We now continue the countdown with the revelation of 10 more titles.
Trendrod’s yearly Best Shows series returns to celebrate the best Filipino stories and content in 2025 with forty (40) of the nation’s top productions in both linear television and streaming media ranked for this special countdown.
To qualify, these must be original shows produced by Filipino production companies, TV networks, or streaming services and their respective series or season premiere dates must have taken place from January 1 to December 21, 2025.
Programs that have been continuously broadcasting since 2024 or earlier, and did take any months-long season breaks were not considered for this list.
Meanwhile, extended versions or repackaged versions of programs (e.g. a separate TV version of a show previously seen on streaming platforms) are qualified.
For the second part, we unveil the programs that landed the 21st to 30th spots in our Best Shows Of 2025 list.
30. Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre (GMA)
Eight years after the finale of the 2016 requel, the Encantadia saga continued with its latest installment that focuses on the four new generation Sang’gres.
Their rise comes as the wrath of the wicked ice queen named Mitena, along with her army from the cruel and cursed snow world called Minea’ve, threatens the very existence of the land that the royal-blooded Encantados have long vowed to protect.
In contrast with the original story, the Sang’gres have different origins in this run. Flamarra (Faith da Silva) comes from the Hathor-Diwata lineage in her mother’s side (Pirena) and the Punjabwe (from Azulan), Adamus (Kelvin Miranda) is an Adamyan/Gunikar (from his father Memfes) and Diwata (from her mother Alena), on top of being the first male gem-keeper.
Meanwhile, Deia (Angel Guardian) is the first non-Diwata and non-Encantado to be regarded as a Sang’gre, a title that was bestowed to her by the deity Emre himself.
Lastly, “The Chosen One” is Terra (Bianca Umali), the half-mortal, half-Diwata who was foretold in the prophecy as the one that will defeat Mitena.
The series is now on its second chapter, with the story now focusing on another villain, the cursed deity Gargan (Tom Rodriguez).
Honest take: The telefantasya had a lot of promise since its production was officially announced a few years ago.
Building on the legacy of the beloved, storied franchise Encantadia, many looked forward to seeing how the story would develop from the 2016-17 series, as well as the interaction between characters from the previous installment and the new ones.
However, much to the dismay of many fans and viewers, the first few weeks alone were already filled with numerous plotholes, which only got worse as the show continued its run—putting the storyline in a serious disarray when the first book ended. So far, the second chapter appears to have started addressing those gaps in the story.
All those negativities aside, there are still positive highlights sprinkled around the series.
Sang’gre showed some improvements in terms of computer-generated imagery (CGI) early on in its run.
Deia’s storyline was also far more interesting than it was initially thought of, with Angel delivering well for the part given to her. Seriously, having her as the central character, despite not being the chosen one, might have also worked wonders for the show.
Speaking of which, the second book has also been able to make sense of why Terra is the chosen one, especially with Gargan being trapped in the mortal world.
The developments in the life of Armea (Ysabel Ortega), the queen of Sapiro, is also unfolding as an exciting tale on its own.
Having the likes of Hagorn rising from the dead to wreak havoc once more is also an intriguing move that adds another layer to the story.
With that, all hope is also not yet lost for this telefantasya as its extension could just give it more time to fix issues that were done in the last over 100 episodes. To that, we genuinely wish them the best of luck.
29. Mommy Dearest (GMA)
What would a person do if her entire life is just a lie that was created inside the mind of her supposed mother?
That is a question that this GMA Afternoon Prime drama tackled. Starring Camille Prats as the obsessive mother Olive, Katrina Halili as the biological mother and maid Emma, and Shayne Sava as Mookie, the series centered around on how Olive kidnapped Emma’s child and made her her own—only to falsely diagnose her with illnesses that she doesn’t have to make her stay by her side always.
Eventually, the world that she built would turn to dust with the entry of the doting Emma into her home, who showed Mookie how it is to have a normal life outside of Olive’s strict supervision.
