Linlang (2023 TV series)

This article is about the 2023 Philippine series. For the 2006 television series, see Linlang (2006 TV series).

Linlang
Promotional poster
Genre	Thriller Drama Mystery Suspense Romance
Created by	ABS-CBN Studios
Written by	David Diuco
Directed by	FM Reyes Jojo Saguin
Starring	Kim Chiu Paulo Avelino JM de Guzman Maricel Soriano
Composers	Jovinor Tan Jonathan Manalo Len Calvo Adriane Macalipay
Country of origin	Philippines
Original language	Filipino
No. of episodes	14 (Prime Video) 68 (as of April 26, 2024 (2024-04-26))
Production
Executive producers	Carlo Katigbak Cory Vidanes Laurenti Dyogi Roldeo Endrinal
Camera setup	Single-camera
Running time	56–61 minutes
Production company	Dreamscape Entertainment
Original release
Network	Amazon Prime Video
Release	October 5 (2023-10-05) – November 16, 2023 (2023-11-16)
Network	Kapamilya Channel (cable and satellite TV only) [lower-alpha 1]
Release	January 22, 2024 (2024-01-22) – present (present)

Linlang (International title: Deceit) is a Philippine thriller drama television series directed by FM Reyes and Jojo Saguin. It stars Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino and JM de Guzman, with Maricel Soriano, Kaila Estrada and Ruby Ruiz in their supporting roles. It is the revival show of the original Linlang series that ran on GMA Network from July 24 to September 22, 2006. The series was produced by Dreamscape Entertainment and premiered on Amazon Prime Video on October 5, 2023, consisting of 14 episodes. The teleserye version produced by ABS-CBN Studios premiered on Kapamilya Channel's Primetime Bida evening block, other broadcast syndication and worldwide via TFC on January 22, 2024, replacing Senior High on Can't Buy Me Love's timeslot.

Premise

The story centers around boxer-turned-seaman Victor Lualhati and his investigation into his wife Juliana's affair. Victor learns more about the situation as he looks into it and comes to the conclusion that his wife's infidelity is not the only factor at play.

Cast and characters

From left: Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino, and JM de Guzman

Main cast

• Paulo Avelino as Victor "Bangis ^{[lower-alpha 2]} " Lualhati
• Kim Chiu as Juliana Alcantara-Lualhati
• JM de Guzman as Atty. Alexander "Alex / Da Master ^{[lower-alpha 3]} " C. Lualhati
• Maricel Soriano as Amelia Contreras-Lualhati ^{[lower-alpha 4]}

Supporting cast

• Jaime Fabregas as Coach Badong Castillo ^[1]
• Ruby Ruiz as Pilar Alcantara
• Raymond Bagatsing as Emilio Mendoza ^[1]
• Kaila Estrada as Atty. Sylvia Villamayor-Lualhati ^[2]
• Heaven Peralejo as Olivia Castillo-Lualhati ^[2]
• Albie Casiño ^[1] as Ricardo "Ricky" Torres
• Benj Manalo ^[1] as Jimboy Ulambay
• Race Matias as Matteo Bautista ^[2]
• Anji Salvacion ^[2] as Kate Alcantara
• Kice So ^[1] as Dylan
• Heart Ramos as Abigail "Abby" A. Lualhati
  • Hanna Lexie as young Abby

Recurring cast

• Bart Guingona ^[1] as Hon. Dante Villamayor
• Adrian Lindayag ^[1] as William
• Frenchie Dy as Mema
• Ross Pesigan as Bogs
• Dominic Ochoa
• Lilet Esteban
• Vance Larena
• Ricardo Cepeda
• Ian de Leon
• Connie Virtucio
• Lotlot Bustamante as Mosang
• Meanne Espinosa

