Who is Marimar? The classic heroine millennials grew up with.
“It’s Showtime!” host Vice Ganda’s newest ‘pakulo’ has dropped as he parodies the iconic telenovela character Marimar.
Dubbed “Memerimar,” the skit also features Vhong Navarro as Sergio and Jhong Hilario as Angelika. During the show’s “Laro Laro Pick” segment, Vice took to the stage in style, dancing to Marimar’s signature upbeat theme song.
For younger audiences, the name Marimar may not immediately resonate. But for millennials who grew up with the heroine’s trademark “Awww!!,” Vice’s nod serves as a playful throwback that stirs nostalgia and laughter.
Filipino viewers are most familiar with Marian Rivera’s 2007 version of “Marimar,” which paired her with Dingdong Dantes as Sergio and Katrina Halili as Angelika. The series became a cultural phenomenon and cemented Rivera’s status as a primetime star.
Originally, “Marimar” was a Mexican telenovela starring Thalía that gained popularity among Filipino viewers in the 1990s. Its success led to local adaptations, including Rivera’s breakout role and a 2015 remake starring Megan Young and Tom Rodriguez.
The story follows Marimar Perez, a poor but kindhearted girl who falls in love with Sergio Santibañez, the son of a wealthy hacienda family.
A classic rags-to-riches tale, the narrative pits Marimar against Sergio’s stepmother, Angelika Santibañez, before leading to her transformation and eventual redemption.
At its core, “Marimar” reflects familiar themes of social inequality, contrasting a humble island girl with a privileged heir, and highlighting the pursuit of a better life.
Today, “Marimar” remains a household name, with millennials still quoting Angelika’s “Ingrata ka!” or remembering Fulgoso, Marimar’s loyal dog.
The telenovela continues to resurface in Filipino pop culture—from BINI’s appearance with Thalía at the Billboard Women in Music Awards to the satirical Facebook page “Senyora,” and now Vice Ganda’s “Memerimar.”
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