MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino viewers across the country were glued to their TV screens last Friday, as the final episode of "Walang Hanggan" marked the "phenomenal" Kapamilya series' all-time highest nationwide ratings.
The romance of Daniel (Coco Martin) and Katerina (Julia Montes) turned eternal in the series' finale, when the married couple were killed only days apart.
The two were seen reunited in heaven, where Daniel declares, "Ngayon magkasama na kami ni Katerina at malayang magmahalan nang walang hanggan."
According to the latest TV ratings data of Kantar Media, the final episode of "Walang Hanggan" drew in a record-breaking 45.4% nationwide audience share, topping its previous all-time highest ratings of 44.5% for its June 25 episode.
Its rival show on GMA-7, "Luna Blanca," also aired its series finale on Friday, but only managed to garner 16.1% nationwide audience share, according to Kantar Media.
On social networking sites, "Walang Hanggan" also captivated netizens, as it quickly became the most talked-about topic online.
The soap's title became the No. 1 trending topic worldwide on micro-blogging site Twitter during the final episode's airing. Other terms related to the show also took a spot in the worldwide list, such as "RIP Katerina" and "RIP Daniel."
Hailing "Walang Hanggan" as "one of the Philippines' best teleseryes," Twitter user @glennfegarido said, "Congratulations ABS-CBN for making this one of a kind 'Obra maestra'. Kudos!"
"For that ending," @raymundtweets said, "this series will forever be remembered."
Other loyal followers of the show, however, were saddened by the turn of events, even as Katerina and Daniel ended up in paradise.
"Gusto ko sana 'yung pareho silang buhay, para mas masaya lalo. Pero dahil ganun 'yung resulta, medyo malungkot," televiewer Susan Nolasco told ABS-CBN News.
Another follower of "Walang Hanggan," meanwhile, said she hopes to watch the series a second time through a "rewind" telecast. "Ngayon ine-expect namin may part two. Hopefully, sana, kasi gabi-gabi naming inaabangan 'yun eh."
Directed by Jerry Lopez Sineneng, Trina N. Dayrit, Jojo A. Saguin, "Walang Hanggan" also starred Susan Roces, Noni Buencamino, Rita Avila, Eula Valdez, Shamaine Buencamino, Ogie Diaz, Arlene Muhlach, John Medina, Ivan Morales and Eda Nolan.