Katorse

Katorse
Genre Teen drama, romance
Created by Rondel P. Lindayag
Regal Films
Developed by Roldeo T. Endrinal
Julie Anne R. Benitez
Written by Noreen Capili
Bing Castro (Ruby Leah Castro)
Philip King
Siegfred Sanchez
Mariami Tanangco-Domingo
Directed by Malu L. Sevilla
Starring Erich Gonzales[1]
Ejay Falcon
Xian Lim
Enchong Dee
Opening theme "Tamis ng Unang Halik" by Juris
Composer(s) Tina Paner
Country of origin Philippines
Original language(s) Filipino, English
No. of episodes 100 (Total episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s) Jennifer Soliman-Bolilan
Darnel Joy R. Villaflor
Running time 30-45 minutes
Production company(s) Dreamscape Entertainment Television
Release
Original network ABS-CBN
Original release August 24, 2009 (2009-08-24) – January 8, 2010 (2010-01-08)
Chronology
Followed by Tanging Yaman
Related shows Angelito: Batang Ama (2012)
Bagito (2014)
External links
Website

Katorse (lit. Fourteen) is a television primetime series that aired on ABS-CBN from August 24, 2009 to January 8, 2010 replacing Boys Over Flowers. It tells the story of a simple small-town girl who fell in love with a childhood friend who later fathers a child with her. It is loosely based on a 1980 film of the same name courtesy of Regal Films starring Dina Bonnevie, Gabby Concepcion and Alfie Anido.

Overview

Casting

The show stars 2005 Star Circle Grand Questor Erich Gonzales as teenage mom, Nene. This is Gonzales' first starring role in a primetime program. The series showcases showbiz newbies Ejay Falcon and Xian Lim in their first starring role in a primetime series. ABS-CBN picked the cast because they believe that primetime television needs to have new faces, to make it look fresh and better than the usual actors.[2]

In early July 2009, ABS-CBN released the program's trailer, which revealed the cast of Katorse to include veteran actors Malou de Guzman (as Nene's mother) and Cherie Gil as Gabby's mother, where she plays a less villainous role. Cherie Gil and Erich Gonzales had worked together in Pieta. Gil saw a lot of potential with Erich and believes that she will go far in the showbiz industry.

Sometime in August 2009, the management added Enchong Dee as an additional main cast.[3]

1968 film

The original Katorse starred 18-year-old Mercedes Galvez, which launched her to stardom in the late 1960s, and featured Antonio Gomez as Gabby and the late Roldan Cruz as Albert. Katorse is known for its sexy trademark “magic kamison” (magic chemise) donned by the young lead actress while out for a swim. Although there are only two male characters in the 1968 film, ABS-CBN management added a third character, played by Enchong Dee, in the television series. The film was remade in 1980 starring Dina Bonnevie.

Story and development

Synopsis

Nene is an ordinary small-town girl whose once-happy childhood turns fatally tragic as she and her childhood friend Gabby supposedly fell in love, thus causing her teenage pregnancy when they have sexual intercourse. Nene also discovers a whole lot of troubles involving her family.[2]

Episodes

Chapter I: The First Brush with Love and Pregnancy

Fourteen-year-old Nene grows excited of her childhood friend Gabby’s upcoming arrival in the hacienda. During their younger years, the boy had promised to marry her, and she has been waiting for him to come back and fulfill his promise ever since. On the other hand, Gabby appears annoyed with the thought of going back home for the summer because he is looking forward to spend it with Marissa. After the latter relentlessly pushed him to go back home, he decides to submit to his father’s political desires. After sharing an intimate kiss with Nene, Gabby tells her that he loves her. The very next day, he starts to continuously sweep Nene off her feet up until he convinces her to be his girlfriend. One night, he invites the young lady back in their house to spend some time in his room. While they are in a lip-lock, Gabby’s mother surprisingly walks in on them.