Later on, it would be revealed that Olive is Emma’s long lost sister, making her the aunt of the teenager.
More twists happened along the way, with the introduction of the twin sister, Jade (also portrayed by Camillie Prats) and Logan (played by Rocco Nacino), who rocked the relationship between Emma and her husband, Danilo (Dion Ignacio).
Honest take: The show was a success both on TV and online, where it raked in millions of views.
While the concept of family feud and other arcs done in the show were already familiar sights to its target audience, what made Mommy Dearest stand out was the performance of its cast members.
Katrina Halili, who has long been associated with her iconic villain roles for most of her career, showcased her versatility in this show. When it started, Emma appeared to be meek and loving. But in the second chapter, she has turned into the archnemesis of Olive/Jade by becoming the very person that tests her sanity (or lack thereof).
Much like her, Camille Prats, our Pambansang Mars, was also definitely challenged enough while making this drama. From being the loving mother figure in her previous series, she becomes the very opposite of it in Mommy Dearest.
Not only that, she did play as twin sisters too, with both having contradicting personalities—the one being the evil and manipulative Olive and the gleeful and caring Jade.
While the program did trend for that “lightsaber” fight scene (which could have been avoided), the storyline was still modest and is easily one of the better-written in the block this year.
28. Your Face Sounds Familiar Season 4 (ABS-CBN Studios)
The transformation of local celebrities to various icons in the local and international scene returns for another season.
Last October, the top-rated reality show launched its fourth regular season. Now hosted by the tandem of Vhong Navarro and Jhong Hilario, nine stars have come together in this edition.
The original cast members are Rufa Mae Quinto, Pepe Herrera, Jason Dy, Alexa Ilacad, Akira Morishita, Dia Mate, Jarlo Base, and JM dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano (competing as a duo).
The jury remains the same from the third season: Gary Valenciano, Sharon Cuneta, and Ogie Alcasid.
Honest take: The comeback of the beloved franchise is a welcome addition to ABS-CBN’s weekend primetime lineup.YFSF brings a different flavor to the block that would otherwise be filled in with other singing competitions and the likes.
This is because the program is able to showcase a different facet of these celebrity impersonators, while also letting them enjoy the process.
Case in point is Rufa Mae’s earlier impressions, which did not make look anywhere near her supposed icons, she was still able to bring the house down with her antics.
The introduction of new twists, such as the ability to snatch an icon assigned to a fellow participant, is also an interesting addition to this season.
Although, this season seems to be dragging, as one day is spread out across four episodes over two weekends. In contrast, the prior editions were only aired over a single weekend.
While it is understandable, perhaps due to budget or scheduling constraints, these could be compressed to hype up the audiences anew.
27. The Voice Kids Season 7 (GMA)
The seventh season of the popular singing contest for children aired from September to December this year.
For this edition, Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes returned as host, while Billy Crawford and Julie Anne San Jose came back as coaches and were the only holdovers from the past season and The Voice Generations.
Taking the two other chairs were OPM hitmakers Zack Tabudlo, who is the first former contestant to join the panel, and Paolo and Miguel Guico of the band Ben&Ben, who were then the first two-in-one judges and seated on the “double chair” in the local franchise’s 12-year run.
Another twist to this season was the addition of the “coach replay,” which allows each coach to save a contestant that did not receive any turns during the audition.
In the end, Sofia Mallares from Tabudlo’s Project Z team emerged as the newest winner of the long-running format.
Honest take: It was nice to see new twists being injected to The Voice Kids anew, on top of having good contestants, to keep the show interesting.
Like in the prior season, the stage design was another great build and deserves to get a commendation of its own.
However, similar to its 2024 edition, the show was once again aired only on a single night each weekend, when it could have actually been aired across two nights—a baffling move when Saturday evenings on GMA have two slots filled with mere reruns.
Having it broadcast over two evenings would not only spread the content and give more airtime to each participant, but also give the program itself a much prominent space in the schedule and make it another pillar that will hold the fort that is the network’s weekend primetime.
