Widows' War#ep56
{{Short description|Philippine television drama series}}
{{pp-protected|small=yes}}
{{Third-party|date=May 2025}}
{{Use Philippine English|date=May 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox television
| image = Widow's War title card.jpg
| alt = A black and white image of Bea Alonzo and Carla Abellena both wearing a black veil. The series title is displayed on the left side of the image, next to Alonzo.
| caption = Title card
| genre = {{Plainlist|
| creator = {{Plainlist|
- R.J. Nuevas
- Ken de Leon}}
| writer = {{Plainlist|
- Obet Villela
- Ken de Leon
- Jimuel dela Cruz
- Abner Tulagan}}
| director = {{Plainlist|
- Zig Madamba Dulay{{cite web|url=https://qa.philstar.com/entertainment/2024/07/03/2367225/why-zig-dulay-hesitated-accepting-widows-war |title=Why Zig Dulay hesitated before accepting Widows' War |author=Donato, Jerry |date=July 3, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star |access-date=July 8, 2024}}
- Jerry Lopez Sineneng{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/pang-masa/pang-movies/2025/01/09/2412835/jillian-malungkot-ang-bagong-taon-dahil-sa-mga-magulang |title=Jillian, malungkot ang Bagong Taon dahil sa mga magulang! |author=Mendoza, Ruel |date=January 9, 2025 |website=The Philippine Star |access-date=January 14, 2025}}}}
| creative_director = Aloy Adlawan
| starring = {{Plainlist|
| theme_music_composer = Rina Mercado
| open_theme = "Bakit Ba Naman?" by Rita Daniela and Hannah Precillas
| country = Philippines
| language = Tagalog
| num_episodes = 145
| executive_producer = Michele Robles Borja
| location = {{Plainlist|
| cinematography = Miguel Cruz
| editor = {{Plainlist|
- Robert S. Pancho
- Julius James Castillo
- James Kevin Li
- Mark Oliver Sison}}
| camera = Multiple-camera setup
| runtime = 19–39 minutes
| company = GMA Entertainment Group
| network = GMA Network
| first_aired = {{Start date|2024|7|1}}
| last_aired = {{End date|2025|1|17}}
}}
Widows' War is a Philippine television drama crime mystery series broadcast by GMA Network. Originally directed by Zig Madamba Dulay and later by Jerry Lopez Sineneng, it stars Bea Alonzo and Carla Abellana. It premiered on July 1, 2024 on the network's Prime line up. The series concluded on January 17, 2025 with a total of 145 episodes.
Premise
Former best friends Sam and George, blame each other for an unfortunate happening between their families. They will once again encounter each other, and mourn the death of their respective husband – Paco and Basil.{{cite web|url=https://www.lionheartv.net/2024/06/bea-alonzo-and-carla-abellana-get-caught-in-lies-deceit-and-murder-mystery-in-widows-war/ |title=Bea Alonzo and Carla Abellana get caught in lies, deceit, and murder mystery in Widows' War |date=June 24, 2024 |website=LionhearTV |access-date=August 1, 2024}}
Cast and characters
{{multiple image
| header = Cast
| align = center
| direction = horizontal
| total_width = 750
| image1 = Bea Alonzo by Ronn Tan, April 2010.png
| caption1 = Bea Alonzo
| alt1 = An image of Bea Alonzo.
| image2 = Carla Abellana, 2014 (cropped).jpg
| caption2 = Carla Abellana
| alt2 = An image of Carla Abellana.
| image3 = Rafael Rosell at the Star Magic Concert Tour in Ontario, June 2009.jpg
| caption3 = Rafael Rosell
| alt3 = An image of Rafael Rosell.
| image4 = Rtyr.jpg
| caption4 = Benjamin Alves
| alt4 = An image of Benjamin Alves.
| image5 = Juancho Trivino at 2013 Candy Style Awards,May 10, 2013.jpg
| caption5 = Juancho Triviño
| alt5 = An image of Juancho Triviño.