Special participation

• Jake Ejercito ^[1] as Lucas

Guest cast

• Mark McMahon as Eric
• Lovely Abella as Emma
• Daniela Stranner as Maricar

Episodes

Prime Video

No.	Title	Original release date
1	"Episode 1"	October 5, 2023 (2023-10-05)
Previously a boxer, Victor Lualhati is now a seaman. He only desires to have a complete and content family with his wife, Juliana. Victor chooses to take some time off from work to spend time with his family after being away for a while. But as the days go by, he starts to notice big changes in his wife. Then, on Juliana's phone, he finds a disturbing message from an unidentified sender.
2	"Episode 2"	October 5, 2023 (2023-10-05)
Victor hears Juliana's justifications for her wicked deeds. Their daughter, Abby, is in danger as a result of the mounting home problems caused by Victor's refusal to accept her explanation. Victor is determined to put the treachery behind him, but while he does so, he makes the startling discovery of Juliana's real paramour.
3	"Episode 3"	October 12, 2023 (2023-10-12)
Victor pursues his inquiries relentlessly and develops friendships with Juliana's coworkers in an effort to identify his wife's mistress. Victor passes out while practicing boxing and deftly utilizes his medical emergency to trap Juliana's boyfriend, leading to a brutal encounter. On the most significant day of her career, Amelia learns Juliana's horrible secret.
4	"Episode 4"	October 12, 2023 (2023-10-12)
Authorities learn about Juliana and Alex's illicit relationship via Victor. He doesn't have the hard data, though, to back up his assertion. Even worse, Sylvia's involvement in the scenario complicates things further by clearing her husband's name. Juliana later requests an annulment, alleging Victor's mental infirmity.
5	"Episode 5"	October 19, 2023 (2023-10-19)
For Abby's sake, Victor and Juliana are forced to cohabitate in the large home. Unexpectedly, their family relationship begins to resemble what it once was, which makes Alex envious. Due to her infertility issues, Sylvia is thinking of adopting a child. When Juliana learns of this, it strains their friendship and puts their affair at risk of being revealed to their families.
6	"Episode 6"	October 19, 2023 (2023-10-19)
Victor, with the assistance of an unlikely ally, returns to professional boxing to support his family while Juliana prepares to sell their home to test her estranged husband. Alex joins the firm as a partner. As the stakes rise, Juliana discovers something that would forever damage her and Alex. Victor goes to whatever lengths to learn his wife's secret since he is suspicious of her behavior.
7	"Episode 7"	October 26, 2023 (2023-10-26)
Kate feels betrayed after discovering her sister’s dirty secret with her own eyes. Tension escalates when Juliana receives a malicious after-party photo of Victor. Even after the DNA test proves that he is the father of Juliana's unborn child, Victor remains skeptical about the result. The uncertainty causes anxiety for everyone, and yet only one person among them already has the answer.
8	"Episode 8"	October 26, 2023 (2023-10-26)
Victor keeps Juliana kept away after her failed effort to flee and forbids her from seeing Abby. Victor decides to negotiate with Juliana after seeing Abby inconsolable and makes the offer to drop the adultery allegation in exchange for custody of the child. Despite Juliana's resistance, she ultimately consents to the deal—until another cunning scheme is revealed, which only serves to further Victor's mistrust of her.
9	"Episode 9"	November 2, 2023 (2023-11-02)
Victor calls Sylvia, Alex's faithful wife, the greatest witness he can get against Alex as the adultery court date approaches. Victor discovers yet another shocking truth about who he is while raising money for his legal defense. The most significant component of Alex and Juliana's relationship—their unborn child—is put in jeopardy due to their desperation.
10	"Episode 10"	November 2, 2023 (2023-11-02)
Everyone is impacted by the loss of Juliana and Alex's unborn child, even Victor. Even worse, now that Victor has conclusive evidence against the illicit pair, major legal issues await them. Tragically, Sylvia's love for Alex comes to an end. Many things have changed in the last few years, and Victor's future moves will soon be made public.
11	"Episode 11"	November 9, 2023 (2023-11-09)
Victor wants to make up for everything he lost, especially his bond with his daughter Abby, after serving years in prison. It's unclear whether he will be able to establish his innocence and win back the confidence of people who matter to him, though, because Juliana still has misgivings about him. Alex, meanwhile, is trying to join Emilio's business as a partner, but there is resistance from an unidentified source.
12	"Episode 12"	November 9, 2023 (2023-11-09)
While Alex and Emilio's relationship is in disarray, Victor deceives his sibling into joining with a fresh boxing organization. Victor's life is beginning to come together as he begins to win back Abby's admiration and eventually marries Olivia. Alex looks into who is helping his brother, and Victor finds out that Sylvia's death was not a fake after all.
13	"Episode 13"	November 16, 2023 (2023-11-16)
Victor puts together a scheme to reveal Alex's adultery and violent actions toward Juliana. Juliana feels tormented because she regrets leaving Victor. Envious of the former couple's renewed bond, Olivia chooses to step in. But her scheme to expel Juliana from her and Victor's lives takes an unexpected turn.
14	"Episode 14"	November 16, 2023 (2023-11-16)
A bruised Juliana returns home to Alex as Olivia is still missing. Alex surrenders to the police in order to confess, just as Victor is about to obtain a video that may help solve Sylvia's murder. Amelia is compelled to decide between her son and her values in the interim. Victor and Alex engage in a death match, with only one Lualhati emerging triumphant.

