# Marimar (2007 TV series)

Marimar is a Philippine television drama romance series broadcast by GMA Network. The series is based on a 1994 Mexican television series of the same title. Directed by Joyce E. Bernal and Mac Alejandre, it stars Marian Rivera in the title role and Dingdong Dantes. It premiered on August 13, 2007 on the network's Telebabad line up. The series concluded on March 14, 2008 with a total of 155 episodes.

## Cast and characters
### Lead cast

* Marian Rivera as Marimar Perez-Santibañez / Bella Aldama
* Dingdong Dantes as Sergio Santibañez

### Supporting cast

* Katrina Halili as Angelika Santibañez / Angelika Aldama
* Richard Gomez as Renato Santibañez
* Jestoni Alarcon as Gustavo Aldama
* Rita Avila as Lupita Aldama
* Boboy Garovillo as Padre Porres
* Leo Martinez as Pancho Perez
* Caridad Sanchez as Cruz Perez
* Bing Loyzaga as Esperanza Aldama
* Michael V. as Fulgoso's voice
* Nigel as Fulgoso
* Manilyn Reynes as Corazon
* Gabby Eigenmann as Nicandro Mejia
* Sheena Halili as Monica
* Bianca King as Natalia Montenegro
* Marky Lopez as Arturo
* Rufa Mae Quinto as Fifi's voice / a wedding guest
* Nadine Samonte as Innocencia Arcega
* Mike Tan as Choi
* Mel Kimura as Perfecta

### Recurring cast

* Arthur Solinap as Diego
* Marvin Agustin as Rodolfo San Jinez
* Francheska Salcedo as Cruzita Aldama–Santibañez
* Dino Guevarra as Antonio
* Carmina Villarroel as Rhia Concepcion
* Lani Mercado as Vanessa Mae Cruz
* Hayden Kho, Jr. as Hayden Miranda
* Paolo Paraiso as Carlitos Solis
* Shermaine Santiago as Brenda
* Victor Aliwalas as Adrian Alasco
* K Brosas as Rowena
* Pocholo Montes as Vitug
* Raquel Montessa as Leonor Arcega
* Joseph Ison as Rodrigo
* Mike Gayoso as Angelika's bodyguard

### Guest cast

* Ella Cruz as younger Marimar
* Nicole Dulalia as younger Angelika
* Jaime Fabregas as Augusto Aldama
* Pilar Pilapil as Dolores Aldama
* Cristine Reyes as Kim Chan
* Irma Adlawan as Selva
* Soliman Cruz as Berto
* Bruno Folster as Bruno
* Gwen Garci as Olga
* Ailyn Luna as Cecilla
* Jan Marini as a DSWD officer
* Kirby de Jesus as a mental hospital patient
* Joanne Quintas as Jemma
* Ronnie Lazaro as Jose
* Chelsea Salcedo as Cruzita
* Wilma V. Galvante as a wedding guest
* Lily Monteverde as a wedding guest
* Consoliza Laguardia as a wedding guest
* German Moreno as a wedding guest
* Douglas Quijano as a wedding guest
* Ricky Reyes as a wedding guest
* Marky Cielo as a wedding guest
* LJ Reyes as a wedding guest
* Arci Muñoz as a wedding guest
* Annette Gozon-Abrogar as a wedding guest
* Tim Yap as a wedding guest
* Regine Velasquez as a wedding singer
* Ogie Alcasid as a wedding singer

## Development

Marimar is a 1994 Mexican television series starring Thalía, broadcast by Televisa. It later aired in the Philippines on March 11, 1996 through Radio Philippines Network.

### Casting

The contract with Televisa for the rights stipulated that GMA Network should start the series in 2007. The lead role was originally offered to actress Angel Locsin, which the actress rejected. The network was prompted to host auditions for the lead role. On March 13, 2008, a video of the fifteen actresses – 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, who all auditioned for the role of Marimar was leaked on YouTube. The role eventually went to Marian Rivera.

## Production

Principal photography commenced in July 2007 in Zambales. Filming concluded in March 2008.

## Farewell special

A farewell special, "Marimar... Isang Pasasalamat" aired on March 9, 2008.

## Ratings

According to AGB Nielsen Philippines' Mega Manila household television ratings, the pilot episode of Marimar earned a 36.6% rating. The final episode scored a 52.6% rating which is the series' highest rating.

## Accolades

Accolades received by Marimar :
| Year | Awards | Category | Recipient | Result |
| 2008 | 2008 Box Office Entertainment Awards | Most Popular TV Program | Marimar | Won |
| 2008 | 2008 Box Office Entertainment Awards | Most Popular TV Director | Mac Alejandre, Joyce E. Bernal | Won |
| 2008 | 2008 Box Office Entertainment Awards | Most Promising Female Star | Marian Rivera | Won |
| 2008 | 2008 Box Office Entertainment Awards | Phenomenal TV Star | Marian Rivera | Won |
| 2008 | 1st Filipino-American Visionary Awards | Favorite Television Actor | Dingdong Dantes | Won |
| 2008 | 1st Filipino-American Visionary Awards | Favorite Television Actress | Marian Rivera | Won |
| 2008 | Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Philippines | Favorite TV Show | Marimar | Won |
| 2008 | 4th USTv Students' Choice Awards | Most Popular Drama/Miniseries | Marimar | Won |
| 2008 | 4th USTv Students' Choice Awards | Most Popular Actor in a Drama/Miniseries | Dingdong Dantes | Won |
| 2008 | 4th USTv Students' Choice Awards | Most Popular Actress in a Drama/Miniseries | Marian Rivera | Won |