Peek behind the curtain in the making of Maria Clara at Ibarra courtesy of one of the show’s cinematographers.
Related: 6 Life Lessons From Maria Clara At Ibarra We’re Taking To Heart
While “Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo but make it Gen Z” seems like a weird elevator pitch to some, it served as the perfect premise for GMA’s latest hit teleserye, Maria Clara at Ibarra. The story of a young medical student, Klay, getting transported into the world of Jose Rizal’s seminal books captured the country’s attention. From quality production design, top-notch acting, relevant themes, and unexpected love teams, MCI was giving what audiences wanted and needed in a modern Filipino teleserye. It proved to be so popular that the show got a one-week extension to flesh out the FiLay love story more.
But with the show’s success, curious minds may want to know how GMA pulled off this undertaking. That question doesn’t need a long search thanks to one of the show’s cinematographers, Coke Cruz. Over the past few months, she has been posting on her TikTok account behind-the-scenes moments of the show and life as a camera operator. It all makes for an interesting behind-the-curtain peak into the breakthrough teleserye. In honor of the show’s finale on February 24, here are some must-see BTS moments.
THE PILOT
@cokecrz Pilot episode ⏳ #fyp #mariaclaraatibarra #mcai #bts ♬ Pretty Girl – Clairo
If there’s anything to take away from this video, it’s the importance of the actor and crew working together. Even something as simple as opening a door is choreographed to give the desired effect.
SCENE SET-UP
@cokecrz Blocking duties 👮🏻♀️ #fyp #mariaclaraatibarra #mcai #bts ♬ оригинальный звук – NELYRALL
One reason why MCI has been well-loved is because of how meticulous the show is. Just take a look at this behind-the-scenes moment where they had to move Julie Anne San Jose because she couldn’t be seen in the shot. And that’s on proper blocking.
KILIG MOMENTS
@cokecrz My favorite line 💀🩼 Caught in the act ng AD namin 😹 #fyp #bts #mariaclaraatibarra #mcai #klay #fidel #filay #mciiniibigkita ♬ original sound – Ciel
Fidel and Klay radiate so much kilig, even the camera operator was getting her whole life. She’s just like us, really. Here are more wholesome FiLay BTS moments because there’s no such thing as too much kilig.
IBARRA’S SPEECH
@cokecrz Dinggin niyo kami! 🥺 #fyp #cinematography #behindthescenes #mariaclaraatibarra #mcai ♬ original sound – Owen
Watching Ibarra give his speech at the church gave us chills. So, we can only imagine how moving it must have felt to be right there filming the scene. Even Coke got teary-eyed filming the scene.
FIDEL GOES TO WORK
@cokecrz Try daw niya if mabigat. Ano? @David Licauco 😂 #fyp #behindthescenes #mariaclaraatibarra ♬ original sound – Coke
Those cameras the operators use to film aren’t easy to carry and haul around. Even our favorite ginoo, David Licauco, admitted that it was heavy. This is why we should always have sympathy for the staff.
MOM AND SON REUNITE
@cokecrz Now they’re together ❤️🩹 #fyp #behindthescenes #mariaclaraatibarra #mcai #sisa #crispin ♬ Here With Me – d4vd
Andrea Torres arrived on set and changed lives with her standout portrayal of Sisa. She gave it her all with even this BTS moment showcasing her acting prowess.
SHOOTING IN VIGAN
@cokecrz Hahahahhahahah #fyp #behindthescenes #mariaclaraatibarra #mcai ♬ original sound – Coke
Being part of a teleserye shoot is not easy. But it sure looks fun with the way you can interact with the stars and staff.
SHE’S A FIGHTER
@cokecrz 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 #fyp #behindthescenes #mariaclaraatibarra #mcai #mariaclara #padresalvi #noli #elfili ♬ suara asli – 𝙈𝘼𝘼𝙇𝙇𝙀𝙀𝙎𝙎
If you ever wanted to know how that scene between Maria Clara and Padre Salvi in the convent was done, you got your wish. From Julie Anne San Jose’s acting to the cinematography, set design, and more, it all came together.
TARA INOM
@cokecrz Line: Patuloy kaming makikipag palitan ng putok 😂 #fyp #behindthescenes #cinematography #mariaclaraatibarra ♬ original sound – Coke
It’s not all seriousness on the set of Maria Clara at Ibarra. In a blooper shared by Coke, Elias (played by Rocco Nacino) was supposed to say “Patuloy kaming makikipag palitan ng putok.” But instead, Rocco said “Patuloy kaming makikipag pulutan.” Kuya, one case of beer and sisig at table six please.
Continue Reading: Maria Clara At Ibarra’s Klay And Fidel Are Bringing Their Kilig Off-Screen
