by

ABS-CBN ABS-CBN is a leading Philippine media and content company. It serves as the flagship media brand of ABS-CBN Corporation, a subsidiary of Lopez Holdings Corporation. Once the country's largest free-to-air television network, ABS-CBN has since ...

. This series is based on the 1967 Philippine film ''Maruja'' and 1950s comics by

Mars Ravelo Marcial "Mars" Custodio Ravelo (October 9, 1916 – September 12, 1988) was a Filipino people, Filipino comic book cartoonist and graphic novelist. Dubbed as the "''King of Pinoy Komiks''", he is notable for creating ''Darna, Dyesebel, Captain ...

. Directed by Jerome C. Pobocan, it stars

Kristine Hermosa Kristine Hermosa Orille-Sotto (; born September 9, 1983) is a Filipino actress. Hermosa made her screen debut in the youth-oriented variety show '' Ang TV'' (1995). Her breakthrough came in the soap opera '' Pangako Sa 'Yo'' (2000), which be ...

and

Derek Ramsay Derek Arthur Ramsay Jr. (born December 7, 1976) is a British-Filipino model, actor, and TV host. He has an exclusive contract with GMA Network. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ramsay froze his contract with GMA Network. Ramsay is currently inact ...

. It aired on the network's Yes Weekend line up from May 2 to August 8, 2009, replacing '' Komiks Presents: Flash Bomba'' and was replaced by '' Agimat: Ang Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla:

Tiagong Akyat ''Agimat: Ang Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla Sr. Presents Tiagong Akyat'', more popularly known as simply ''Tiagong Akyat'' () is a Philippine television drama fantasy series broadcast by ABS-CBN. This series is based on the 1973 Philippine film ''H ...

''.

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 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 ...

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

Susan Roces Jesusa Purificación 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 "Que ...

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

Carmina Villarroel María Carmina Muñiz Villarroel-Legaspi (; ; born August 17, 1975) is a Filipino actress, television presenter, and product endorser. She is best known for portraying the role of Lyneth Santos in the medical drama, ''Abot-Kamay na Pangarap'' ...

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) is a Filipino actress and singer. She is known for her roles as Divina Ferrer in 2007's television drama series ''Sinasamba Kita'', Miss Minchin in '' Princess Sarah'', and as Valeria i ...

and

Ruffa Gutierrez Sharmaine Ruffa Rama Gutierrez (born June 24, 1974) is a Filipino actress, model, TV host, and beauty pageant titleholder. She was the 1992 Look of the Year - Philippines, Binibining Pilipinas World 1993 and Second Runner-up to Miss World 199 ...

. 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 Komiks Presents 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 (Piolo Pascual), 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 Ramsay) 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 between Cristy & Ross to Maruja & Gabriel? Will Ross leave Helen for Cristy? And what will be Helen's move? Cristy having an open third eye can see ghosts or dead people and communicate and talk to them.

Mediumship

Cristy believes that she can 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 an invisible eye, usually depicted as located on the forehead, supposed to provide perception beyond ordinary sight. In Hinduism, the third eye refers to the ajna (or brow) chakra. In bot ...

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 what exactly is this ability and that she should use this gift to help other spirits cross the light, at the same time, knowing her true identity.

Cast and characters

Main cast

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 the persistent and vague dreams of Maruja and Gabriel. *

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 drew Maruja when he was younger and then started drawing Cristy. Ross confessed he had feelings for Cristy because he had 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 actor, model, singer, television host, comedian and film producer. Pascual began a career in 1993 after landing a bit role in the film ''The Vizconde Massacre Story (God Help ...

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

Supporting cast

John Estrada John Anthony Siason Estrada (born June 13, 1973), known professionally as John Estrada, is a Filipino actor, model and filmmaker who has starred in a number of roles as a leading man and antagonist. He was a contract actor with ABS-CBN from ...

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

Karylle Ana Karylle Padilla Tatlonghari-Yuzon (born March 22, 1981), known mononymously as Karylle, is a Filipino singer and actress. Having achieved mainstream success across stage, screen, and music, her accolades include four Awit Awards, an Asian ...

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 learning about Ross and Cristy's relationship. She has been haunting Cristy but doesn't want to connect. Helen is willing to protect Cristy from Ross. *

Enchong Dee Ernest Lorenzo "Enchong" Velasquez Dee (, born November 5, 1988) is a Filipino people, Filipino actor, comedian, model, host, swimmer, triathlete, duathlete and writer. Dee is a contract artist of ABS-CBN Corporation, ABS-CBN's Star Magic. ...

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

Gloria Romero Gloria Anne Borrego Galla (December 16, 1933 – January 25, 2025), known professionally as Gloria Romero (), was an American-born Filipino actress. Regarded as the "Queen of Philippine Cinema", she appeared in over 250 motion pictures and t ...

as Lola Rosing – Cristy and Helen's grandmother. It was later revealed that she also has 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, England. It is produced globally by Nestlé (which acquired Rowntree's in 1988), except in the United States, where i ...

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 was 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 was the Chairperson of the Film Development Council of the Philippines after one year and seven months for personal reasons. Regarded as a "matinee ido ...

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 Assunta Tiotangco Schiavone-Ledesma (born February 19, 1983), better known by her stage name Assunta de Rossi, is a Filipino actress. Her younger sister by one year Alessandra De Rossi is also an actress. Both sisters have won the Best Actr ...

as Stefanie Miranda – Dr. Ocampo's wife, who wants Cristy to tell her husband that it is 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 Stage name, 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 a ...