On Nene’s way out, Gabby’s mother chases after her to send out a warning about her rather unacceptable affair with her son. Nene tells Gabby that his mother doesn’t like her for him. Immediately, he comforts the poor girl while telling her that everything will soon be okay. The next day, Nene fulfills her responsibility as Reyna Elena as she parades all over town with her escort, Gabby. Afterward, the two escape the set after-party to proceed to their secret hideout; there they end up spending an intimate night together.

The day after Gabby catches his brother Albert kissing the love of his life, Marissa. He immediately has a fist-fight with the lad. There, he learns about their romantic link, which further enrages him. While pondering about his new discovery, Nene surprisingly comes his way. She tries cheering him up. Instead of receiving a positive response, Nene ends up totally devastated because Gabby has decided to break up with her.

Nene discovers that she is pregnant with Gabby’s baby, and she gladly tells this to him. To Nene’s dismay, upon hearing of the news, Gabby instantly yells at her with disbelief.

Despite the pregnancy test kit’s bold confirmation, Gabby fails to believe the truth behind Nene’s untimely child expectancy: He persistently claims that he has no intention to take responsibility for the child. After hearing his own mother’s threat regarding early parenthood, Gabby runs away. Nene finally decides to admit her situation to her mother, despite Nenita’s persistent refusal.

Gabby receives bad thoughts from his brother and mother upon confrontation the night after their deal with Nene's family. Gabby was so upset and he wanted to cause his mom great pain. He had an idea and it involved winning Nene's heart again so that his family wouldn't say any bad thought to him. The day after he went to Nene's house bringing his peace offering: a teddy bear, balloon and chocolates. At first Nene doesn't believe it, but when Gabby surprised her with "I love you" made of roses, Nene fell in love again with Gabby. Gabby decides to let Nene stay at their home yet despite their families disapproval. After a few weeks, Gabby and Albert went back to Manila to start going back to school, leaving Nene in the hacienda.

Nene saw her friends walk by the mansion and invited them in. She started some discussion and said asked what being a burden means. Her friends also didn't know the answer. Little did she know that it will start a gossip within the whole town. Her mother, Nena, approached Margarita at the church and asked her if she was mistreating Nene. Furious, Margarita went back to the mansion and started to yell at Nene for spreading rumors about the Arcanghels treating her badly. Nena just got in time when Margarita was yelling and was about to slap Nene. She stood for her daughter and exchanged foul words with Margarita. Upset, Margarita told them to get out of the mansion. All three of them, Nena, Nene and Nenita got out of the mansion and went back to their house. They started to discuss the possibility of them also getting out of the hacienda.

Nene realized the situation and told her friends to correct the rumors. She also went back to the mansion to ask for a second chance but Anselmo and Margarita was too upset about what happened. The next day, a group of people rallied in front of the mansion, headed by Nene's friends as they admit to Margarita that they are the ones responsible for spreading the rumors. Margarita and Nena reconciled. Nene went to the mansion again to ask if she can stay there so she can serve Margarita and Anselmo. The couple, even though reluctant, agreed since Nene was insisted.

The next day, Nene volunteered to cook suman for the afternoon snack. Not familiar with modern cooking equipment, she asks help from the cook on where she can get firewood. The cook told her she knows a place where they can find firewood. Nene started cooking and in a matter of hours, the suman was ready. She placed them on a plate and even decorated it with flowers and took it upstairs to Anselmo and Margarita.

Margarita noticed the flowers and to her dismay - Nene destroyed the orchid and used it as firewood. The orchid was planted by Margarita's late mother. Margarita was even more furious and told Nene to get out of the mansion. Nene walked towards the gate but loses consciousness; Anselmo immediately went down to check on Nene.

Nene was brought into the hospital and was given medical treatment. It was nothing serious but since she is pregnant, she should take care of herself more. She needs adequate rest and nutrients. Margarita decided to send Nene to Manila and live with Gabby and Albert.

Chapter II: Meeting The Best Friend, Jojo

Nene's stay in Gabby's Manila home was a nightmare, learning that she cannot make him love her. Everyday a pregnant Nene waited for him to come home, waited for him to finally treat her right. Despite her pregnancy, he still loved his brother's girlfriend, Marissa. He only saw Nene as a huge dilemma.

