Nadine Lustre is out of Jun Lana's "The Nurse"

Last week Director Jun Robles Lana vent out on Twitter that actress Nadine Lustre is not anymore doing his horror movie "The Nurse", Lana explained that it was the schedule of Lustre was one of the main reason why he had to remove the actress from the movie saying "Scheduling conflict. Been waiting too long and it’s taken too much of my time. Going to Japan 2x to prep is no joke. Time to move and let go and recast. Thanks for the interest, guys." this was his reply to twitter user @winnerikonjd . 

Scheduling conflict. Been waiting too long and it’s taken too much of my time. Going to Japan 2x to prep is no joke. Time to move and let go and recast. Thanks for the interest, guys.

— Jun Robles Lana (@junrobleslana) March 26, 2018

The production of "The Nurse" was supposed to start this April, but currently Nadine is still busy promoting her movie "Never Not Love You" with James Reid and several endorsement deals where line up for he in the past weeks. The actress is now on vacation and is yet to release any statement. Meanwhile, Direk Jun Lana tweeted a cryptic message saying "My Film, My Rules". 

My film. My rules.

— Jun Robles Lana (@junrobleslana) March 27, 2018

Direk Jun Lana is currently doing "Ang Babaeng Allergic Sa Wifi" starring Sue Ramirez and Jameson Blake, who do you think should replace Nadine? or will she be able to be "The Nurse"? more updates to come after the holy week break.  

Alden Richards heats up social media during the holiday break

Yes people you red it right, Alden Richards heats up the holy week break after he posted shirtless photos of him while in vacation in Dapitan City, Zamboanga Del Norte. The Pambansang Bae posted two shirtless photos with a caption "Almost", showing off his well toned body and his ABS! Yes, Alden looks like he is slowly shredding off that matinee idol look as he is slowly turning himself back into that Hunk that he was back in 2013 where he was one of Cosmo's Ten Centerfold Hunks that year plus he did a hot and sizzling performance at the Cosmo Bash that year. 

Almost...

A post shared by Alden Richards (@aldenrichards02) on Mar 29, 2018 at 4:11pm PDT

Currently the post gained more than 100k likes and more than 4000 comments, indeed the Pambansang Bae really surprised netizens on a Good Friday. The question is what for is the body transformation of Alden Richards? Is he changing his image again or is he preparing for a new project on TV?

Da One That Ghost Away

After the success of her first solo lead horror movie "The Ghost Bride", Kim Chiu is back on the big screen as stars in another horror........ comedy movie this summer! :Da One That Ghost Away, directed by Tony Y. Reyes, coming to cinemas April 18!

Kim Chiu stars with Ryan Bang in this shooktacular horror comedy movie of 2018! Also starring are Enzo Pineda, Lassy Marquez, Pepe Herrera, Moi Bien, and of course Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber

Watch the Teaser Here;

Vivo Reunites Mayward as they welcome Edward Barber and Ivan Dorscner as their newest Ambassadors

The first quarter of 2018 is just about to close and Vivo already has quite a surprise up their sleeve for their loyal customers.

First, the 5th in the 2016-2017 Leading Global Smartphone Brands, is shaking up the smartphone industry with the release of its newest flagship, the Vivo V9. This latest smartphone offering from Vivo boasts not only of the brand’s thumbprint selfie-centric camera but also of artificial intelligence-powered beautifying tools for even further beautiful shots and a super HDR mode which ensures that each photo comes out clearer than ever, with the most vivid of colors. The V9 also rocks a bigger display complemented by a full HD resolution along with the futuristic Face ID and fingerprint unlock component.



Second, Vivo fully knows its audience and as such, makes sure to get their brand message across through only the best of influencers. This 2018, Vivo introduces two new brand endorsers, Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) heartthrobs Edward Barber and Ivan Dorschner.

Edward and Ivan were formally introduced as the newest Vivo endorsers at the brand’s grand unveiling of Vivo V9 at the City of Dreams last March 22. The two picked the three winners of a brand new Vivo V9. They also made a toast to V9’s success along with Vivo executives. They were joined by fellow Vivo endorsers Maymay Entrata, Sassa Dagdag, TJ Monterde, and Jason James Dy.

