HISTORY shows how events in the past made things the way they are today. However, with the advent of technology, among other reasons, young ones slowly forget the details of the past and set aside its significance and importance.

GMA Network is offering historical portal fantasy series “Maria Clara at Ibarra” to give everyone the opportunity to learn about past societies, systems, ideologies and culture during the time of Jose Rizal in the 1800s. Take note, however, that the show is not exactly about the entire Noli Me Tángere and El Filibusterismo novels of Rizal.

Instead, the creatives made a unique reimagining of the characters and input a modern twist, making it a historical-fantasy series.

”For the research, ang buong creative team ay required magbasa hindi lang ng Noli at El Fili kung hindi iba pang mga libro sa Philippine history at ang patungkol sa mga situation ng mga panahon na iyon katulad ng pagkain, mga damit, kaya kailangan iresearch lahat,” Suzette Doctolero, head writer of the show in a press conference.

To make the scenes even more realistic and transport viewers into the world of the Spanish-era, the creatives also asked for professional help of historians and language coaches. ”Para masiguro na hindi chismis o galing sa Marites yung lalabas, maliban doon sa katakot-takot na research ng creative team, meron kaming mga historians na consultants at language coach para sa Spanish language. As for me, kailangan ko din magbasa ng iba pang may kaugnayan doon sa socio-political na component that time para mas masilip ng kabataan at bigyan ng pagpapahalaga yung kasaysayan, at ma-elevate yung usapin ng pag-ibig – hindi lang pag-ibig sa kapwa pero pag-ibig sa bayan,” explained director Zig Dulay.

In “Maria Clara at Ibarra,” Barbie Forteza will play the role of Klay — a working student who dreams of working overseas. One day, Klay wakes up and finds herself in the world of Rizal’s novels. There, she will meet Crisostomo Ibarra (Dennis Trillo) and other characters who will teach her the importance of history, deep understanding of fellow countrymen and love for nation.

Forteza said she is blessed to have been handpicked for the role. ”Noong nag high school kasi ako, nagtake ako ng Alternative Learning System so hindi ko dinaanan para kasing napadali or na-expedite ang aking high school. So isa yun sa pinagpapasalamat ko kasi ngayon, matututunan ko siya tapos mapo-portray ko pa, mapapasok ko din yung mundo ng Noli so talagang may access na ako ngayon sa mga nobelang namiss ko before,” Forteza said.”

What I realized is ito man ay part ng ating history, very timely pa rin siya dahil napakaimportanteng maipalabas at mapagusapan ulit para mas maintindihan natin ang mga nobela ni Dr. Jose Rizal,” she added.

Trillo, on the other hand, took a lot of time and effort to prepare for his role to give the audience the legitimacy of the show.

”Yung role kasi na Crisostomo Ibarra hindi ito yung pangkaraniwang role na pwede mong gawin kahit konti lang yung preparation dahil dito mahaba. Kailangan alam mo yung kwento ng Noli Me Tangere at El Fili. Maswerte lang tayo at marami tayong reference na makikita sa Google at YouTube – makikita mo yung mga look at kung sino yung mga dating gumanap na Crisostomo Ibarra,” he continued.

”Pero dahil meron akong mga nakikitang variations, marami akong options na pwedeng gawin and siguro importante na basahing maiigi yung script para makita mo yung dynamics ng magiging eksena kapag nagmeet na yung past and present,” Trillo added.

Aside from Trillo and Forteza, also giving life to Rizal’s novels in “Maria Clara at Ibarra” are Julie Anne San Jose as Maria Clara, Tirso Cruz 3rd as Padre Damaso Verdolagas, Juan Rodrigo as Kapitan Tiago, Rocco Nacino as Elias, David Licauco as Fidel de los Reyes, Juancho Trivino as Padre Bernardo Salvi, Ces Quesada as Tiya Isabel, Dennis Padilla as Adong, Lou Veloso as Mr. Jose R. Torres, Gilleth Sandico as Doña Victorina de los Reyes de Espadaña, Karenina Haniel as Victoria, Manilyn Reynes as Narcisa “Narsing” Infantes Asuncion and Andrea Torres as Sisa.

”Maria Clara at Ibarra” premieres tonight after “24 Oras.”