Nene hides her pregnancy while she attends school and continues to study. She was smart and continued to receive good grades. There in a chance encounter in the city she met the school's troublemaker John Joseph "Jojo" Wenceslao. She could not stand the guy. He always teased her and followed her. He was a notorious bad boy in school who was known to be the spoiled son of a rich doctor and a successful businessman.

After a school fight broke out with Jojo's nemesis Dilbert, Nene and Jojo were stuck together in Dilbert's house. Jojo saved Nene during the fight. Nene saw some kindness in the irresponsible lad and slowly trusted him. She still refused to give out her name — she simply said her name was "Queen of Hearts" in reference to the poker game Jojo loved to play.

When Jojo invited her to join him in a party afterwards, she obliged. But when she reached the party she was in for her ultimate heartbreak when she saw Gabby and Marissa together. Much worse, Gabby was confessing his love for Marissa. Nene left the party without saying goodbye to Jojo.

Jojo was puzzled. He did not know where Nene went. He confides in his best friend, Gabby, that he thinks he has fallen in love with a weird girl he hardly knows.

Nene was stuck in Manila without friends, family, or a support system. Soon she finds the troublemaker, Jojo as an instant friend. Though, he was arrogant she simply found some goodness in him despite his spoiled brat image. They celebrated their friendship by eating trademark Filipino street food: fishballs and dirty ice cream.

Jojo told Nene that he would love for her to meet his best friend. But Nene got the shock of her life, when she learns that Gabby is Jojo's friend.

Gabby warned Nene to stay away from his friend and know her place as a woman. He also warned Jojo not to fall in love with Nene and know his place in their lives. In respect to Gabby, Jojo decided not to pursue Nene.

One day in Gabby's angry and jealous streak, he decided to lock Nene in the basement. Nene calls for Jojo's help, and he quickly saved her. The two share their first real embrace. As soon as they were about to leave, Gabby catches them. Jojo punched Gabby and ran away with Nene.

Nene decided to finally speak up against Gabby's ways. She told their to Dra. Julie (Alexis Socorro De Leon Reyes) and Mr. King (Tommy Abuel) Regular and Sped Class Private School of San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila School of Marikina City that she was pregnant with Gabby's kid. The conservative school expelled Gabby.

Margarita, Gabby's mother, asked Nene what more would she want? How much more can she ruin her son's life? Nene learned she could not change Gabby. He always had girls around him and continuously cheated on her.

Though, Jojo and Gabby had a strain in their friendship. Gabby learns that every time he was in trouble it was still Jojo who saved him from those fights. Gabby realizes he cannot stay mad at Jojo.

With Jojo's persuasion, Gabby tried to be nicer to Nene, so he decided to be more kind to her. But Gabby refused to take Nene to the doctor for check-ups, since he had acute leukemia as a kid. He hated going to hospitals. He assigned his best friend, Jojo to do the "job".

Every time Nene visits the doctor, everyone thought that Jojo was the father of her baby. Every time she had to shop for baby things, it was Jojo who accompanied her. Every time she had to sell rice cakes it's Jojo who will help her. Every time she needed a shoulder to cry on when it comes to Gabby, the sarcastic, funny Jojo was always there. She found herself truly trusting Jojo and finding a best friend in him.

Nene wondered and asked Jojo, why don't you have a girlfriend? He tells her the one he loves is in love with someone else. "She's real lucky," she says.

Chapter III: The Birth of Tommy

Katorse reached its highest ratings during these times.

Nene discovered Gabby in bed with one of his girls. Nene cried and yelled at Gabby. She decided to run away once more. She started calling Jojo telling him that she was so tired of his best friend's ways. Jojo, though his heart is breaking, played the mediator and confidant once again.

But then, he was confused when Nene started yelling in pain over the phone. He asked her what was happening. Nene was about to give birth.

Jojo picked her up in the transit center and placed her in his car. He was panicking, he did not know what to do. He was speeding with all his might to get to the hospital. But then Nene tells him, she cannot take it any longer. She was going to have the baby in his car.