Edward Barber made waves in the local celebrity scene after placing fourth in PBB and for making up half of the most popular love team to date, MayWard together with another Vivo brand endorsers and PBB Big Winner Maymay Entrata. Of British-German and Filipino blood, Edward is not just a handsome face. In his young showbiz career, Edward has already been recognized for his talents on the screen and on stage. 

Edward is also a fervent philanthropist and is a co-founder of charity group the ELM Tree Foundation alongside love team Maymay. ELM Tree Foundation vows to care for underprivileged and vulnerable children in the Philippines.

With his almost a million followers on Instagram, Edward is proving that his huge following is telling of his great and positive influence to the young demographic. In fact, he is one of the most popular actors of his generation. He is also a sought-after for magazine covers. At his young age, he landed on the cover of the January 2018 issue of the MegaMan magazine--a feat that only a few of his generation can achieve. He also appeared on the cover of Mega magazine with Maymay for the same release month. 

Vivo believes that with his charm, good looks, and talent, Edward can bring the brand to greater heights. With Edward in its roster of celebrity influencers, Vivo has a surefire spot in positive brand presence.  

Ivan Dorschner’s young showbusiness career is steadily going up the ladder to stardom. He rose to fame after joining a reality show in 2010 and later pursuing a career in entertainment in GMA7 where he starred in a couple of the network’s teleserye hits. Born in Los Angeles, USA to a Filipino mother and an Irish-German father, Ivan has modeled both in the Philippines and the US. 

Prior to his showbiz stint in the country, Ivan was a student studying Bio-Science at an American college, later switching to International Diplomacy studies before putting his education in temporal hiatus to make way for his showbiz career in the Philippines.

Ivan also partnered with his fellow Vivo endorser Barbie Forteza in the blockbuster GMA Network primetime series, "Meant To Be." With the success of this hit series, Ivan has been groomed as one of the network’s next generation of leading men. 

The new Vivo influencer has quite a following on social media—one reason why Vivo chose to sign him up as one of its brand endorsers. Ivan is popular on both Twitter and Instagram with 414,000 fans and more than 300,000 followers respectively. Although Ivan's fame has been growing over the years, he has remained approachable and accommodating to fans. With Ivan included in its roster of celebrity influencers, Vivo’s positive brand presence is certain. His joviality will surely help Vivo connect to its loyal patrons and reach out to potential consumers. 

 

Vivo has dominated the smartphone limelight in the local scene and with the impressive names in the Vivo Family, the brand should very well expect a meteoric rise to greater heights this year and the years beyond. 

Pre-order begins for the 24MP AI Selfie Centric Vivo V9 this March 26

Global smartphone brand Vivo will accept pre-orders of its new flagship phone, the V9, beginning March 26.

The announcement was made during Vivo's summer-inspired launch of the V9 at the City of Dreams Manila on March 22.

For those who want to be the firsts to get their hands on the Vivo V9, it will be available for pre-order starting March 26 until April 5, 2018.

Aside from getting first dibs on the Vivo V9, those who will pre-order the new flagship smartphone will enjoy an additional six months of warranty and an anti-theft Bobby Bag. These perks will give them an additional savings of Php4,990.

The Vivo V9 features a FullViewTM Display and 90% screen-to-body ratio with its 6.3-inch display and side bezels of 1.75mm. It delivers AI-powered perfect shots with its 24-megapixel selfie camera and 16MP+5MP dual rear camera. The V9 is a sleek and stylish smartphone that can take the “perfect shot” and provide the “perfect view.”

Vivo's newest flagship smartphone is equipped with the latest Android 8.1 OS and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 octa-core processor, 4GB RAM, and 64 ROM.

The Vivo V9 retails at Php17,990 at all authorized shops nationwide. It is available in Pearl Black and Gold.

FDCP, DILG and PCW partner for Women’s Film Fest

In line with the celebration of the National Women’s Month and in honor of Filipino women and their contributions in shaping families and societies, Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), together with Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) are launching the CineMarya – a festival of short films centering on women.

