Mulawin

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Mulawin
Format Telefantasya: action, adventure, fantasy, romance
Created by Don Michael Perez
Starring Richard Gutierrez
Angel Locsin
Dennis Trillo
Bianca King
Karen delos Reyes
For the complete list, see the Characters and Cast section
Country of origin Philippines
No. of episodes 165
Production
Running time 1 hour
Broadcast
Original channel GMA Network
Original run August 2, 2004 – March 18, 2005
External links
IMDb profile

Mulawin is a speculative fiction drama about two races of winged humanoids. The Mulawin must fight the Ravena to protect the mortals from its wrath. It also tells the story of Aguiluz and Alwina, whose love for each other hinders to fulfill their mission.

It was originally aired in the Philippines by GMA Network daily on its primetime block. The series debuted on August 2, 2004 to lukewarm audience response. However, it became a sleeper hit, and together with Extra Challenge, another GMA Network's production, made the network edge over ABS CBN which had been the Philippines' leading network since the 1990s. These two shows created a domino effect for GMA Network's other shows, and thus it solidified its position as mega manila's number one network since 2004.

The series ended on March 18, 2005, and a movie sequel, was released in December 25, 2005.

GMA Network also aired the series on its international network, Pinoy TV, and the rights to air the series have been also sold to other Asian countries. It is currently aired in Indonesia and Cambodia and dubbed in those countries' local languages. [1]

The success of the series prompted GMA Network to make a spin-off - Encantadia.

Contents

[edit] Production

[edit] Controversies

The series was plagued with controversy even before it starts filming. The series was supposed to be directed by Eric Salud who previously helm GMA Network's soap Twin Hearts.[citation needed]

Salud left the production team and went back to his previous employer, ABS CBN, GMA Network's rival station. He reportedly brought a copy of Mulawin script, so much so that GMA Network secured an injuction court order against him. Several revisions were then done to the original script.[citation needed]

[edit] Production Crew

  • Directors: Dominic Zapata, Lore Reyes
  • Assistant Directors: Aya Topacio, Jay Abello, Shirley Fabella, Elaine Lozano
  • Script: Don Michael Perez, Abi Lam-Parayno, Andrew A. Paredes
  • Production Design: Rufino Lachica, Richard Garingalao
  • Special Effects: Tony Gapo Jr., Randy dela Merced
  • Lighting Director: Nonong Legazpi, Boy Arnaldo
  • Fight Instructor: Ralph Roxas

[edit] Local TV Ratings

Mulawin premiered on August 2, 2004 and garnered 33% in local TV ratings and it is still beaten at that time. Its ratings went below 30%, its highest is 48.6%, its lowest is 23% and its final episode garnered 47.0%. It's overall ratings was an impressive 35.5%, GMA's highest overall rating in that time.

This was GMA Network's highest rating for its show, until it was beaten by Darna and later by Encantadia and MariMar in 2007 - 2008.

Note: Research companies that handle Philippine overnight TV ratings generally don't provide ratings directly to the public. Official results are released only to subscribers, i.e., TV networks and advertising agencies. Data released to local publications do not come straight from those who conduct the surveys.

[edit] Overview

[edit] Mythical Characters

[edit] Avian Beings

  • MULAWIN - race of peaceful winged humanoids forced to settle deep into the forest. Mulawins has been waiting for the Sugo prophesied to unite their race with the humans once more.
  • RAVENA - renegade group of fierce winged humanoids who were once a Mulawin. When the humans start to hunt them for prey, and the Mulawin Tribunal refuses to exact revenge, they embraced the dark force and became Ravenas. Their goal is to eliminate the entire human race and prevent the Sugo from fulfilling the prophesy.
  • PERICO - race of winged humanoids who refuses to engage in the wars between Mulawins and Ravenas. They are a non-stop talkers, and as such, have been called as the newscasters in the forest. They resembled as parrots.

[edit] Feline Beings

  • MUSANG - group of feline humanoid carnivores living all over the forest. They don't live in a permanent place, but are known to hunt in pack. They also have nine lives, and as such, they have to be killed nine times before they can finally die. There are two groups of warring Musangs.

[edit] Reptilian Beings

  • HUNYANGO - group of chameleon humanoids who can disguise themselves by copying the color of their environment. They are loyal to the Ravenas, and works as a spy for them.

[edit] Enchanted Beings

  • DIWATA - group of fairies living in the realm of Encantadia. The head of the fairies bestowed to the Mulawins the Molave and Balasik which would be helpful in setting the balance in the realm of winged beings and human race.
  • PIXIES - tiny fairies with butterfly wings serving as lady in waiting for fairies' leader.

