Mirabella is a 2014 Philippine melodrama-fantasy television series starring Julia Barretto in her first lead role, together with Enrique Gil, Sam Concepcion and Mika dela Cruz.
The series premiered on ABS-CBN and worldwide on The Filipino Channel on March 24, 2014, replacing Annaliza.
It is the eleventh television drama in the Philippines made by ABS-CBN filmed in high definition.
Cast and Characters
Main Cast
Julia Barretto as Mira Amarillo / Bella Robles
Enrique Gil as Jeremy Palmera
Sam Concepcion as Terrence Laurel
Mika dela Cruz as Iris Robles
Supporting Cast
Pokwang as Mimosa "Osang" Balete
Mylene Dizon as Olive Flores-Robles
John Lapus as Rafael "Paeng" Amarillo
James Blanco as Alfred Robles
Makisig Morales as Jefferson
Gloria Diaz as Lucia Magnolia Flores
Extended Cast
Arlene Muhlach as Dahlia
Alora Sasam as Marigold
Diego Loyzaga as Dave Castillo
Nikki Bagaporo as Yasmin
DJ Durano as Manuel Laurel
Liza Diño as Aster Palmera-Laurel
Alexandra Macanan
Noemi Oineza
Ryle Paolo Tan as Rafael Guzman
Paulo Angeles
Jose Sarasola as Benson
Marvin Yap as Adonis
Greggy Santos as Edward Chavez
Special Participation
Dimples Romana as Daisy Arboleda
Alysson McBride as young Mira
Veyda Inoval as young Iris
Maliksi Morales as young Jefferson
Production
The series was first unveiled in May 2013 as an adaptation of Dominador Ad Castillo novel Cofradia. The story, which had film adaptations in 1953 and 1973, that centers on Cofradia, a young woman who is afraid to fall in love because of her dark complexion. With the help of a magic candle, she eventually transforms into a beautiful lady. However, due to criticisms over the material's alleged racism, in July 2013, Dreamscape announced it had re-worked the new series to feature an original story that is "equally exciting and equally beautiful."
In July 2013, it was announced that Julia Barretto will have two love interest in the series with Kiko Estrada and Diego Loyzaga, but they were later replaced by Enrique Gil and Sam Concepcion respectively. According to the management, the change in the line-up is because Estrada and Loyzaga can't still carry the series by themselves, especially with Barretto who is still a newbie in the showbiz industry. Loyzaga remained as part of the series having a supporting role instead. Liza Soberano was also initially part of cast but later removed as well, since she became a part of Got to Believe according to her manager Ogie Diaz.
Reception
According to Kantar Media Philippines, Mirabella scored a national TV rating of 22% on its premiere on March 24, 2014.
