Marimar

For those who have been watching this telenovela, they probabaly have noticed some points which the production staff should address for cinematic credibility.

First, Marimar appears more flawless and whiter than Señorita Angelica. A tanned Marimar, an island girl, would be more credible.

This omission could be intentional. Filipinos are generally attracted to "white mestizas." The wide array of skin whitening products in the market is a testimony to that. They could have opted to retain Marian Rivera's skintone by yielding, subconsciously, to the Filipinos' stereotyped image of leading ladies.

Second, please draw the line between innocence and retardation. In the initial telecasts, I was wondering if Marimar was simply innocent or pitifully retarded. However, Marian seemed to act better nowadays, consistently projecting innocence. She should keep it up.

Third, Richard Gomez as Renato looks more like a brother than a father to Dingdong Dantes playing as Sergio. A few gray hairs here and there could have perfected the role. The omission does not lend credence to the real motive of Angelica in marrying Renato - which is for money. Honestly, without the gray hairs, it does not matter if Renato isn't rich. He is a husband material for his looks alone, albeit a litte older though.

So, why do you think Filipinos are glued to this Mexican telenovela remake? Of course, with the female audience imagining themselves as Marimar, Aww!

But then again, it is in our culture to love the underdog, the rags-to-riches, and the fairytale love stories complete with knights in shining armor kind of storylines. The kind that perpertuates complacency and scheming women and male superiority.

I am still looking forward to the time when networks should produce more telenovelas that celebrates a woman's capabilities, intelligence and independence.