OMG Nikki...OMG...
ppl dont know this but I grew up watching mexican soap operas w/ my mom LOL...and one of my all time fave actress was Thalia and I clearly remember watching the mexican version of MDLB hahahahahaha....omg...so funny...but I dont remember teh details..all I remember was the song credits hahaahah
Thalia's famous in the Philippines, she recorded a few filipino songs just for the Filipino fans... way back in early 90's. her dramas such as the Maria triology(Marimar, Maria La Del Barrio, Maria Mercedes) aired here in the philippines. the last dramas that was aired here was Rosalinda which was aired in 1998.
Thalia also had concert for 2 times here in the philippines.
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since remakes are kinda trend nowadays, Philippines did a couple of remakes by buying the copyright of the dramas from S. Korea, Mexico and other countries... also some filipino movies that were also get into remake.
Thalia's dramas that were remake here in the philippines, first aired in ABS-CBN channel 2's rival channel GMA channel 7.
GMA ch7: Marian Rivera as Marimar (aired 2007)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLhtOh9lVEU
GMA ch7: Carla Abellana as Rosalinda (aired 2009)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahmeBCaekxI
ABS-CBN ch2: Erich Gonzales as Maria La Del Barrio (currently airing)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rR5MbyUoygM
ABS-CBN ch2: Maria Mercedes (on the works)
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if i am not mistaken, GMA7 is more favored by with eurasian actors and actresses. while ABS-CBN has more set of actors and actresses in filipino looks. ABS-CBN ch2 is still undecided if who will be the n'ek for Maria Mercedes drama. the last survey, people's choice was either Angel Locsin or Andi Eigenmann.
in Maria La Del Barrio, Erich was the first choice eversince this drama was assigned to director Rory. she personally picked Erich for this drama.