“The festival aims to tell stories of Filipino women, more than their beauty, but their strength and passion, rising above prejudice and struggles in society,” said FDCP Chairperson Liza Dino during the launch of the Festival last March 23 at the FDCP Cinematheque Center Manila. The launch was also attended by DILG Asec. Marjorie Jalosjos and Chief of Corporate Affairs and Information Resource Management Division of the Philippine Commission on Women Ms. Honey M. Castro.

For its first year, CineMarya will grant a seed money of One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P 100,000.00) to interested participants aged 18 to 30 years old to produce a 10 to 20-minute short films tackling women empowerment, different roles of women in the society, and awareness about diverse social issues on women and equality and others. The festival is open to filmmakers who have not yet made a feature film/documentary.

As part of the Festival as well, FDCP will conduct an educational component for the ten (10) finalists of CineMarya by providing two (2) slots (preferably the director and another representative) to the FDCP Filmmaking Workshop Series – Planting Seeds and Film Industry Conference during Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2018.

The finalists will also have the privilege to undergo the CineMarya film camp - a 2-day intensive filmmaking workshop in a secluded area in Rizal featuring multiple filmmakers, PCW representatives, and others. Each production team’s director shall serve as a fellow for this intensive program that would help develop their skills in story development, editing, and other elements of filmmaking to better advocate women empowerment. 

Applicants may submit their entries to FDCP from April 1, 2018 to June 30, 2018.

Vivo Launches Affordable Flagship V9 WIth Full View Display In The Philippines

Global smartphone brand Vivo has revealed its all-new sleek and stylish V9 flagship unit at the City of Dreams Manila in a summer-themed unveiling that was attended by over 200 members of the press and other guests.   

Vivo welcomed its guests late Thursday afternoon at the Wave, a contemporary poolside deck, restaurant, and bar so they can experience the V9 and take selfies and photos with the sunset as their backdrop. Vivo then picked one lucky and creative photo posted on Instagram to win a V9 unit.  

Vivo executives led by Brand Director Annie Lim answered some of the questions of the media during the V9 press launch.

The program continued at the City of Dreams Grand Ballroom with Myx VJ Ai dela Cruz as the host. They were formally welcomed by Vivo Brand Director Annie Lim who recapped the smartphone company’s feats in the Philippines. Since it entered the Philippine market in 2016, Vivo has been steadily rising to become the country’s top three brand with over 5,200 stores and 1.5 million users nationwide.

Vivo’s Jomari Morales followed Lim's remarks by presenting all the goods on the V9. She highlighted the Vivo V9’s 90% screen-to-body ratio, the 24-megapixel selfie camera and 16MP+5MP dual read camera, and the AI-powered photography for a “perfect view” and a “perfect shot.”

Morales also presented the Vivo V9’s improved game mode that would enable users to take calls or open other apps without pausing the gaming applications or play without any interruptions.

After her presentation, Vivo’s Junior Brand Manager Christian Jocson revealed that anyone can enjoy a V9 for a “perfect” price of Php17,990 with pre-orders beginning on March 26 until April 2.

Lim, Morales, Jocson, and Xian Gana from Vivo then answered the media’s questions during the Q&A. Their exchanges were focused on the Vivo’s plans in the Philippines and the V9's capabilities.

Vivo Brand Director Annie Lim acknowledged the smartphone brand’s partners, Ayala Malls and SM Supermalls, during the launch of the V9.

Vivo partners, Ayala Malls and SM Supermalls, were also recognized during the event during the ceremonial exchange of tokens. Lim handed the malls' representatives with a Little V doll.

Fresh faces of Vivo  

Vivo also welcomed its newest endorsers, up-and-coming actors Edward Barber and Ivan Dorschner.

Barber is the onscreen partner of young actress Maymay Entrata who also joined the event. Entrata was the first who joined Vivo in September 2017 during the launch of the V7+. His endorsement deal with Vivo is something MayWard fans have been patiently waiting for since the pair already worked together for the smartphone brand during their first Making Mega shoot in Germany last year.   

Dorschner, meanwhile, charmed the press with his good looks and charisma. He was one of Kuya’s guests in Pinoy Big Brother in 2010. Since then, he became one of GMA Network's top leading men after starring alongside young actress and fellow Vivo endorser Barbie Forteza in the primetime series "Meant To Be."