Jojo was so scared as he helped Nene, she was loudly crying in pain. She was weak during this time and needed Jojo. Jojo toughened up and faced Nene. There in front of his eyes, Nene gave birth to her child. He held on to the baby, Nene looked at him and smiled.

Gabby, feeling guilty, was looking for Nene. It was too late for him to catch up to her. As Nene was giving birth, Gabby was struck by a vehicle leaving him unconscious in the street.

When Nene reached the hospital, once more, everyone thought that Jojo was the father. Nene looked at Jojo with such gratitude, she never thought someone can be so kindhearted to her. She was touched.

Gabby arrived injured. Instead of attending to Nene, he talked animatedly about his experience. He was run over by Jojo's nemesis, Dilbert. He said he cannot believe his fate. Gabby gladly looked at Jojo and assigned him to be baby Tommy's godfather.

Gabby finds out later on that his medical check up had disturbing results: His leukemia was coming back.

Upon learning this, Gabby wanted to live his life. He wants to be with Marissa, and he wants Nene to be happy. He tells Jojo to pursue Nene, while he will purposely break Nene's heart to be with Marissa. He promises Jojo he will be a good father, but since his leukemia is coming back he would like to live his life and he chooses Marissa over Nene. Marissa upon learning that Gabby was sick, took pity on him and decided to be his girlfriend. Albert, Gabby's brother was in Stanford, studying and the couple have since broken up.

Three of them (Jojo, Marissa and Gabby) made a plan so that Nene would had Gabby and fall in love with Jojo. The next day, Nene found Gabby in bed with Marissa. Furious, Nene went to Marissa's house and they got into a catfight, causing Marissa a head injury. Nene was even more confused on why Gabby keeps pushing her away and why he actively pursued Marissa even with Baby Tommy already there. Gabby admitted that he is in love with Marissa. Nene packed her belongings and asked Jojo to drive her back to the province.

Madam Margarita was at Nene's house talking to her mother, Nena. Margarita and Nena asked her why she was back in the province all of a sudden, and when Nene started to talk about what she saw (Gabby and Marissa in bed), she was interrupted by Jojo. He convinced Nene not to involve their families into this misunderstanding. Nene agreed.

Meanwhile, after the catfight, Marissa is brought to the hospital, in the ICU and was unconscious for a few days. Her parents are worried and somehow they had the information that Nene was involved in Marissa's injury. Police were sent to the province, to Nene's house, to bring her back to Manila for questioning. After the initial round of questions, she was free to go but she realized the gravity of the situation and she could possibly go to jail since Marissa's parents are so keen on having her punished for what she did to Marissa.

She ran away from home with her baby. Upon reaching Manila, Nene realized that she had left her cellphone and she has no way of contacting Jojo. She walked on the streets and settled on the pavement when Jojo's car suddenly pulled over. Jojo started to scream at Nene, telling her how stupid her decision was. After cooling down, Jojo took Nene to a diner and had something to eat.

Jojo still remained Nene's friend, he was too scared to break the boundary. He helped Nene through her problems but he did not confess his feelings. Besides, he knew Nene only loved Gabby. She will never see him.

But when he saw Nene crying her heart out and shouting her sorrows to the sea, he cannot help but fall in love with her even more.

He held Nene tightly as he felt her tears drop to his skin, Nene collapsed into his embrace. Soon, they both fell asleep in the seashore. The morning comes and Nene wakes up in his arms. She started tearing up again just remembering how pathetic her life is.

Jojo told her not to cry anymore as he dragged her to the waters. He wanted her to forget her problems, and just once to feel like she was a carefree teenager again. The two played in the sea, swimming along as he lifted her freely. For once, she felt free again.

Nene confides in Jojo that she does not blame Gabby for choosing Marissa over her. She's richer, smarter, and more beautiful than her. Who would fall in love with a stupid, provincial lass like her?

Jojo tells her never to believe that. She was a hardworking girl who was the greatest in her class. She knew what to do, she sold rice cakes in order to support her child. She was mature beyond her years and to him, she was the most beautiful.

