On this day, Filipino viewers were introduced to Anne Curtis as the legendary Dyesebel on March 17, 2014.
The series marked a milestone in Anne’s career, as she transformed into the legendary half-human, half-fish heroine created by King of Pinoy Komiks Mars Ravelo. The series ran for more than four months and also starred Gerald Anderson, Sam Milby, Eula Valdes, Andi Eigenmann, Dawn Zuleta, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Gabby Concepcion, Bangs Garcia, and many more.
However, before Anne took on the role of the legendary mermaid, other actresses had already taken on the challenge of portraying the iconic mermaid in various film and television projects. Here’s a look back on the stars who took on the role of the popular Filipino icon.
Anne Curtis
In 2014, Anne Curtis starred in the iconic role of Dyesebel in the fantasy series that aired on ABS-CBN. The series introduced the legendary mermaid to a new generation of viewers along with Kapamilya stars Gerald Anderson and Sam Milby. The series is Anne’s second time to portray a role of a mermaid after her hit fantasy series Dyosa.
In the television series, Anne employed her “magical voice” to save her fellow mermaids, a nod to Anne and her iconic “singing voice.”
Marian Rivera
Another well-liked television version was also done by Marian Rivera, who played Dyesebel in the 2008 television version on GMA. The show was a primetime hit during its airing. It was filmed in Coron Island in Palawan, Bataan, and Batangas. Marian was paired with Dingdong Dantes, who played her human lover Fredo.
Screenshot from GMA's Dyesebel trailer
Charlene Gonzalez
Beauty queen and actress Charlene Gonzalez played Dyesebel in a 1996 movie. The show came two years after her Miss Universe experience. In a past interview, Charlene’s daughter, Atasha Muhlach, had once thought that her mom was a real-life mermaid as her parents showed her pictures of Charlene as Dyesebel.
Screenshot from Viva Cinema's video
Alice Dixson
Alice Dixson portrayed the legendary mermaid in the 1990 film adaptation, giving a glamorous take on the character. She starred together with Judy Ann Santos, Malou de Guzman, and Richard Gomez. This was also the first production of Dyesebel that included underwater scenes.
Screenshot from Regal Entertainment's video
Alma Moreno
In 1978, Alma Moreno portrayed the role of the famous mermaid in a film adaptation Sisid, Dyesebel, Sisid. The movie highlighted the beauty and charm of the actress in portraying the fantasy heroine alongside Matt Ranillo III, who portrayed the role of Fredo.
Screenshot from luningning realo's video
Vilma Santos
The Star for All Seasons, Vilma Santos, starred in the movie adaptation of Dyesebel in 1973, directed by renowned film director Emmanuel H. Borlaza. She was among the first actresses to bring the legendary mermaid to life on the big screen. Her performance contributed to the popularity of the character in Philippine cinema.
Screenshot from CineFlix1's video