Aside from the launch of the new flagship smartphone V9,Vivo also introduced its newest endorsers, Ivan Dorschner and Edward Barber.

Barber, Entrata, and Dorschner also picked three lucky winners of the Vivo V9 during the raffle. They also joined the Vivo executives for a toast for the V9. Also with them onstage were other Vivo endorsers young pop soul singer Sassa Dagdag, acoustic singer-songwriter TJ Monterde, and balladeer Jason James Dy who closed the night with their performances.

Status Update

ABS-CBN Films-Star Cinema is set to release the hit American teen comedy romance "Status Update" in Philippine cinemas this summer.

From a screenplay of Jason Filardi, "Status Update," helmed by Scott Speer, who directed the 2012-hit "Step Up Revolution," is topbilled by Ross Lynch and Olivia Holt.

Lynch made a name for himself starring as Austin Moon in the Disney Channel hit comedy series "Austin & Ally" for 4 seasons. This role has earned him 4 Kids Choice Awards -- Favorite TV Actor (2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016), 2 Teen Choice Awards for Choice TV Actor: Comedy (2014 & 2015) and the Number 1 spot on iTunes for the "Austin & Ally" soundtrack. In 2013, he starred as Brady in Disney Channel's blockbuster original movie "Teen Beach Movie," which premiered to 13.5 million viewers, making it the one of the most watched movies in cable TV history.

Hold, meanwhile, made a name for herself in the hit Disney XD series "Kickin' It," inspiring the Disney Channel to create "I Didn’t Do It" as her own starring vehicle. On the music front, last year she released her EP titled "Olivia," with her first single "Phoenix" debuting on the iTunes Top 10. In addition, her song "History" has been blowing up the Spotify charts with over 100+ Million streams to date.

"Status Update" revolves around a high-school student named Kyle Moore (Lynch), who  after being uprooted by his parents' separation and unable to fit into his new hometown, stumbles upon a social media app he discovered, which is called YOUniverse, that causes his status updates to come true.

While Kyle gets everything he wants, including the power to avenge to those who bullied him and to  impress the love of his life Dani McKenzie (Holt), with the use of YOUniverse, he also slowly becomes a victim of his own lust for acceptance and social media fame.

How will Kyle get out of the trap in his life he never realized he himself made?

"The goal was to create a story that was relevant today but had the fun and heartfelt feeling," says Filardi, who also brought hit screenplays like "Big" and "17 Again."

"A magical, modern day fairy tale.... and then bring that story to the big screen," he adds.

"Status Update" premieres April 11 in theaters all over the Philippines.

Jr. NBA Philippines 2018 Continues Search for Talented Young Ballers Nationwide

Jr. NBA coaches led by Coach Carlos Barroca were assisted by 2016 Jr. NBA All-Star and Alaska Ambassador Julian Alfonso Jugo who facilitated drills at various skills stations of the Jr. NBA Regional Selection Camp.  More than 1,100 young ballers aged 10-14 from the North Luzon region travelled to Benguet State University to showcase their skills and secure a slot in the National Training Camp of Jr. NBA Philippines 2018 presented by Alaska from May 18-20.  Jugo shared his valuable experience with the Jr. NBA aspirants, inspiring the campers to excel on and off the court.  The fourth and final Regional Selection Camp this year will be staged April 21-22 at Don Bosco Technical Institute in Makati, Metro Manila.

Vivo opens 2018 with a Top Notch Flagship Device with Full View DIsplay

Top global smartphone brand Vivo will once again prove that there is no stopping it when it comes to their delivery of topnotch smartphone models, more innovative and more state-of-the-art with every release. In the final quarter of the prior year, Vivo released its revolutionary flagship phone, the V7+ and, before 2017 came to a close, punctuated the year with the launch of V7. Both the V7+ and the V7 reinforced Vivo’s leadership in selfies with its 24MP front-facing camera, which produces above-quality selfies. The dynamic twosome also boasted of 5.7” all-screen display with an 83.6% screen to body ratio that would normally house a 5.2-inch screen, offering 12.5% more visual display area compared to traditional 16:9 screens. This V7 feature enhances consumers’ visual experience, a perfect element to satisfy this generation’s very visual demographic.