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 Maria Rosario Racelis Aguila (September 13, 1967), better known as Yayo Aguila, is a Filipino 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 ...

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 of an illness. She stays in a hospital bed and can't move on unless she is 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 Romana Ahmee (born November 13, 1984) known professionally as Dimples Romana, is a Filipino actress. Noted for her acclaimed performances in film and television, she made her first screen appearance through the series '' Esperanza'' ...

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

Baron Geisler Baron Frederick von Geisler (; born June 5, 1982) is a Filipino actor and entrepreneur of German-American descent. One of the most controversial actors in the Philippines, Geisler's career has been characterized by critical and popular acclaim ...

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 television personality. 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 whom he wants to warn that her new man is the one who killed Caloy. *

Ryan Eigenmann Ryan Richard Alatiit Eigenmann (; born July 22, 1978) is a Filipino actor. Early life Ryan Richard Alatiit-Eigenmann is one of the third generation of the Mesa-Gil clan of actors. His grandparents are musician Eddie Mesa and actress Rosem ...

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. T ...

as Levi *

Julia Montes Mara Hautea Schnittka ( ; born March 19, 1995), known professionally as Julia Montes (), is a Filipino actress. Known for playing strong female characters and romantic leads in a range of genres across film and television, she has received var ...

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 ...

as Lino *

Joshua Dionisio Ralph Joshua Dela Cruz Dionisio (born December 14, 1994) is a 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 (Philippines TV series), Stairwa ...

as Perry *Quintin Alianza as Sammy

Episode 10: James

Coco Martin Rodel Pacheco Nacianceno Jr. (born November 1, 1981), popularly known as Coco Martin (), is a Filipino actor, director, producer, and screenwriter. Known for his performances in action and romantic drama, he is one of the most awarded Filipin ...

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 and television personality. Known for portraying Strong female character, strong female leads in Revenge tragedy, revenge dramas in film and television, she has been ...

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 "Joross" Gamboa (born November 28, 1984), is a Filipino actor, comedian 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, ''Joross Gamboa' ...

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

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

Carlo Aquino Carlo Jose Liwanag Aquino (born September 3, 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 perform ...

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 was running away with and not Ross' past self. *

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

as Young Gabriel *

Alexa Ilacad Alexandra Mamangun Ilacad (born February 26, 2000) is a Filipino actress, singer, host, dancer, vlogger and model who has appeared in several programs of ABS-CBN. In 2025, Ilacad became a host for '' Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edit ...

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 dir ...

as Maruja's mother

Episode 12: Romualdo

Dante Rivero Luisito Ramos Meyer Jr., known professionally as 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 pres ...

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 whil ...

as Gabriel *

Eddie Garcia Eduardo "Eddie" Verchez Garcia (; May 2, 1929 – June 21, 2019), colloquially known as Manoy, was a Filipino actor, television personality, and filmmaker. Widely regarded as the greatest Filipino actor of all time, Garcia appeared in nearly ...

as Rodrigo *

Luis Gonzales Luis Franco 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. He worked with various celebrities such as Lol ...

as Rosanno Gabriel *Nello Nayo as Don Igmindo *

Mary Walter Mary Walter (September 10, 1912 – February 25, 1993) was a Filipino 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, 1930 in Mandaue) is a Filipino 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 hea ...

as Petra *

Etang Discher Enriqueta "Etang" Discher Grau (November 24, 1906 – November 22, 1991) was a Filipino character film actress frequently cast in villainous roles. Her stern, gaunt Castilian face loomed in many post-war Filipino films, especially soap ope ...

Perla Bautista Perla Marcial Bautista (born February 18, 1940) is a Filipino actress. 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 Award for Best Supportin ...

*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 Angel 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 Juliu ...

*Angel Confiado 1978 Movie remake cast *

as Maruja Isabella Sevilla/Nina Concepcion *

Phillip Salvador Phillip Mikael "Ipe" Reyes Salvador (born Felipe Reyes Salvador; August 21, 1953) is a Filipino film and television actor. Acting career Salvador made his film debut in 1971 with ''Adios Mi Amor''. He toiled in minor roles in Philippine movies ...

as Marco Lorenzo/Rodrigo De Velasquez * Mario O' Hara as Freddie *

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 be ...

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 histor ...

as Joel *Manny Ojeda as Señor Juan Miguel *

as Señora Agida *

Ronnie Lazaro Ronnie Zabala Lazaro (born November 14, 1957) is a Filipino film and television actor, producer, casting director, and art director. He won the Gawad Urian for Best Actor for ''Yanggaw'' (English title: ''Affliction''; 2008). Biography He has ...

as Vergel *

Peque Gallaga Maurice Gallaga (August 25, 1943 – May 7, 2020), better known as Peque Gallaga, was a multi-awarded Filipino film-maker. His most significant achievement in film was , which he directed after winning a scriptwriting contest sponsored by the ...

1996 Movie remake cast *

as Maruja Isabel Sevilla/Nina Concepcion *

Rustom Padilla Binibini Gandanghari (formerly Rustom Padilla;
. Robinpadilla.net. Retrieved on August 17, 2012. ; 4 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 10th 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, producer, and director. Dubbed as the "''King of Philippine Teleseryes''", he has since established himself as one of the most omnipresent figures in Philippine television and ...

Jaclyn Jose Mary Jane Santa Ana Guck (October 21, 1963 – March 2, 2024 ), known professionally as Jaclyn Jose, was a Filipino actress. Known for her penetrating eyes and antagonistic roles in film and soap operas, she was a recipient of various accolades ...