Juanita Banana

For the 1966 American novelty song, see Juanita Banana (song).

Juanita Banana is a Philippine television drama romance series broadcast by ABS-CBN. The series is based of 1968 Philippine film at same title. Directed by Jeffrey R. Jeturian, it stars Bianca Manalo in the title role.^[1][2][3] It aired on the network's Hapontastic line up and worldwide on TFC from October 25, 2010 to February 18, 2011, replacing Rosalka and was replaced by Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Mana Po.

Juanita Banana
Title card
Genre	Comedy, Drama, Romance
Created by	ABS-CBN Studios Pablo S. Gomez
Written by	Sonny Calvento Arden Rod Condez Denise O'Hara Jaymar Castro
Directed by	Jeffrey R. Jeturian
Starring	Bianca Manalo
Opening theme	"Mucha Juanita" by Rico J. Puno
Country of origin	Philippines
Original language	Filipino
No. of episodes	85
Production
Executive producers	Carlo Katigbak Cory Vidanes Laurenti Dyogi Ginny Monteagudo-Ocampo
Producers	Grace Ann Bodegon-Casimsiman Marielle Navarro-Pas Ellen Nicolas-Criste
Production location	Philippines
Running time	30-45 minutes
Production company	Star Creatives Television
Original release
Network	ABS-CBN
Release	October 25, 2010 (2010-10-25) – February 18, 2011 (2011-02-18)

Overview

1968 film

Juanita Banana had a movie adaptation in 1968, starring Rosemarie Sonora as Juanita, Pepito Rodriguez, the late Ricky Belmonte, German Moreno and Bella Flores which was produced by Pablo S. Gomez.^[4]

A young woman tries to catch a teardrop from a banana tree's heart believing that it gives her magical powers but she gets the fascination of a dwarf prince who uses his own magic to grant her every wish.

Cast and characters

Villa Family

• Bianca Manalo as Juanita Villa
• Lito Pimentel as Val Villa
• Trina Legaspi as Daldit Villa
• Aaron Junatas as Bubwit Villa
• Isay Alvarez as Belen Villa

Buenaventura Family

• Rodjun Cruz as Joaquin Buenaventura
• Dulce as Donya Digna Buenaventura
• Lauren Young as Sunny Rose Buenaventura
• Liza Lorena as Donya Cristina
• Roy Alvarez as Don Arnulfo Buenaventura

The Dwarfs

• Matt Evans as Prinsipe Rikitik
• Carlos Morales as Haring Bradpitik
• Kalila Aguilos as Reyna Sirikit
• Joma Labayen as Ngititik
• David Chua as Walastik
• Lui Villaruz as Pepetik

Supporting cast

• Bern Josep "Bekimon" Persia as Mario Dimaguiba
• Rey "PJ" Abellana as Boy Dimaguiba
• Katya Santos as Margaux Mamaril
• Bayani Casimiro Jr. as Benjo
• Martin del Rosario as Chester
• Raye Bacquirin as Thelma

Special participation

• Miles Ocampo as Young Juanita Villa
• CJ Navato as Young Joaquin Buenaventura
• Yong An Chiu as Young Mario
• Bea Basa as Young Daldit Villa

See also

• List of programs broadcast by ABS-CBN
• List of ABS-CBN Studios original drama series

References

1. Juanita Banana: Feature Article Archived March 5, 2014, at the Wayback Machine retrieved via www.abs-cbn.com Oct 23, 2010
2. Bianca Manalo is excited to work with Matt Evans and Rodjun Cruz in Juanita Banana Archived October 27, 2010, at the Wayback Machine retrieved via www.push.com.ph Oct 24, 2010
3. Bianca Manalo on Juanita Banana: ‘Blessed lang po talaga ako’ Archived October 20, 2010, at the Wayback Machine retrieved via www.push.com.ph Oct 16, 2010
4. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0343874/ Juanita Banana (1968) on IMDB ^{[user-generated source]}