Hanggang Saan: A teleserye like no other

Its first episode is enough to hook anyone who is up for action and mystery.

Imagine yourself being in the shoes of the protagonist Sonya (Sylvia Sanchez), a mother whose son Paco (Arjo Atayde) was on the verge of death. As time started to run out, you met a troubled man who asked you to shoot him in exchange of money enough to pay for your son’s hospital bills and save his life. Would you or wouldn’t you pull the trigger?

Among today’s plethora of revenge dramas, romantic comedies and tearjerkers on TV, ABS-CBN’s Hanggang Saan stands out as a smart crime and mystery drama that draws viewers to what it really is about — family.

Those who are not fond of watching teleseryes should start with Hanggang Saan. It’s not their usual soap opera, and greatly deviates from the realms of rom-com and heavy drama.

How the show provokes questions about morality sets apart Hanggang Saan from its contemporaries. Not to mention the powerful portrayal of the mother-son tandem of Sylvia and Arjo, who both have proven their mettle in acting.

A quick scan of the comments on social media will also tell you just how viewers are in awe of the show’s narrative and its progressive storytelling.

Ariel Rivera is Jacob, the mastermind behind Edward Lamoste’s death

“Hanggang Saan is a serye like no other. I haven’t seen any Pinoy drama that makes viewers really think. It is also not predictable and most especially logical. This is an upgrade to what ABS-CBN offers to its audiences,” said Twitter user @powra_.

“There is no perfect family nor perfect parents but there is unconditional love. A love of a mother can do everything for our safety and our own sake. #HSisINAkdal,” said @chrisardimer.

Aside from its out-of-the-box plot, others also commend how the show empowers women, with female characters in the series playing vital parts in the narrative.

“Hanggang Saan is underrated. The plot solely being moved by female characters deserves praises. The all-lady investigation circle is a gem,” @KhayriRRW tweeted.

“As much as we love women in a tense catfight, it is so much more wonderful and empowering to see them united. Georgette x Anna. Jean x Sonya. #HSInosente,” avid fan @nagiisangjmar said.

Despite being recognized for its innovative plot and ingenious storytelling, Hanggang Saan’s main driver is still the Filipino family, espousing values and traditions of a typical Pinoy household daily.

Teresa Loyzaga is Jean, who will protect her family at all cost

Its lead character Sonya is a reflection of an ordinary Filipino mother — a woman who is ready to risk her own life just to keep her family safe and intact. She also singlehandedly raised her two sons and works hard to give them a bright future and taking odd jobs to make ends meet.

Her nemesis Jean (Teresa Loyzaga) might be filled with hatred — a consequence of her ex-husband’s murder. Just like Sonya, she will protect her family at all cost and will not settle for less, especially when it comes to her daughter.

On the other hand, Paco can already be considered a family man at such a young age. He helps his Nanay Sonya provide for their family and takes care of his younger brother Domeng (Yves Flores). Now a lawyer, Paco takes on the case of her own mother and devotes his vocation to prove Sonya’s innocence.

She might come off as feisty and liberated, but Anna (Sue Ramirez) is an endearing daughter to her mother Jean. She never left her mother’s side, especially during the tragic death of her father Edward. The love she has for her family also motivates her to cull more pieces of evidence that will help her find the real killer of her father, even if it means putting her life in danger.

Sue Ramirez portrays Anna, an endearing daughter but a fighter when it comes to her family

As their battle for justice continues, Sonya has finally been acquitted. It was proven that the bullet she fired the night Edward died did not hit the man after all, but instead went straight into an image of the Virgin Mary — a solid proof that she is innocent. But Jacob, who turns out to be the mastermind behind Edward’s death, will not stop from inflicting harm on Sonya’s life.

Can Sonya still brave all the forthcoming danger for her family? Up to what extent can she sacrifice for her sons? Viewers can tune in to the show to follow the next turn of events.

Viewers can relate to the protaganists in the teleserye. In many ways, they could relate to the principal character’s love for family — a Filipino value that is highlighted in the Kapamilya series.