Sino Ka, Fairy Ko? The 8 Faces of Faye and Ina Magenta
Nov 21, 2013 • Janus Dosequis Harvey
It’s safe to say that the long-running sitcom-turned-movie-franchise “Okay Ka, Fairy Ko,” originally believed to be a riff on the classic American sitcom “I Dream of Jeannie,” has taken on a life of its own its over two decades of existence. Only the late Dolphy’s own sitcoms could possibly rival what the Vic Sotto-helmed franchise has managed to achieve.
Playing off of Vic Sotto’s Enteng Kabisote were two very prominent female characters: his wife, Faye, and his domineering mother-in-law, Ina Magenta. They are both fairies with great power, and they have both been played by numerous actresses through the years. On top of that, two actors, Roderick Paulate and Alan K., have played Faye and Ina Magenta respectively, as well.
Let’s take a walk down memory lane (how cliche, but still, how apt!) as we take a look at the 8 ladies who have played these two characters over the years…
Via TXT
Portrayed: Faye in 2010’s “Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote,” 2011’s “Enteng ng Ina Mo,” and 2012’s “Si Enteng, Si Agimat, at Si Ako.”
At a very young age of 19 when “Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote” came out, Gwen Zamora is the latest actress to portray Enteng’s wife in the “Enteng Kabisote” film series. Her acting prowess when compared to all the other actresses who have played Faye over the years certainly leaves a lot to be desired, not to mention the limits of our willingness to stretch our suspension of disbelief for Enteng’s progressively younger-looking wife, fairy powers notwithstanding.
Grade: C. It really makes you incredulous to watch her onscreen, especially with her non-existent chemistry with Vic Sotto.
Via videolica.com
Portrayed: Faye in the GMA incarnation of “Okay Ka, Fairy Ko” from 1995-1997.
Dawn Zulueta is a timeless beauty who played off very well with Vic Sotto towards the show’s tail end. The fact that she’s also a highly accomplished actress didn’t hurt the sitcom’s overall quality during those years, either.
Grade: B+. She definitely was great, but isn’t quite the first person who comes to mind when you think of Faye.
Via fanpix.ne
Portrayed: Ina Magenta in “Si Enteng, Si Agimat, at Si Ako.”
Considering the reputation Amy Perez has built for herself during her time as the host of “Face To Face” in TV5, it’s no surprise that she stepped in to be Enteng’s antagonistic mother-in-law in this installment, and that she pulled it off quite well.
Grade: B. Not bad, but we’ve seen better.
Portrayed: Faye in “Enteng Kabisote” 1 to 4 from 2004 to 2007.
Kristine Hermosa was a perfectly serviceable Faye for the film series, with one notably awkward detail: Kristine is now Vic Sotto’s daughter-in-law. This is obviously why she had to be replaced by Gwen Zamora in the succeeding films.
Grade: B. I would have rated her higher, but not only can’t we unsee the fact that Vic Sotto’s character is married to a character portrayed by his real-life daughter-in-law, Oyo Boy Sotto, his son and Kristine’s real-life husband, played the role of their son. Oedipus would be sooo proud.
Via www.fanpix.net
Portrayed: Ina Magenta in “Enteng Kabisote” and “Enteng Kabisote 3.”
Giselle Toengi was the new Ina Magenta after Charito Solis passed away. She brought a different flavor to the role all her own, although she definitely goes against type and believability as Faye’s mother, if only for her morena beauty.
Grade: B+. It was definitely disorienting to see an Ina Magenta not played by Charito Solis for the first time, but G Toengi was still impressive in the two movies where she took the role on.
Portrayed: Faye in “Okay Ka, Fairy Ko” from 1989 to 1995 and “Okay Ka, Fairy Ko: The Movie” parts 1 and 2 in 1991 and 1992.
Tweetie de Leon’s longevity as Faye pretty much defined her showbiz career. Even nearly two decades since she last took on the role, the average person in their late 20s to early 30s who would meet her on the street would still probably call her Faye, because she doesn’t seem to have aged a day.
Grade: A. This is what put Tweetie de Leon on the map, and six years in this role is nothing to scoff at.
Portrayed: Ina Magenta in “Okay Ka, Fairy Ko” from 1987 to 1997 and “Okay Ka, Fairy Ko: The Movie” Parts 1 and 2.
The late Charito Solis was often imitated, but never duplicated by all the ladies who portrayed Ina Magenta after her. Who could ever forget her palpable disdain for Enteng every single time she says, “Ano na naman ang kailangan mo, taga-lupa? Hmmmm?” Ever since, that “hmmmm” has become the Ina Magenta catchphrase everyone has aspired to, but only Charito Solis pulled it off perfectly.
Grade: A+. No contest here-she really injected personality into the fairy mother-in-law character like nobody else has since her. Everyone else has just been haplessly trying to follow in her footsteps— except perhaps #1.
Via picstopin.com
Portrayed: Faye in “Okay Ka, Fairy Ko” from 1987 to 1989, and Ina Magenta in “Enteng Kabisote 2”
Alice Dixon holds the unique distinction of having portrayed both Faye and Ina Magenta. She may not have had the same length of tenure as Tweetie de Leon, but she more than made up for it with her immediate impact in the role, and that she is, after all, the original Faye. It was definitely a treat to see her back as Ina Magenta a full 16 years since we last saw her involved with the long-running franchise.
Grade: A+. She is both versatile and memorable, and the first name people mention when they reminisce about “Okay Ka, Fairy Ko,” second only to Vic Sotto himself.
P.S. Despite my love for it, I’d be so much happier if they stopped milking this franchise already. Please.
Who do you think was the best Faye or Ina Magenta? Share your thoughts in the Comments Section below and check out our other TBT 8Lists.
