Indio (TV series)
A 2013 Philippine epic fantasy series set in pre-colonial to Spanish colonial period.
Indio is a 2013 Philippine television drama epic fantasy series that aired on GMA Network. Directed by Dondon Santos, the show starred Bong Revilla in the lead role. It first aired on January 14, 2013, as part of the network's Telebabad lineup, and ended on May 31, 2013, after 97 episodes. The series is available for streaming on YouTube.
The series was developed in early 2012 by screenwriter Suzette Doctolero, known for epic series such as *Encantadia*, *Etheria: Ang Ikalimang Kaharian ng Encantadia*, and *Amaya*. Historians Dr. Vic Villan of the University of the Philippines Diliman and Dr. Rolando Borrinaga, along with GMA Entertainment TV creative heads Jake Tordesillas and Jun Lana, supervised the project. The idea for the series came to Doctolero while she was researching *Amaya*. She described the series as a blend of Philippine history and Filipino mythology, set during the pre-colonial to Spanish colonial period (1565–1663). Regarding the title "Indio"—a label imposed by the Spanish on natives—Doctolero said it was the first word that comes to mind when discussing Spanish colonization in the Philippines, reflecting every Filipino. She aimed to turn the label into something dignified and a source of pride. GMA Network assigned Dondon Santos to direct, marking his first project for the network. Historians Villan and Borrinaga were brought in to ensure historical accuracy.
Bong Revilla headed the cast as the titular character. GMA Network's vice president for Entertainment TV, Lilybeth G. Rasonable, stated that "Indio was really made for him." Revilla found his first television series "exciting but very challenging," describing it as "a movie but done for TV." He underwent rigorous acting training under director Laurice Guillen and had Phillip Salvador as his acting coach. He also read and researched Philippine history, noting that even though the show is fictional, its historical undertones required some accuracy. Actor Alden Richards played the teenage version of the title character, while Vincent Magbanua auditioned and was cast as the younger Malaya. In March 2012, actresses Jennylyn Mercado and Rhian Ramos were announced as two of Revilla's three love interests. In August 2012, Maxene Magalona joined the cast, taking a role previously offered to Sunshine Cruz. Sheena Halili was also chosen for a role. Rocco Nacino was originally cast as Tuhay bu
- field
- Television drama epic fantasy series
- nationality
- Philippines
- network
- GMA Network
- premiered
- January 14, 2013
- concluded
- May 31, 2013
- episodes
- 97
- director
- Dondon Santos
Lore & Background
The series was developed in early 2012 by screenwriter Suzette Doctolero, under the supervision of historians Dr. Vic Villan and Dr. Rolando Borrinaga, and GMA Entertainment TV creative heads Jake Tordesillas and Jun Lana. The idea was conceived during Doctolero's research on Amaya. The series combines Philippine history and Filipino mythology, set in a pre-colonial to Spanish colonial period (1565–1663). The title 'Indio' was a Spanish label for natives, which Doctolero aimed to turn into a source of pride. GMA Network assigned Dondon Santos to helm the series, his first project for the network.
Principal photography commenced in September 2012, with filming locations including Pagsanjan and Cavinti in Laguna, Intramuros Manila, and other sites. The production budget was 50 million Philippine pesos, making it one of the most expensive drama series in Philippine television. The series was slated for 98 episodes but concluded with 97. Von de Guzman created the underscore and opening credits theme, working with writer Vim Nadera on other themes.
Reader's Guide
Indio is significant as a major Philippine television production that blended historical and mythological elements, aiming to reclaim the term 'Indio' as a badge of pride. It featured a large cast led by Bong Revilla, who underwent rigorous acting training for his first television series. The series was noted for its high production budget, panoramic cinematography, and special effects. Historians were hired to ensure accuracy, and the show received positive critical response for its story, performances, and action stunts. Its ratings included a 29.3% pilot episode rating and a 26.6% finale rating according to AGB Nielsen Philippines. The series contributed to the epic fantasy genre on Philippine television and is remembered for its ambitious scope and cultural themes.
Did You Know?
- The series was developed by Suzette Doctolero, writer of Encantadia, Etheria, and Amaya.
- Bong Revilla underwent acting training under director Laurice Guillen and had Phillip Salvador as his acting coach.
- The production budget was 50 million Philippine pesos, one of the most expensive for a Philippine drama series.
- The series was shot primarily in Pagsanjan and Cavinti, Laguna, with a Spanish-era village built along the Pagsanjan River.
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