( / international title: ''In the Arms of the Conqueror'') is a 2024

Philippine television drama Philippine television drama, also known as ''teleserye'' is a form of melodramatic, serialized, televised fiction in the Philippines. ''Teleserye'' is derived from two Filipino words: "tele", short for "''telebisyón''" (television), and "''se ...

war series broadcast by

GMA Network GMA Network (an acronym of its legal name, Global Media Arts and commonly known as GMA) is a Television in the Philippines, Philippine commercial broadcast network, serving as the flagship property of publicly traded GMA Network (company), ...

. Directed by

Dominic Zapata Dominic Zapata (born February 14, 1971), is a Filipino television and film director. He is a graduate of the De La Salle University and Don Bosco Technical Institute-Makati. He took up AB Communication Arts and BSC Marketing Management (CAM-MMG ...

, it stars

Barbie Forteza Barbara Ambas "Barbie" Forteza (born July 31, 1997) is a Filipino singer-actress and television personality. She dubbed as the ''Kapuso Primetime Princess''. Her critically acclaimed movies are ''Mariquina'' (2014), ''Laut'' (2016), ''Tuos'' ...

Sanya Lopez Shaira Lenn Osuna Roberto (born August 9, 1996), professionally known as Sanya Lopez (), is a Filipino actress known for her portrayal in the afternoon series, '' The Half Sisters'', as Lorna. In 2016, Lopez gained media attention and rose to ...

, David Licauco,

Alden Richards Richard Reyes Faulkerson Jr. (born January 2, 1992), known professionally as Alden Richards, is a Filipino actor, entrepreneur television personality, and singer. Known for his leading man roles in romantic and historical drama in television an ...

and

Dennis Trillo Abelardo Dennis Florencio Ho (born May 12, 1981), known professionally as Dennis Trillo (), is a Filipino actor. He is known for his role as Eric del Mundo in the first ever gay-themed series on Philippine TV, '' My Husband's Lover'', Juan C ...

. It premiered on July 29, 2024, on the network's Prime line up. The series concluded on December 27, 2024, with a total of 110 episodes. The series is streaming online on

Netflix Netflix is an American subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming service. The service primarily distributes original and acquired films and television shows from various genres, and it is available internationally in multiple lang ...

and

YouTube YouTube is an American social media and online video sharing platform owned by Google. YouTube was founded on February 14, 2005, by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim who were three former employees of PayPal. Headquartered in ...

Premise

Eduardo, Adelina, Teresita, and Hiroshi navigate their respective lives amid the

Japanese occupation of the Philippines The Japanese occupation of the Philippines (Filipino language, Filipino: ''Pananakop ng mga Hapones sa Pilipinas''; ) occurred between 1942 and 1945, when the Empire of Japan, Japanese Empire occupied the Commonwealth of the Philippines during Wo ...

Cast and characters

;Lead cast *

as Adelina "Chinita" dela Cruz: Eduardo's younger sister, harbors a strong dislike for Americans. When World War II begins, she chooses to side with the Japanese. *

as Teresita "Morena" Borromeo: Adelina's older half-sister, Teresita Borromeo, has aspirations of becoming a vaudeville star. She is the daughter of Carmela and Julio Borromeo. * David Licauco as Hiroshi Tanaka: The son of Japanese immigrants, he goes to Japan to study and eventually returns to the Philippines, where he reunites with his childhood friends Adelina, Teresita and Eduardo. *

as Eduardo dela Cruz: Harbors resentment towards his American father, who rejected his mother. The older half-brother of Adelina and has romantic feelings for Teresita. Choosing to side with neither the Americans nor the Japanese, he joins the guerrilla forces. *

as Yuta Saitoh: A

Japanese Imperial Army The Imperial Japanese Army (IJA; , ''Dai-Nippon Teikoku Rikugun'', "Army of the Greater Japanese Empire") was the principal ground force of the Empire of Japan from 1871 to 1945. It played a central role in Japan’s rapid modernization during th ...

officer whose mission is to conquer the Philippines, he eventually develops feelings for Teresita. ;Supporting cast *

Epy Quizon Jeffrey Smith Quizon (born January 23, 1973), professionally known as Epy Quizon, is a Filipino actor, television host and the son of comedian Dolphy. Early life Born Jeffrey Smith Quizon on January 23, 1973. He is the youngest of four siblin ...