Chapter IV: Second Brush with Love

Jojo and Nene were inseparable, they were best friends, they went to the same public high school, took care of Tommy together, and often studied together. One night the two decided to sneak in some beer and drink together just for Nene to prove that she will not do stupid things when she's drunk. After two beers, Nene found herself drunk in Jojo's arms. He carried her to his bed and watched her sleep.

Nene woke up without Jojo in his room but an angry face greeting her. It was Jojo's mother who was going hysterical that her son brought some cheap girl home. She apologized to his mother, little does she know this will not be the last time she will encounter Dr. Yvonne Wenceslao.

One day, Nene told Jojo that she does not believe she would ever find love again. Society has judged her already as a single mom, and in such a conservative place having a baby at fifteen, no one would want her. Jojo started becoming fuming mad... he asked her if she was dumb or just numb, he took her to the doctor, he was the one who helped her give birth, he moved schools for her, he was always there; and she really does not know that he loves her so much?

Nene was shocked and confused with his confession. She confided with her big sister, Nenita about his confession. She says a part of her really wants to be in a relationship with him. Nenita warns Nene that she should learn from her first brush with love. And she should be more responsible and think for Tommy's sake. She cannot jump to a relationship again.

Nene listens to her sister, and told Jojo that she cannot love him that way. It was the first time Jojo ever got any sort of rejection. He tells her he'd rather have her as a friend than not have her in his life at all.

Six months later, Gabby and Marissa were in a relationship. Gabby cannot believe that Jojo was not with Nene. Jojo and Nene remained friends, but Gabby had something else in mind. Gabby sets up a light house date for Nene and Jojo.

The two were stuck together in the light house, though Nene promised her big sister she will not go into a relationship with Jojo. She confessed to Jojo that she has loved him too for quite some time now, she wants to be in a relationship with Jojo but they should be careful and keep it from her family. Jojo obliged.

But when Jojo's mother, Yvonne discovered her son has fallen in love with the cheap, single mom, she was angered. She told Nene to stay away from her son, yet, the two fought for their love for each other. Jojo even brought Nene as his date in an exclusive function. Yvonne was not having any of it. She brought scandal in Nene's hometown by announcing that the young, teenage mother has seduced her son. Leaving the townspeople shocked and once again Nene was the center of harsh judgement.

Nena, Nene's mother was very disappointed with Nene. She believed she has not learned a thing. She tells Nene to break up with Jojo. Nene pleads, but her mother did not want to listen. Nene promised her mother she will break up with Jojo.

Chapter V: Nene's Struggles/ First Love Wants Her Back

Nene reluctantly agreed to break up with Jojo. But little did she know, another test will come to her. One day, when Gabby got sick, Nene was the one who took care of him. He suddenly feels that he deserves her, at least she always loved him.

Gabby also learned that the results the hospital took were not his that it was a mistake orchestrated by Jojo's nemesis Dilbert, whose family owned the hospital. He takes his chance and now with a chance for a second life, he wants Nene back.

When he saw Jojo and Nene meeting up in the sugar cane farm, the young lad grew jealous and mad. He grabbed Nene and dragged her away from Jojo. Soon, he had the farm men beat Jojo up. Saying he is interfering in their affair as a common law husband and wife.

Nene was demanding Gabby to leave her alone. Gabby confessed to her that he just told Jojo to pursue her that it was all his plan. But Nene was not that clueless, she knew that it was all Gabby's plans. Yet, she grew to love Jojo through the times they spent together. She pushes Gabby away to look for Jojo.

Yvonne, found her son, Jojo almost lifeless on the road. She sent him to the hospital.

Nene tearfully visits Jojo in the hospital and, with her heart breaking, she told him they cannot be together. Jojo pleads for Nene but she cannot do anything but walk away from him, following her mother's orders to leave the young lad.

Nena agreed with the Arcanghels that it would be good for Nene and Gabby to be together. She believes Nene should accept her fate and be with the father of her child.

They asked Nene to live in the Arcanghel house with Gabby. Though, Nene was reluctant she agreed. But when Gabby tried to rape her one night, she could not take it any more. She decides to move out with her sister and her son, in the slums of Manila.

