Year 2010 has been another banner year for ABS-CBN’s Precious Hearts Romances franchise with a string of hits that captured the hearts of TV viewers nationwide from “Impostor” and “Midnight Phantom” to “Alyna” and “Martha Cecilia’s Kristine.”

The phenomenal ratings of ABS-CBN’s television adaptations of the romance novels in 2010 prove Filipinos’ penchant for great love stories and happy endings. Whether in ABS-CBN’s Hapontastic or in Primetime Bida, a PHR TV series never fails to make every day a Valentine’s Day for fans of romance.

Yahoo Philippines’ Janie Octia recently ranked PHR’s “hearty stories” as the number one story on television in her 2010 review of Philippine TV. She said PHR’s success only shows that romance still sells and rules, amid all the different genres gaining popularity in the boob tube.

Rafael Rosell, who headlined “Midnight Phantom” and is also one of the leads in “Kristine,” said PHR brings a unique flavor to TV viewing with its complex yet real characters that mirror the emotions of individuals in real life.

“Like for Midnight Phantom, ipinakita ng PHR yung dalawang pagkatao ni Brandon. His Midnight Phantom side, his mystery side, hooked the viewers to get to know him better. His Brandon side, revealed his real human emotions na makaka-relate naman ang viewers kasi ‘yung mga traits ni Brandon ay traits din ng totoong tao.”

JM De Guzman, who appears in both “Alyna” and “Kristine,” added “Totoo ang emosyon nila. Nararamdaman mo, nararamdaman ko, nararamdaman nating lahat ang mga pinagdadaanan nila.”

Prince of Passion Zanjoe Marudo, who co-stars with Rafael in “Kristine,” said part of PHR’s success is attributed to the fact that it attracts two sets of viewers—those who have followed the stories in pocketbooks and those who have not.

“Iyung followers na ‘yun naiintriga sa kung paano ba isasalin sa telebisyon ang mga paborito nilang kuwento. Nakakadagdag din ng excitement kasi kahit nabasa mo na siya, may mga bagay pa rin na hindi mo mape-predict. Doon naman sa mga hindi pa nakakabasa, iba’t-ibang kuwento ng pag-ibig ang sinusundan ng tao. Tulad sa “Kristine,” iba’t ibang love story ang tumatahi sa kuwento ng pinakamalaking angkan sa Paso De Blas.

Aside from the wonderful love stories that the country’s best romance novelists have given birth to, another asset of the PHR franchise is the enormous talent of the people that bring these stories to life, from the writers, staff and crew to the cast and directors.

Some of the finest filmmakers in the Philippines have been at the helm of PHR series, including FM Reyes, Cathy Garcia-Molina, and Rory Quintos. That is why being a part of it has also become an honor for both established and up and coming actors and actresses.

Jason Francisco, fresh from being a housemate in Pinoy Big Brother Double Up, had his first real taste of showbiz in “Impostor,” where along with PBB Big Winner Melai Cantiveros he was cast with Sam Milby and Maja Salvador.

“Yung pagpasok ko kasi sa “Impostor” hindi ko ine-expect, hindi ko akalain na mangyayari. Hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan na napasabak ako sa isang malaki at magandang programa,” shared Jason, who is set to topbill in a PHR series in 2011 with Melai.

Newcomer JM is also thankful for the break he got through PHR. “Sobrang dami na ng mga natutunan ko simula nang mabigyan ako ng mga projects sa PHR, at hanggang ngayon may mga natutunan pa ako bilang aktor at bilang tao,” he said.

With the continuous support of viewers, the group behind PHR will continue coming up with quality programs that fill the lives of viewers with love and inspiration in 2011.

Meanwhile, stay tuned to the exciting developments in the two ongoing PHR series. Catch Shaina Magdayao, Jason Abalos, Sid Lucero, and Kaye Abad in the leading afternoon drama of primetime caliber “Alyna” after “Juanita Banana.” Also watch Cristine Reyes, Zanjoe Marudo, and Rafael Rosell on “Martha Cecilia’s Kristine” after “Imortal” also on ABS-CBN.