MariMar (Philippine TV series)

infobox television
bgcolor=#c00
fgcolor=#fff
show_name = MariMar


caption =
format = Drama, Romance
picture_format = NTSC (480i) SDTV
runtime = 30-45 minutes
creator = Inés Rodena
Televisa
developer = Dode Cruz
director = Joyce E. Bernal
Mac Alejandre
executive_producer = Wilma Galvante
starring = Marian Rivera
Dingdong Dantes
theme_music_composer = Tata Betita
opentheme = MariMar (in Tagalog) sung by Regine Velasquez
endtheme = Mahal Kita, sung by Maricris Garcia
country = flag|Philippines
flag|Mexico
location = flagicon|Philippines Metro Manila
flagicon|Philippines Zambales
language = Filipino, Tagalog, English, Spanish
network = GMA Network
picture_format = 480i SDTV
first_aired = August 13, 2007
last_aired = March 14, 2008
num_episodes = 155 + 4 specials
preceded_by = Lupin
followed_by = Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita
related = Marimar
website = http://www.igma.tv/marimar
imdb_id = 1050289

"MariMar" [ [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1050289/ "MariMar" - Title based on IMDB] ] was a Philippine drama previously being broadcast in GMA Network, starring Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera in her first lead role as the protagonist Marimar. [ [http://www.gmanews.tv/story/47466/Marian-Rivera-to-star-in-Marimar Marian Rivera to star in Marimar] ]

Though a remake-adaptation of a Mexican telenovela the setting and some of the storylines were altered to avoid the series being too predictable. [ [http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb0507/showbiz_al.htm GMA 7, siksik sa mga pasabog] ] Directed by award-winning directors Joyce E. Bernal and Mac Alejandre, the series premiered on August 13, 2007. The series ended on March 14, 2008.

Overview

1994 TV series

"Marimar" was a Mexican TV telenovela that was first aired in 1994 on Televisa with singer-actress Thalía in the title role.

The series had 75 forty-five minute episodes, and is the second part of a "Thalía" trilogy. The first was "Maria Mercedes", and the final was "Maria la del Barrio".

Popularity in the Philippines

The original Mexican telenovela was massive a hit in the Philippines with ratings over 50%, the only hit program on Radio Philippines Network (RPN) in 1996. The series' success paved way to another Thalía telenovela, "Rosalinda".

2007 TV series

Casting Marimar

The contract with Televisa for the rights stipulates that GMA Network should start the series in 2007. With Angel Locsin's rejection of the offer, the network was prompted to give auditions to their roster of young actresses for the highly profiled role. On March 13, 2008, a video of the fifteen actresses who auditioned for the role of MariMar leaked on YouTube. These actresses are Bianca King, Nadine Samonte, Jennylyn Mercado, Ryza Cenon, Jewel Mische, LJ Reyes, Rhian Ramos, Camille Prats, Pauleen Luna, Katrina Halili, Valerie Concepcion, Nancy Castiglione, Cheska Garcia, and Karylle. [ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLJGqJhIjVs "Marimar" audition video] ]

The role eventually went to Marian Rivera, who beat her closest rival for the role, Jennylyn Mercado. Some actresses who took part in the audition also landed major and supporting roles in the series. The anatagonist role of Angelika Santibanez went first to Bing Loyzaga but replaced by Katrina Halili after her character Ashley killed off from "Lupin" which would replace it, so the role of Esperanza went to Bing Loyzaga instead. The role of Natalia and Inocencia went to Bianca King and Nadine Samonte respectively. [ [http://pep.ph/news/13652/Marian-Rivera-has-80-percent-chance-of-playing-Marimar Marian Rivera has "80 percent" chance of playing Marimar] ]

Production crew

This series is a comeback project for Joyce E. Bernal in TV and for GMA Network. [ [http://www.pep.ph/news/13650/Direk-Joyce-Bernal-jumps-back-to-Kapuso-Network Direk Joyce Bernal jumps back to Kapuso Network] ]

