The theme of Infidelity: Why Filipino viewers drawn to this kind of genre

Theme of Infidelity: Representation of Three Beloved Characters

Many Filipinos eagerly watch telenovelas or shows that evoke various reactions due to their melodramatic content. The tension heightens even more when the topic is about infidelity.

It's not new for Filipino shows to feature a mistress or third party that ruins a marriage. In 2014, the teleserye "The Legal Wife," starring Angel Locsin, Jericho Rosales, and Maja Salvador, became highly popular. Numerous shows with infidelity themes, usually involving a love triangle, also achieve box office success.

In the Philippines, adultery is considered a crime, so the fascination of Filipinos with these shows can be seen as sympathy for real-life spouses and a demand for justice. In reality, infidelity is widespread, and the number of annulment cases rises each year, according to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). The frequent portrayal of infidelity in media is seen as contributing to these real-life situations (Ampil, 2017).

The typical characters in these stories are the wife, the husband, and the mistress. The legitimate wife is often portrayed as pitiable and paranoid. This portrayal garners significant support from viewers who empathize with her fight to save her marriage and family. Such portrayals strengthen the resolve of married viewers who face similar challenges in their relationships.

Traditional justifications by husbands that infidelity is a natural temptation that cannot be avoided are reinforced by these shows (Ampil, 2017). These portrayals enhance the narcissism of men, showing them in a favorable light as they are fought over by two women. Mistresses are depicted as superior to the wife, fulfilling what the husband desires. These representations highlight the patriarchal nature of society, where men are central and can choose situations that favor them. Women, on the other hand, are shown vying for their place in the man’s life.

Such representations are popular because, according to Maridol Rañoa-Bismark, films mirror life, showing scenes that viewers might have experienced, especially when it involves love and relationships. It’s also part of our culture to be curious about others’ stories and gossip, especially about relationship issues. The populism around this issue is also rooted in the serious view of infidelity as a grave sin in the predominantly Catholic Philippines. As these cultural issues become more visible, the theme of infidelity remains prevalent in shows, captivating the audience.