This TV Show Is Causing Filipino Kids To Read Rizal's Classics On Their Own!

For moms who have watched one or too many KDramas, it is normal to watch series that are historical in nature, where viewers can see life during the old Korean dynasties.

Recently, a local TV drama used this concept with the twist of time travel from the present times back to the Spanish colonial era, garnering positive feedback from viewers. 

Maria Clara at Ibarra, the new historical drama by GMA TV and directed by Zig Dulay, is heavily based on the famous Jose Rizal's novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. The two books, as we all know, are considered to be our National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal's obra maestra.

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It seems so long ago when we, parents, last heard of these books, the names of the characters, and the story. For most of us, it was just part of our high school and college curriculum.

But surprisingly, due to the unique twist added to the original story, the youth have become increasingly interested in the Rizal's story. The true test? It's become viral.

In a Facebook post with over 24,000 shares, Joey Dela Cruz Magracia shared his first hand experience:

“THIS IS NOT A DRILL.

But yes, mukhang totoo nga ang tsismis na iba ang hatak ng Maria Clara at Ibarra ng GMA Network. I went home from work to hear this amazing story coming from my Mom and Sister. “Si Teng ay bumili ng libro at nakatulog habang nagbabasa, nakarating na din ata siya sa loob ng libro” and I was like [emojis of shocked face]

Just to give you a context, ang batang tinutukoy dito ay hindi palabasa, sakto lang sa school, grabehan sa gadget, oh yes, sobrang sutil pagdating sa gawaing bahay vs mobile games. Kaya naman hearing those words made me really shocked and a bit happy. Kase naman, uy may hint na ng konting pag-asa na nagmamature na ang little binata namin.”

Magracia, a preschool teacher in a public school in Meycauayan, Bulacan, shared his surprise and awe when he found out that his nephew, who’s not into reading, bought his own copy of Noli Me Tangere.

His nephew, Teng is an 11-year-old sixth grader and is likely like any other kid his age who enjoys playing with his gadgets and mobile games. In Magracia’s opinion, it was unlikely that his nephew would be interested in a book to the point that he’s going to buy it.

Fresh take on a classic

He shared why he thinks the simple act of getting engrossed in a TV show and book means so much more: First, Magracia noted, “The fact na bumili siya ng libro is a mature act, the first action of curiosity is research and reading a book in such a form. Dahil na-excite siya sa kung anong mangyayari sa mga susunod na episodes ng Maria Clara at Ibarra, humanap sya ng resource to validate and gather data.”

Second, “He could have asked questions to me or his classmates or his teacher, instead, he found a way on his own. Many kids ngayon, mag-rely nalang sa kung anong narinig sa kaklase or napanood na opinion sa socmed, pero he chose to find answers sa book.”

He added a short message of gratitude to the makers of the said TV show, “And to the makers of Maria Clara at Ibarra, isang pagsaludo sa inyo at sa inyong craft. Salamat sa isang fresh take to reserve our beloved history laban sa mali at pekeng impormasyon na lumalaganap.”

Smart Parenting got a chance to quickly ask Magracia about his viral post, and he said, “Actually I didn’t expect the post to blow up. Pero I hope na maka-inspire ito ng other kids to read and explore just like what Teng experienced.

He adds, "And also for parents and educators to continuously support their children in their little steps towards reading by providing them relevant opportunities and materials to explore. I think this is the real essence of the post and I hope it served its purpose well.”

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In this day and age of mobile phones, almost 24/7 internet connectivity and social media, it is as refreshing as an oasis in a desert to see kids and teenagers interested in classic stories and books. 

As Magracia said, parents also need to support their kids’ little steps towards reading, buying them books, sharing parents’ favorite books and discussion about these stories.

The viral TV show became the spark that ignited the teenager’s interest not only in books, but also in our history. May this continue to become a trend among the younger generations!

Read this story to help your child grow a love for history and reading.

Watch Maria Clara at Ibarra for free on gmanetwork.com/fullepisodes or on the GMA Network mobile app.