*Writers: Benedict Migue, Denoy Punio and Kit Villanueva-Langit
*Head Writer: Dode Cruz
*Creative Consultant: Anette Gozon-Abrogar and Don Michael Perez
*Executive Producer: Wilma Galvante
*Production Manager: Redgynn S. Alba
*Executive-in-charge of Production: Wilma Galvante
*Directed by: Joyce E. Bernal and Mac Alejandre

Plot synopsis

Gustavo Aldama, a rich businessman, married a woman named Lupita despite his mother's disapproval of their relationship. Things became more complicated when Lupita gave birth to Gustavo's daughter - MariMar. Dolores, Gustavo's mother, believing Lupita had married her son only for their wealth, did everything to separate the two of them.

Dolores had drugged Lupita and hired a man, setting them up to make it look like Lupita was having an affair. Gustavo was devastated to find Lupita sleeping with another man, unknown to him that it was a plot by his own mother. Dolores then demanded Lupita to leave their property and never to come back.

It was too late, however, when Gustavo found out his mother's treachery. He could no longer find Lupita or his daughter, who had gone into hiding. Lupita promised her daughter that one day, Marimar will claim what is rightfully hers. Meanwhile, Gustavo had left his parents and decided to live alone in Manila, not losing hope that one day, he would find his wife and daughter.

Seven years passed, but Gustavo's efforts to locate the whereabouts of Lupita and Marimar remained fruitless. One day, his cousin Tiya Esperanza visited him, carrying with her the news of his parents' fatal accident. Despite his ill feelings towards his mother, Gustavo went home to finally put closure on his past.

While visiting the grave of his parents, Silva, a friend of Lupita, came by to inform Gustavo the whereabouts of Lupita and Marimar. Gustavo didn't waste any time and went to reunite with his family. Lupita managed to forgive Gustavo, to the delight of Marimar who was overjoyed to finally meet her father.

On their way back to Manila, the passenger plane on which the family was riding crashed into the sea which separated Marimar from her parents. Gustavo once again lost the family he had tried hard to rebuild. Lupita was later found, dead, but Marimar was nowhere to be seen.

Marimar is washed ashore on a nearby island. She was found by a childless couple, Cruz and Pancho, and upon discovering that Marimar suffered from amnesia, decide to raise Marimar as their own granddaughter. Lola Cruz named her Marimar after seeing the name on Marimar's necklace.

Marimar then grew into an innocent and naive young woman, whose complicated and tormented life began when she met and agreed to marry Sergio Santibañez for the latter's reason to have revenge against his father Renato and Sergio's ex-girlfriend, Angelika, who became his new stepmother. Marimar was then subjected to the cruelty of Angelika in the Santibañez mansion. Here starts Marimar's awakening to the harsh reality of what her love for Sergio had done to her.

Fate began to favor the once oppressed Marimar when she decided to leave San Martin de la Costa after suffering much from the Santibañez household and the death of her adopted grandparents from a fire under Angelika's order. Marimar changed her name to Bella. In the city, she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl whom she named Cruzita after the name of her Lola Cruz. Marimar did not allow the child's father, Sergio, to see her, believing that Sergio had left her for good.

After many years of searching, Gustavo finally met his daughter, Marimar, but since the latter had changed her name to Bella, Gustavo did not recognize her. Natalia, an insane and ambitious provincial lass from San Martin dela Costa who also hated Marimar when she still lived in Villa Santibanez, had snatched up Marimar's pendant, which would prove the identity of Gustavo's missing daughter and heiress. Natalia began pretending to be Gustavo's missing daughter, yet her deception did not last long as Marimar's lost memory came back and she was later on proved to be an imposter. Soon after Gustavo finally acknowledged Marimar as his daughter, he died from a heart attack, leaving the countless wealth of the Aldamas to her. With the help of her Tia Esperanza and friend Innocencia, Marimar left for the United States and completely transformed herself from a poor and naive lass into the rich and sophisticated Bella Aldama.

