The Half Sisters

The Half Sisters is a Philippine television drama series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Mark A. Reyes, it stars Barbie Forteza and Thea Tolentino both in the title roles. It premiered on June 9, 2014, on the network's Afternoon Prime line up. The series concluded on January 15, 2016, with a total of 418 episodes.

The Half Sisters
Title card
Genre	Drama
Created by	Dode Cruz
Developed by	Luningning Ribay
Written by	Luningning Interino-Ribay Gilda Olvidado-Marcelino Christine Badillo-Novicio Jonathan Cruz
Directed by	Mark Reyes V (2014–15) Gina Alajar (2015–16)
Creative director	Jun Lana
Starring	Barbie Forteza Thea Tolentino
Narrated by	Barbie Forteza Thea Tolentino
Theme music composer	Tata Betita
Opening theme	"Ibibigay Ko ang Lahat" by Maricris Garcia
Country of origin	Philippines
Original language	Tagalog
No. of episodes	418 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producer	Winnie Hollis-Reyes
Production locations	Metro Manila, Philippines
Editors	Jennalyn Sablaya Paolo Mendoza Gervic Estella
Camera setup	Multiple-camera setup
Running time	18–30 minutes
Production company	GMA Entertainment TV
Original release
Network	GMA Network
Release	June 9, 2014 (2014-06-09) – January 15, 2016 (2016-01-15)

The series is streaming online on YouTube.^[1]

Cast and characters

Cast

Barbie Forteza

Ruru Madrid

Sanya Lopez

Eddie Garcia

Lead cast

• Barbie Forteza as Diana M. Valdicañas^[2]
• Thea Tolentino as Ashley "Ash" M. Alcantara

Supporting cast

• Jean Garcia as Karina "Rina" Mercado-Alcantara / Alexa Valdicañas^[3]
• Jomari Yllana as Benjamin "Benjie" Valdicañas
• Ryan Eigenmann as Alfred Alcantara
• Andre Paras as Bradley Castillo
• Derrick Monasterio as Sebastian "Baste" Castillo-Torres
• Mel Martinez as Venus Mercado

Guest cast

• Carmen Soriano as Lupita Valdicañas
• Pinky Marquez as Cleo Castillo
• JC Tiuseco as Carl Domingo
• Carlo Gonzales as Paulo Zulueta
• Cherie Gil as Magnolia McBride
• Ruru Madrid as Joaquin Castillo
• Vaness del Moral as Jackie Perez-Alcantara / Estrella Liwanag
• Pancho Magno as Juancho Rodriguez
• Jak Roberto as Ambo
• Sanya Lopez as Lorna
• Buboy Villar as Marlon
• Gloria Romero as Elizabeth McBride
• Eddie Garcia as Eduardo Guevarra-McBride^[4]
• Gwen Zamora as Abigail McBride
• Aljur Abrenica as Malcolm Angeles
• Edwin Reyes as Rafael Castillo
• Benjie Paras as Peter
• Gardo Versoza as Santi Abbarientos
• Elle Ramirez as Ericka Abbarientos
• Eula Valdez as Ysabel Zuñiga-Valdicañas
• Shyr Valdez as Cynthia
• Chanda Romero as Cielo
• Luz Valdez as Magda
• Juancho Triviño as Charles
• Winwyn Marquez as Vanessa Rodriguez
• Aifha Medina as Tanya
• Archie Adamos as Ruben

Development

Mark Reyes V was hired as the director of the television series.^[5] In 2015, He was replaced by Gina Alajar.^[6]

Production

Principal photography commenced on May 12, 2014.^[7] Filming concluded on January 8, 2016.^[8] The series was extended until January 15, 2016.^[9]

Ratings

According to AGB Nielsen Philippines' Mega Manila household television ratings, the pilot episode of The Half Sisters earned an 11.5% rating.^[10] The final episode scored a 23.2% rating.^[11] The series had its highest rating on November 28, 2014, with a 25.6% rating.^[12]

Accolades

Accolades received by The Half Sisters

Year	Award	Category	Recipient	Result	Ref.
2014	28th PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Daytime Drama Series	The Half Sisters	Nominated	[13]
		Best New Male TV Personality	Andre Paras	Nominated
2015	ENPRESS Golden Screen Television Awards	Outstanding Breakthrough Performance by an Actor		Won	[14]
	29th PMPC Star Awards for Television	Best Daytime Drama Series	The Half Sisters	Won	[15]
		Best Supporting Actress	Jean Garcia	Nominated
2016	2016 Box Office Entertainment Awards	Most Popular Daytime Drama	The Half Sisters	Won	[16]
		Most Promising Love Team on TV	Andre Paras, Barbie Forteza	Won

Legacy

Actor Andre Paras appeared in the 2015 Philippine television romantic comedy drama series Let the Love Begin in a guest role, portraying the same character he played in The Half Sisters.^[17]