}}
;Lead cast
{{col div}}
- Bea Alonzo as Samantha "Sam" Castillo-Palacios: Paco's wife. She is George's best friend turned into an enemy, due to family problems.{{cite web|url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/07/01/entertainment-lifestyle/show-times/no-competition-between-bea-and-carla-in-widows-war/1954216/amp |title=No competition between Bea and Carla in Widows' War |author=Iglesias, Iza |date=July 1, 2024 |website=The Manila Times |access-date=July 8, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/tv/widows_war/20698/meet-the-cast-of-murder-mystery-drama-series-widows-war/photo |title=Meet the cast of murder mystery drama series Widows' War |date=June 11, 2024 |access-date=August 27, 2024 |website=GMA Network |author=EJ, Chua}}{{cite web|url=https://manilastandard.net/showbitz/314465915/spectacular-visuals-unpredictable-twists-brilliant-performances-await-in-widows-war.html |title=Spectacular visuals, unpredictable twists, brilliant performances await in Widows' War |author=Wang, Nickie |date=June 30, 2024 |website=Manila Standard |access-date=September 11, 2024}}
- Carla Abellana as Georgina "George" Balay-Palacios: Sam's former best friend and Basil's wife.{{cite web|url=https://qa.philstar.com/pang-masa/pang-movies/2023/12/26/2321429/bea-tinupad-ang-wish-ni-carla |title=Bea, tinupad ang wish ni Carla |author=Miralles, Nitz |date=December 26, 2023 |website=The Philippine Star |access-date=June 12, 2024}}
{{col div end}}
;Supporting cast
{{col div}}
- Tonton Gutierrez as Galvan Palacios: Basil's father, Aurora's brother and the chief operating officer of the Palacios' mining company.{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2024/07/08/2368448/veteran-actresses-jean-and-jackie-lou-share-bits-pieces-about-working-widows-war |title=Veteran actresses Jean and Jackie Lou share bits & pieces about working on Widows' War |author=Donato, Jerry |date=July 8, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star |access-date=July 8, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/113461/tonton-gutierrez-hanga-sa-widows-war-co-stars-niyang-sina-bea-alonzo-at-jean-garcia/story |title=Tonton Gutierrez, hanga sa Widows' War co-stars niyang sina Bea Alonzo at Jean Garcia |author=Chua, EJ |date=June 18, 2024 |website=GMA Network |access-date=September 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240621233236/https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/113461/tonton-gutierrez-hanga-sa-widows-war-co-stars-niyang-sina-bea-alonzo-at-jean-garcia/story |archive-date=June 21, 2024 |url-status=live}}
- Jackie Lou Blanco as Ruth Balay: George and Edward's mother.
- Lito Pimentel as Amando Namas: The Palacios' butler and Aurora's assistant.
- Timmy Cruz as Mercy Castillo: The mother of Sam and Francis.
- Jean Garcia as Aurora Palacios: Paco's mother, Galvan's younger sister and Rebecca's aunt.{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2024/06/23/2365000/abs-gma-bea-alonzo-jean-garcia-reunited-widows-war |title=From ABS to GMA: Bea Alonzo, Jean Garcia reunited on Widows' War |author=Llemit, Kathleen A. Llemit |date=June 23, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star |access-date=July 8, 2024}}
- Rita Daniela as Rebecca Palacios: Aurora's niece and Paco and Basil's cousin.
- Jeric Gonzales as Francis Castillo: Sam's brother.{{cite web|url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/181551/jeric-gonzales-rabiya-mateo-a746-20240703 |title=Jeric Gonzales says Bea Alonzo didn't let broken engagement affect her work |author=Garcia, Rose |website=PEP |access-date=July 8, 2024}}
- Juancho Triviño as Abdul Casas: The investigator for the deaths of Paco and Basil.{{cite news|url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/538229/bea-alonzo-carla-abellana-team-up-for-murder-mystery-series |title=Bea Alonzo, Carla Abellana team up for murder mystery series |date=January 25, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |access-date=June 12, 2024 |language=en}}
- Royce Cabrera as Jericho Domo: A staff working in the Palacios' estate.