Television

No.	Title	TV title	Original air date	AGB Nielsen Ratings (NUTAM People)
1	"Life is a Boxing Ring"	"Pasabog"	January 22, 2024 (2024-01-22)	9.0%
2	"Time Apart"	"Sakripisyo"	January 23, 2024 (2024-01-23)	9.9%
3	"Seeds of Doubt"	"Pagbabago"	January 24, 2024 (2024-01-24)	7.8%
4	"The Better Brother"	"Kutob"	January 25, 2024 (2024-01-25)	8.9%
5	"The Chase"	"Sundan"	January 26, 2024 (2024-01-26)	7.6%
6	"Bloody Fist"	"Bugbog"	January 29, 2024 (2024-01-29)	7.9%
7	"Meet Olivia"	"Patawad"	January 30, 2024 (2024-01-30)	8.6%
8	"Missing"	"Aksidente"	January 31, 2024 (2024-01-31)	8.4%
9	"Lies After Lies"	"Huli"	February 1, 2024 (2024-02-01)	10.0%
10	"The Real Lover"	"Kabit"	February 2, 2024 (2024-02-02)	8.8%
11	"Back to Training"	"Hiwalay"	February 5, 2024 (2024-02-05)	8.5%
12	"False Positive"	"Gulong Gulo"	February 6, 2024 (2024-02-06)	8.9%
13	"Lie Low"	"Boksing"	February 7, 2024 (2024-02-07)	7.0%
14	"Come Clean"	"Impormasyon"	February 8, 2024 (2024-02-08)	9.0%
15	"False Positive"	"Tagapagtanggol"	February 9, 2024 (2024-02-09)	7.8%
16	"The Applauded Mother"	"Sampalan"	February 12, 2024 (2024-02-12)	8.4%
17	"Fell on Trap"	"Uliran"	February 13, 2024 (2024-02-13)	9.7%
18	"Blackmail"	"Tagpuan"	February 14, 2024 (2024-02-14)	7.5%
19	"Caught in the Act"	"Taksil"	February 15, 2024 (2024-02-15)	8.9%
20	"Evidence"	"Sinungaling"	February 16, 2024 (2024-02-16)	9.9%
21	"Ally or Foe"	"Banat"	February 19, 2024 (2024-02-19)	10.0%
22	"The Warning"	"Anak"	February 20, 2024 (2024-02-20)	9.4%
23	"Barter"	"Kaso"	February 21, 2024 (2024-02-21)	10.0%
24	"Summoned"	"Higanti"	February 22, 2024 (2024-02-22)	9.5%
25	"Conjugal"	"Mansion"	February 23, 2024 (2024-02-23)	9.7%
26	"Playhouse"	"Pamilya"	February 26, 2024 (2024-02-26)	9.0%
27	"Sabotage"	"Selos"	February 27, 2024 (2024-02-27)	8.4%
28	"Cuff Link"	"Pruweba"	February 28, 2024 (2024-02-28)	8.9%
29	"Invitation"	"Imbitasyon"	February 29, 2024 (2024-02-29)	9.7%
30	"House Blessing"	"Bendisyon"	March 1, 2024 (2024-03-01)	9.3%
31	"One Up"	"Ampon"	March 4, 2024 (2024-03-04)	9.8%