This year, Vivo will again wow the mobile phone industry with the nearing rumored launch of its newest flagship smartphone. And speaking of a very visual demographic where Vivo found its most loyal of users, it is well anticipated that Vivo’s freshest offering will rock a full frontal screen, expectedly bigger than the V7’s already satisfyingly ample 5.7”all-screen display. With a sizable screen, the screen-to-body ratio of Vivo’s yet-to-be-released flagship is also being foreseen to be of a huge improvement of its predecessor’s, the aspect ratio rumored to be as expansive as 19:9.

With a huge leap in improvement in its display, the new Vivo smartphone release is expected to be a dream-come-true for users who maximize their phones to be portable entertainment devices. Pictures in movies come out crisper, and the colors more vivid, giving the semblance of almost real-life images. With an ample display, gamers, likewise, may appreciate a more animated gaming experience with no intricate detail left behind.

Selfie-fans will also benefit in the reported ample phone display of the latest Vivo smartphone as it could improve the overall composition of every photograph taken, with enhanced clarity and definition.

Vivo is set to release its first flagship phone for 2018 in Manila anytime this March. Vivo has been making waves in the country since it first hit Philippine market in March 29, 2016. Since its entry into the local scene, the topnotch brand has vied with other strong phone brands and has proven its developing dominion amongst Filipino smart phone enthusiasts.  

Never Not Love Jadine

The Multimedia Couple/Love Team is back on the big screen via Antoinette Jadaone's Never Not Love You, this time James Reid and Nadine Lustre is up for a more matured characters in Gio and Joanne that will tackle certain relationship issues that are evident on millennial couples these days. 

Never Not Love You tackles the unconventional and reckless love story of Gio, who is a happy go lucky graphic designer/tattoo artist who will fall in love with the character of Joanne. Meanwhile, Joanne a lass who dreams of becoming a successful young professional, but everything will change after she fell in love with Gio. 

 The movie tackles long distance relationship, living in, and choosing between career or love life, when asked what's their take on living in, James answered "It's Fun" while Nadine explains "Honestly it's really not an issue as long as you're both secured and everything is working for you fine it , it shouldn't be an issue". 

The premise of the movie is quite similar to their teleserye's with Direk Tonet like On The Wings Of Love and Til I Met You that were also shot outside the country same as Never Not Love You that was shot in London. 

When asked what is the difference of Gio and Joanne to the other characters they played, Nadine said "Joanne and Leah are the same, when it comes to her dreams and goals parehas mataas yung pangarap nila, pero si Joanne kasi may hint of recklessness si Leah kasi hindi sya naging reckless lahat ng ginagawa nya pinag iisipan nyang mabuti", James on the other hand said "Clark kasi is good boy, Gio is really rough around the edge". 

Never Not Love You is set to showcase a different James Reid and Nadine Lustre this summer, an unconventional love story for the unconventional love team that is set to make your summer memorable, NNLY is coming to cinemas, Black Saturday, March 31, directed by Antoinette Jadaone, from Viva Films and Project 8 Corner San Joaquin Projects. 

Binibining Pilipinas 2018 Winners

The search for the new queens of Binibining Pilipinas is over as the emerald queens had just been crowned awhile ago at the coronation night hosted by Richard Gutierrez and Pia Wurtzvaxh at Big Dome, the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

Out of the forty lovely Binibinis who paraded in their swimsuits and evening gowns and struts their brains in the mind rattling Q&A only eight Binibinis reigned supreme. Taking the runners up position are Binibini 14 Samantha Bernardo who placed second and Binibini 1 Vickie Marie Rushton who took the first runner up position. 

The first crown was the Bb Pilipinas- Globe won by Binibini 19 Michele Theresa Gumabao, next is the Intercontinental crown won by Karen Gallman, and the next one is the Binibining Pilipinas Grand International won by Eva Psychee Patalinjug. 

The Bb. Pilipinas Supranational is Binibini 31 Jehza Huelar and Bb. Pilipinas International is Binibini 17 Maria Athisa Manalo. 

