Why moms want their kids to be like Annaliza

At age 70, Corazon “Cory” Bisig usually stays at home to watch after her grandchildren. But her daily grind as a hands-on grandma temporarily stops at 6 p.m. as she takes her usual spot in the living room to watch her favorite primetime teleserye Annaliza on ABS-CBN.

“I love the show because of its unpredictable plot and its lead character,” she said.

She is endeared to the character of Annaliza, played by teleserye princess Andrea Brillantes, and would even encourage her grandchildren to watch the show as well for them to emulate the good values and morals promoted in the program.

“Annaliza is a sweet, charming, understanding and loving young girl. She doesn’t hold grudges against anyone. She really sets a good example for young viewers to emulate,” she said.

ABS-CBN launched Annaliza last May as a remake of the hit ’80s soap opera with the same title. The show also launched the career of Andrea and also stars Zanjoe Marudo, Kaye Abad, Denise Laurel, Patrick Garcia and Carlo Aquino.

The show has consistently been in the Top 5 most-watched programs on weekdays nationwide, based on Kantar Media data. Its all-time-high TV ratings reached 27.3 percent, which was about a few percentage points behind other Kapamilya primetime programs.

More than just a drama series, Annaliza has been imparting valuable lessons to viewers. Annaliza personifies a well-raised child with good morals and values who can be emulated by kids. She uses “po” and “opo” when talking to elders, honors her parents by doing well in school, forgives her schoolmates who may have bullied her in the past, and loves everyone around her unconditionally. The show also teaches the value of family and how important it is in the eyes of a child like Annaliza.

Unknown to many, Annaliza’s kind-heartedness shines not only on-screen but even off-screen as Andrea, together with other child stars of the show, went to Navotas for an outreach program where they fed 200 children and gave out bags and books they can use in school.

Andrea, on a separate charity work, gave out tablets to students in Payatas to aid them in their studies.

When asked about her views on education, the 10-year-old child star quipped, “Education is very important. It’s a key to success. Without it, you may not be able to get the jobs you like.”

Andrea lives up to what she said as the now grade five student continues to juggle her studies with her taping schedules.

“Whenever I don’t have tapings, I go to school. I also take time to review while I’m on set and on standby waiting for my turn to go on cam,” she explained.

Annaliza also subtly tackled the problem of bullying in campuses, especially among young children. The program sent out a call to fight bullying in schools.

Andrea even thanked those who bullied her when she received her Best Child Performer trophy at the PMPC Star Awards for TV last Sunday. It was a vindication for the young star, who was taunted and teased that she did not know how to act and that she would not be successful.

Rising child star Kyline Alcantara, who portrays Annaliza’s stepsister Arlene, also shared how she experienced being bullied in school.

“They would pick on me and say that I don’t know the lessons because I am always absent. But I don’t mind them much. I just smile at them and tell them ‘God bless you po,” shared Kyline.

When it comes to puppy love, the show remains firm that kids are still too young to fall in love despite the ongoing onscreen rivalry among PJ (Nathaniel Britt), Glenn (Dale Baldillo) and Ting (Bugoy Cariño) for Annaliza’s attention.

“We are still very young. We are not allowed to have crushes yet,” said Andrea when asked if she has a crush on any of her kid male co-stars.

With more than four months on air, Annaliza continues to promote good values on television and continues to attract more viewers with its intense plot, not to mention notable dramatic performances from its top-caliber cast.

“Thank you to everyone who continues to support Annaliza. I hope you continue following the story of Annaliza and her family,” Andrea said.

 (Annaliza airs weeknights after The Love Story of Kang Chi on ABS-CBN.)