When she returned to the Philippines, she met Rodolfo San Jinez, a businessman who plannned to marry Bella because his family's company was losing money. Rodolfo invited Bella to his masquerade party as his guest of honor. Unknown to MariMar, now known as Bella, Sergio was also going to the party. Sergio unexpectedly saw Bella and recognized her as Marimar. Sergio told Rodolfo that Bella was his wife, but Rodolfo thought it was impossible. Marimar then rejected San Jinez at their wedding and proved to herself that she really loved Sergio. Meanwhile, as the Villa Santibañez began to fall, Angelika returned from abroad and brought a mentally-weakened Renato to their house and she "took care" of him. Unknown to Renato, Angelika put some "medicine", which is to weaken his memory. Renato realized that Angelika was responsible for the loss of his money and his company. Angelika went to Manila for an auction but Marimar, as Bella Aldama, showed up and they confronted themselves. Angelika thought that Bella Aldama is Marimar. Because of Bella's vengeful tactics, Angelika lost everything to Bella. Angelika went back to Villa Santibañez and sent her husband to a mental hospital. However, Renato had escaped from the hospital before Angelika and her men showed up. Nicandro shot him as Angelika's order. However, he was brought by Dra. Rhia to cure him. Renato finally reunited with Sergio and took revenge on Angelika. Bella finally bought the title of Villa Santibañez and she humiliated Angelika as she damaged her right eye. Many run-ins between Sergio, Bella, and Rodolfo occurred. Finally, Bella once again decided to leave the country to put her life in order. However, Rodolfo kidnapped her before she left for abroad. Sergio then saved her from her captors but Rodolfo accidentally shot her when he aimed at Sergio. All three inadvertedly end up getting shot but not fatally. Rodolfo was brought to the hospital to later face trial and jail time.

After much heart searching, MariMar decided that she still loved Sergio and the family is reunited. Later on, Marimar met Vanessa May, who was Gustavo's girlfriend while he was separated from Lupita, who told her that she wanted to find her missing daughter who turned out to be Angelika - Marimar's rival. Unknown to Marimar, Angelika planned the downfall of the heir of Aldamas to get Sergio. Angelika was responsible for murders of her mother, Vanessa May, and Esperanza. She accused Marimar of the murder of Esperanza so that she could take Marimar out. Sergio and the others knew that Angelika was the one responsible for the murders but could not find incriminating evidence against her while Angelika had a knife with MariMar's fingerprints and blouse with Esperanza's blood. Angelika kidnapped MariMar so she could kill her and told MariMar that she was really the one who murdered Esperanza to keep her silent. Angelika's henchmen Nicandro and Diego saved Marimar from Angelika's plan to kill her and they told Angelika a lie about Marimar's death. Angelika's plan failed but she set another trap for Marimar. She dogged Marimar until they had a face off to finish everything. Angelika shot Marimar repeatedly, but she survived because of her flak vest. Marimar realizes that Angelika will stop at nothing to destroy her and her family so she decided to finally fight back Angelika. After a series of attempted police interventions, Angelika was finally involved in a shoot out and subsequently arrested. In the incident, MariMar was run over by Angelika and left badly wounded and was hospitalized. After a harrowing near death experience, Marimar survived by a miracle. Meanwhile, Renato betrayed Nicandro to the police and a group of police officers shot Nicandro dead before he attempted to escape from them.

One month later, after Marimar's recovery, she, along with Sergio and her company, go to the court hearing where Angelika is in custody. The jury found Angelika guilty for the murders and killings and Marimar won the trial. Sergio and Marimar held a thanksgiving dinner with their family and close friends after the trial. Sergio and Marimar announced that they would finally get married and Marimar gave back to Renato a title of Villa Santibanez. Meanwhile, Angelika's foster father visited her in prison and he gave her a plan to make her escape from prison and she could work with him to ruin the wedding of Sergio and Marimar. She escaped from prison along with other inmates after a bomb exploded opening up the wall. Unaware that Angelika had escaped from prison, Marimar and Sergio prepared for their wedding.