The place was dangerous, but she had someone to guard her during the night. Jojo was there, and though they have broken up, he cannot see her live there all by herself. So he decided to rent out the shack next to her.

Here, Nene experienced being a real single mother while studying. She would have to bring baby Tommy to school with her. Jojo would help her as they took turns taking care of him. Sometimes they would skip school. Being young, they did not have enough money to even buy her child some milk. The teenage parents really struggled. Nene advised Jojo to leave her, for them to commit to their promise. They should be more responsible because taking care of Tommy is not child's play. She told him that they should go back to their parents.

When Nena and Margarita found Nene and Jojo in an intimate embrace in Nene's shack, they were in for a shock. Nena even fainted. They took Tommy away from Nene; forbidding Nene to see her child.

Nene kept her priorities straight, she did not even want to talk to Jojo, and soon she was pleading with Margarita for Tommy. Proving to her she's responsible enough to take care of Tommy. At least let her be a mother.

But living in the slums proved to be dangerous for Tommy. He developed Dengue Fever and the baby was in serious condition. He needed blood transfusion. Gabby is not capable of giving his son blood. No one else matched his son's blood but Jojo. Though, Gabby really did not want his rival, Jojo to help his son. He agreed to it.

With what happened to Tommy, Nene became very obedient to everyone's wishes and sacrificed every thing for Tommy. Putting her own wants aside. Putting her love for Jojo aside. On her 16th birthday, the two spent a carefree night in an amusement park. As Jojo gave her a heartfelt letter and a necklace for remembering that day. There in the park, they acted like a real couple. Something they yearned for but they cannot seem to do. Jojo puts on a golden necklace around her neck, saying goodbye. Saying their time will come when they will both have the strength to be together.

Nene silently cries in the corner as she watches her love walk away from her.

Chapter VI: Who Should She Choose?

As the show nears its end, the season focused on Nene's struggle between being a mother and also having her own desires. The show reflected on society's expectations and also the strength of a young mother to keep striving for her son. In this season, they also introduced other sub-plots such as Marissa and Albert's love, Dilbert and Nenita's relationship, and Jojo's short-lived fake girlfriend Mayumi.

The season started with Nene and Gabby going to school together, Gabby is slowly changing his ways as he tries to win Nene back. But the lad did not know that Nene was still in love with Jojo, though she has not seen him for two years.

Jojo on the other hand, makes a deal with his parents that if he graduates with honors in college he should have a chance with Nene.

During the time when Nene did not get to go to her prom, she gets a surprise call from Jojo. When she tells him she cannot go to prom because Tommy has a fever. Jojo promised her, "the prom will come to you."

In one of the show's memorable scenes, the two started talking, describing their dream prom. They close their eyes and they transport themselves in a different time, a different world where they can attend the prom together. Nene was striking in red, beautiful and in love with her escort. She faced him, and there was Jojo dashing in black.

Nene snaps out of her dream as tears fell, promising Jojo, "some day..."

When it was time for Nene to go to college, she applied to FEU Diliman in Sampaguita Ave. Quezon City. The same university that Jojo goes to. When the two of them bumped into each other for the first time in three years, everything started coming back to Nene.

Nene got into FEU Diliman but to Gabby's dismay, he did not get in. So being bitter, he did every thing to stop Nene's scholarship in FEU Diliman. He told the scholarship handlers that she was a single mom. They denied Nene the scholarship.

Nene cries to Jojo near the fountain, confiding in him that she did not get the scholarship. Jojo tells her that there are other schools there that will give her a scholarship. Nene explains to him, it is not just the school that keeps her there, it is him. The lass confesses her love for the young man that after all these years she still wanted to be with him. They rekindled their love for each other after that.

But Nene faces more struggles as she faces responsibility as a mother. She cannot freely love Jojo because she had to live through people's expectations and she prioritizes Tommy. Part of the expectation is for her to support Gabby, Tommy's father.

Jojo feels left out and does not understand this, because every time, he feels that she chooses Gabby over him. Jojo decides to stay away from Nene once again.