- James Graham as Louie Castor: Sofia's friend.{{cite web|url=https://tribune.net.ph/2024/06/25/bea-alonzo-carla-abellana-at-war |title=Bea Alonzo, Carla Abellana at 'war' |author=Vibas, Danny |date=June 25, 2024 |website=Daily Tribune |access-date=July 8, 2024}}
- Charlie Fleming as Sofia Trano: Basil's half-sister and Vivian's daughter.{{cite web|url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/181534/james-graham-charlie-fleming-widows-war-a748-20240630-lfrm |title=James Graham, Charlie Fleming shine in Widows' War |author=Mendoza, Ruel J. |date=June 30, 2024 |website=PEP |access-date=July 8, 2024}}
- Matthew Uy as Edward Balay: George's younger brother.{{cite web|url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/181611/matthew-uy-bea-alonzo-a748-20240706 |title=Matthew Uy admits getting intimidated by Bea Alonzo |author=Mendoza, Ruel J. |date=July 6, 2024 |website=PEP |access-date=July 8, 2024}}
{{col div end}}
;Recurring cast
{{col div}}
- Benjamin Alves as Basil Palacios: George's husband.{{cite web|url=https://malaya.com.ph/news_entertainment/bea-carla-face-off-in-widows-war/?amp |title=Bea, Carla face off in Widows' War |date=June 26, 2024 |website=Malaya |access-date=July 8, 2024}}
- Rafael Rosell as Paco Palacios: Sam's husband.{{cite web|url=https://www.lionheartv.net/2024/06/bea-alonzo-and-carla-abellana-get-caught-in-lies-deceit-and-murder-mystery-in-widows-war/ |title=Bea Alonzo and Carla Abellana get caught in lies, deceit, and murder mystery in Widows' War |date=June 24, 2024 |website=LionhearTV |access-date=July 8, 2024}}
- Lovely Rivero as Vivian Trano{{cite web|url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/181559/bea-alonzo-widows-war-a745-20240705 |title=Bea Alonzo finds doing Widows' War fulfilling but "very draining" |author=Gonzales, Rommel |date=July 5, 2024 |website=PEP |access-date=September 11, 2024}}
- Archie Alemania as Marcus Villa{{cite web|url=https://tonite.abante.com.ph/2024/08/28/carla-kinunan-sa-hospital/ |title=Carla kinunan sa hospital |author=Miralles, Nitz |date=August 28, 2024 |website=Abante |access-date=September 11, 2024}}
- Kiel Rodriguez as Cairo{{cite web|url=https://www.lionheartv.net/2025/01/widows-war-final-script-reading/ |title=Widows' War cast prepares for thrilling finale with final script reading |date=January 4, 2025 |website=LionhearTV |access-date=January 6, 2025}}
- Phi Palmos as DJ
- Brent Valdez as Peter{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/pang-masa/pang-movies/2024/09/11/2384445/jean-wagas-pa-rin-kung-manampal |title=Jean, wagas pa rin kung manampal |author=Miralles, Nitz |date=September 11, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star |access-date=August 12, 2024}}
- Lotlot Bustamante as Angie
- Rikki Mae Davao as Rochelle "Rico"
- Melissa Avelino as Loray{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1124923122329543&set=a.294017588753438 |title=Yaya Loray! 'Yung yaya ni Archie sa #RoyalBlood! |date=September 4, 2024 |website=Facebook |access-date=September 9, 2024}}
- Arthur Solinap as Emil Royales
{{col div end}}
;Guest cast
{{col div}}
- Jong Cuenco as Orlando "Orly" Castillo
- William Lorenzo as Alberto "Bert" Balay{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/19921/widows-war-may-pasilip-sa-set/photo/269520/bea-alonzo |title=Widows' War, may pasilip sa set |author=Chua, EJ |date=March 12, 2024 |website=GMA Network |access-date=June 12, 2024}}
- Lianne Valentin as Beatrice "Bee" Royales{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/915212/lianne-valentin-beatrice-royales-widows-war/story/ |title=Lianne Valentin makes appearance as Beatrice Royales in Widows' War |date=July 30, 2024 |website=GMA Network |access-date=September 11, 2024}}
- Mike Tan as Inigo Morales{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/tv/widows_war/241503/widows-war-who-is-inigo-morales-in-basils-life-episode-30-part-33/video |title=Widows' War: Who is Inigo Morales in Basil's life? (Episode 30 - Part 3/3) |date=August 9, 2024 |website=GMA Network |access-date=August 13, 2024}} / Antonio Berenguela{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPNNFQdgSKc |title=Widows' War: Inigo's real name is Antonio Beringuela! (Full Episode 91) November 4, 2024 |date=November 4, 2024 |website=YouTube |access-date=November 13, 2024}}
- Bianca Manalo as Beverly Maison{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2024/08/30/2381476/intriguing-events-continue-unfold-widows-war |title=Intriguing events continue to unfold in Widows' War |author=Donato, Jerry |date=August 30, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star |access-date=August 12, 2024}}
- Vaness del Moral as Hillary "Lary" Suarez{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/919867/vaness-del-moral-returns-as-hillary-suarez-brings-new-revelations-in-widows-war/story/ |title=Vaness del Moral returns as Hillary Suarez, brings new revelations in Widows' War |date=September 9, 2024 |website=GMA Network |access-date=September 10, 2024}}