And finally the most coveted crown the Miss Universe Philippines went in the hands of a familiar queen, Binibini 20 Catriona Elisa Gray. Catriona is the first independent candidate to won the crown and she is the first Filipina to compete in both Miss World and Miss Universe. 

Catriona first won numerous special awards in the pageant including the Best in Swimsuit and Best in Long Gown, she also nailed the Q&A round after she answered the question of US Ambassador Sung Kim about what is her message to the young women in Marawi, Catriona answered "Be strong, as women we are the head of the household and we have amazing influence not only in our own families as mothers, sisters, and friends, but also in our community. If we could get the women to stay strong and be that image of strength for the children and the people around them, then once the rebuilding is complete and is underway the morale of the community will stay strong and high".     

Binibining Pilipinas 2018 Final Hot Picks

For the third year now I have been listing my bets to win the crowns in Binibining Pilipinas and this year is a tough one since there are lots of deserving ladies to be in my Top 8. I based my top picks based on three things their Beauty, Charm, and Over All Performance at the Press Presentation, Parade of Beauties, Portraits, and Photo Shoots.

2nd Runner Up:

Vickie Rusht

on 

1st Runner Up: 

Jehza Huelar

Bb Pilipinas- Globe

Aya Abesamis

Bb Pilipinas- Intercontinental

Michele Gumabao

Bb. Pilipinas- Grand International 

Karen Gallman

Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational

Sandra Lemonon

Bb. Pilipinas- International

Eva Patalinjug

Miss Universe-Philippines 

Catriona Gray 

Vivo to bring the house down this March with topnotch flagship

Top global phone manufacturer Vivo is set to send the mobile phone industry in frenzy with the release of yet another stunner in their smartphone series. Set to be unveiled March, Vivo’s latest offering promises consumers bigger and better offerings in their mobile phone experience.

                                          

“Vivo will offer another innovative flagship phone this March”

Following the success of the V7 plus and the V7 release, word is out that consumers can expect that the new offering will retain all of the V7 phones’ impressive, thumbprint features albeit enhanced and updated with specs that are centered on delivering flawless selfie shots made even by state-of-the-art artificial intelligence beautifying tools. Because it is still dedicated in delivering perfect photos, it should also be expected that the camera will rock a souped up HDR mode.

Moreover, a buzz on this newest Vivo flagship includes a bigger display complemented by a full HD resolution. As the V7’s successor, the Game Mode feature is expected to still be onboard in the list of specifications along with the futuristic Face ID and fingerprint unlock component.

The mobile phone industry awaits with bated breath as Vivo’s freshest charmer is out in the market. Although the specs are merely founded on speculations, one thing that is certain is Vivo will never disappoint.

TOFARM Film Festival 2018 Pays Tribute To Direk Maryo J. Delos Reyes

The local film festival scene is set to witness the third edition of the TOFARM Film Festival (TFF), which shall now include a TOFARM Short Film Competition.

The brainchild of Socio-Entrepreneur Dr. Mila O. How, TFF is the only advocacy-driven film festival in the country today, with entries showcasing the lives, journeys, trials and triumphs of the Filipino farmer.

"We were deeply saddened with the demise of Direk Maryo J. delos Reyes, our first TFF Director," Dr. How said. "He gave so much of himself for TFF. When he suddenly left us, we found ourselves at a crossroad. Should we go on with the project or not?”

"But after a lot of thinking, I personally thought it’s best to carry on what Direk Maryo started. The festival would be a continuation of his vision for the farmers and for our film industry. This is our tribute to him," Dr. How added.

In the absence of Direk Maryo, Dr. How sought the expertise of three seasoned film personalities who will stand as Festival Advisers, Bibeth Orteza and Joey Romero, with Laurice Guillen as Consultant. The Festival Director, however, is yet to be appointed.

"It's very overwhelming to get support from not one, but three well-respected people from the film and television industry. It motivates us further to come up with more meaningful films that, hopefully, will follow the success of our previous entries," Dr. How enthused.

