MariMar (Philippine TV series)

MariMar[1] was a Philippine drama previously being broadcast in GMA Network, starring Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera in her first lead role as the protagonist Marimar.[2]

Though a remake-adaptation of a Mexican telenovela the setting and some of the storylines were altered to avoid the series being too predictable.[3] Directed by award-winning directors Joyce E. Bernal and Mac Alejandre, the series premiered on August 13, 2007. The series ended on March 14, 2008.


Overview

1994 TV series
Marimar was a Mexican TV telenovela that was first aired in 1994 on Televisa with singer-actress Thalía in the title role.

The series had 75 forty-five minute episodes, and is the second part of a "Thalía" trilogy. The first was Maria Mercedes, and the final was Maria la del Barrio.


Popularity in the Philippines
The original Mexican telenovela was massive a hit in the Philippines with ratings over 50%, the only hit program on Radio Philippines Network (RPN) in 1996. The series' success paved way to another Thalía telenovela, Rosalinda.


2007 TV series

Casting Marimar
The contract with Televisa for the rights stipulates that GMA Network should start the series in 2007. With Angel Locsin's rejection of the offer, the network was prompted to give auditions to their roster of young actresses for the highly profiled role. On March 13, 2008, a video of the fifteen actresses who auditioned for the role of MariMar leaked on YouTube. These actresses are Bianca King, Nadine Samonte, Jennylyn Mercado, Ryza Cenon, Jewel Mische, LJ Reyes, Rhian Ramos, Camille Prats, Pauleen Luna, Katrina Halili, Valerie Concepcion, Nancy Castiglione, Cheska Garcia and Karylle. [4]

The role eventually went to Marian Rivera, who beat her closest rival for the role, Jennylyn Mercado. Some actresses who took part in the audition also landed major and supporting roles in the series. The anatagonist role of Angelika Santibanez went first to Bing Loyzaga but replaced by Katrina Halili after her character Ashley killed off from Lupin which would replace it, so the role of Esperanza went to Bing Loyzaga instead. The role of Natalia and Inocencia went to Bianca King and Nadine Samonte respectively. [5]


Production crew
This series is a comeback project for Joyce E. Bernal in TV and for GMA Network.[6]

* Writers: Benedict Migue, Denoy Punio and Kit Villanueva-Langit
* Head Writer: Dode Cruz
* Creative Consultant: Anette Gozon-Abrogar and Don Michael Perez
* Executive Producer: Wilma Galvante
* Production Manager: Redgynn S. Alba
* Executive-in-charge of Production: Wilma Galvante
* Directed by: Joyce E. Bernal and Mac Alejandre

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Lupin (Philippine TV series)

Lupin is a Philippine drama that aired on GMA Network. It is loosely based on the French crime fiction series of books featuring the character Arsène Lupin[1] and the Japanese manga and anime series Lupin III, in turn loosely based upon the original works. "Lupin" aired its last episode on August 17. 2007.


Background

Arsène Lupin

Created by Maurice Leblanc, Arsène Lupin first appeared in a series of short stories serialized in 1905 and published in book form as Arsène Lupin, gentleman-cambrioleur in 1907[2] (translated into English as The Extraordinary Adventures of Arsene Lupin, Gentleman-Burglar).

Born in the late 19th century, Lupin is a gentleman thief, a master of disguise, and an amateur detective. While operating on the wrong side of the law, he is still a force for good. Those whom Lupin defeats are worse villains than he. Other characters in the stories include Lupin's faithful accomplice Grognard and his lawman adversary Inspector Justin Ganimard. In some stories Lupin faces Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes (called "Herlock Sholmès" for copyright reasons).

The Lupin stories have been adapted for television (including animation), cinema, and comics.[3]


Lupin III

Lupin III was created by Monkey Punch in 1967 (without permission from the estate of Maurice Leblanc) and has starred in several manga series, television series, and films. GMA had previously aired a dubbed version of the television series.

The world's most skillful and most wanted thief, this Lupin is the grandson of the original. Sometimes he just steals whatever he wants, and at other times he prefers to steal from disreputable people. Often he will take it upon himself and his gang to foil other criminals engaged in more serious crimes. He often appears incompetent, but it is mostly a disguise. While he has been arrested and thrown in jail on a number of occasions he has always managed to escape. He also has a fondness for fancy gadgets from time to time.