[edit] Mortal Characters

  • TOWNFOLKS OF TIERRA FUEGO - once they have a healthy interaction with the winged humanoids, but now they face extinction from the wrath of Ravenas.
  • SCOUTS - group of children campers who get lost and never get their way out of the forest. They never had gotten any older than their age because of the Mahiwagang Hiyas. Once they tried to leave their camp, they starts to get weaker and revert to what supposed to be their real age. But as soon as they get nearer to the Mahiwagang Hiyas, they regain their youthful appearance and strength.
  • TAGUBA - group of amazon warriors made up entirely of women. They are trained in arrows and manual combat.

[edit] The Chosen One

  • SUGO - the prophesied chosen one who will bring peace in the entire world and unite the humans with the winged humanoids. The prophesy states that the Sugo, will come from the love between a human and a Mulawin, needs to die and be resurrected.

[edit] Balasik & Haraya

  • BALASIK - a white parrot who has an answer for anyone's question in exchange for grains of corn. He claims however, that his predictions cannot be used to predict the actions of Sugo who possesses genuine free will.
  • HARAYA - an adarna bird whose songs can turn anyone into stone, and whose egg is the only one which can revert the process. She is the better half of Balasik, and also the final test for the Sugo.

[edit] Molave, Binhi & Hiyas

  • MOLAVE - the tree of life that will restore the balance between the realms of all creatures. The Sugo must be able to reach its position, and only until then, that the prophesy will be fulfilled.
  • BINHI - the seed of Molave, which could be either "berde" green or "pula" red and whose appearance could mean disaster to either race of winged beings. The Berdeng Binhi is very important to the Mulawins, and so is the Pulang Binhi to the Ravenas.
  • HIYAS - fragments of crystals which can cure anyone's physical weakness or affectations. These fragments came from one big crystal gem which was broken into pieces by a Diwata.

[edit] Places in the Realm of Mulawin

  • Avila - the Kingdom of the Mulawins.
  • Halconia - the Kingdom of the Ravenas.
  • Hayuhay - the Kingdom of the Pericos.
  • Aliwalas - the new Kingdom of the Pericos after Hayuhay was destroyed by the Ravenas.
  • Ugod-pawid - the highest point in the kingdoms of winged humanoids.
  • Tierra Fuego & Pugadlawin - the realm of humans.
  • Gubat - the realm of the Musangs and Hunyangos.
  • Lagaslaw - the realm of the Tagubas.

[edit] Characters and Cast

[edit] Main characters

  • Aguiluz - Mulawin, tasked by his father Aquilar to protect Alwina at all cost. Aguiluz is played by Richard Gutierrez.
  • Alwina - half-Mulawin/half-Human, prophesied to be the Sugo who will unite the Mulawins and Humans and later joins forces with Mulawins. Alwina is played by Angel Locsin. The role was first offered to Maxene Magalona but the latter refused and instead chose to continue her studies at the Ateneo de Manila University.
  • Gabriel - Human , childhood friend of Alwina who had since developed a crush on her and is haunted by strange dreams. He was purified into a Ravena by Ravenum and renamed as a prince of Ravena. Later, he was turned back into human form. Gabriel is played by Dennis Trillo.
  • Aviona - Mulawin, has a secret unrequited devotion to Aguiluz. Aviona is played by Bianca King.
  • Vultra/Violeta/Veronica - Ravena, Queen of the Ravenas and wife of Rasmus. She transform herself into human and named herself Violeta to kill the Sugo. She also revealed as a wife of Bagwis and real mother of Alwina and later purifed into Mulawin as Veronica. Vultra, Violeta and Veronica are played by Ara Mina.
  • Savanah - Human into Ravena, a social climber whose main goal is to get closer to Gabriel and his inheritance, no matter who or what stands on her way. Later, she joined forces with Ravenas as an evil princess. Savanah is played by Karen delos Reyes.

