Gagambino
Philippine fantasy series based on Carlo J. Caparas' graphic novel.
Gagambino is a fantasy drama series that aired on Philippine television via GMA Network. It draws from a graphic novel of the same name created by Carlo J. Caparas. The show was directed by Topel Lee and Don Michael Perez, with Dennis Trillo playing the lead character. It first aired on October 20, 2008, as part of the network’s Telebabad programming block, and ran for 90 episodes until February 20, 2009.
The main cast features Dennis Trillo as Gambino "Bino" Bayani, with additional supporting and guest actors.
The network acquired the rights to Caparas’ graphic novel in February 2007, initially planning to cast Richard Gutierrez in the lead. However, the project was put on hold until 2008, when Gutierrez chose to work on another series, Codename: Asero. GMA Network decided to move forward and gave the role to Dennis Trillo, beating out another contender, JC de Vera. To prepare for the part, director Topel Lee required Trillo to train in wing chun, judo, and kendo.
Principal photography began in September 2008.
According to AGB Nielsen Philippines’ Mega Manila household ratings, the pilot episode achieved a 34.5% rating, while the finale scored 34.7%.
- Genre
- Drama fantasy
- Network
- GMA Network
- Premiere date
- October 20, 2008
- Finale date
- February 20, 2009
- Number of episodes
- 90
- Lead actor
- Dennis Trillo
- Directors
- Topel Lee and Don Michael Perez
Lore & Background
The series is based on Carlo J. Caparas' graphic novel of the same title. Directed by Topel Lee and Don Michael Perez, it stars Dennis Trillo as Gambino "Bino" Bayani. It premiered on October 20, 2008, on GMA Network's Telebabad line up and concluded on February 20, 2009, with a total of 90 episodes.
In February 2007, GMA Network bought the rights to the graphic novel, with actor Richard Gutierrez initially attached to star. The series was shelved until 2008, and Gutierrez opted to work on the television series Codename: Asero. GMA Network decided they could no longer delay the series and gave the lead role to Dennis Trillo, over casting contender JC de Vera. Director Topel Lee required Trillo to learn wing chun, judo and kendo in preparation for the role.
Principal photography commenced in September 2008. According to AGB Nielsen Philippines' Mega Manila household television ratings, the pilot episode earned a 34.5% rating, and the final episode scored a 34.7% rating.
Reader's Guide
Gagambino represents a notable entry in Philippine television fantasy, adapted from a popular graphic novel by Carlo J. Caparas. Its production history reflects the shifting casting decisions within GMA Network, with Richard Gutierrez initially attached before the role went to Dennis Trillo. The series required Trillo to undergo training in multiple martial arts disciplines, underscoring the physical demands of the lead role. The show's ratings, with a pilot episode scoring 34.5% and a finale at 34.7% in Mega Manila, indicate consistent viewership during its run. As a 90-episode series that aired on the Telebabad line up, it contributed to the network's primetime fantasy offerings in the late 2000s.
Did You Know?
- The series is based on Carlo J. Caparas' graphic novel of the same title.
- Dennis Trillo learned wing chun, judo, and kendo for the role.
- The pilot episode earned a 34.5% rating according to AGB Nielsen Philippines.
- Richard Gutierrez was originally attached to star but later worked on Codename: Asero.
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