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Atlantika

Atlantika is a Filipino telefantasya produced by GMA Network about the fictional undersea kingdom of Atlantika. The series premiered on October 3, 2006 and ended on December 12 in the same year. A behind-the-scenes introductory special, Atlantika: Ang Lihim ng Karagatan (Atlantika: The Secret of the Seas), was aired on October 1, 2006. The series' tagline is "Two different worlds. One eternal love."


Plot

Atlantika opens with the tale of three lovers: Haring Agat (Gardo Versoza), Reyna Celebes (Jean Garcia), and Barracud (Ariel Rivera). Their love triangle sparks a war that divides the underwater domain and pushes Barracud to the dark side. Aquano (Dingdong Dantes), the Senturyon, must fulfill his duty of saving Atlantika by searching for the two lost princesses of the kingdom. One of them will be the woman destined for him while the other one he must kill before she destroys Atlantika.

With four princess-possible candidates to choose from, Amaya (Iza Calzado), Alona (Isabel Oli), Ruana (Katrina Halili) and Elisa (Valerie Concepcion), Aquano asks the help of the most skillful Senturyon in Atlantika, Camaro (Rudy Fernandez), to train him for the fight of his life.

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Majika

Majika ("Magic") is a Filipino fantasy-themed television series about wizards, known as Salamangka, that inhabit the world of Saladin, where magic is the way of life. The series was produced by GMA Network. It first aired on March 20, 2006 and officially ended on September 29, 2006. It was starred by Angel Locsin on the lead role.


Plot

Sabina was a little girl when her parents and siblings disappeared under mysterious circumstances. As a young woman, she learns that her family was actually abducted and taken to the world of Saladin. Her family are all originally from Saladin, and they are in fact Salamangkas - natives of Saladin who are able to wield magic. She realizes that in order to be reunited with her family, she must learn and master magic and enter Saladin.

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Darna (2005 TV series)

Darna is a 2005 drama fantasy action television series based on the Mars Ravelo's fictional character of the same name that airs on Philippine television on GMA Network. It starred top actress Angel Locsin as the legendary heroine.

It premiered in Filipino homes on April 11, 2005 and ended on November 25, 2005.

The official title of the series is Mars Ravelo's Darna.

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Joyride (TV series)

Joyride is the story of young people on a journey of self-discovery, friendship and love as they go through teenage life on their way to young adulthood. Directed by Mac Alejandre, Joyride is a fresh, touching, sometimes heartbreaking and often amusing look at teenage life. And because it is more than just about being teens, Joyride tackles the story of different young people and their families who managed to ride along with drama of life.

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Background

Katrina Halili is an alumna of the StarStruck talent search and the cover girl of leading magazines such as FHM and Maxim Philippines. She was voted as FHM Philippines' sexiest woman for the year 2006 and bagged the title yet again in 2007. She is the first StarStruck contestant to top the FHM Philippines' 100 Sexiest list and the only Filipina celebrity to have won the title twice in a row. She is a three-time FHM Philippines covergirl.[1] With 123,000 votes, she placed 2nd in 2008 next to Marian Rivera.

In May 2009, videos that shows compromising encounters between Halili and Dr. Hayden Kho were distributed over the internet without her consent.[2] It was supposed that the person behind the leak of the videos to Internet was a certain Eric Chua, a close friend of Hayden Kho.[3] Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., in his privilege speech, denounced Kho's acts and would file a case for the removal of Dr. Kho's license.[4] She is also consulting with the women's rights group GABRIELA regarding the legal actions that will be placed against Kho.[5]

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Katrina Halili

Katrina Halili (born Maria Katrina Irene Pe Halili on January 4, 1986) is a Filipina actress,and a commercial model. She made her screen debut via StarStruck, but did not gain popularity until playing the antagonist roles in Darna, Majika, Atlantika, and MariMar and becoming the protagonist in One Night Only and Magdusa Ka.

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Katrina’s condition to play villain

Although she has declared that she would no longer accept villain parts on screen, but now Katrina Halili admits she still misses it and could consider doing another one provided the show is star-studded and a potential winner in the ratings game.

“I’m inspired that until now there are people who still call me Angelica [the role she played in Marimar]. It means I was able to create an accurate and vivid portrayal of the character. These people tell me to go back to playing villain roles. Even if they hate me in the story, they are nice to me in public places. That’s my gauge that they accept me whether I’m good or bad on screen,” she says.

Katrina first caught the attention of the viewers when she played Black Darna, one of Darnal’s toughest opponents back when Angel Locsin played the super heroine. She further sizzled as Marimar’s nemesis. But after headlining Magdusa Ka opposite Dennis Trillo, she decided to stop accepting offers to play the bad girl in order to establish herself as a lead actress. She was one of the superheroes in Gagambino but after its run, Katrina took a leave. Her last assignment for GMA-7 was a four-week stint in the Karibal episode of Dear Friend.