- Mariel Pamintuan as Juliet{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/tv/widows_war/253847/widows-war-the-killer-is-under-arrest-episode-90/video |title=Widows' War: The killer is under arrest! (Episode 90) |date=November 1, 2024 |website=GMA Network |access-date=November 5, 2024}}
- Carmina Villarroel as Barbara "Barry" Sagrado-Dee{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/tv/widows_war/117546/karakter-ni-carmina-villarroel-sa-widows-web-papasok-sa-widows-war/story |title=Karakter ni Carmina Villarroel sa Widows' Web, papasok sa Widows' War |author=Chua, EJ |date=November 15, 2024 |website=GMA Network |access-date=November 15, 2024}}
- Jo Berry as Lilet Matias
- Victor Silayan as Rodolfo Palacios / Soledad Palacios{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/933266/widows-war-uncovers-more-revelations-in-deadly-finale/story/ |title=Widows' War uncovers more revelations in deadly finale |author=Basina, Carby |date=January 17, 2025 |website=GMA Network |access-date=January 18, 2025}}
{{col div end}}
Episodes
{{Episode table
| caption = Widows' War episodes
| show_caption =
| overall =
| title =
| airdate =
| episodes =
{{Episode list
| EpisodeNumber = 1{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/tv/widows_war/235937/widows-war-ngayong-lunes-ng-gabi-na-teaser/video |title=Widows' War: Ngayon Lunes ng gabi na {{!}} Teaser |website=GMA Network |access-date=July 2, 2024}}
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|1}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = Friendship Over
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|2}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|3}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|4}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|5}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|8}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|9}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|10}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|11}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|12}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|15}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|16}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|17}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = Restless Soul
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|18}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|19}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|22}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = Death Threat
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|23}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|24}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|25}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = Descent to Madness
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|26}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = Sam is Pregnant
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|29}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|30}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|7|31}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = RIP, Basil
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|8|1}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|8|2}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = Untold Secrets
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|8|5}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|8|6}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|8|7}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|8|8}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = Suspect Arrested
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|8|9}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = Farewell, Basil
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|8|12}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|8|13}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|8|14}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|8|15}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|8|16}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = Gender Reveal
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|8|19}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = Poor George
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|8|20}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|8|21}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = Killer on the Loose
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|8|22}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|8|23}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = Killer in the Palace
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|8|26}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|8|27}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = Escaping Death
