- It has a rich backstory.
La Luna Sangre is the third show in the Moonstone trilogy. The story began with Lobo in 2008, followed by Imortal in 2010. The trilogy recounts the origins of werewolves and vampires in the Philippines and the story of how they were able to co-exist with humans.
Its story begins with two characters from Imortal: vampire Mateo (John Lloyd Cruz) and werewolf Lia (Angel Locsin). The couple gave up their supernatural powers in order to live a simple life at the farm with their daughter, Malia (Kathryn Bernardo). However, a prophecy revealed that there's a big bad vampire in town—otherwise known as the Supremo (Richard Gutierrez)—and Malia is the only one who can stop him.
When the Supremo hears the prophecy, he goes out in search of the chosen one. But he fails to kill Malia because Mateo and Lia die fighting to save the life of their only daughter.
Unlike other teleseryes which normally start out slow and take ages to establish the characters' backstories, LLSÂ began at a rapid pace. So many things happened in the first week and we were immediately hooked! Whether or not you watched Lobo and Imortal, La Luna Sangre's story and its characters are so engaging that you'll just find yourself tuning in every day.
- It shows KathNiel at their best.
We've seen Kath and Daniel grow up, from their early years as teen stars in Princess and I to more mature roles in Pangako Sa 'Yo. LLS not only allows them to explore new roles in the fantasy genre, it also lets them expand their acting chops.
For instance, we see Kathryn acting like a man in disguise so that the Supremo won't recognize her—she's pretty convincing! As for Daniel, who plays the human Tristan, he has to channel his inner ninja to become a vampire hunter like his father. The pair trained in martial arts like wushu and Pekiti-Tirsia Kali to prepare for their roles. Looks like all the training paid off because their fight moves are impressive!
- It's got a hot super villain you just can't hate.
We have to admit—we've got a soft spot for Richard, who was a Candy cover boy back in 2002! In his first role as a Kapamilya star, he plays the almighty Supremo (a.k.a. Sandrino/a.k.a. Sir Gilbert), the leader of an evil group of vampires who are dead set on taking over the country. TBH, we cringe a little bit every time the vampires open their mouths to reveal those big white fangs (not because they’re scary, but
TBH, we cringe a little bit every time the vampires open their mouths to reveal those big white fangs (not because they're scary, but because they kind of look ridiculous). But when it's Richard showing his fangs, we're floored. How does he manage to look handsome and menacing at the same time?
There's more to Sandrino than meets the eye though. From a few flashbacks, we learn that he started manifesting signs of vampirism as a child, and his mother loathed him for it. But how did he become the most powerful vampire with the "cursed ink"? We hope they show us more of his backstory!
- It has a stellar supporting cast.
Apart from the main cast, we see other colorful characters playing supporting roles, such as Prof. T (Albert Martinez), headmaster of the Moonchasers, an elite force of young men and women who fight evil vampires. There's also Baristo (Joross Gamboa), the playful werewolf who acts as Malia's foster father; Eric (Polo Ravales), the lone survivor of the luna force (humans who protect the world from vampires); and Veruska (Ina Raymundo), the ambitious werewolf who unwittingly caused the deaths of her tribe.
- It teaches strong family values without being overly cheesy.
You know how most teleseryes always have scenes with characters praying at the church? Praying is a good thing, of course, but it just feels like déjà vu to be seeing those scenes play out over and over in every local show.
While LLS does have its fair share of praying scenes, we like how it clearly shows what both Tristan and Malia are fighting for: the safety and well-being of their loved ones. They are willing to do whatever it takes to protect their families—and humankind.
- It has its fair share of kilig.
The first time Tristan and Malia held hands as children in the middle of a cornfield, an electric current passed between them. The second time it happened to them as adults in the middle of a rock concert, the shock jolted them apart. We still don't know what this all means, or what its implications are for the story, but every time they're about to hold hands, we just know sparks are flying between them. Perhaps it's because Kathryn and Daniel are so attuned to each other's movements, that they can convey so much with just a few facial expressions.
- It's got lots of eye candy.
Aside from Richard and DJ being the show's resident cuties, we just have to talk about newcomer Tony Labrusca, who plays Malia's childhood best friend Jake, the loyal werewolf who always comes to her aid. (Jake = Jacob from Twilight? Hmm.) Even though he's always decked in "garbage chic" (werewolves have to wear strong-smelling clothes to hide their natural scent from enemy vampires), he still manages to look good. We love it when he transforms into a werewolf and back because we get to see his toned muscles. More shirtless moments, please!
- It showcases advancements in special effects and cinematography.
Though the werewolves in this show aren't quite as realistic as the direwolves or dragons in Game of Thrones, we're pretty impressed with the way they look on screen. From fast-moving vampires to epic onscreen battles, LLS'Â special effects are more advanced than any we've seen on any other local show.
- It mirrors many issues facing the world today through the lens of a fantasy story.
In their world, can vampires, werewolves, and humans peacefully co-exist? In the real world, can people of different cultures and beliefs stop being at war? In their world, can citizens trust the Supremo, who is parading as a caring politician while secretly plotting world domination? In the real world, can we trust our own politicians to do their job without having any ulterior motives?
- It gives us hope.
In reality, things aren't always black and white. People are never purely good or purely evil. Everyone has flaws, but we all have the freedom to do what's right. As Tristan's father (Romnick Sarmienta) told him, "Gusto
Though there are countless wars happening everywhere, we also have to learn to fight the war within—to choose to do the right thing, to help others, and to be a positive force in our own little corner of the world. The story of Tristan and Malia isn’t over yet, but it gives us hope that as long as there are people who refuse to give up, who keep on fighting for what they believe in, then evil can never truly win and good will always prevail.
The story of Tristan and Malia isn't over yet, but it gives us hope that as long as there are people who refuse to give up, who keep on fighting for what they believe in, then evil can never truly win and good will always prevail.
From The Candy Bulletin Community
