By Mell T. Navarro

Photos by Donjun Somodio

Monday night, Marian Rivera will not only be crowned with the prestigious and coveted headgear of the country’s iconic comic book Filipina heroine Darna when the series premieres on television. Aug. 10 will also be the start of her reign as GMA-7’s “Queen of Primetime,” a title given by her mother network!

“I’m very grateful to our big bosses at GMA-7 for saying that,” expressed Marian during the recently held press conference for her new fantaserye “Darna.” “As an actress, I’ve always been professional and I always do what I was asked for in my TV projects with the network. And I really love my job!”

GMA Network executives didn’t just make up Marian’s title. Being called the network’s “Queen of Primetime” was based more on the result of the three consecutive successful TV series of Marian Rivera. It all began with the phenomenal hit “Mari Mar,” which was followed by “Dyesebel” and then the sexy-drama “Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang.” And all rated high in their respective primetime slots.

Marian added that she can never call herself or claim to be a “queen.” She never expected such title to be bestowed on her but she respects the decision of her bosses as well as her fans’ judgment for calling her “Queen of Primetime.”

For being the new Darna, Marian has also been described as the “cutest” and “sexiest Darna!”

“I’m flattered and I still believe that people have different opinions on who’s the prettier or sexier Darna. If they think it’s me then I’m thankful. I’m also thankful that all of us in the set – from the cast and crew – get along well. What’s more important than these titles is that I’m enjoying my work as Darna and that I’m making our Kapuso viewers happy again with Darna’s return,” she explained.

The actress also revealed that she did a lot of adjustments for “Darna” especially with her costume as well as working with a new leading man in Mark Anthony Fernandez after three TV series with Dingdong Dantes.

“It’s hard playing a super heroine. You have to adjust to the fight scenes and the harness. Before, I don’t exercise but now I have to maintain my figure for my costume as well as the harness. If I gain weight I would have a hard time with the harness. I also need to exercise to prevent injuries and body pains,” stressed Marian who trained in Wushu as part of her preparation for the role.

As Darna, her goal is not only to protect mankind from supernatural villains but to recover all the different powers from every nemesis she defeated and restore them all in her “mystical stone” – the source of Darna’s powers.

Darna’s antagonists are Kobra (Paolo Contis), Valentina (Iwa Moto), Babaeng Lawin (Ehra Madrigal), Babaeng Tuod (Francine Prieto), Babaeng Impakta (Nadine Samonte), Babaeng Linta (Maggie Wilson) and the mad-scientist Dr. Morgan (Ricky Davao).

Also in the cast of Darna are Eddie Garcia, Celia Rodriguez, Caridad Sanchez, Robert “Buboy” Villar, Raymart Santiago, Rufa Mae Quinto, Janice de Belen, Rita Avila, Jestoni Alarcon, Ian de Leon, Alfred Vargas, Polo Ravales, Angel Aquino, Gabby Eigenmann, Bearwin Meily, John Apacible, Krissa Mae, Roxanne Barcelo, Renz Valerio, Sweet Ramos and Angeli Nicole Sanoy.

Darna is directed by Dominic Zapata and Don Michael Perez.

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By Mell T. Navarro

Photos by Donjun Somodio

During the press conference for And I Love You So, the movie of Sam Milby together with Bea Alonzo and Derek Ramsay, Sam serenaded the press with his own rendition of Don McLean’s  And I Love You So.

Marami ang nagulat sa announcement na ginawa ng Star Cinema bago simulan ang pagpapalabas ng pelikulang And I Love You So sa premiere night nito last August 11, sa Cinema 5 ng Trinoma Mall, Quezon City.  Ang movie ay hindi muna mapapanood ang kanilang mga pelikula sa alinmang SM Cinemas nationwide. Pero, mapapanood pa rin ito sa 100 theaters sa buong bansa sa ibang theater circuits, like Robinsons Malls, Ayala Malls, at Power Plant sa Rockwell, Makati City.

Ilang araw bago ang premiere night ng And I Love You So, na-announce na ng Star Cinema na magaganap dapat ang big event na ito sa SM Megamall sa Mandaluyong City. Pero kahapon, ilang oras bago ang premiere showing, ay naglabas ng anunsiyo ang Star Cinema na hindi nila ipalalabas sa lahat ng SM Cinemas ang And I Love You So.