32	"Snatcher"	"Ebidensiya"	March 5, 2024 (2024-03-05)	9.7%
33	"Tormented Grandmother"	"Huling Huli"	March 6, 2024 (2024-03-06)	10.5%
34	"First Day at Work"	"Takot"	March 7, 2024 (2024-03-07)	10.7%
35	"The Associate"	"Surpresa"	March 8, 2024 (2024-03-08)	9.9%
36	"Underground"	"Illegal"	March 11, 2024 (2024-03-11)	8.7%
37	"Signed"	"Ambisyosa"	March 12, 2024 (2024-03-12)	8.8%
38	"Family Outing"	"Nahilo"	March 13, 2024 (2024-03-13)	9.4%
39	"Morning Sickness"	"Panalo"	March 14, 2024 (2024-03-14)	8.7%
40	"Threatened"	"Buntis"	March 15, 2024 (2024-03-15)	8.1%
41	"Childhood Crush"	"Kaibigan"	March 18, 2024 (2024-03-18)	11.0%
42	"Suspecting Husband"	"Check Up"	March 19, 2024 (2024-03-19)	9.4%
43	"You're the Father"	"Aborsyon"	March 20, 2024 (2024-03-20)	10.2%
44	"DNA Test"	"Gumugulo"	March 21, 2024 (2024-03-21)	10.0%
45	"Troubled Heart"	"Galit"	March 22, 2024 (2024-03-22)	9.2%
46	"The Real Father"	"Resulta"	March 25, 2024 (2024-03-25)	9.1%
47	"Just Friends"	"Pagtataka"	March 26, 2024 (2024-03-26)	8.1%
48	"Due Date"	"Alagaan"	March 27, 2024 (2024-03-27)	8.3%
49	"Drugged"	"Patibong"	April 1, 2024 (2024-04-01)	9.4%
50	"Set Up"	"Desperado"	April 2, 2024 (2024-04-02)	9.7%
51	"Confrontations"	"Tiwala"	April 3, 2024 (2024-04-03)	9.4%
52	"The Hidden Player"	"Nandaya"	April 4, 2024 (2024-04-04)	11.1%
53	"Connivance"	"Katotohanan"	April 5, 2024 (2024-04-05)	9.3%
54	TBA	"Takas"	April 8, 2024 (2024-04-08)	10.1%
55	TBA	"Sukdulan"	April 9, 2024 (2024-04-09)	10.2%
56	TBA	"Pagtago"	April 10, 2024 (2024-04-10)	9.7%
57	TBA	"Karamay"	April 11, 2024 (2024-04-11)	10.1%
58	TBA	"Desisyon"	April 12, 2024 (2024-04-12)	TBD
59	TBA	"Arestado"	April 15, 2024 (2024-04-15)	TBD
60	TBA	"Buwelta"	April 16, 2024 (2024-04-16)	TBD
61	TBA	"Awa"	April 17, 2024 (2024-04-17)	TBD
62	TBA	"Napaikot"	April 18, 2024 (2024-04-18)	TBD
63	TBA	"Bastardo"	April 19, 2024 (2024-04-19)	TBD
64	TBA	"Palaban"	April 22, 2024 (2024-04-22)	TBD
65	TBA	"Karma"	April 23, 2024 (2024-04-23)	TBD
66	TBA	"Lumuhod"	April 24, 2024 (2024-04-24)	TBD