On the day of the wedding, Angelika took Arturo out, and put him inside the car trunk, and disguised herself as the driver, replacing Arturo. Sergio, along with Cruzita, rode in the car to go to the church. Angelika kidnapped both father and daughter then gave Marimar the choice of two "special presents". She had Marimar go to a beach where she called Marimar up on her cellphone. She told Marimar to choose her present: Sergio's or Cruzita's life. Angelika had put Sergio and Cruzita in two different boats with bombs set to go off at the same time strapped to their chests. Marimar headed off to sea in a third boat provided by Angelika and ultimately decided to save Cruzita. Once she got her daughter, Marimar shot down Angelika's henchman. As she hugged Cruzita, the boat with Sergio in it exploded. Marimar then grabbed Cruzita and jumps into the water just as the bomb that was strapped to Cruzita exploded. They made it to the shore undetected by Angelika. Marimar and Cruzita were shocked by what had just happened to Sergio. Marimar told Cruzita that she should be brave and strong even without Sergio, then she hid Cruzita saying that she would come back for her but she had to look for Angelika first. Meanwhile, Sergio didn't die in the explosion after all. Just before the time set on the bomb ran out he was able to knock down Angelika's henchmen, remove the bomb and escape from the boat. Marimar went off to face Angelika. She escaped detection by Angelika's henchmen and finally found and fought Angelika. Unknown to her, Sergio was also in the area and fighting the remaining henchmen. When Angelika's foster father had Sergio at gunpoint, Renato saved his son by shooting Angelika's adoptive father. Sergio learned from Renato that Marimar was in the area and he went off to find her. Meanwhile, Marimar and Angelika were fighting in Angelika's helicopter off the ground. Sergio was able to catch hold of the chopper before it completely lifted off. Marimar finally pushed Angelika out of the chopper where she fell to the ground beside a river where there were crocodiles. A bleeding Angelika was last shown being dragged - apparently devoured by the group of crocodiles. Sergio climbed into the helicopter and he and Marimar were reunited.

The episode picks up on the wedding day itself. After much heartbreak and sorrow, tears and hardships and the death of Angelika, the two lovers were finally married amidst their close friends and loved ones.

Finale Episode (The Wedding)

The finale episode of MariMar, "Sergio and MariMar, the Wedding", was aired live on March 14, 2008. The venue was at San Agustin Church, Manila. [ [http://www.pep.ph/news/16681/Dingdong-Dantes-like-a-nervous-groom-during-wedding-scene-with-Marian-Rivera Dingdong Dantes like a nervous groom during Wedding Scene with Marian Rivera] ] The reception was at Studio 3 of GMA Network Center and aired live. It replaced two Koreanovelas, "Coffee Prince" and "The Legend" to make it 2-hour special before Bubble Gang. This event includes not only the whole cast and staff of MariMar but also celebrities, fans and GMA staff. This is the third time that a Philippine finale episode event takes place live, the first one was ABS-CBN's "Basta't Kasama Kita" in 2004 and the second was "Bakekang"'s finale episode. This event was tagged "The Wedding of the Year". The special guests in the final episode before the live event includes Rufa Mae Quinto, who is the voice cast of a dog Fifi, German Moreno, Tim Yap, Sandy Talag, Ricky Reyes, LJ Reyes, Arci Munoz, Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid as wedding singers, Regal Films producer Mother Lily Monteverde, executive producer Wilma Galvante, GMA Films president Annette Gozon-Abrogar, MTRCB chairwoman Consoliza Laguardia, and talent manager Douglas Quijano.