as Julio Borromeo *

Angelu de Leon Maria Luisa "Angelu" De Leon-Rivera (born August 22, 1979) is a Filipino actress and politician. Early and personal life Angelu de Leon is the youngest daughter of Luis and Flora de Leon. She attended St. Joseph's College, Holy Spirit and Sie ...

as Carmela Borromeo *

Ashley Ortega Ashleigh Marguerretthe Krystalle Nordstrom Samson (born December 26, 1998), known professionally as Ashley Ortega (), is a Filipino actress, who is known for her roles in '' Dormitoryo'', '' My Destiny'', '' Widows' Web'', and '' Hearts on Ice ...

as Manuela Apolonio *

Rochelle Pangilinan Rochelle Pangilinan-Solinap (born May 23, 1982) is a Filipino actress, dancer and singer. She was part of the original lineup of the SexBomb Girls, a dance group that gained popularity through the variety show ''Eat Bulaga!''. In 2007, she brie ...

as Amalia Dimalanta-Torres *

Mikoy Morales Vincent Marco Chu Morales (born December 11, 1993), professionally known as Mikoy Morales, is a Filipino actor, model, singer, comedian, and television personality. Along with Ruru Madrid, Zandra Summer and Elle Ramirez, he is a runner-up on ' ...

as Tasyo * Brianna Advincula as Luisa * Isay Alvarez as Dolores * Jay Arcilla as Dado * Don Melvin Boongaling as Juanito *

Sef Cadayona John Paul Joseph Cadayona (born March 3, 1989), professionally known as Sef Cadayona, is a Filipino actor, comedian and dancer. He gained recognition after appearing in an ice cream commercial in the early 2000s. He later joined the fifth seas ...

as Luis * Skye Chua as Yuki * Tyro Dylusan as Juan * Joyce Glorioso as Rosing * Karenina Haniel as Meding * Issa Litton as Bettina * Joanne Morallos as Yolanda * Ryoichi Nagatsuka as Ryu * Jay Ortega as Akio Watanabe * Bombi Plata as Francisco * Armson Panesa as Isko *

Angeli Nicole Sanoy Angellie Sanoy (born February 15, 2000) is a Filipino child actress. She rose to stardom after playing the role of Narda (young Darna) in the 2009 TV series ''Darna'' along with Marian Rivera and Regine Velasquez. In 2011, she played her very ...

as Lorena * Robert Seña as Johnny *

Neil Ryan Sese Neil Ryan Sese is a Filipino actor. Sese is best known for portraying Asval in the 2016 version of ''Encantadia''. Background An only child, he grew up in Lucena City, Quezon, where his mother, Rosalyn Sese, took charge of his upbringing, enr ...

as Lauro Torres * Aidan Veneracion as Mario Santos * Justin Lim as first lieutenant Yamada ;Guest cast *

Rhian Ramos Rhian Denise Ramos Howell (born October 3, 1990), known as Rhian Ramos (), is a Filipino actress, commercial model, singer, host and race car driver. Life and career Rhian Denise Ramos Howell was born in Makati on October 3, 1990 to Gareth H ...

as Filipina "Fina" dela Cruz * Jacky Woo as Chikara Tanaka *

Maria Ozawa is a Japanese model and a former pornographic film actress of Canadian and Japanese ancestry. Early in her career as a model, she also used the name . Biography 1986–2002: Early life Ozawa was born in Hokkaido, Japan. Her mother is Japanese ...

as Haruka Tanaka * Billy Ray Gallion as Tyler Campbell * Franchesco Maafi as younger Eduardo dela Cruz * Cassy Lavarias as younger Adelina dela Cruz * Cheska Maranan as younger Teresita Borromeo * Miguel Diokno as younger Hiroshi Tanaka *

Julie Anne San Jose Julie Anne Peñaflorida San Jose (born May 17, 1994) is a Filipino singer and actress. She rose to prominence after competing in the reality singing competition '' Popstar Kids'' in 2005. San Jose is one of the best-selling recording artists ...