Production

Linlang was first announced in October 2022 by Dreamscape Entertainment. ^{[3] [4] [5]} Principal photography for the series lasted for six months. Paulo Avelino, one of the lead stars, prepared for his role by pushing "himself through a body transformation to embody his character’s journey", stating that he "had to gain around 20 lb (9.1 kg) to 35 lb (16 kg) at the start of the filming and lose around 20 pounds (9.1 kilograms) midway into the shoot." ^[6]

Release

The series premiered on the streaming service Amazon Prime Video on October 5, 2023, with the first two episodes available immediately and the rest debuting on a weekly basis. ^[7]

Television broadcast

Linlang had its television debut (subtitled as "The Teleserye Version") on January 22, 2024, on Kapamilya Channel's Primetime Bida lineup, A2Z's A2Z Primetime, ^{[lower-alpha 5]} Jeepney TV, Kapamilya Online Live, TV5's TodoMax Primetime Singko lineup, worldwide via The Filipino Channel and on-demand via iWantTFC, which is the uncut version of the series. It replaced Senior High , but at an earlier time, while Can't Buy Me Love took over Senior High's time slot. ^{[10] [11]}

Marketing

The official trailer for Linlang was released on September 24, 2023. ^[12] The following month, advance screening for the series was held at Cinema76 in Quezon City. ^[13] To promote the series, the ensemble cast made special appearances in noontime musical-variety show ASAP ^[14] while Chiu and de Guzman served as guest stars in the lifestyle morning talk show Magandang Buhay . ^[15]

Reception

Viewership

Upon release, Linlang debuted at No. 1 on Amazon Prime Video Philippines. ^[6] The series also opened with 367,069 concurrent live viewers during its premiere on Kapamilya Online Live through the streaming service YouTube. ^[16]

Ratings

According to Nielsen NUTAM People Survey, the pilot episode of Linlang: The Teleserye Version received a nationwide rating of 9.0%, winning over its timeslot rival Love. Die. Repeat . ^[17] On March 18, 2024, the series registered its highest national rating of 11.0%. ^[18]

Critical response

Writing for Daily Tribune, Alwin Ignacio described Linlang as "a cautionary tale and modern-day morality check." He praised the acting performances of the lead stars Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino and JM de Guzman, including the notable portrayals of Maricel Soriano and Kaila Estrada. ^[19]

Notes

1. The series also airs on Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z (analog free TV in Manila only and digital TV in Nationwide only) (every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday only during the PBA season until February 9), TV5 (free TV in Nationwide), and worldwide via The Filipino Channel. It is also available on demand via iWantTFC.
2. Victor’s ring name.
3. Alex’s ring name.
4. Amelia uses the Lualhati last name despite her never being married to Alex & Victor’s father Jessie Lualhati. This makes her a mistress and Alex an illegitimate son, as Jessie’s legal wife is Victor’s biological mother.
5. Due to the PBA games that aired every Wednesday and Friday, the series broadcast on this channel every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday until the association ended on February 11 after 3 months of broadcast. ^{[8] [9]}

References

1. "'Linlang' becomes the most watched show on Prime Video Philippines on its first streaming day". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
2. "Four Reasons to watch Prime Video series Linlang". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
3. "Paulo, Kim, JM and Maricel star in new series 'Linlang'". ABS-CBN News. 2022-10-21. Retrieved 2023-10-24.
4. Cruz, Dana (2022-10-22). "Maricel Soriano, Paulo Avelino, Kim Chiu, JM de Guzman lead cast of new series 'Linlang'". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2023-10-24.
5. "Paulo, Kim, JM, Ruby, and Maricel headline star-studded cast of ABS-CBN's new series 'Linlang'". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2023-10-24.
6. "Linlang emerges as top pick on Prime Video PHL". www.philstar.com. 2023-10-11. Retrieved 2023-10-24.
7. "Kim, Paulo, and JM topbill Prime Video series 'Linlang'". www.philstar.com. 2023-10-03. Retrieved 2023-10-24.
8. "Some ABS-CBN shows to give way to PBA on A2Z". ABS-CBN News. October 17, 2023. Retrieved October 17, 2023.
9. "A2Z restores regular primetime programming". Trendrod. 2024-02-11. Retrieved 2024-02-12.
10. Felipe, MJ (2023-12-15). "ABS-CBN unveils initial line-up of 2024 shows". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 2023-12-15.
11. Felipe, MJ (December 14, 2023). "300 stars gather as ABS-CBN Christmas special returns to Big Dome". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
12. "Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino play married couple in gripping preview of 'Linlang'". ABS-CBN News. 2023-09-24. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
13. "Kim Chiu on intimate scenes with Paulo Avelino: 'Happy naman ako'". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
14. "Stars of 'Linlang' grace 'ASAP' stage to promote new series". ABS-CBN News. 2023-10-08. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
15. "JM appeals: Tagal ko nang nanliligaw, baka naman". ABS-CBN News. 2023-10-04. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
16. ""Linlang: The Teleserye Version" debuts with 367,069 live concurrent viewers, multiple trending topics". ABS-CBN Entertainment. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
17. CC, JE (2024-01-24). "'Linlang' The Teleserye Version sets highest pilot rating for a Kapamilya show on the second primetime slot". LionhearTV. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
18. Mia, Ron (March 21, 2024). "'Linlang' sets new all-time high TV ratings". LionhearTV. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
19. Ignacio, Alwin (2023-10-11). "Linlang: Love and lust on a collision". Daily Tribune. Retrieved 2023-10-25.

External links

• Linlang at IMDb