The Good Son (TV series)

Plot

Finale

Cast and characters

Main cast

• Joshua Garcia as Joseph R. Buenavidez / Joseph Reyes — Victor's illegitimate son. Joseph is self-righteous, loving, and protective of his loved ones, especially his mother, Racquel. After his father's death, he inherits an equal share of Victor's estate, equivalent to Enzo and Calvin's inheritance. Throughout the course of the series, he starts to fix his relationship with his brothers. He also is constantly seeking justice for whoever murder his father. However, he becomes depressed after his mother's, Racquel, untimely death. He then resorts to writing threatening anonymous notes to the Buenavidez family in order to find out their deepest and darkest secrets. In the end, after finding getting justice for all that happened, he celebrates his birthday. However, Olivia ruins the moment by ordering someone for to poison Joseph. He then survives, and while she is on her deathbed, tells Olivia that he forgives her. In the finale, he, along with brother, are ready to face life, ready to outtake any challenge that it throws at them.
• Eula Valdez as Olivia Gesmundo-Buenavidez — Victor's widow, mother to Calvin and Enzo. During her childhood, she psychologically, emotionally, mentally, and physically abused by her father, which caused her to have a nervous breakdown. This then results her into becoming a pathological liar. Her pattern of habitually lying continues throughout her life, which ultimately causes the demise of her marriage. Olivia then blames Racquel and her family for Victor's death, causing her to become manipulative, scheming, and cruel. She wrecks havoc in Joseph's life, creating several schemes that almost destroy his family. The police then put her as a person of interest in Victor's demise, which, subsequently, later causes the cops to find out her affair with Dado, the family driver. She then attempts to flee the country due to financial problems in the company. During the series' finale, it is uncovered that Olivia was the one behind Victor's death, poisoning him after failing to accept her failed marriage. To get revenge on Joseph, she then poisons him on his birthday, in a similar fashion to what she did to Victor. As she was trying to escape, her car crashes into a tree, causing the car to burn up. She then suffers from deadly burns, and while on her deathbed, gets Joseph and her family's forgiveness.
• Mylene Dizon as Racquel A. Reyes-Moreno — Victor's former liaison as well as Joseph and Oliver's mother. Racquel has a history of easily losing her heart to several men, which consequently results into two unplanned pregnancies. Despite this, she remains faithful to God, righteous, kindhearted, and as well as a doting mother and daughter to her children and father, respectively. Upon Victor's death, she receives funds left to her through his will. She later then becomes a board member of the Buenavidez company and proves her worth, bringing the company out of bankruptcy. Despite several schemes thrown at her by Olivia, she remains kindhearted and even extends an olive branch to her. However, she dies after falling off of the company building during Dado and Olivia's confrontation. Her death causes Olivia, Joseph, Enzo, Calvin, and Obet's problems to escalate.
• Jerome Ponce as Lorenzo "Enzo" G. Buenavidez — The series' anti-heroine. Victor's oldest legitimate son. Lorenzo is conflicted between seeking justice for his father's death or protecting his family's well kept secrets. In the beginning of the series, his relationship with Joseph is strainer but, as the series progresses, their relationship soon improves. In the mid-point in the show, Enzo realizes that his mother's lies will be the ultimate cause of their misery and their family ultimate destruction. Because of the events, he decides to pursue and find justice for not just his father's death, but now also from his uncle Anthony's death. In his pursuit for justice, Enzo becomes more and more like Victor, fighting for what is right, not worrying on who will get hurt. However, his investigations about his family's tragedies then lead him to the real culprit — Olivia Buenavidez — his own mother. After realizing the truth, Enzo then attempts to get his mother, Olivia, to confess her crimes by telling the authorities that he murdered Victor. In the end, he reconciles with Joseph, and also his mother before her ultimate demise.
• McCoy de Leon as Oliver "Obet" R. Moreno / Oliver "Obet" Reyes — Obet is Joseph's older half-brother, and Racquel's eldest son from her previous marriage with Arthur Moreno. He later becomes very frustrated when his parents refuse to fix their marriage and reconcile. Under his father's, Arthur, bad influence, Obet becomes jealous and envious of his brother's good fortune and luck, subsequently causing him to become bitter, rude, snobbish, and act frustrated in front of him. He makes it his life's purpose in making sure that he is better than Joseph. Amidst all of the events, he also falls in love with Sabina, however, their love is forbidden because due to them being part of opposite sides of society. After his mother's death, he decides to get revenge on Olivia, and denounces Joseph as his brother. Oliver then follows Arthur's previous criminal history and plans several schemes to get revenge on the Buenavidez family. In the latter part of the story, he reconciles with his brother and he saves him from a near-death encounter. In the end, he reconciles with all those whom he wronged and also pursues his relationship with Sabina.
• Nash Aguas as Calvin "Cal" G. Buenavidez — Olivia's youngest, but illegitimate son. Calvin was raised knowing that Victor was his father, however, his biological father is the family's driver, Dado, whom Olivia had a short encounter with after finding out of Victor's infidelity. He suffers from schizophrenia, which causes him to have violent tendencies often bringing harm to himself and also to others. In the earlier part of the series, Calvin was a person of interest in Victor's murder, but was later proven innocent. Calvin was later put into a mental institution, but was later kidnapped by Dado. Dado then brings him and Olivia into a remote destination, hoping to start a happy family with them. The Buenavidez family then find out of Olivia's crimes after listening to a secret recording made by Dado during his conversation with Olivia. He later then recovers from his mental illness and starts his journey in life with a positive outlook.
• Alexa Ilacad as Justiniana "Justine" Asuncion — Justine is described as beautiful, understanding, kindhearted — a good friend to Calvin. She aids Calvin with his family problems and gives him a shoulder to lean on during trying times. However, in the mid-point of the series, it is later revealed that Justine is on an imaginary friend of Calvin. She was created inside Calvin's mind during his schizophrenic state during a psychotic episode. Unfortunately, however, Calvin was then accused of murdering a police officer. Desperate to find an alibi for his brother, Enzo finds out that Justine is an actual person, a model who is struggling with finances. In order to get extra money, Justine agrees to pretend as Calvin's friend and alibi. However, Justine forgets that her friendship with Calvin is only a job, and espouses an actual friendship with him. In her person life, too, she struggles to make ends meet while also raising her autistic older sister, Vangie, who refers to her a "Tinay".
• Loisa Andalio as Hazel Castillo — Joseph's main love interest, the Buenavidez boys' bestfriend, as well as Dado and Emma's daughter. Her father, Dado, is a loyal worker for the Buenavidez family which is the reason for why she was able to study in a prestigious school with the help of Olivia and Victor. Although people think he has a bad attitude, Hazel is very close to him and knows his struggles, being his confidant and best friend. During Enzo's darkest hour, she never gives up on him and pursues to bring the friend she knew back to his former self. However, despite her closeness to Enzo, she is in love with Joseph. Hazel then reveals her true feelings to him during a trip to Batangas. Later, she is then thought as a suspect for the murder of policeman and Dado's accomplice. In order to clear her daughter's name, Emma reveals to the police that Hazel is an adopted daughter of Emma and Dado. In a quest to find her true mother, Hazel searches for her but is then told that her mother passed during her birth. Despite Dado's crimes, she still treats him as a father and attempts to bring him to his senses. In the end, she reconciles with Joseph and the Buenavidez family.
• Elisse Joson as Sabina De Guzman — The daughter of Ernesto and Miriam De Guzman. Her parents strived hard to give her good life, which is why they push her to take a course in business management, much to her detriment. Sabina would rather do something that makes her happy, but chooses to obey her parents in order to fulfill their dreams for her. She then meets Obet — the son of her father's employee, Racquel. At first, she is annoyed at him, considering him as a pervert, annoying, and a showoff. However, she soon warms up to him, thus, beginning a relationship with him. Unfortunately, circumstances come between them including her father's disapproval of Obet. Sabina then breaks up with him, trying to find herself, but promises to get back together with him once fulfilling this. Despite her failed relationship with him, Sabina remains a good friend to her former flame. In the finale, she reconciles with Obet and they pursue their relationship.