eries ratings

The pilot episode of the Marimar remake on August 13 rated highly with more than 36.6% in Mega Manila which GMA Network wants to sustain until the series ends March 14, 2008. On September 13, 2007, Marimar registered a 39.3% rating overcoming the pilot rating (after it equaled its inaugural rating of 38.3%). [ [http://www.gmanews.tv/story/60618/TV-Ratings-Marimar-hits-393-surpasses-pilot-rating GMA NEWS.TV, TV Ratings: "Marimar" hits 39.3%; surpasses pilot rating] ] and on October 5, it gained a 40% [ [http://www.pep.ph/news/15056/TV-Ratings-(Oct.-5-7):-Pacquiao-Barrera-fight-packs-em-in Marimar gained a staggering 40%] ] - overcoming its September 13 episode's rating 39.3%.And once again, last October 16, 2007, it registered 44.6% of overall Mega Manila Viewership Rating, beating its previous record (40%) last October 5 by 4.6%. [ [http://www.pep.ph/news/15178/TV-Ratings-(Oct.-16-18):-%22Marimar%22-and-%22Kung-Mahawi-Man-ang-Ulap%22-continue-to-soar "Marimar" and "Kung Mahawi Man Ang Ulap" continue to soar] ] .Last October 23, 2007, it once again made history by registering 47.9% of overall Mega Manila Viewership Rating, even surpassing 46.5%, the highest rating registered in the Philippines by the first Marimar of Thalia about eleven years ago. [ [http://www.pep.ph/news/15278/TV-Ratings-(Oct.-23-25):-%22Marimar%22-and-Zaido%22-reach-new-heights "Marimar" and "Zaido" reach new heights] ] Last November 13, 2007, it beat its own record registering up to 48.5% [ [http://www.pep.ph/news/15489/TV-Ratings-(Nov.-13%E2%80%9315):-Daisy-Siete-tops-daytime-race-for-three-days-while-Marimar-closes-in-on-50-percent-mark "Daisy Siete" tops daytime race for three days while "Marimar" closes in on 50% mark] ] . Last November 16, 2007, "Marimar" almost got the elusive 50% with a 49.5% [ [http://www.pep.ph/news/15514/TV-Ratings-(Nov.-16%E2%80%9318):-Marimar-achieves-new-milestone-while-Kamandag-primer-spews-venom "Marimar" achieves new milestone while Kamandag primer spews venom] ] .

"MariMar" has topped urban Philippines ratings for Primetime Weekday Programs for February 2008 with 36.9%. [ [http://www.pep.ph/news/16683/TV-Ratings:-Wowowee-and-Marimar-led-NUTAM-ratings-last-February TV Ratings: Wowowee and Marimar led NUTAM ratings last February] ]

The two-hour finale of "MariMar" on March 14, 2008 generated a whooping 52.6% rating to break its own record of 49.5% last November 16, 2007. More importantly, "MariMar"'s 52.6% beat the 52.1% rating posted by "Darna" on April 14, 2005 [ [http://www.pep.ph/news/16764/TV-Ratings-(March-14-16):-Marimar-finale-breaks-records;-Pacquiao-Marquez-match-a-knockout TV Ratings (March 14-16): "MariMar" finale breaks records; Pacquiao-Marquez match a knockout.] ]

The show also topped the Nationwide Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM) of AGB-Nielsen for March 2008 with a 38.1% rating.

In non-cable households, "Marimar"'s final episode posted an even higher rating of 57.5 percent.

eries' milestones

*It generated a 52.6% rating on its finale episode. It was able to break it's own record of 49.5% rating last November 16, 2007. More importantly, "MariMar"'s 52.6% beat the 52.1% rating posted by "Darna" on April 14, 2005 making it the highest rating achieved by a show on GMA-7.

*Its highest rating was 52.6% while the lowest was 30.3%. The overall ratings was 44.3%.

Awards

*1st Filipino-American Visionary Awards (2008)
**2007 Favorite Television Actor - Dingdong Dantes
**2007 Favorite Television Actress - Marian Rivera
*4th USTv Students' Choice Awards (2008)
**Most Popular Drama/Miniseries
**Most Popular Actor in a Drama/Miniseries - Dingdong Dantes
**Most Popular Actress in a Drama/Miniseries - Marian Rivera
*38th Box-Office Entertainment Awards (2008)
**Most Popular TV Program
**Most Popular TV Directors - Mac Alejandre & Joyce Bernal
**Most Promising Female Star -Marian Rivera [ [http://www.pep.ph/news/16707/FIRST-READ-ON-PEP:-John-Lloyd-Cruz-and-Bea-Alonzo-named-Box-Office-King-&-Queen-for-2007 FIRST READ ON PEP: John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo named Box-Office King & Queen for 2007] ]
**Phenomenal TV Star - Marian Rivera