When Nene celebrated her 18th birthday in a grand party, Gabby proposes to her. Nene refuses his proposal, telling him that there is a right time for every thing.

After being shot down, Gabby is fuming mad, and he blames Jojo for this. He holds a Sub Machine Gun of Mini UZI 9mm to Jojo's head and blames him for stealing Nene away from him.

Jojo was shot three times in his left chest and killed by Gabby in front of the guests and Jojo's father was suffered a heart attack. Gabby feels the world is against him, he feels even more hurt that Nene refuses to be with him.

One day, Jojo cannot take all of Nene's sacrifices. His only way out is to escape it all. He wants her for himself. He asks Nene to run away with him, and they will take Tommy. Nene refuses telling him, they both have to keep their promise.

When Gabby caught the two of them together again, he gets mad with jealousy and almost hits Nene. Their young son, Tommy interferes pleading for his dad not to hurt his mother.

This was Nene's constant struggle. People expected her to try to be with Gabby for the sake of her son. But Nene stood firm, she juggled being a good mother and a good student. She also waited for Jojo. Waiting for their promise that as soon as they finish their studies, they will be together.

When Jojo finally graduated with honors, Nene and Jojo finally flaunt their relationship to the Wenceslao clan. During his grad party, he introduced her as his girlfriend. But just as soon as Yvonne was warming up to Nene, Nene's son Tommy broke into the party. Nene and Jojo were in shock when they found Gabby in the Graduating party at Makati Shangri-La, Manila. Gabby tried to explain that he was there to make peace but Jojo did not listen.

Jojo's relatives were shocked to hear that Nene was a single mother who may be still living with the father of her child. Gabby and Jojo got into a fight. It ruined Jojo's party and Nene's reputation with his rich family. Though, Gabby wanted to make peace a part of him was angry that Nene was still with Jojo after all this time.

Disappointed and tired, Nene and Jojo decide to elope. They decide they will fight for Tommy together and not have other people rule their lives. Jojo arranged their quick wedding and he waited for her near the fountain where they last met.

As soon as they were getting ready to run away together, Gabby saw Nene in the municipal hall. Nene, frightened of Gabby, decides to run away from him. But tragedy strikes: She was hit by a moving van. Nene was in a sudden coma.

There was no Jojo in sight, because that same night he learned that his father died in Australia. His whole world collapsed right in front of him.

Seeing Nene in a coma, Gabby realizes what love truly is. He cannot be selfish anymore. So he brings Jojo to the bed-ridden Nene.

Jojo kisses an unconscious Nene on her forehead, tears well up his eyes, he whispers promises to her, telling her they will get married as soon as she wakes up.

Gabby tells Jojo to take care of Nene. But just as soon as every thing seems to work out, Jojo faces another obstacle.

His family's pharmaceutical company is in jeopardy. The reason his father died is because of how much their business is failing. His family appoints him to take over the weak business. Jojo has to grow up overnight.

Jojo tells Gabby that he cannot be with Nene right now, her life will be a living hell if she comes into his family right now. He asks Gabby to give him three years and he will come back for Nene. Gabby understands his best friend and wishes him well.

When Nene woke up, she was introduced to a new Gabby. He is now kindhearted and patient. And finally, he has set her free from his expectations and restrictions. He now knew that love cannot be selfish. Nene is touched with Gabby's gesture, she hugs and thanks him.

Nene finishes her studies. Gabby goes to the United States to study. Jojo takes over the family business in Australia.

Three years pass, and it is Nene's birthday once again. Gabby arranges for Jojo's surprise in Nene's birthday.

When Nene sees Jojo, her eyes widen and her heart seems to have dropped. But when Jojo tried to talk to her, nothing else came out of her but anger.

We learn that Nene waited for him. Yet, there were no phone calls or letters. She waited for him every day in front of his house, hoping that he'll show up. His mother Yvonne even threatened her and her son, Tommy. When Nene learned that Yvonne can be that mean even to her son, Tommy. She tells Jojo she cannot do it anymore.

She tells him he did her a favor by leaving her because she actually got to live her life without problems, without heartbreak, and become successful.