  Very Special Role

• John Estrada as Atty. Anthony Buenavidez — Victor's younger brother and Joseph, Lorenzo, and Calvin's uncle. Since they were young, Anthony treated his brother, Victor, like his idol, for he raised the two of them when their parents abandoned them. In his youth, Anthony was stubborn, often getting into trouble with Victor correcting him. However, through his brother's perseverance, Anthony was able to get a degree in law and became the legal counsel for Buenavidez-De Guzman company. Anthony knows all of Victor's darkest secrets, being his confidant. However, it is later revealed that he has a motive to kill Victor, as he is madly jealous of his brother. During his quest for justice, he finds out that Calvin is Dado's son, Olivia embezzled millions for the company, and Olivia's lies. He then later falls in love with Racquel, causing more problems. Unfortunately, however, he was killed by Dado in order to stop him from investigating Victor's death. In the finale, it is revealed that he left the Buenavidez brothers an inheritance in which they could get this once Victor's murder is solved. They then receive their inheritance since their father's murder was solved.

  Special Participation

• Albert Martinez as Victor Buenavidez — The character whose life is revolved around by the story. Victor married Olivia Gesmundo, heiress to a rice corporation but, unfortunately, after a miscarriage, their marriage fell into despair. This caused him to start a brief affair with Racquel Reyes, which eventually resulted into a pregnancy. He is much happier with Racquel rather than his wife because of her simpler lifestyle rather than Olivia's lavish and rich lifestyle. His wife, Olivia, is jealous of him because her father respects and loves Victor like a son, rather than his own daughter. Victor then reconciles with Olivia, leaving Racquel and is completely oblivious to her pregnancy. As he returns to Olivia, she gives birth to their first-born son, Lorenzo, and they couple eventually have a second-born son named Calvin. Years later, he meets Joseph Reyes, and is unaware of their connection as father and son. Once he finds out, Victor wants to have a relationship with his estranged son. During this, he falls in love with Racquel again, and plans to leave Olivia for her and her family. He then files for divorces, assuring the future of his three sons. However, he then finds out that Calvin and Dado's son, but his feelings for his son do not change. Victor arranges to provide support for both of his families, including Olivia and Racquel. On the night of his birthday, he plans to leave Olivia, but is unfortunately poisoned. His death is the main aspect of the series. His death also brings his families together, while revealing secrets, and also ruining certain lives.
• Bernard Palanca as Don Enrico Gesmundo, Olivia's abusive and domineering father, a misogynist and a philanderer. He was cruel to Olivia and abusive to his wife. He is the root of Olivia's mental illness and psychological disorders. He and his wife destroyed Olivia's life.
• Valerie Concepcion as Doña Matilda Gesmundo, Enrico's long-suffering wife. Enrico's philandering and abuse drove Matilda towards her compulsive lying and chronic gambling addiction. She primed Olivia as a child to be a victim, her poor mothering skills and lack of maturity created a sociopath daughter.