[edit] Supporting Characters

  • Dakila - Mulawin, the aging wise leader of Mulawins. Dakila is played by Eddie Gutierrez.
  • Bagwis - Mulawin, protege of Dakila favored to be the next leader of Mulawins. He is a father of Alwina and real husband of Vultra, who later purified into Mulawin as Veronica. Bagwis is played by Zoren Legazpi.
  • Habagat - Mulawin, brother of Bagwis who secretly longs to be the next leader of their race. He was joined forces with Ravenas and later confessed to Mulawins. He is also a husband of Linang and a father of Mulagat. Habagat is played by Romnick Sarmenta.
  • Rasmus - Ravena, King of the Ravenas and second husband of Vultra. He was a Mulawin before turning into a Ravena and later purified back into Mulawin to join forces against Ravenas in the last war. He's also a best firend of Bagwis. Rasmus is played by Gary Estrada.
  • Tuka - Ravena turned Mulawin, revealed as an adopted mother of Pagaspas and allies with Mulawins, played by Marissa Sanchez.
  • Kuwak - Ravena purified into Human, joined forces with Tagubas and Mulawins, played by Bearwin Meily.
  • Pagaspas/Gus - Night owl, an owl pet of Alwina who transform into a young boy when together with another owl, Lawiswis. Later revealed as an adopted son of Tuka, a Ravena who was purified into Mulawin. Pagaspas is played by Miguel Tanfelix; older Pagaspas is played by Rainier Castillo.
  • Lawiswis/Wis - Night owl, an owl friend of Pagaspas who transform into a young girl when with him. Lawiswis is played by Sam Bumatay; older Lawiswis is played by Denise Laurel.
  • Mayi - Mulawin, she can transform into a maya bird. She is usually sent to spy the enemies. Mayi is played by Isabella de Leon.
  • Lourdes - Human, she finds the giant egg which when hatches, gives "birth" to Alwina. She is also considered a witch by the town people, and for that she leaves in the outskirts of Tierra Fuego. She was purified into Ravena queen by Gabriel, who was also purified into Ravena, and later turns in human form again during the last war. She was also a mother of Aramis and her husband was never mentioned. Lourdes is played by Amy Austria.
  • Lucio Montenegro - Human, father of Gabriel. He is a ruthless landlord and the richest man in Tierra Fuego. Lucio is played by Lloyd Samartino.

[edit] Other Characters

  • Terong - Human, a peasant in the Hacienda de Montenegro and close friend of Gabriel. Terong is played by Kiel Rodriguez.
  • Biba - Human, a playful neighbor and a close friend to Alwina. Biba is played by Jaja Bolivar.
  • Lino - Human, an orphan living with his grandmother. He wants to seek revenge against the winged beings for the death of his parents. Lino is played by Brian Revilla.
  • Rosing - Human, grandmother of Lino. Rosing is played by Alicia Alonzo.
  • Yolly - Human, mother of Savanah who would do everything to help her daughter achieved her dreams. Yolly is played by ???.
  • Pamela - Human, bestfriend of Savanah. Pamela is played by Tricia Roman.
  • Lucila Montenegro - Human, mother of Gabriel. She is a depressed suicidal wife of Lucio. Lucila is played by Pia Pilapil.
  • Paloma - Mulawin, a mysterious Mulawin living in the city, and could transform herself into a real bird. Paloma is played by Tanya Garcia.
  • Ravenum - Ravena, father of Rasmus and evil king of Ravenas. Ravenum is played by Michael de Mesa.
  • Niwalum - Mysterious being, a playmate of Pagaspas and Lawiswis. "Niwalum" is also a reversed name or word of Mulawin. Niwalum is played by BJ "Tolits" Forbes.
  • Ina - Mulawin, mother of Aguiluz and the guardian of Molave Tree. Ina is played by Carmina Villaroel.
  • Pericos - Dak-dak Eagle Riggs; Ang-ang; Ngas-ngas; Gad-gad
  • Musangs - Kuskos Michael Roy Jornales; Musmos; Sakmal; Laab; Hampas
  • Scouts - Procopio; Bianca
  • Tagubas - Maningning Princess Punzalan; Estrella Christine Reyes; Oyayi Shermaine Santiago; Dalaginding Ehra Madrigal
  • Encantadians - Ynang Reyna Giselle Toengi; Linang Sheryl Cruz; Mulagat Jay Aquitania; Muyak Nancy Castiglione; Aramis James Blanco; Florona Bettina Carlos; Marikit Katarina Perez; Mayumi; Pirena
  • City Orphans - Botchok and Ching ching
  • Mulawin Tribunal - Daragit
  • Young Gabriel - Paul Salas
  • Young Aviona - Shammel Leask
  • Caloy/Laki/Hidalgo - winged water buffalo.

[edit] Synopsis

[edit] Plot

Long ago, in the dense forests of the Philippines, there lived a race of “bird-men” called Mulawin, men and women with feathers and wings like an eagles’. In those days, this noble and peace-loving race freely interacted with human beings, although they never moved too far away from the forest because it is from trees that bird-men draw their strength. But, as the human population grew in number, the people’s demand for territory and resources also increased. They deforested more and more of the lands that were the Mulawin’s home, and the bird-men were forced to seek refuge high in the mountains, away from greedy humans.