Ayon sa isang insider ng ABS-CBN, may pagkukulang diumano ang SM Cinemas sa Star Cinema pagdating sa pag-report ng totoong kinita ng mga pelikula nila. Nadiskubre raw ng film arm ng Kapamilya network ang maling computation ng SM Cinemas sa mga kinita ng mga pelikulang ipinalabas nila simula pa noong 2003.

Nang madiskubre ng Star Cinema ang diumano’y maling computation ng kinita ng mga pelikula nilang ipinalabas sa SM Cinemas six years ago, taun-taon daw silang nagpa-follow up at nagre-remind sa management ng SM Cinemas. Pero ang lagi raw isinasagot sa kanila ng SM Cinemas ay aayusin nila ang problema, hanggang sa umabot na raw ito ng anim na taon.

But this time, umaksiyon na ang Star Cinema laban sa SM Cinemas. Kailangang maibigay raw muna ng SM Cinemas ang report ng tamang computation ng kinita ng mga pelikula ng Star Cinema sa kanilang mga sinehan. Umabot na raw sa ilang milyong piso ang perang nawala sa Star Cinema dahil sa diumano’y maling computation ng SM Cinemas sa kinita ng mga pelikula nila.

At press time, nakapag-decide na ang Star Cinema na hindi muna nila ilalabas sa SM Cinemas ang mga upcoming movies nila, gaya ng Kimmy Dora ni Eugene Domingo at In My Life ni Vilma Santos, hangga’t hindi naaayos ang problema.

Paliwanag ng insider ng ABS-CBN, mas maraming milyones pa raw ang mawawala sa mga pelikulang ipalalabas nila kung patuloy na hindi maayos ang maling computation ng SM Cinemas sa mga kikitain ng upcoming and potential box-office hits ng film arm ng ABS-CBN.

Naniniwala ang Star Cinema na hindi maaapektuhan ang kikitain ng And I Love You So dahil mapapanood pa rin ito sa may 100 sinehan nationwide, sa pakikipagtulungan ng ibang theater circuits gaya ng Robinsons Malls, Ayala Malls, at Power Plant sa Rockwell. Tulad ng SM Malls, nagkalat na rin ang mga nabanggit na malls sa Metro Manila at iba’t ibang key cities sa buong Pilipinas.

The film, directed by Laurenti Dyogi, celebrates the 16th year of Star Cinema films. The film describes the feeling of forbidden love for another person when that love may not be forbidden at all.

Also in the cast are Coney Reyes, Nikki Gil, Candy Pangilinan, Maricar Reyes, Janna Dominguez as Esha

* Cacai Bautista

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By Mell T. Navarro

Photos by

True to its promise, GMA 7 is bent to make Aljur Abrenica a bigger Kapuso star, and we won’t be surprised if the network would make Aljur their next primetime king.

Aljur is cast as The Last Prince, a Kapuso fantaserye created by R. J. Nuevas and is directed by Mac Alejandre.  The show features many fairy tales as a plot device such as Cinderella, Rapunzel  and Beauty and the Beast.

A part of GMA 7′s 60th year celebration offering, Aljur is joined in the cast by Kris Bernal, Geoff Eigenmann, and Carla Abellana.  During the press launching, though, only the Aljur-Kris loveteam was highlighted, and a few days later, a separate presscon was held for the Carla-Geoff tandem.

The Last Prince tells the fairy tale story of Almiro and Lara in their struggle in battle with Bawana, the most powerful Diwani. The story takes place in the kingdom in clouds, Paladino.

Also in the cast are:  Bianca King, Carmina Villarroel, Daniel Matsunaga, Angelu de Leon, Emilio Garcia, Eula Valdez, Bubbles Paraiso, Chynna Ortaleza, Chanda Romero, Paolo Ballesteros, Benjie Paras, Elvis Gutierrez, Rita Iringan, Joey Paras, and Carl Guevarra

The show is also Princess Punzalan’s comeback vehicle on TV after long years of absence, in a special participation.

Supporting cast include:  Jay Manalo, Jhoana Marie Tan, Mosang, Dang Cruz, Jan Manual, Maybelyn dela Cruz, Jenny Miller, Stef Prescott, Patani,  Sherilyn Reyes, Jan Marini Pizaras, and  Jillian Ward.

It premiered on January 11, 2010 and ended on June 29, 2010.

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Jessy Mendiola Launched  in SABEL

By Mell T. Navarro

Photos by Donjun Somodio

The time has come for ABS-CBN’s pretty young actress Jessy Mendiola to be launched to full stardom on television, as she takes the bold step in her very own series Sabel which is now being aired in the Primetime Bida block of the Kapamilya Network.