Katy de la Cruz Katy de la Cruz (born Catalina Mangahas de la Cruz; February 13, 1907 – November 10, 2004) was a leading Filipina singer who specialized in jazz vocals and torch songs in a long career that lasted eight decades. Hailed as "The Queen of Fili ...

Derrick Monasterio Derrick Leander Monasterio (born August 1, 1995) is a Filipino actor, singer, host and model. He is the son of former Filipina actress Tina Monasterio. Early life and education Derrick Leander Monasterio was born on August 1, 1995 in Quezon ...

as Marcel * Zephanie Dimaranan as Chichay * Waynona Collings as

Mary Walter Mary Walter (September 10, 1912 – February 25, 1993) was a Filipino actress whose eight decade-long film acting career saw her transformation from a romantic lead in the silent film era into a wizened fixture in horror movies in the late 19 ...

* Lauren King as

Etang Discher Enriqueta "Etang" Discher Grau (November 24, 1906 – November 22, 1991) was a Filipino character film actress frequently cast in villainous roles. Her stern, gaunt Castilian face loomed in many post-war Filipino films, especially soap ope ...

Rabiya Mateo Rabiya Occeña Mateo (; born November 14, 1996) is a Filipino model, host, actress, comedian, entrepreneur and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2020. She represented the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2020 ...

as Rosalia * Abraham Lawyer as an American soldier * Max Collins as Valeria "Yay" Panlilio *

Ronnie Liang Ronnie de Guzman Liang is a Filipino singer, actor, model, and influencer. Early life Liang is the youngest of seven children from a low-income family. He working at a fast-food restaurant and a video store while attending Holy Angel Univer ...

as Marcos Villa "Marking" Agustin *

Elle Villanueva Elle Villanueva (born February 18, 1996) is a Filipino actress, dancer, model and endorser who is currently signed under GMA Network's talent agency Sparkle. She is best known for her leading role in ''Return to Paradise'' and '' Makiling''. ...

as Kumander Liwayway

Development

Writer

Suzette Doctolero Suzette Sévero Doctolero (born December 16, 1968) is a Filipina screenwriter for film and television. She is best known for being the creator of ''Encantadia (2005 TV series), Encantadia'' in 2005 and the succeeding related television series ...

began conceptualizing between 2012 and 2013. In 2023, the series was announced, with Doctolero serving as the head writer. Doctolero's interest in writing a story set during the Japanese occupation in the Philippines was a result of her grandparents' experience as guerrilla fighters and

vaudeville performers Vaudeville (; ) is a theatrical genre of variety entertainment which began in France in the middle of the 19th century. A ''vaudeville'' was originally a comedy without psychological or moral intentions, based on a comical situation: a dramat ...

. She researched and interviewed

World War II World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...

veterans, vaudeville artists and

comfort women Comfort women were women and girls forced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Armed Forces in occupied countries and territories before and during World War II. The term ''comfort women'' is a translation of the Japanese , a euphemism ...

for the series.

Casting

In November 2023, the cast of the series was announced. In December, Abraham Lawyer joined the cast. In July 2024, additional cast members Robert Seña,

, Jay Arcilla,

and Tyro Daylusan were announced.

, Isay Alvarez,

, Jacky Woo,

and Billy Ray Gallon were announced for a guest role.

Production

Principal photography commenced on December 1, 2023. Filming took place in

Manila Manila, officially the City of Manila, is the Capital of the Philippines, capital and second-most populous city of the Philippines after Quezon City, with a population of 1,846,513 people in 2020. Located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay on ...

Quezon Quezon, officially the Province of Quezon () and historically known as Tayabas, is a Provinces of the Philippines, province in the Philippines located in the Calabarzon Regions of the Philippines, region on Luzon. Lucena, a highly urbanized ci ...

Batangas Batangas, officially the Province of Batangas ( ), is a first class province of the Philippines located in the southwestern part of Luzon in the Calabarzon region. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 2,908,494 people, making ...

, Laguna,

Bulacan Bulacan, officially the Province of Bulacan (; ; ; ), is a Provinces of the Philippines, province in the Philippines located in the Central Luzon Regions of the Philippines, region. Its capital is the city of Malolos. Bulacan was established on ...

and

Pampanga Pampanga, officially the Province of Pampanga (; ; ), is a province in Central Luzon in the Philippines. Lying on the northern shore of Manila Bay, Pampanga is bordered by Tarlac to the north, Nueva Ecija to the northeast, Bulacan to the east, ...