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|8|28}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = Murder Alibi
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|8|29}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = Murder Weapon
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|8|30}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|2}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|3}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = Desperate Measures
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|4}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = Palacios' Impostor
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|5}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = Deception
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|6}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|9}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = Palacios' Serial Killer
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|10}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|11}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|12}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|13}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|16}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = On Bended Knee
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|17}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|18}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|19}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|20}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|23}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|24}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = Vivian's Karma
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|25}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|26}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = George, the Accused
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|27}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = George is Pregnant
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|9|30}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|10|1}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title =
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|10|2}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = Blackmail Video
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|10|3}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = Finding Basil's Phone
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|10|4}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = Sam's Confession
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|10|7}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = Punishment
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|10|8}}
}}
{{Episode list
| Title = Chaos
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2024|10|9}}
}}
}}
Development
The series was announced by GMA Network on January 1, 2024, set in the shared universe with television crime drama series – Widows' Web (2022) and Royal Blood (2023).{{cite news|url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/534594/sanggre-widows-war-my-guardian-alien-among-gmas-2024-teleseryes |title=Sang'gre, Widows' War, My Guardian Alien among GMA's 2024 teleseryes |author=Mallorca, Hannah |date=January 1, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |access-date=September 11, 2024}}
=Casting=
Philippine actresses Bea Alonzo, Carla Abellana and Gabbi Garcia were announced on January 1, 2024 to headline the series. In the same month, Garcia left the series due to scheduling conflicts.{{cite web|url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/178618/lilybeth-rasonable-dongyan-rewind-a4113-20240129-lfrm |title=GMA-7 exec Lilybeth Rasonable happy about box-office success of DongYan's Rewind |author=Olea, Jerry |date=January 29, 2024 |website=PEP |access-date=June 12, 2024}} Actress Jean Garcia served as her replacement.{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/pang-masa/pang-movies/2024/01/26/2328614/gabbi-pinalitan-sa-serye-nina-carla-bea |title=Gabbi, pinalitan sa serye nina Carla at Bea! |author=Miralles, Nitz |date=January 26, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star |access-date=June 12, 2024}} On January 23, 2024, during the series' story conference and script reading, several cast members were announced, including actor Mark Herras.{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/pilipino-star-ngayon/showbiz/2024/01/26/2328603/bea-carla-excited-sa-giyera |title=Bea at Carla, excited sa giyera! |author=Asis, Salve |date=January 26, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star |access-date=July 19, 2024}} Actor James Graham and actress Charlie Fleming both joined the series as regular cast members, portraying the same character they played in Royal Blood. In July 2024, actress Lianne Valentin reprised her role in Royal Blood as Beatrice Royales. In September 2024, actress Vaness del Moral and actor Arthur Solinap both reprised their respective roles in Widows' Web and Royal Blood.