Despite what they suffered from the common people, the Mulawin would not harm them in return; they wanted only to preserve their way of life as best they could without coming into conflict with men. However, a splinter group soon formed with quite different intentions. This group broke away from the main tribe and became the Ravena, a fierce new race of bird-men with black and red plumage and a fearsome appearance. The Ravena’s sole ambition was and is to subdue both the Mulawin and human beings.

The Mulawin founded a new home for themselves, naming it Avila, whereas the Ravena called their own realm, Halconia. At this time, the Queen of the Diwata (fairies) presented the Mulawin with two gifts: the Molave tree and the bird, Balasik. The Molave tree is the most treasured possession of the Mulawin, for if it is lost or destroyed, Avila will also lose its power and be conquered by the Ravena. The Balasik is a magical bird. Like an oracle, it knows and always speaks the truth. What is more, it is like an alchemical elixir of life: it gives youth and strength to whoever owns it. Although the Balasik rightfully belongs to the Mulawin, this clever bird pledges allegiance to no one.

Time passed on, and human beings and Mulawin grew to distrust one another. The Mulawin, fearing their own extinction at the hands of men, saw the latter only as selfish and destructive to the environment. For their part, humans made no distinction between the Mulawin and the Ravena. They taught their children to fear and despise both races of bird-men, even though it was only the Ravena who would attack and prey upon humans. As humans encroached more and more into the territories of the bird-men, Mulawin and Ravena alike fled farther away and were seen less and less often. Hence, people came to regard the idea of bird-men as nothing more than a myth, an old wives’ tale to frighten naughty children.

Now, it was foretold by the Balasik bird that a Savior was about to be born. One who would unite the races of men and the Mulawin against the forces of evil. But before the child could be identified, the Ravena stole the Balasik from the Mulawin. With Balasik went the knowledge of the Savior’s identity to the kingdom of Halconia.

[edit] Film Sequel: Mulawin

Main article: Mulawin: The Movie

Mulawin: The Movie is the sequel to the Mulawin TV series. The movie was jointly produced by Regal Films and GMA Films. It was released on December 25, 2005 to the 31st Metro Manila Film Festival.

Although it was the only film rated "A" by the Philippine Cinema Evaluation Board in the aforementioned film festival, it failed to garner any awards.

As a sequel, the characters who had died in the TV series were not included. However, new characters were introduced such as the Tres Aves - Banoy, Langay and Palong, Tayag and characters from Encantadia - Amihan, Pirena, Alena, Danaya, Ybarro, and Muros.

[edit] Mythos & Speculations

Below is the list of mythos and speculations made by the fans, which were either confirmed or debunked, as the case may be, as Mulawin concluded its run.

  • Mahiwagang hiyas are fragments from the elemental jewel broken into four pieces by Cassiopea. Status: neither confirmed or debunked. The mahiwagang hiyas was mentioned by Muyak as coming came from the diwatas, but Cassiopea wasn't mentioned in the series, and the timeline between Mulawin and Encantadia is screwed.
  • Mulagat is the son of Habagat. Status: confirmed
  • Aramis is the son of Lourdes. Status: confirmed
  • Gabriel was thought to be a Ravena early on the series . A proof of this was when he had a dreamed of his father Lucio as a Ravena. Status: confirmed, revealed on January 03, 2005's episode.

[edit] Soundtrack

Main article: Songs Inspired by Mulawin

In October 2004, GMA Records released an album entitled Songs Inspired By Mulawin which also serves as the fantasy series' original sound track.

[edit] Trivia

 Trivia sections are discouraged under Wikipedia guidelines.
The article could be improved by integrating relevant items and removing inappropriate ones.

[edit] Awards

Mulawin was nominated by various award-giving bodies but the most notable is the international recognition from the 2006 New York Festivals for TV Programming & Promotion as Finalist for Best Special Effects (TV-Movie/Mini-Series)[citation needed]

[edit] Mulawin mobile game

In January 2006, a Java mobile game was released GMA New Media Inc. and Blue Blade Technologies, Inc. after the launch of Mulawin The Movie. The game is available for download in GMA Network's wap site.

It is a vertical scrolling shooter game, similar to 1942 video game and Raiden arcade game. During game play, the player can switch between Alwina and Aguiluz, shoot Ravenas and other Mulawin enemies, and acquire extra health and power points. Towards the end of each level, a strong opponent will appear that should be defeated before advancing to the next level.

This is the first mobile game that is based on a Philippine television series. GMA New Media plans to make more mobile games based on other telefantasyas such as Encantadia, Etheria and Sugo.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

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