  Supporting cast

• Liza Lorena as Doña Matilda Gesmundo — Olivia's mother and Enzo and Calvin's grandmother. While she was raising Olivia, she was emotionally and physically abused by her husband, Enrico, who only saw women as sexual objects and servant and not humans. During her marriage, she was cheated on several times to the point that she became immune to this. Because of her unstable marriage, she resorted to gambling to aid her pain. She also was bad mother, influencing Olivia that she should lie rather than admit the truth. This made her daughter transform into a habitual liar. Matilda's gambling addiction got so out of hand that her son-in-law, Victor, had to help her pay her debts by purchasing a huge lot of land. As some point the series, Matilda was considered a person of interest in Victor's death because of her gambling. In the mid-point of the series, she suffered from a stroke caused from stress when her daughter, Olivia, and grandson, Calvin, went missing and also when her family was stripped on their wealth. During their disappearance, she cared for by Enzo and her loyal maid, Britney. In the finale, she apologizes for her actions and her failure in raising Olivia, and also reconciles with the Reyes family.
• Ronnie Lazaro as Matias Reyes — Racquel's father, Joseph and Obet's grandfather. During his youth, he grew up from a poor family and, under the influence of his parents, was forced to steal in order to make a living. In one robbery, his brother was caught but, however, his father chose to abandon his own son rather than to save him. After that, Matias promises to never do anything against the law. He carries this throughout his life and always instills to his loved ones that to commit a crime. He raised his daughter, Racquel, alone as a single parent, and raised her as God fearing, righteous, kind, and loving. At some point, he became strained from Racquel after she fled to Manila in order to marry Arthur, a man whom he disapproved of. In his later years, Matias reunites with Racquel and helps her raise her children, and stands in as a father-figure during the absences of their fathers, Victor and Arthur, respectively. In the latter part of the story, he raises his grandchildren after the demise of his daughter. He tries to get Joseph and Obet to reconcile, however, fails. In the end, however, he gets through to Obet and he reconciles with Joseph.
• Jeric Raval as Diosdado "Dado" Castillo — Dado is Hazel's father, Emma's husband, and also Olivia's ex-lover. Dado was Olivia's childhood best friend, protector, It is then revealed that Dado is Calvin's biological father in a short encounter with Olivia. He brought Emma into the Gesmundo household where she later got her pregnant. Unfortunately, their child died shortly after her birth. To replace their deceased child, Emma adopts Hazel, whom Dado and her raise as their own. Throughout the course of the series, Dado commits several crimes just to protect Olivia and Calvin. He attempted to kill Joseph, in order to coverup all of Olivia's crimes. Dado then admits to killing Victor in order to stop the suspicions on Calvin and Olivia. He then does another attempt to kill Joseph during a camping trip, but ends up stabbing Enzo. In the process, he kills Anthony in order to stop him from investigating Victor's death. Desperate to retrieve his family, he kidnaps Calvin from the mental facility where he is in, and forces Olivia to come with him. After fulfilling his plan, he, along with Calvin and Olivia, live a simple and peaceful life on an island. Two months later, Olivia and Calvin escape, causing him to get his biggest ferocious revenge. He then has a heated confrontation with Olivia, in which he accidentally pushes Racquel off of the building. Dado manages to escape but is then shot by Arthur, causing him to fall into the river. Weeks pass, no signs were found of him, making everyone think he is dead. Later, Olivia receives threatening letter whom she immediately perceives as Dado sending them. However, it is later confirmed that his gunshot wounds from Arthur were proven deadly, and after falling into the water, caused her ultimate demise.
• Kathleen Hermosa as Emma Castillo — Hazel's mother and Dado's wife. Emma grew up from an abusive family, with her father making her a slave to do all of the household chores. She then made Dado, who became her best friend, and eventually helped her break free from her domineering father. Dado then brought Emma to the Gesmundo household where she began working as a maid. Eventually, on a one-night encounter when he was drunk, Dado got Emma pregnant. As a result, he married her. Unfortunately, the child died due to a high-fever. Desperate for her and Dado to have a child, she adopted Hazel and she and her husband raised her as their own child. Years later, her marriage with Dado falls apart when she discovers his affair with Olivia, eventually causing the end of their marriage. She blames herself for why Dado went astray, but realizes that she is not at fault for Dado's crimes.
• Michael Rivero as SPO1 Leandro Colmenares — He was the primary and lead investigator of Victor's murder. SPO1 Colmenares believed that Olivia was guilty of Victor's murder but, however, could not charge her because he had no evidence. Colmenares has a daughter named Princess, who is under the care of his brother, Romeo, who is also a cop. He was then very close to cracking Victor's death but, unfortunately, someone broke into his apartment, injuring him severely. As a result of his injuries, he dies. However, it is then revealed that Dado was the one responsible for killing Colmenares so that he would stop investigating. Later, it is confirmed that Dado had an accomplice in killing SPO1 Colmenares, it was Calvin — his biological son.
