This 2024, GMA Public Affairs takes viewers on a journey of mystery and revenge as it proudly presents the first salvo of GMA Afternoon Prime, Makiling, airing weekdays beginning January 8.

Headlined by Sultry Leading Lady Elle Villanueva and Sparkle Debonnaire Derrick Monasterio, Makiling tells the story of Amira, a provincial lass struggling to pay off her family’s debts by working in Manila where she will find herself the unfortunate target of a group of rich, powerful, and sadistic bullies. She endures unspeakable suffering and adversities, including a near-death experience, but returns completely transformed and hell-bent on claiming the justice and revenge she believes she rightfully deserves.

“I am grateful to GMA Network na binibigyan nila ako ng project at hindi lang siya basta-basta project, napakaganda ng istorya na ito. At lalong lalo na revenge drama siya. Nung marinig ko pa lang ang title na Makiling, very interesting na siya para sa akin. Gusto kong bigyan ng justice ang karakter ni Amira. Challenging siya for me,” says Elle who was recently part of the live-action television adaptation of “Voltes V: Legacy.”

Makiling is Elle and Derrick’s reunion project after their first team-up in Return to Paradise. In Makiling, Derrick portrays Amira’s childhood sweetheart and boyfriend Alex, a loving habal-habal driver who will vehemently protect the love of his life.

Says Derrick of Alex, “It’s very different from my previous character. Mas iba na ang atake since mas nag-mature na ako. Mas iba na ang tingin ko sa mundo kaya mas mabibigyan ng depth ‘yung karakter ko as Alex who is a protector na [may] maraming layers [sa pagkatao].”

Makiling also brings together a powerhouse cast that features this generation’s promising actors: Thea Tolentino, who plays Amira’s older sibling Rose; Kristoffer Martin, Myrtle Sarrosa, Royce Cabrera, Teejay Marquez, and Claire Castro, who make up Amira’s tormentors, collectively known as the “Crazy 5.”

Some of the country’s most-sought after character actors in both TV and film complete the Makiling cast: Mon Confiado, Bernadette Allyson-Estrada, Richard Quan, Cris Villanueva, Lui Manansala, Andrea Del Rosario, and Ms. Lotlot de Leon.

Amira (Elle) comes from a family of herbal healers who live at the foot of Mt. Makiling. Desperate to help in their finances, Amira decides to work in a school in Manila. Here she is terrorized by a group of infamous school bullies called the ‘Crazy 5’ led by the Terra siblings, Seb (Kristoffer) and Portia (Myrtle), scions of a giant pharmaceutical company. Amira’s life is transformed when she and Alex (Derrick) discover in the forests of Makiling a mysterious flower with powerful healing properties — the Mutya. Amira wants to develop the Mutya and formulate free medicine for all, but the Terras and their friends become Amira’s sworn enemies when they set out to steal the Mutya in order to make a fortune.

Makiling is produced by the award-winning team of GMA Public Affairs, which brought to life the hit TV series Lolong, The Write One, and Owe My Love.

This revenge drama is from the original concept of Aeious Asin and the late Reign Loleng. Written by Carlos Palanca Memorial Awardee Clar Estuar-Navarro, the series is directed by Conrado Peru.

Also part of the creative team are Aya Anunciacion, RM Diamzon, Anthony Rodulfo, and Tin Gara.

Beginning January 8, join Amira in her journey of resurgence and retribution in Makiling, weekdays, 4 pm after Stolen Life on GMA Afternoon Prime. Global Pinoys can catch it via GMA Pinoy TV.