Jessy finally takes a big leap in her career after four years of waiting. “I’m so happy and thankful to ABS-CBN for their trust in me to have my own show,” she expressed.

Reprising the role that has launched Snooky Serna as an actress in the 1981 Regal classic film Bata Pa Si Sabel, Jessy’s former shows include Your Song Presents:  Boystown (with the Gigger Boys), Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo (as Coco Martin’s love interest), and Your Song Presents:  Gimik 2010.

After being paired with various male teenstars, Jessy is now teamed up with two of the freshest faces in the industry: AJ Perez and Joseph Marco.

A member of the Gigger Boys, we believe that it’s also about time for AJ Perez to be launched as a leading man in a primetime show since he’s been “loyal” to ABS-CBN from the start of his career.  Joseph Marco was formerly from GMA Artist Center and appeared in La Vendetta (2007) and Dyesebel (2008).  He is now happy to be a Kapamilya.

Also  in the cast of Sabel are Rita Avila, Raymond Bagatsing, Daria Ramirez, Tommy Abuel, Ron Morales, and Glydel Mercado. Don Cuaresma directs.

Photography by Donjun Somodio

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By Mell T. Navarro

Photos by Donjun Somodio

The Wedding is a light romance television series aired over at ABS-CBN starring Anne Curtis, Zanjoe Marudo and Derek Ramsay. The show ran for 11 weeks on Primetime Bida.

The original airing date was May 11, 2009, but during that time, Eula Valdez still had commitments with All About Eve on GMA Network. They made a deal to air the series after the end of her show on the rival network.

Anne Curtis as Candice De Menes- a hopeless romantic girl who dreams that one day she will walk down the aisle with her dream man. She resorts to the desperate act of getting engaged to a complete stranger to ease tensions between her parents and prevent them from separating.

Zanjoe Marudo as Marlon Mañalac – is a hardworking contractor born into a poor family whose ambition to live a well-off life will drive him to accept Candice’s proposal. He is considered as Candice’s true love. Candice and Marlon will end up falling in love.

Derek Ramsay as Warren and Philip Garcintorena – Warren is a wealthy swimmer and promiscuous party animal. Although his charm attracts most of the women, his one great love is Candice, his childhood sweetheart.

Also in the cast of The Wedding are:  Michael de Mesa, Eula Valdes,William Martinez, Irma Adlawan, Desiree del Valle, Alwyn Uytingco, Megan Young, Baron Geisler, Neil Ryan Sese, Perla Bautista, Lito Legaspi, and Tetchie Agbayani.

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By Mell T. Navarro

Photos by:  Wilson Chua

All My Life topbills GMA 7′s  “Royal Couple of Daytime Drama” — Aljur Abrenica and Kris Bernal.

The young Kapuso loveteam is recognized as the hottest pair on TV after the unprecedented success of their afternoon series Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin of Director Maryo J. Delos Reyes, in the Dramarama Sa Hapon block.

Members of the cast include Paulo Avelino, Zoren Legaspi, Gelli de Belen, Jay Manalo, LJ Reyes, and Lani Mercado. The series is directed by Mac Alejandre and Andoy Ranay.

In the story, Aljur and Kris play more matured roles mired by the complexities of forbidden love.

Also in the cast of All My Life are:  Manilyn Reynes, Stef Prescott, Jade Lopez, Jenny Miller, Jay Aquitania, Chris Cayzer, Gladys Guevarra, Bryan Termulo,  Martin de los Santos, and Moymoy Palaboy.  The show premiered last June 2009.

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By Mell T. Navarro

Photos by Donjun J. Somodio

It was the first time for GMA-7 to feature two-teleseryes in one grand press conference.  It was for the grand premiere of two  Sine Novela series Kaya Kong Abutin Ang Langit and Tinik Sa Dibdib which started September 28, 2009 in the Dramarama sa Hapon block of the Kapuso station.

Now in its third year, GMA-7 continues to give quality programs in the afternoon timeslot.

“Sa pagbubukas ng bagong season ng Sine Novela, tinutupad po ng GMA ang kanilang pangako na makapgbibigay sila ng magagandang remakes sa hapon,” said Iza Calzado, the lead actress of Kaya Kong Abutin Ang Langit, which was orginally played by the Diamond Star Maricel Soriano in the movie version.