• Jojit Lorenzo as Bodjie — He is Anthony's best friend. Bodjie has been longtime employee and friend of the Buenavidez family, and also Anthony's confidant to all of his problems. Even after Anthony's death, he remains an employee in the Buenavidez-De Guzman company, while also replacing Anthony's position as the chief legal council of the company. He also is a friend to Racquel, often listening to her problems, and gives her friendly advice.
• Alex Medina as Arthur Moreno — He is Obet's father and Racquel's ex-husband. Arthur is Racquel's obsessive ex-husband who was the cost of Matias and Racquel's brief fallout. Matias refused to accept Arthur as Racquel's husband because he says he is a bad influence, and also their age-difference was also an issue with Racquel being slightly older than her husband. During their marriage, they had a son named Oliver. However, because he was desperate for money, he attempted to sell his son to a child-trafficking syndicate. This caused the ultimate demise of his marriage Racquel and also the cause of his imprisonment. Decades and years pass, Arthur is released from prison and is determined to woo his wife and son back to his arms. However, all else fails. He then starts a brief connivance with Olivia in order to orchestrate Anthony's downfall, for he is madly angry and jealous at him for stealing Racquel. At some point, he was a suspect in the murder of Anthony, for he is the main person who has a motive to kill him. Arthur influences his son, Obet, into hating Joseph and the Buenavidez family and also teaches him how to steal from people. He also uses his son in hopes of bringing him and Racquel back together, but all of his plans fail. In the latter part, he kills Dado blaming him for causing Racquel's death from her fall in the building. Because of this, Arthur was incarcerated. However, in the finale, he repents all of his deeds and joins his fellow inmates in daily readings of the bible, and also listens to the words of God.
• Art Acuña as Ernesto De Guzman — He is Sabina's father and Miriam's husband. Ernesto and his wife, Miriam, were struggling to make their company successful. The couple value their morals, especially Ernesto, who wants Sabina to take over their company. Olivia and her mother, Matilda, convinced Ernesto to invest in the already failing Buenavidez Rice company, because they did not inform him about their failing empire. He later uncovers the financial difficulties of the company and he and Anthony press charges against Olivia. In a side story, he disapproves Obet as Sabina's boyfriend. However, Sabina chooses to continue her relationship with Obet, which causes her to flee the house. Ernesto is also the main stockholder of the Buenavidez company. After Racquel's death, he becomes the CEO of the company, and also becomes Olivia's nemesis due to his refusal to return her former position. In finale, he accepts Obet and Sabina's relationship while also appearing cordial to the Reyes and Buenavidez family.
• Lovely Rivero as Miriam De Guzman — Sabina's mother and Ernesto's wife. Miriam and her husband, Ernesto, were struggling to make their business succeed after facing several financial issues. Unlike her husband, Miriam always think about the welfare of others, which is why she convinced Ernesto to stay in the partnership in the Buenavidez company. Throughout the series, Miriam and her daughter, Sabina, have had several arguments, mostly because of her career choice. In the mid-point of the show, she reconciles with Sabina and assures her that she supports her in all of her dreams.
• Igi Boy Flores as Jordan — Joseph's best friend at Brisard High School. He, along with Joseph and several others, were bullied by Enzo and his jock friends because they believed that they don't have the potential to be on the basketball team. However, Jordan proves himself and is accepted into the basketball team. People at the school call him ugly, fat, and unattractive, and he leans of Joseph to help him when he gets bullied. He and Joseph are the best of friends at Brisard, promising to always protect each other.
• Joj Agpangan as Cassie — Hazel's best friend at Brisard High School. Cassie is cheerful, comedic, and always brings a cheerful aura between her and Hazel when all else fail. She has a major crush on Joseph, and will go to extreme lengths to get him. However, she knows that Joseph has feelings for Hazel, which is why she gives way to them. She also tries to bring Joseph and Hazel together by bringing them together on several dates.
• Fifth Solomon as Terry — Olivia's secretary in the Buenavidez-De Guzman company. Terry hates being called just "Terry", and makes everyone, expect Anthony, Racquel, and Olivia, to call him "Ms. Terry." She is also Olivia's spy in the company. He reports to her all of Racquel and Anthony's movements so that she could come up with a plan to bring them all down. After Olivia's departure in the company, Terry becomes Racquel's secretary and he gladly calls her "Madam Racquel".
• Jennie Gabriel as Britney, house maid at the Buenavidez home. She witnesses the family drama first hand and has an accurate perception of events but remains silent.

