Directed by Rory B. Quintos, Richard V. Somes and Don M. Cuaresma, it stars Erich Gonzales and Enchong Dee.

Maria grows up with Sandra's best friend Casilda (Ai-Ai delas Alas) in barrio Munting Ilog.

When Casilda falls ill, Maria is forced to seek help from Father Honorio for added work.

This leads her to meet Fernando de la Vega (Ian Veneracion), the owner of Amore Design, one of the country's top furniture companies.

After GMA Network's successful adaptations of Thalia's Marimar and Rosalinda, ABS-CBN decided to remake María la del Barrio.

In addition, several characters were recast, including a lengthy casting process for the role of Vladimir de la Vega.

[3] Inno Martin's scenes as Vladimir prior to his replacement appeared in the show's first set of promos.

[7] On a review done by the Philippine Entertainment Portal, they quoted that "Erich looks tailor-made for the role; with her natural ability to summon naïve, childlike qualities with relative ease."

They also stated that the scenes between the two lead actors provided the "'kilig' factor commonly sought by local viewers."

The review concluded, "Erich has a wonderful opportunity to embrace the character as her own without having to live in the shadow of her famous Mexican predecessor.