Gagambino

Carlo J. Caparas' Gagambino is a Philippine television drama fantasy series broadcast by GMA Network. The series is based from Carlo J. Caparas' graphic novel of the same title. Directed by Topel Lee and Don Michael Perez, it stars Dennis Trillo in the title role. It premiered on October 20, 2008, on the network's Telebabad line up replacing Dyesebel. The series concluded on February 20, 2009, with a total of 90 episodes. It was replaced by Totoy Bato in its timeslot.

Premise
Gambino "Bino" Bayani and his adventures with his giant spider as they fight evil forces in a darker, crime-infested re-imagination of Manila. Bino and his group of friends, all possessing insect-like superpowers like him, are pitted against Abresia, a terrorist mastermind and a very powerful woman who can command giant insects.

Cast and characters

 * Lead cast
 * Dennis Trillo as Gambino "Bino" Bayani


 * Supporting cast
 * Raymart Santiago as Dindo Gutierrez
 * Polo Ravales as Harold Santiago
 * Katrina Halili as Lucy Gutierrez / Lady Mantisa
 * Nadine Samonte as Celine Lopez
 * Isabel Oli as Bernadette Albuento / Alakdanessa
 * Glaiza de Castro as Leah Albuento / Super Bee
 * Jennica Garcia as Gelay L. Bayani
 * Jean Garcia as Abresia / Divina M. Lopez-Gutierrez
 * Mart Escudero as Noel Albuento
 * Glydel Mercado as Rebecca Bayani-Santiago
 * Jan Manual as Eldon
 * Benjie Paras as Stalin
 * Krista Kleiner as Krissa


 * Guest cast
 * Zoren Legaspi as Armand Santiago
 * Bernadette Allyson as Elena Bayani
 * John Arcilla as Alejandro Bayani

Development
When GMA Network bought the rights to Carlo J. Caparas' graphic novel in February 2007, Richard Gutierrez was attached to star. The series was shelved until 2008, but Gutierrez opted to work on his dream project: Codename: Asero. The network decided that they could not longer delay the series and gave the role to Dennis Trillo, over another contender: JC de Vera, who later joined the cast in LaLola.

Director Topel Lee required Trillo to learn three martial arts in preparation for the role: wing chun, judo and kendo (a Japanese martial art of sword-fighting). He also underwent training for parkour.

Production
Principal photography commenced in September 2008.

Ratings
According to AGB Nielsen Philippines' Mega Manila household television ratings, the pilot episode of Gagambino earned a 34.5% rating. While the final episode scored a 34.7% rating.