{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/content/920089/arthur-solinap-returns-as-emil-royales-on-widows-war/story/ |title=Arthur Solinap returns as Emil Royales on Widows' War |author=Basina, Carby |date=September 11, 2024 |website=GMA Network |access-date=September 11, 2024}} In November 2024, actress Carmina Villarroel made a guest appearance in the series, reprising her role as Barbara Sagrado-Dee in Widows' Web. Cast member from the television legal drama series, Lilet Matias: Attorney-at-Law – Jo Berry appeared in Widows' War, in her respective role.{{cite web|url=https://tonite.abante.com.ph/2024/12/11/tom-rodriguez-bagong-pasok-sa-serye-ni-carla-abellana/ |title=Tom Rodriguez bagong pasok sa serye ni Carla Abellana |author=Miralles, Nitz |date=December 11, 2024 |website=Abante |access-date=December 14, 2024}}
Production
Principal photography commenced on February 23, 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/898455/bea-alonzo-carla-abellana-begin-taping-for-widow-s-war/story/ |title=Bea Alonzo, Carla Abellana begin taping for Widow's War |author=Basina, Carby |date=February 23, 2024 |website=GMA Network |access-date=June 12, 2024}} Filming of the series took place in Bataan, Batangas and La Union.{{cite web|url=https://mb.com.ph/2024/6/29/bea-alonzo-and-carla-abellana-talk-about-intense-scenes-in-new-series-widows-war |title=Bea Alonzo and Carla Abellana talk about intense scenes in new series Widows' War |author=Requintina, Robert |date=June 29, 2024 |website=Manila Bulletin |access-date=September 11, 2024}}
Reception
=Ratings=
According to AGB Nielsen Philippines' Nationwide Urban Television Audience Measurement People in television homes, the pilot episode of Widows' War earned an 8.9% rating.{{cite web|url=https://www.pep.ph/pepalerts/pep-troika/181564/widows-war-pilot-episode-rating-a4118-20240702 |title=Widows' War, kumusta ang rating ng pilot episode? |date=July 2, 2024 |website=PEP |access-date=July 26, 2024}} The final episode scored a 9.2% rating.{{cite web|url=https://www.pep.ph/pepalerts/pep-troika/184989/widows-war-lavender-fields-finale-ratings-a4118-20250120 |title=Kumusta ang finale episodes ng Widows' War at Lavender Fields? |date=January 20, 2025 |website=PEP |access-date=January 20, 2025}} The series had its highest rating on July 19, 2024 with a 12.3% rating.{{cite web|url=https://www.lionheartv.net/2024/07/widows-war-new-all-time-high/ |title=Widows' War records new all-time high TV ratings |author=Mia, Ron |date=July 30, 2024 |website=LionhearTV |access-date=August 2, 2024}}
=Critical response=
Jerry Donato of The Philippine Star, stated the series is "well-thought with its characters and concept, and has a meticulously crafted story, which is executed properly by the cast and the director." Donato also complimented the work of actors Rafael Rosell and Benjamin Alves, and actress Bianca Manalo.
Accolades
| class="wikitable"
|+ Accolades received by Widows' War ! Year ! Award ! Category ! Recipient ! Result ! {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |
| rowspan=3 | 2025
| rowspan=3 | 36th PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Drama Actress | {{Nominated}} | rowspan=3 | {{cite news|url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/595670/pmpc-star-awards-for-television-bares-list-of-nominees |title=PMPC Star Awards for Television bares list of nominees |author=Mallorca, Hannah |date=February 2, 2025 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |access-date=February 3, 2025}} |
| Best New Male TV Personality
| Matthew Uy | {{Nominated}} |
| Best Primetime TV Series
| Widows' War | {{Nominated}} |
Legacy
In December 2024, actresses Jean Garcia and Rita Daniela both appeared in the Philippine television legal drama series, Lilet Matias: Attorney-at-Law in a guest role, portraying the same character they played in Widows' War.{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/118649/jean-garcia-excited-sa-major-crossover-ng-widows-war-at-lilet-matias-attorney-at-law/story |title=Jean Garcia, excited sa major crossover ng Widows' War at Lilet Matias, Attorney-At-Law |author=Chua, EJ |date=December 26, 2024 |website=GMA Network |access-date=December 27, 2024}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website|https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/tv/widows_war}}
- {{IMDb title|31078797}}
Category:2024 Philippine television series debuts
Category:2025 Philippine television series endings
Category:Filipino-language television shows
Category:GMA Network drama series
Category:Philippine crime drama television series
Category:Philippine mystery television series
Category:Television series about widowhood
Category:Television series by GMA Entertainment Group