“I’m really touched by the warm reception I get from people, that they still like me even if I’m oppressing the lead actress on screen. Before, I had this thought that because I consistently play bad girl roles on screen people will think I’m really like that in real life. But I was proven wrong. This motivated me to be open to playing villain parts again!”

Katrina says it’s just easy for her to go back to her strong, mean and bitchy portrayals on screen despite the fact that it’s been a while since she stopped doing it.

“Funny but during those times when I was on vacation there were instances when I would act and say lines a la contra vida when I’m alone. I guess it’s already in my system.”

But there’s still a condition before Kat gives her nod to a project where she’ll play antagonist once more.

“It ought to be in a program which lots of viewers will patronize,” she wraps up.

It’s comedy for Sharon now

Seldom that Sharon Cuneta appears in comedy. More identified with drama and musical, she only did a few comedy films in the past, like Jack ‘En Jill (opposite Herbert Bautista) and Megamol (with Andrew E.). But in Star Cinema’s latest offering titled Best Friends Forever (BFF), the Megastar turned in a rollicking performance amid the intimidating Ai Ai delas Alas and passed with flying colors.

“Honestly, I consider this project a blessing,” she starts. “For one, it has many firsts: it’s my first full-length comedy under Star Cinema and my first time to work with both Ai Ai and director Wenn Deramas. It’s a very enriching experience for me.”

Sharon admits she felt a bit awkward during the initial shooting days.

“I think it’s understandable since I just came from a heavy drama like Caregiver. Add the fact that it’s Ai Ai and Direk Wenn’s eighth collaboration so they already know very well each other’s working style. I felt that I was just saling-pusa to their team but as days went by, I got to relax and enjoy my role. I’m happy that I was able to deliver.”

Because of the movie, Mega gained two new friends in the persons of Ai Ai and Wenn.

“I’m really honored to have worked with two of the best in their respective fields. Our set was always filled with fun and laughter. It was so light. The three of us never ran out of stories during lull breaks. We all had a really good time doing the movie.

“I only have good words for Ai Ai and Direk Wenn. Ai is simple, dependable and humble. She deserves all the blessings that continue to come her way, same with Direk Wenn. They became my teachers in comedy. Both are not plastic, too,” says Sharon.

She’s thankful that Star Cinema offered her the project.

“Oh yes! I must say that after 30 years, they made me realize that I can also be an effective comedian given the right project. My knack for comedy came out in this film. I am grateful that they have given me the best team. That’s why I also gave my all here. I made fun of myself and allowed my co-stars to make fun of me. The result is simply riotous.”

Sharon sees busier days ahead of her.

“After this project with Ai Ai, I’m slated to do two more movies before the year ends. One is a love story which has already waited too long and the other one whose script I’m still reading up to now. Both are very good materials. I can’t give details about the second one since it’s produced by a different outfit. Apart from said movies, I’m also flying to the US soon for my scheduled concerts there.”

Because of her next projects, the Megastar is determined to lose a lot of weight.

“Honestly, that’s my foremost goal: to look like a leading lady again. I want to look my best this year. In fact, I’m in a haste to reach my desired weight so that I can already start shooting for the first project, the love story. It’s good that I’ll be leaving for the States to stage concerts. While there, I can do walking and visit the gym so that when I get back here sometime in July, the cameras can start grinding,” Sharon says.

B.A. in Mass Communication

Cesar Montano recently achieved a rare feat among showbiz denizens: obtaining a Mass Communications (Major in Broadcasting) degree. According to the actor-producer-host, he feels mighty proud even if it took him two years to finish the course. And it doesn’t stop there for he plans to study Law in the coming days. Unknown to some, Buboy’s dad is a lawyer and he wants to follow in his footsteps. He hopes to squeeze in time for this dream of his.

“I hope that I’ll be an inspiration to a lot of actors here in the country who dreams of finishing their studies. It is never too late to obtain a diploma. If there’s a will, there’s a way,” he says.

Meanwhile, the Singing Bee host remains mum on the issue if he’s really running for the gubernatorial post in his native Bohol in 2010. According to him, he’s still weighing things although he doesn’t deny his interest to give politics another try. He believes in Bohol’s potential to become a great province. If ever he plans to join the fray, his wife Sunshine Cruz is supporting him all the way.

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