  Guest cast

• Joem Bascon as SPO3 George Encarnacion — The new lead investigator after SPO1 Colmenares' death. He is determined into cracking Victor's case, and is persistent in bringing justice to Olivia.
• Dino Pastrano as SPO2 Alfonso
• Paul Salas as Dimitri "Trey" Gamboa, former Blue Jaguar basketball player, injured from a fall after a Blue Jaguars game. He claims Enzo pushed him off the balcony after a jealous rage, and Olivia is paying all his medical and physical therapy expenses to keep silent. He recanted his testimony against Enzo.
• Ethan Salvador as Trevor Ledesma
• Dolly Gutierrez as the Psychiatrist who diagnoses Calvin's schizophrenia condition and recommends institutionalizing him. She is fearful that he would endanger his life and others if left untreated.
• Mark Rivera as Oliver
• Isabel Castañeda as Trisha
• Maxene Magalona as Helga Almario
• Myrtle Sarrosa as Vangie, Justine's elder sister who is a special child.
• Kyle Velino as Brent
• Ernie Garcia as Mr. Roco
• Agassi Ching
• Uajo Maranang as Connor
• Joaquin Valdes
• Acey Aguilar as Blue Jaguar's Coach who values both Enzo's and Joseph's skills and abilities in the court.
• Noel Comia Jr. as young Anthony Buenavidez
• Leo Rialp as Don Enrico Gesmundo, Olivia's misogynist and domineering father, prejudiced against women and a philanderer. He is cold and cruel to Olivia and abusive to his wife, but he admires and trusts his son in law, Victor, and leaves his company to him.
• Ana de Leon
• Justin James Quinlantang as young Calvin
• Richmont Padayao as young Lorenzo “Enzo” Buenavidez
• Mutya Orquia as young Olivia

  Reception

Production

Casting

International Broadcast

Awards