Prima Donnas (transl. first Donnas) is a Philippine television drama series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Gina Alajar, it stars Jillian Ward, Althea Ablan and Sofia Pablo all in the title roles. It premiered on August 19, 2019, on the network's Afternoon Prime line up replacing Bihag. The series concluded on April 30, 2022, with a total of 2 seasons and 311 episodes. It was replaced by Apoy sa Langit in its timeslot.

Prima Donnas
An image of Althea Ablan, Jillian Ward and Sofia Pablo, together side by side over a light gold background. The series title is displayed on the lower side of the image. The logo of GMA Network is displayed on the upper right side of the image.
Season 2 title card
GenreDrama
Created byMaria Zita S. Garganera
Written by
  • Luningning Interino-Ribay
  • Wiro Michael Ladera
  • John Borgy Danao
  • Maria Zita S. Garganera
  • Kuts Enriquez
Directed byGina Alajar
Creative directorAloy Adlawan
Starring
Theme music composerAnn Margaret R. Figueroa
Opening theme
Country of originPhilippines
Original languageTagalog
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes311 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producerMarissa Jesuitas-Hilario
Camera setupMultiple-camera setup
Running time22–35 minutes
Production companyGMA Entertainment Group
Original release
NetworkGMA Network
ReleaseAugust 19, 2019 (2019-08-19) –
April 30, 2022 (2022-04-30)

The series is streaming online on YouTube.[2][3]

Cast and characters

edit
Cast
Katrina Halili
Wendell Ramos
Benjie Paras
Lead cast
Supporting cast
Guest cast
  • Glaiza de Castro as Maita Salazar-Claveria[4]
  • Irene Celebre as Irma Mendoza
  • Mel Kimura as Carmencita "Mameng" Dela Cruz
  • Eunice Lagusad as Judelita "Juday" Valdez
  • Marcus Madrigal as Henry Dimaculangan
  • Tina Paner as Aura
  • Che Ramos as Darcy
  • Diva Montelaba as Carla
  • Renerich Ocon as Coring
  • Geraldine Villamil as Anita
  • Rob Sy as Edison
  • Meng Canlas as Conching
  • Maritess Samson as Sylvia
  • Yuseff Estevez as Victor
  • Angelica Ulip as younger Mayi
  • Caprice Mendez as younger Ella
  • Rein Adriano as younger Lenlen
  • Jude De Jesus as younger Nolan
  • Chrome Prince Cosio as Big Bogs
  • Jemwell Ventinilla as Ziggy
  • Julius Miguel as Uno
  • Miggs Cuaderno as Coco
  • Angelika Santiago as Jewel
  • Dayara Shane as Erica
  • Shanicka Arganda as Andi
  • Judie Dela Cruz as Zita
  • Anthony Falcon as Samuel
  • Rob Sy as Edison
  • Chanel Latorre as Dindi[9]
  • Sarah Carlos as Lorna[10]/ Emerald
  • Gilleth Sandico as Gwyneth[11]

Casting

edit

On September 25, 2020, Sofia Pablo left the series due to community quarantine guidelines.[12] She returned for the second season.[13] Aiko Melendez left the series in October 2021, to pursue her political career in Quezon City.[14]

Production

edit

Principal photography was halted on March 17, 2020, due to the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.[15] Filming was continued on September 28, 2020.[16] The series resumed its programming on November 9, 2020.[17]

Principal photography for the second season commenced on September 27, 2021.[18]

Ratings

edit

According to AGB Nielsen Philippines' Nationwide Urban Television Audience Measurement People in television homes, the pilot episode of Prima Donnas earned a 4.9% rating.[19] While the first season's finale scored a 14.2% rating.[20]

Accolades

edit
Accolades received by Prima Donnas
Year Awards Category Recipient Result Ref.
2020 RAWR Awards Favorite Kontrabida Aiko Melendez Won [21]
2021 34th PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Daytime Drama Series Prima Donnas Nominated [22]
Best Drama Supporting Actress Aiko Melendez Won
2023 35th PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Daytime Drama Series Prima Donnas Won [23]

References

edit
  1. ^ Eusebio, Aaron Brennt. "Prima Donnas official soundtrack "Huwag Kang Susuko" makes it to Spotify's Fresh Finds Philippines playlist". GMA Network. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  2. ^ "Prima Donnas (Full Episodes) | Stream Together - YouTube". YouTube. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  3. ^ "Prima Donnas 2 (Stream Together)". YouTube. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Prima Donnas". GMA Network. Retrieved August 14, 2019.
  5. ^ "Prima Donnas: Ang tunay na ama ni Donna Marie". YouTube. January 6, 2021.
  6. ^ Anarcon, James Patrick Anarcon (February 4, 2020). "James Blanco returns to GMA-7 after doing The Killer Bride on ABS-CBN". PEP. Retrieved August 26, 2021.
  7. ^ a b c Calderon, Nora (July 29, 2021). "Prima Donnas book 2, kasado na!". The Philippine Star. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
  8. ^ a b Eusebio, Aaron Brennt. "Watch: Prima Donnas stars Will Ashley, Vince Crisostomo heat up TikTok with 'Pajama Party' dance challenge". GMA Network. Retrieved January 28, 2022.
  9. ^ "Prima Donnas: Donna Marie demands a DNA test: Recap Episode 15". GMA Network. September 6, 2020.
  10. ^ Eusebio, Aaron Brennt (February 20, 2020). "In Photos: Meet James Blanco's girlfriend in Prima Donnas, Sarah Carlos". GMA Network. Retrieved September 12, 2020.
  11. ^ "Prima Donnas: Full Episode 195". GMA Network. January 2, 2021.
  12. ^ "GMA Entertainment Group's Statement on Sofia Pablo". GMA Network. September 25, 2020.
  13. ^ Anarcon, James Patrick (July 23, 2021). "Sofia Pablo reunites with Jillian Ward, Althea Ablan in Prima Donnas book two". PEP.
  14. ^ "Aiko Melendez, naging emosyonal sa pag-alis niya sa Prima Donnas Season 2". GMA Network. October 26, 2021. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
  15. ^ Adel, Rosette (March 17, 2020). "Top-rating ABS-CBN, GMA shows make TV comeback as quarantine halts regular programs". Interaksyon. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  16. ^ Eusebio, Aaron Brennt (September 29, 2020). "Prima Donnas, sinimulan na ang lock-in taping". GMA Network. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  17. ^ "Kapuso royal couple Dingdong Dantes at Marian Rivera, balik-TV na". PEP. October 7, 2020. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  18. ^ Eusebio, Aaron Brennt (October 5, 2021). "At the lock-in taping of Prima Donnas season 2". GMA Network. Retrieved October 9, 2021.
  19. ^ Paglicawan, Mc Richard (August 22, 2019). "GMA Network's newest series Prima Donnas disappoints in its debut". LionhearTV. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  20. ^ Gacura, TJ (October 3, 2021). "10 upcoming GMA Network shows already started their lock-in tapings this last quarter of 2021". LionhearTV. Retrieved October 14, 2021.
  21. ^ Ruiz, Marah (December 6, 2020). "Ilang Kapuso stars, wagi sa RAWR Awards 2020". GMA Network. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
  22. ^ Anarcon, James Patrick (July 20, 2021). "34th Star Awards for Television nominees bared". PEP. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  23. ^ Gonzales, Rommel (January 29, 2023). "35th PMPC Star Awards for Television Winner". PEP. Retrieved February 4, 2023.
edit