Cast and characters

Main cast

upporting cast

* Marvin Agustin as Rodolfo San Jinez
* Jestoni Alarcon as Don Gustavo Aldama
* Victor Aliwalas as Atty. Adrian Rosales
* Gabby Eigenman as Nicandro
* Buboy Garrovillo as Padre Porres
* Dino Guevarra as Antonio
* Sheena Halili as Monica
* Joseph Izon as Rodrigo
* Mel Kimura as Perfecta
* Bianca King as Natalia Montenegro
* Marky Lopez as Arturo
* Bing Loyzaga as Tiya Esperanza Aldama
* Leo Martinez as Lolo Pancho Perez
* Lani Mercado as Vanessa May Aldama
* Pocholo Montes as Inspector Vitug
* Raquel Montessa as Leonor
* Paolo Paraiso as Carlitos
* Rufa Mae Quinto as Fifi's voice
* Cristine Reyes as Kim Chan
* Manilyn Reynes as Corazon
* Francheska Salcedo as Cruzita Aldama - Santibañez
* Nadine Samonte as Innocencia Del Castillo
* Caridad Sanchez as Lola Cruz Perez
* Arthur Solinap as Diego
* Mike Tan as Choi
* Carmina Villaroel as Dra. Rhia Concepcion
* Michael V. as Pulgoso's voice

Extended cast

* Irma Adlawan as Silva
* Rita Avila as Lupita Aldama
* Solidad Cruz as Berto
* Jaime Fabregas as Don Augusto Aldama
* Bruno Folster as Bruno
* Gwen Garci as Olga
* Hayden Kho as Dr. Hayden Miranda
* John Lapus as Rafa Laurente
* Ailyn Luna as Cecilla
* Jan Marini as DSWD Officer
* Pilar Pilapil as Doña Dolores Aldama
* Joanne Quintas as Carlitos' Wife
* Sharmaine Santiago as Brenda

