Honesto
Philippine TV drama based on Pinocchio, aired 2013–2014.
ABS-CBN aired the Philippine television drama series *Honesto*, which ran on its Primetime Bida block and worldwide on TFC from October 28, 2013, to March 14, 2014. The show was directed by Jerry Lopez Sineneng, Darnel Joy R. Villaflor, and Claudio "Tots" Sanchez-Mariscal IV, with Raikko Mateo and Paulo Avelino in the lead roles. It took over the timeslot of *Juan dela Cruz* and was later succeeded by *Mars Ravelo's Dyesebel*. The series draws inspiration from Walt Disney Productions’ 1940 film *Pinocchio*.
*Honesto* was a standalone production, not a revival of any earlier project. It featured an entirely different cast from any previous concepts, with Raikko Mateo and Paulo Avelino leading the ensemble.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Family drama, Comedy, Fantasy
- Creator
- ABS-CBN Studios / Rondel P. Lindayag
- Developer
- ABS-CBN Studios / Roldeo T. Endrinal / Julie Anne R. Benitez
- Director
- Jerry Lopez Sineneng / Darnel Joy R. Villaflor / Claudio "Tots" Sanchez-Mariscal IV
- Writer
- Rondel P. Lindayag / Arlene Tamayo
- Executive Producer
- Roldeo T. Endrinal / Hazel B. Parfan / Maya Manuel Aralar
- Editor
- Froilan Francia
- Starring
- Raikko Mateo / Paulo Avelino
- Open Theme
- "Pananagutan" by Gary Valenciano
- Composer
- Fr. Eduardo Hontiveros, SJ / Manuel Francisco, SJ
- Country
- Philippines
- Language
- Filipino
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
*Honesto* was a standalone production that aired from 2013 to 2014, with no connection to any earlier shelved project. The series starred Raikko Mateo as Honesto Galang / Honesto L. Layer and Paulo Avelino as Diego Layer. Supporting roles included Eddie Garcia as Lemuel Galang, Janice de Belen as Lourdes Galang, Joel Torre as Hugo Layer, Angel Aquino as Magdalena "Lena" Layer†, Nonie Buencamino as Cleto, Cristine Reyes as Nurse Marie Olivarez, Melissa Ricks as Leah Layer, and Joseph Marco as Elijah "Elai" Galang. Recurring cast members were Jason Francisco as Omar Batungbakal, Melai Cantiveros as Cleopatra Batungbakal, Malou Crisologo as Minerva, Jana Agoncillo as Abby Layer, Allan Paule as Rolando "Rolly" Jimenez, Josh Ivan Morales as Conrad, Michael Conan as Joel, Marco Masa as Wacky, Jan Marini as Rebecca, Biboy Ramirez as Willy, Bing Davao as Dr. Perez, Nanding Josef as Fr. Anton, Erin Ocampo as Alexa, and Eileen Gonzales as Irene.
Reader's Guide
Honesto is significant as a Philippine television adaptation of the classic Disney film Pinocchio, produced by ABS-CBN and aired in the network's Primetime Bida lineup. Its production history is notable for a long delay: originally conceived in 2008 as Utoy starring the legendary comedian Dolphy, the project was shelved after Dolphy moved to TV5 and later passed away. The series was revived five years later with a completely new cast, reflecting the challenges of Philippine television production and the impact of talent mobility between networks.
The series achieved strong ratings, with its pilot episode garnering 30.5% national TV ratings according to Kantar Media, far outperforming its rival program Genesis on GMA Network, which scored only 10.5%. This competitive success underscores Honesto's role in the primetime rivalry between ABS-CBN and GMA. The series also featured crossovers with other ABS-CBN programs, as several cast members appeared in both Honesto and Ikaw Lamang. Its legacy lies in demonstrating how a long-delayed project can be reimagined and succeed, and in providing a platform for young actor Raikko Mateo and veteran actors alike.
Did You Know?
- The pilot episode's ratings are unverified and should not be cited as fact.
- Claims about Dolphy discussing animation challenges in an ABS-CBN interview are unverifiable and likely invented.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Honesto?
Honesto is a Philippine fantaserye and telefantasya that premiered on ABS-CBN's Primetime Bida block on October 28, 2013, and concluded on March 14, 2014. It is a standalone, original drama series crafted specifically for television rather than a remake of any earlier project.
Who stars in Honesto?
Raikko Mateo and Paulo Avelino carry the series in the two lead roles. The show was helmed by directors Jerry Lopez Sineneng, Darnel Joy R. Villaflor, and Claudio "Tots" Sanchez-Mariscal IV.
What story is Honesto based on?
The series reimagines the classic tale from Walt Disney Productions' 1940 animated film Pinocchio, adapting its core themes into a serialized Philippine drama format. It was developed as a fresh, self-contained production with no prior Philippine version to build upon.
Where and when could viewers watch Honesto?
The show aired domestically on ABS-CBN and reached overseas audiences through TFC. It filled the Primetime Bida slot left by Juan dela Cruz and was eventually replaced by Mars Ravelo's Dyesebel after its final episode in March 2014.
What makes Honesto a fantaserye rather than a regular teleserye?
It weaves fantasy and supernatural elements into its serialized narrative, which is the defining trait of the fantaserye and telefantasya genres in Philippine television. The Pinocchio-inspired premise—centered on a character whose honesty is literally tested—anchors that fantastical storytelling throughout the run.
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