Yet, her heart still fell at Jojo's confession that he still loved her. That those times were hard and he just wanted to give Gabby a chance to be a good father. Nene was crying now but she hardened, telling him that the Arcanghels are family—while he and his mom will never be her family. Telling him it does not matter anymore how much she loves him.

The last few weeks then led the audience in an advertisement asking people whom should Nene choose, her first love or the one who has always been there for her.

Chapter VII: The Ending

In the end, we learn that Gabby's leukemia is real and he is trying to fix things he has ruined. He learned in the United States that his sickness came back and now he accepts it. He spends time with his family and apologizes to his parents. He becomes a very good father to Tommy. Nene promises to take care of him as the two of them took the task together being parents to Tommy. Gabby knew that Nene still loved Jojo.

The parents interfered with this problem. Margarita humbled herself and spoke to Yvonne to let her son love Nene.

Jojo and Nene saw each other in the park again, and the two locked in an embrace. Nene rested on Jojo's chest realizing they are together because of Gabby.

Since Gabby's leukemia is real, he dies on the beach beside his mom, his dad, Tommy, and Kuya Albert, but not before asking Jojo to go back to Nene. Jojo disbelieved him at first, so he felt guilty when he visited the beach where Gabby was laid to rest. Jojo and Nene decided to part ways because she thought it was the wrong time again to love. She felt drained. She felt empty. She has to focus on being a mother to Tommy especially after his father's death. Jojo agreed to these terms saying that no matter what, he will always remember that they did love each other very much.

After five years of no contact, he and Nene accidentally met in church, they both asked for a sign if they should reunite, and in one glimpse of each other, they knew they were fated for each other. They decide to get married with Yvonne's and Tommy's approval.

The story ends with the first true kiss, and when Nene throws her bouquet, it is caught by a shy girl named Nellie (which reminds her of a reflection of herself). She asks how old the girl is. The girl replies, "Katorse, po." (in English "I'm fourteen"), and in a comedic turn, instantly everybody runs down the steps yelling, "No!" In fear that the girl will make the same mistake as Nene.

Cast and characters

Main cast

Extended cast

Guest cast

Reception

Soundtrack

The program's theme song, especially for Gabby and Nene, is "Tamis ng Unang Halik" ("Sweetness of First Kiss") sung by Juris of MYMP originally done by Kristina Paner. The song "My Love is Here" sung by Erik Santos is also featured in the show as a theme for Jojo and Nene.

Postponement

The show was originally scheduled to air in early June 8, 2009, but was postponed as the producers reported having encountered shooting problems because of the weather. Because of this, the management have decided to replace Katorse's timeslot with The Wedding, a romantic-comedy series starring Anne Curtis, Derek Ramsay and Zanjoe Marudo.[4]

Teenage pregnancy issue

MTRCB has shown concerns due to the show's main theme: teenage pregnancy. They claim that this matter is to be taken seriously and can easily influence viewers. They also referred to The Wedding, another program by ABS-CBN in which the character of Hiyasmin Neri have become pregnant at a young age. MTRCB proclaim that these shows are making teenage pregnancy a stereotype on everyday lives. Although frowned upon, MTRCB have decided that they will take a closer look on these shows.

International release

Country/Region Network(s) Series premiere Series Title in Country
Malaysia Malaysia Astro Prima April 26, 2010 Fourteen
Singapore Singapore Channel 5 December 7, 2010

Re-run

Katorse re-airs on September 1, 2014 at 9:45 PM (every Monday to Thursday) on cable channel, Jeepney TV.

External links

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://www.abs-cbn.com/Weekdays/cast/article/3677/katorse/Katorse.aspx
  2. 1 2 http://www.abs-cbn.com/Weekdays/article/3677/katorse/Katorse.aspx
  3. ↑ http://www.abs-cbn.com/Feature/Article/4600/Enchong-Dee-is-thinking-of-courting-Maja-Salvador.aspx
  4. ↑ http://www.stir.ph/LM/articles~level2/id-1244514599757_1/view_articles.html
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