26. Rainbow Rumble Season 2 (ABS-CBN Studios & 3nithink Productions)
After taking a short break in March, the original game show format hosted by Luis Manzano and comedian Negi returned with its second season last June.
Much of the game play remains the same as the pilot season, although a new tool comes handy for lucky contestants with the introduction of the “Atras Power.” Through which, two participants can use it to have a leading contestant step one tile back and prolong the game.
The breadth of questions was also expanded to include sound and video clips—ultimately adding variety.
In the jackpot round, instead of an additional cash prize or time, a contestant will answer a set of six questions and by correctly answering at least three, they get to have a free roll in the die rolling machine.
Notably, this season also marks the first time that a first-run weekend program of the network was moved from TV5 to ALLTV, which will be the case for the entirety of ABS-CBN’s programming come January 2026.
Honest take: The interactive nature of quizzes, which is the show’s core, keeps Rainbow Rumble an entertaining presence in the Kapamilya network’s weekend line-up.
The rapport between the hosts also continues to be a focal point. And even despite Negi’s absence in some episodes, pinch-hitters like Long Mejia and Divine Tetay also delivered well.
Although the game show has lost its novelty after being on the air for a total of 15 months, the format is still something that can be shifted around anytime—thanks to it being a local, original format.
25. Mga Batang Riles (GMA)
An action series starring actors Miguel Tanfelix, Kokoy de Santos, Raheel Bhyria, Antonio Vinzons, and Bruce Roeland, was launched just as the year changed last January.
The story follows a group of young individuals who were framed for burning the very community where they live in, Sitio Liwanag, in a fire that not only razed their homes, but also changed their lives.
Inside Boystown, where they were brought for reformation, they will meet the warden Yani (Ronnie Ricketts), who would be an instrumental person who will help them get justice and fight against the cruelty of the Victor family.
Airing for a total of 24 weeks, the series is based on the 1992 movie, Jesus dela Cruz at ang mga Batang Riles and is one of the network’s longest running productions for this year.
Honest take: Mga Batang Riles appeared to be an attempt by the network to have an action series targeted at a slightly younger demographic than its competitor program—especially that the entire concept of the show revolved around the group of these young guys.
It also packed a good storyline, which had prepared it well for any extension, which it somewhat got, having passed the 13-week standard mark.
Throughout the series, Miguel and Kokoy were able to ace dramatic sequences well, so did Antonio for the lighthearted and playful parts.
Raheel was able to have his own chance to shine, especially during the arc that saw his Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap co-star Jillian Ward join the program.
Bruce also had noticeable improvements, especially when one compares his acting in the first few months of the show and the latter part, when he has become the ultimate villain.
24. Idol Kids Philippines (ABS-CBN Studios)
Last June, the first-ever spin-off of the reality-singing competition Idol Philippines was launched.
The children’s talent competition format Idol Kids was brought to the Philippines and Asia for the first time.
In this season, the panel was still led by the lone original judge remaining, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez, who was joined by Gary Valenciano, Angeline Quinto, and JK Labajo.
Serving as one of the main hosts for this program was Robi Domingo, who has consistently been a presence on weekend primetime this year with Time To Dance, Pinoy Big Brother, and Pilipinas Got Talent, on top of his role in ASAP.
Joining him as presenter was ‘90s pop culture icon Jolina Magdangal, who formerly judged in the Pinoy Idol series produced by GMA in 2008.
Alexa Mendoza was hailed as the first winner of Idol Kids Philippines by the end of the program’s three-month-long run.
Honest take: The show is as raw as it can get, having been given the same treatment as the regular version.
The panel, while still catering to the fact that they are judging younger ones, did not sugarcoat—especially Regine Velasquez—which still made joining the show a nurturing experience for the participants.
Although, there is a lot to be desired in terms of set design, with improvements going to help a lot in making the show feel much more premium—akin to the caliber of personalities and talents seen in the show.