. Historical locations that were no longer existent were recreated using CGI. Several

Japanese language is the principal language of the Japonic languages, Japonic language family spoken by the Japanese people. It has around 123 million speakers, primarily in Japan, the only country where it is the national language, and within the Japanese dia ...

coaches were hired to teach the cast, including cast member Ryoichi "Ryo" Nagatsuka, who is of Filipino-Japanese descent. Filming concluded on December 4, 2024.

Music

"Kapangyarihan" () by

Ben&Ben Ben&Ben are a Filipino Indie folk, indie folk-pop band from Metro Manila, Manila. They were formed in 2016 by twin brothers Paolo and Miguel Benjamin Guico (lead vocals and acoustic guitars), calling themselves The Benjamins. A year later, they ...

and

SB19 SB19 is a Filipino boy band formed in 2018, consisting of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin. They are noted for their contributions to the contemporary Pinoy pop scene and became the first Southeast Asian act to be nominated on the Billboa ...

serves as the main title theme of . The songs for the series were produced by Rocky Gacho, using the compositions from the time period the series is based on, notably of

Shelton Brooks Shelton Brooks (May 4, 1886September 6, 1975) was a Canadian-born American composer and performer of popular music and jazz. He was known for his ragtime and vaudeville style, and wrote some of the biggest hits of the first third of the 20th cent ...

Nicanor Abelardo Nicanor Santa Ana Abelardo (February 7, 1893 – March 21, 1934) was a Filipino composer A composer is a person who writes music. The term is especially used to indicate composers of Western classical music, or those who are composers by ...

, Brewster Higley and Daniel E. Kelley. A soundtrack album was released on August 9, 2024, by GMA Playlist, featuring the songs performed by the series' cast.

Release

The pilot episode of premiered on

on July 26, 2024, while its television debut on

was broadcast on July 29, 2024. Originally set to air 100 episodes, the series was ordered additional ten episodes in November 2024. The final episode of the series was released on Netflix on December 24, 2024, while its television broadcast on GMA Network aired on December 27, 2024.

Reception

Ratings

According to

AGB Nielsen Philippines AGB Nielsen Media Research Philippines, commonly called AGB Nielsen, or AGB Nielsen Philippines, under The Nielsen Company is a global leader in audience measurement, market research firms, and data analytics, with a focus on media in the Phi ...

' Nationwide Urban Television Audience Measurement People in Television Homes, the pilot episode of earned a 12.8% rating.

Critical response

James Patrick Anarcon of ''PEP'', complimented the series' cast and highlighted the performance of actress

, stating the actress showed "depth" to the character she was portraying. Mikhail Lecaros of ''

The Philippine Star ''The Philippine Star'' (self-styled ''The Philippine STAR'') is an English-language newspaper in the Philippines and the flagship brand of the Philstar Media Group. First published on July 28, 1986, by veteran journalists Betty Go-Belmonte, ...

Life'', gave a positive note towards the series' production design, visuals, costume design and cast, and also criticized the series for its "tired telenovela tropes".

Accolades

Legacy

The series is set to be archived on the Lunar Codex located in Earth's

Moon The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite. It Orbit of the Moon, orbits around Earth at Lunar distance, an average distance of (; about 30 times Earth diameter, Earth's diameter). The Moon rotation, rotates, with a rotation period (lunar ...

– an archive of works to be launched from Earth through

NASA The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA ) is an independent agencies of the United States government, independent agency of the federal government of the United States, US federal government responsible for the United States ...

Artemis and

Commercial Lunar Payload Services Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) is a NASA program to hire companies to send small robotic landers and rovers to the Moon. Most landing sites are near the lunar south pole where they will scout for lunar resources, test in situ resource ...

program partners.

References

External links

* * {{IMDb title, 31381986 2024 Philippine television series debuts 2024 Philippine television series endings Filipino-language television shows GMA Network drama series Philippine action television series Philippine historical television series Television series about family history Television series by GMA Entertainment Group Television series directed by Dominic Zapata Television shows set in the Philippines World War II television drama series