Changes from the original

*MariMar's grandparents are now adoptive, instead of being her mother's parents as in the original.
*Esperanza is now the cousin of Gustavo Aldama and aunt of Marimar, where as in the original, she is the aunt of Gustavo and grandaunt of Marimar.
*The theme song is changed yet keeps certain elements from the original.
*MariMar's dance will be incorporated into the show as a nod to the opening sequences of the original. In the original she dances in the opening credits but is not in essence a 'dancer' in the show itself.
*Sergio is a professional NASCAR driver, whereas in the original he was a professional soccer player.
*The Santibañez patriarch is a resort tycoon, whereas in the original series, they own a hacienda.
*Lupita Aldama's backstory as MariMar's mother is fleshed out, originally only seen in pictures. This is part of the flashback sequences that introduce MariMar's childhood, loss of her parents and arrival at the Perez's care.
*Angelika has no son with Don Renato (Sergio's father), In the original series, Angelica & Don Renato have a son named Rafaelito (Sergio's half-baby brother).
*Angelica name is respelled to Angelika and is now MariMar's childhood friend, whereas in the original she is a couple of years older. A new subplot is included wherein Sergio, who was her lover, refused to marry her and she then marries his father. Sergio uses MariMar to embarrass the family in revenge.
*It also appears that Natalia Montenegro (governor's daughter) won't be MariMar's future rival to Sergio's heart in the big city but instead be a new character, from rich girl to provincial lass. She will also become Marimar's rival to Gustavo Aldama as his long lost daughter and schemes to do everything to ruin Bella's image in the eyes of Gustavo. It was mentioned too that she will harbor feelings for Choi, a trait originally displayed by Angelika's sister, Antonietta.
*Arturo (formerly Sergio's teammate in the soccer team) was rewritten to be his driver. Originally a playboy, he is now 'in the closet' harboring feelings for Sergio.
*In the original series, when Marimar became wealthy, she trained under Gustavo Aldama's supervision and eventually changed her name to Bella Aldama. In this series, she first changed her name to Bella Cruz upon arrival in the City. After four years of education in the United States, she changed her name to Bella Aldama.
*It is also noticeable that in the original, Gustavo Aldama died when Marimar is already Bella Aldama. Whereas in the remake, Gustavo died after his brief reunion with his long lost daughter (MariMar). Marimar then went to the United States in order to prepare for her responsibilities as the rightful heiress of Gustavo.
*Pulgoso the dog's love interest is now Fifi. In the original Mexican version, Fifi is the villainous dog of Esperanza and Pulgoso's love interest is Mimi. But now Mimi is not in the story and Fifi is now Angelika's dog.
*Innocencia the nerdy girl who would be Marimar's rival to Sergio in the end was turned into her ally. From a rich girl she was turned into his secretary.
*Antonnieta was replaced by a male character named Antonio, and Angelika has no sister, instead, Innocencia became her dorky cousin, whom she used to attract Sergio to make Marimar jealous.
*Innocencia del Castillo became Marimar's friend, and an ally to seek revenge on Sergio and Angelika.
*Angelika was responsible for murders of her mother, Vanessa May, and Esperanza (Marimar's aunt). She accused Marimar for the murder of Esperanza so that she could take Marimar out. Sergio and the others knew that Angelika was the one responsible for the murders but could not find incriminating evidence against her while Angelika had a knife with MariMar's fingerprints and blouse with Esperanza's blood. Angelika kidnapped MariMar so she could kill her and told MariMar that she was really the one who murdered Esperanza to keep her silent. In the original, Esperanza (Marimar's aunt) is still alive and she joins the wedding scene of Marimar & Sergio (in finale).
*Angelika Santibanez revealed to be MariMar's lost half sister due to her mother, Vanessa May who was Gustavo's first wife before Lupita, MariMar's mother. In the original, Angelica has no relations with the Aldamas.
*Adrian Rosales is now Bella Aldama's attorney, who in the original Mexican telenovela was an engineer, whom Bella/Marimar met towards the end of the series when she got hold of Hacienda Santibanez (now Hacienda Los Abuenos).
*Inocencia died because she was shot when she was going to tell Marimar the truth about Angelika. In the original after Innocencia's surgery she sets Sergio free to be with Marimar and she joins the wedding in finale.
*Esmeralda appears in the original story in the beginning as a seer and a bar owner by the sea, she foretold and gave Marimar the address of her long-lost father (at that time she didn't know). Now, she is Corazon's friend, but still a seer, who can hear Pulgoso's thoughts.
*Marimar and Sergio drop Angelika off from the helicopter and dies when a group of crocodiles devour her. In the original, Angelica dies in a car accident as her last wish is for Marimar to be burned in her house alive.
*All the Santibañez members have made their life miserable by MariMar/Bella Aldama in the original. In this series, Bella Aldama (known to them as MariMar) made revenge to both Angelika and Sergio except for Renato who became mentally ill in which Angelika gave him a "medicine" to overdose him more.
*Angelica has a baby with Nicandro who impreganted her and she made her husband Renato as the baby's "father" in the original. In this series, Angelika has no child but instead she uses Cruzita as her niece.
*In the original, Nicandro was killed by Angelica after he raped her. In this series, Nicandro was brutally shot by a group of policemen as a part of Renato's plot.

Farewell TV Special

A farewell special entitled "MariMar: Isang Pasasalamat" was aired on March 9, 2008 prior to the finale week of the show. This is the second time that GMA Network made a farewell special, the first was for "Encantadia". It got a 19.9% rating in Mega Manila which is the second highest for that date according to AGB-Nielsen. It rated a higher 16.1% in the March 2008 ranking of AGB Nielsen's Nationwide Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM).

Due to insistent public demand, the special, retitled "MariMar Memories" was re-aired on March 16, 2008 and it got an impressive 28.4% rating in Mega Manila and 25.9% in AGB Nielsen's Nationwide Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM).

oundtrack

*The theme song of MariMar (in Tagalog) is sung by Regine Velasquez and it is a homage to Thalia's original song.
*The love song of Sergio and Marimar, "Mahal Kita", is sung by Maricris Garcia, the original version being sung by Gerald Santos.

ee also

*List of programs previously aired by GMA Network
*Marimar - the original telenovela

References

External links