ABS-CBN’s canned programs have successfully penetrated territories in Asia, Europe, and Africa. Its most recent addition is Thailand where one of its top-rating drama series, “Lobo” (“She Wolf: the Last Sentinel”) will soon debut as the first Philippine TV program to air on Thai television.
.jpg "Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual in Lobo (She Wolf: The Last Sentinel)")
ABS-CBN International Distribution head Leng Raymundo said Philippine TV series, particularly ABS-CBN’s drama series, have been widely received and distinctively known for their cast’s international appeal, series length that adapts well to programmers’ needs, and content with a universal appeal that people can relate to.
“The global viewers recognize and demand for ABS-CBN programs as they remain true to local cultural sensitivities. It has a definite global appeal, heart warming relatable stories that have high production values, and good-looking actors that cross borders,” Raymundo said.
ABS-CBN programs, mostly in drama formats, have been dubbed in English, Khmer, Mandarin, Bahasa Melayu, Vietnamese, Turkish, Russian, and French. They have also been subtitled in Bahasa Melayu and Romanian.
“Tayong Dalawa” (“The Two of Us”) also made history as the first Filipino program in Singapore’s telenovela belt while “Sana’y Wala ng Wakas” (“Timeless”), which is topbilled by Jericho Rosales and Kristine Hermosa, was so well received by viewers in Malaysia that it even rated higher than hit US series “Smallville.”
Among French-speaking territories, ABS-CBN’s “Magkaribal” (“Rivals”) dubbed in French is steadily gaining viewers. ABS-CBN International Distribution was also the first to distribute content in Myanmar, when “My Girl” premiered in 2011.