In Tinik sa Dibdib, Sunshine Dizon portrays the role originally played by Superstar Nora Aunor in its film version

Iza shares to the press present at the press con, “Alam niyo po, kami ni Sunshine, super excited namin.” Aside from this being their first Sine Novelas, Iza says it’s made more special by the fact that they’re doing it at the same time, and back-to-back.

Sunshine agrees with Iza:  “I also feel the same way.  It’s such an honor to be playing another classic by Ms Nora Aunor.”

According to GMA-7′s SVP for Entertainment TV, Ms Wilma Galvante, the network is too happy and thankful for prime talents Iza and Sunshine for accepting these afternoon teleseryes.  Ms Galvante even went on to say that as far as casting is concerned, Iza and Sunshine are perfect choices for their respective roles.

Joining Iza in the cast of  Kaya Kong Abutin Ang Langit are Wendell Ramos, Angelika dela Cruz, Lani Mercado, Isabel Oli, Ricardo Cepeda, Pinky Amador, Maria Rica Sanchez, Bobby Andrews, Ehra Madrigal, Paolo Paraiso, Victor Aliwalas, Steven Silva, Chanda Romero, Ryan Yllana, and Peter Serrano.

However, in Tinik Sa Dibdib, due to a personal controvery, Sunshine Dizon appeared only in the first three weeks of the show.  She was eventually replaced by Nadine Samonte in the lead role.

Others in the cast are Marvin Agustin, Ara Mina, Sheryl Cruz, Michelle Madrigal, Bembol Roco, Daria Ramirez, Andrea del Rosario, Carlo Aquino, Andi Manzano, Jenny Miller, Tia Pusit, Marco Alcaraz, Dino Guevarra, and Maybeline Dela Cruz.

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By Mell T. Navarro

Photos by

Zorro is a fictional character created in 1919 by Johnston McCulley. The character’s typical image is a black-clad masked outlaw who is a master swordsman and defends the people of the land against tyrannical officials and other villains.

Richard Gutierrez, the lead actor of Zorro, GMA 7′s grand teleserye, took up fencing lessons in preparation for his role. This is Richard’s 7th lead-starrer after he topbilled Mulawin, Sugo, Captain Barbell, Lupin, Kamandag, and Codename:  Asero.

In this Philippine Adaptation of The Mask of Zorro, Richard is joined in by Rhian Ramos, Michelle Madrigal and Bianca King as his three leading ladies.   Former Kapamilya star TJ Trinidad plays an antagonist role.

The powerhouse cast of Zorro includes Chard’s real dad Eddie Gutierrez, Jaclyn Jose, Joel Torre,  Leo Martinez, Ricky Davao, Bobby Andrews, Antonio Aquitania, Robert “Buboy” Villar, Jeffrey “Epi” Quizon,  Sandy Andolong, Maureen Larrazabal, and Sheena Halili.

Also in the cast are Gloria Sevilla, Bubbles Paraiso, Paloma, Bodie Cruz, and Elvis Gutierrez.

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By MELL T. NAVARRO

Photos by WILSON CHUA

The first Sine Novela of GMA 7 for 2010, Ina Kasusuklaman Ba Kita?, starring real mother-daughter team of Jean Garcia and Jennica Garcia proved to be a success with its high tatings at the Dramarama Sa Hapon block.

Ms. Lilybeth Rasonable, Entertainment TV’s AVP for Drama, said during the press conference that the network was thankful for its original writer, Ms Gilda Olvidado, for allowing them to remake the movie of the same title in the 1980s (starring Lorna Tolentino and Ms Rita Gomez) into a TV series.

The story of Ina, Kasusuklaman Ba Kita? revolves around an ambitious lady, a rags to riches mother, who, because of her pride and drive to fulfill her personal ambitions, she unwittingly hurts her children.

It’s the first time for Jean and Jennica to work together (as lead roles) in one particular drama show on television.  Joining them in the show are Ariel Rivera, Iwa Moto, and Dion Ignacio.  Also in the cast are Karla Estrada, Lloyd Samartino, Regine Tolentino, Luis Alandy, LJ Reyes, Richard Quan, and Paulo Avelino.

The program started in January 29, 2010 and ended on May 27, 2010.

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In Thelma, Maja plays a runner and so, she had to undergo rigid training from the Olympian Elma Muros who also plays a cameo role in the movie.  Shot in Ilocos Norte and Manila, the film also stars Tetchie Agbayani, John Arcilla, and Eliza Pineda.  Thelma is set to have an early 2011 playdate.

Photos courtesy of Paul Soriano

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