Video of Grade 3 students watching 'Maria Clara at Ibarra' delights netizens

A teacher posted a video showing her Grade 3 students intently watching "Maria Clara at Ibarra" on Friday—and it's gotten some netizens cheering.

According to Charlaine Alyssa Sese, who teaches at Tibag Elementary School in Tarlac City, the video was taken during the students' recess time. She said they were watching via YouTube.

"Narinig ko po kasi na may pinapanood sila sa TV then in-ask ko kung 'Maria Clara at Ibarra' ba. Then pinagbigyan ko po silang manood kasi may mga batang walang TV sa bahay," said Sese in an interview with GMA News Online.

She said she was surprised seeing the students were really into the show.

"Although wala pa silang Noli Me Tangere, kahit papano nagkaka-idea na sila sa Noli. Ang dami nila tanong about sa past. Nakakatuwa lang po kasi seryoso silang nanonood talagang interested sila kaya vinideo ko po," Sese said.

Netizens quickly cheered on the sight, saying the show is sparking renewed interest in literature and the study of history.

"Ay ang galing! Making the story very relatable to the new generation. Mas maiintindihan nila ang essence ng NMT," said Trish.

Ay ang galing! Making the story very relatable to the new generation. Mas maiintindihan nila ang essence of NMT. #MCIAngSimula #MariaClaraatIbarra https://t.co/Dbmsq6zTyi

— Trish | ???????????????????? (@trisyan_) October 7, 2022

"Look how #MariaClaraAtIbarra has begun a trend... Positive outcome coming from a TV series meant to give us a glimpse of our past," shared Twitter user TheMichinYeoja.

Look how #MariaClaraAtIbarra has begun a trend and is now being used as resource piece in the classrooms. Positive outcome coming from a TV series meant to give us a glimpse of our past. https://t.co/6ekXxxhef0

— TheMichinYeoja (@TheMichinYeoja) October 7, 2022

Some students also chimed in, saying they are watching the show at their own schools, too.

"Pinapanood din namin 'to sa school.  First time 'to naipalabas yata sa school namin, 'yung payagan kami manood ng ganyan kase nga marami ka matutunan," said James Castillo.

Pinapanood din namin to sa school. First time to naipalabas yata sa school namin ung payagan kami manood ng ganyan kase nga marami ka matutunan https://t.co/B88WvN89uO

— James Castillo (@JamesCa91564182) October 7, 2022

It didn't take long before the video came under the radars of "Maria Clara at Ibarra" stars Barbie Forteza and Julie Anne San Jose themselves.

"OH WOW!" Barbie commented, while Julie Ann posted some Korean heart emojis.

"Maria Clara at Ibarra" airs weekdays after "24 Oras" at GMA Telebabad. Replays of the full episodes are available on the GMA Network YouTube channel.

—MGP, GMA News