iWantTFC: November 14, 2020 (2020-11-14) – January 16, 2021 (2021-01-16) Kapamilya Channel/A2Z/TV5: June 28, 2021 (2021-06-28) – February 4, 2022 (2022-02-04)
La Vida Lena (transl. Lena's Life) is a 2020–2022 Philippine television drama revenge series broadcast by Kapamilya Channel, starring Erich Gonzales. The fast-cut version was streamed on iWantTFC from November 14, 2020 to January 16, 2021. The full series was aired on the network's Primetime Bida evening block and worldwide via TFC from June 28, 2021 to February 4, 2022, with simulcast on A2Z and TV5.[3]
Plot
Despite being the subject of bullying and discrimination because of the big scar on her face, Magda refuses to let criticisms get to her and strives hard to secure a comfortable life for her family. Using her skills and intelligence, she hits the jackpot when the soap she created quickly gains popularity in the town of Salvacion. However, the young lady's success does not sit well with the Narciso family, the owners of Royal Wellness, the biggest surgical and cosmetic company in the country. When Magda refuses to sell her formula to the Narcisos due to their contrasting views, a string of bad luck comes her way. Losing everything dear to her, Magda returns with a new face, armed with determination to retaliate against the powerful clan who ruined her life.[4]
Cast and characters
Main cast
Erich Gonzales as Magdalena "Magda / Lena" Mendoza Narciso-Cabrera[5]
Danica Ontengco as Allison Suarez / Alice Garcia[5]
Guest cast
Isay Alvarez as Helen Mendoza
Miguel Faustmann as Don Luis Narciso
Giovanni Baldesseri as Fernando Castro
Soliman Cruz as Diosdado "Dado" Mendoza
Production
Casting
Ivana Alawi was originally cast for the lead role, with a working title Lihim ni Ligaya. The pre-production had started and the cast was already introduced during a presscon back in February 2020. Due to COVID-19 pandemic and enhanced community quarantine in Luzon in March 2020, Alawi backed out of the project; her main reason was to avoid risking the health of her family as she will be exposed during lock-in tapings.[6] In August, Deo Endrinal, the head of Dreamscape Entertainment, approached Erich Gonzales to take on the lead role. The title of the series is officially named La Vida Lena, inspired by Jojo Saguin, one of the directors who is known to her colleague named Lena. From Ligaya, the lead character's name was changed to Magdalena Mendoza. Several recasting and revisions in the script are being made to suit the new theme and new cast. La Vida Lena served as Gonzales' return to television two years after playing her first triple role in The Blood Sisters (2018).[7]
Filming duration
Pre-production started in September 2020. The entire cast and crew underwent rigorous procedures and COVID-19 protocols before heading down to their filming location at Antipolo. The first cycle of lock-in taping started on October 1, 2020, and finished on October 17, 2020. Second cycle of taping resumed on November 15, 2020, and finished on December 4, 2020. Third cycle of taping started on January 10, 2021, and finished on January 30, 2021. The fourth and final cycle of taping concluded in February 2021.
Reception
La Vida Lena was one of the most watched TV programs among U.S. multicultural Asian homes in September 2021.[8] The series was also the most watched show on iWantTFC.[9] According to AGB Neilsen, the series received 3.9% TV ratings on August 30, 2021, beating its timeslot rival The Sand Princess (3.2%) despite limited reach on free television.[10]
