Screen queen Judy Ann Santos’ much-awaited return to television via ABS-CBN’s new primetime series Starla captured the hearts of viewers during its premiere last Monday (Oct. 7), debuting strongly with a national TV rating of 29.2 percent according to data from Kantar Media.
On Twitter, #StarlaStarryNight shot to the number one spot of the country’s trending topics.
In Starla, Judy Ann is the ruthless Teresa, a successful lawyer who is dedicated to seeking revenge on her despised hometown Baryo Maulap, which she claims is a symbol of her defeat.
The pilot episode introduced viewers to the sweet Buboy (Enzo Pelojero), who escaped from his orphanage and passed by Baryo Maulap. There, he witnessed a dance of fireflies and captured Starla (Jana Agoncillo), a wishing star on a field trip but whom Buboy thinks is a mere firefly.
With nowhere to stay for the night, Buboy snuck into Mang Greggy’s (Joel Torre) garage. Finding a soft spot in his heart for the sweet boy, Mang Greggy offered Buboy food and a place to stay.
Later, the two attended a town meeting where a large company started its campaign to buy the lands of Baryo Maulap, while Mang Greggy convinced the townspeople to decline the offer.
Teresa’s associate Dexter (Joem Bascon) reported to her the disastrous encounter, which only bolsters her hatred for her own father, as well as her plans of revenge.
Viewers, meanwhile, expressed their marvel over the new Dreamscape offering online and said the series already gives them Christmas vibes.
Starla also airs globally via The Filipino Channel (TFC) and TFC.tv.