23. Money Talks (One News)
Pay TV news channel One News returned to daily morning business news with the launch of Money Talks.
Hosted by Cathy Yap-Yang, the program marked her return to the daily grind on TV after serving for more than four years as the First Vice President and Group Communications Officer at PLDT from 2020 to 2024. But before stepping down from that role, she had already been hosting the weekly One News program, Thought Leaders, since 2023.
In similar vein to her previous program, Market Edge on the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), Money Talks sees her dish out the latest corporate headlines, market moves, economic developments around the world, and sit-down interviews with personalities in the business circle.
The program is also part of One News’ beefed up morning line-up, which also includes Morning Matters with Gretchen Ho and News and Views with Angelo and Angela Castro.
Honest take: With her decades-long experience as a veteran business journalist, it is no secret that Yang not only knows the trade, but also how to get the valuable details straight from the sources themselves.
The decision to place Money Talks’ time slot to coincide with the opening of the local stock market is a brilliant move. However, if there is a chance to have it, a full 60-minute runtime would give more space for conversations and headlines.
22. Pilipinas Got Talent Season 7 (ABS-CBN Studios)
After seven years, the longest-running talent show format in the country returned with its much-anticipated seventh season.
This time, the program had an almost completely different look with new hosts and judges. In fact, only former ABS-CBN general manager Freddie Garcia remained, having been on the judge’s seat since the first season.
Taking on the roles as the hosts of the show were Robi Domingo and Melai Cantiveros, who took over from Billy Crawford and Toni Gonzaga from the prior edition in 2018.
Eugene Domingo, Kathryn Bernardo, and Donny Pangilinan joined Garcia in the panel, replacing Vice Ganda, Angel Locsin, and Robin Padilla.
The format largely remained the same, with the show looking for extraordinary talents that can proudly be shown to the entire world. But of course, this being PGT, some rather interesting acts still joined and got the dreaded X mark.
Honest take: As the format remains virtually unchanged this season, the comments would largely center around the execution of the show.
In contrast to its previous seasons, this PGT felt more intimate, having taken place in and around ABS-CBN’s studios in Quezon City only.
However, the program was still able to get a lot of eye-catching performances from all over the country, as the breadth of talents did not disappoint—especially the outdoor acts—which was pretty much wide-ranging and visually appealing too.
To that, the greenlit eighth season has a lot of pressure for it, as it needs to top yet again the acts featured in this edition.
21. Ghosting (iWant)
For the first time, Fyang Smith and JM Ibarra, who were housemates of the reality show Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11, starred in their first drama series together.
Collectively known as JMFyang, the duo top-billed the iWant digital series Ghosting, one of flagship offerings of the ABS-CBN streaming service upon its relaunch last July.
According to the network, the story follows a feisty student who escapes to her grandmother’s quiet provincial home after being ghosted, only to fall for a mysterious probinsyano who turns out to be a restless soul. What begins as a classic story of moving on transforms into an unforgettable romance that reaches beyond the boundaries of life and death.
Directed by Theodore Boborol, the show’s first season also stars Ces Quesada, Ruby Ruiz, Vivoree, Kobe Brown, and Gello Marquez.
Following the success of the first season, a second book titled Ghosting Part 2 began streaming last November.
Honest take: The show is surprisingly good, as it was able to balance elements like the supernatural and dramatic plot lines of the characters with the overall vibe of it as a feel-good, romantic series.
Fyang is also a revelation, as her acting prowess and comedic timing became one of the strongest suits of this program. Moreover, her on-screen chemistry with JM was also undeniable.
Given that it is one of the initial offerings of iWant after its major rebranding exercise this year, Ghosting clearly shows the path where the platform is headed for its slate of originals. Hopefully, they will be able to emulate it in their subsequent releases.
Those were the programs that ranked 21st to 30th in this year’s special Best Shows countdown.
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Other installments will be released in the coming days.