Marina (2004 TV series)
A cursed mermaid seeks true love's first kiss.
Marina is a Philippine television drama fantasy series broadcast by ABS-CBN. Starring Claudine Barretto in the title role, it aired on the network's Primetime Bida line up from February 23 to November 12, 2004. The series follows the story of a young woman cursed to become a mermaid and her quest to reclaim her human life.
- Genre
- Fantasy drama
- Network
- ABS-CBN
- Aired
- February 23 to November 12, 2004
- Starring
- Claudine Barretto
- Country
- Philippines
- Language
- Filipino
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Fantasy / Drama / Romance
- Runtime
- 16-37 minutes
- Creator
- ABS-CBN Studios
- Writer
- Keiko Aquino / Agnes Gagilonia-Uligan
- Director
- Wenn V. Deramas / Andoy Ranay · Erick C. Salud
- Executive Producer
- Carlo Katigbak / Cory Vidanes / Laurenti Dyogi / Cathy Ochoa-Perez / Malou Santos
- Producer
- Desirey Fernandez / Nini S. Matilac
- Starring
- Claudine Barretto
- Theme Music Composer
- Raul Mitra / Cacai Velasquez-Mitra
- End Theme
- "Kailan Kaya" by Sheryn Regis
- Country
- Philippines
- Company
- Star Creatives
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Marina eventually defeats Victoria but at the cost of her last chance to be human forever. She gives her child to Luna's care and, now a mermaid for eternity, bids goodbye to Rodge and returns to the ocean.
Reader's Guide
Marina (2004 TV series) is a significant entry in Philippine television fantasy drama, notable for its mermaid mythology and complex narrative of curses, love, and sacrifice. The series explores themes of family, betrayal, and redemption through the character of Marina, who endures transformation, loss, and eventual acceptance of her fate. Its portrayal of mermaids as both cursed beings and a hidden society reflects local folklore and superstitions about sea creatures. The show's use of magical elements—such as the Aram, the Leafar resurrection liquid, and the meteorite stone—creates a rich fantasy world. The series also features a large ensemble cast of human and mermaid characters, each contributing to Marina's journey. Its legacy lies in its cultural impact as a primetime fantasy series that captivated audiences with its emotional depth and special effects for its time.
Did You Know?
- The series aired on ABS-CBN's Primetime Bida line up from February 23 to November 12, 2004.
- Claudine Barretto played the title role of Marina.
- The curse could only be broken by true love's first kiss.
- Victoria used a meteorite stone to swap places between Luna and Marina, placing Marina's unborn child in Luna's womb.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marina (2004 TV series)?
Marina is a Filipino fantasy drama that aired on ABS-CBN's Primetime Bida lineup in 2004. It tells the story of a young woman cursed into mermaid form who fights to reclaim her human identity.
Who plays the title role in Marina (2004)?
Claudine Barretto stars as Marina, the cursed mermaid at the heart of the series. She carries the narrative across the show's roughly nine-month run on Philippine television.
What drives the plot of Marina (2004)?
The central conflict revolves around a young woman trapped in mermaid form who must find true love's first kiss to break the curse. Her underwater existence and desperate search for a way back to human life fuel the drama.
When did Marina (2004) air and on what network?
The series premiered on February 23, 2004, and wrapped up on November 12 of that same year. It was broadcast in Filipino on ABS-CBN as part of the network's Primetime Bida block.
Why is Marina (2004) remembered by fans of Philippine fantasy TV?
The show adapted the timeless fairy-tale motif of a cursed mermaid seeking true love into a modern Philippine drama format. Its long run on a flagship lineup and Claudine Barretto's leading performance made it a notable entry in the country's fantasy-drama catalog.
More in Television shows about mermaids 1-24
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