Just in the first two years of its existence, from 2016 to 2017, a number of TOFARM Film Festival entries have already gained international recognition following local exhibition. (PLEASE SEE ATTACHED SHEET FOR LIST OF INTERNATIONAL AWARDS WON BY PREVIOUS TFF FILMS)

The weeklong TOFARM Film Festival 2018 will run from September 12 to 18, with the Awards Night slated on September 15. The festival committee is now accepting script entries for screening. Deadline of Submission is on April 20, 2018. For more information on how to submit original manuscripts, log on to www.tofarm.org or check the Festival Mechanics and Rules and Regulations, included here in the Press Kit.

Direk Maryo must be smiling in heaven.

TFF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

1. DR. MILA HOW = TFF EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

2. DIREK BIBETH ORTEZA = TFF FESTIVAL DIRECTOR

3. DIREK JOEY ROMERO = TFF MANAGING DIRECTOR

4. SONNY GUINGAB = TFF/CSR PROJECT OFFICER

Glaiza De Castro serves up revenge in Contessa on GMA's Afternoon Prime

Prepare to be enthralled in a riveting story of a woman seeking justice as GMA Network proudly introduces the newest addition to its top-rating Afternoon Prime line-up with the launch of Contessa. The drama series is set to air beginning March 19 right after Eat Bulaga.

No less than multi-talented Kapuso actress Glaiza De Castro headlines the new program as Contessa/Beatrice “Bea” Resureccion and she feels grateful that she was chosen for the coveted role.

“Sobrang honoured ako. The role itself is challenging at napakalaking responsibility niya. It just means na ganun kalaki ang tiwala sa akin ng GMA and na-appreciate ko na binibigyan nila ako ng important projects that will enhance my skills as an actor,” she says.

After being accused and imprisoned for a crime she did not commit, Bea is determined to seek revenge on those who took everything and everyone she loved away from her.  Witness her redemption and thirst for justice as she rises from the ground—stronger than ever—and claims a new identity as Contessa.

Playing very important roles in the series are Contessa’s leading men: Geoff Eigenmann as Gabriel Caballero, a self-made man and a successful OFW who returns to the country when his brother, Marco, gets murdered; Jak Roberto as Santiago “Jong” Generoso, Jr., Bea’s closest and most reliable friend. Secretly, he is in love with her and hopes that she will love him back.

Adding star power to this series are Gabby Eigenmann as Vito Imperial, a powerful and influential man with illegal business activities; Lauren Young as Daniella Imperial, the self-entitled, sophisticated head of Empire Publishing Group; and portraying a very special role is Mark Herras as Marco Caballero, a handsome and intelligent writer who is the long-time boyfriend of Bea.

Contessa also features two of the industry’s seasoned and respected actresses: Chanda Romero as Charito Castillo-Imperial, the manipulative mother of Daniella and Vito; and Tetchie Agbayani as Guada Venganza, a mysterious and rich prisoner whom Bea meets in jail.

Completing the all-star cast are: Leandro Baldemor as SPO2 Santiago “Tiago” Generoso, Sr., Jong’s loving and supportive father who is an honourable police man; Dominic Roco as Atty. Oliver Sta. Ana, Gabriel’s close friend and an ambitious lawyer aspiring to be the youngest Solicitor General; Bernadette Allyson as Sarah Imperial, Vito’s trophy wife who loves him very much; Melissa Mendez as Helen Caballero, the mother of Gabriel and Marco; Tanya Gomez as Linda Resureccion, the thoughtful and kind-hearted mother of Contessa/Bea; Karel Marquez as Gigi, Contessa/Bea’s friend inside the correctional; Phytos Ramirez as Winston Mallari, Vitos’ right hand man and does his dirty jobs for him; Denise Barbacena as Miadora, Daniella’s loyal and dependable executive assistant; Will Ashley as Ely Resureccion, Bea’s smart, caring, and cheerful younger brother. 

Behind this intriguing drama is the creative team composed of Creative Director Roy Iglesias; Concept creator Marlon Miguel; Head writer Christine Novicio; Creative Head for Afternoon Prime Block Dode Cruz and Creative Consultant Kit Langit.

The program is another original creation of the GMA Drama group under the supervision of Senior Vice President for Entertainment Content Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable; Vice President for Drama Redgie Acuña-Magno; Assistant Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy; and Senior Program Manager Cathy Ochoa Perez.

Contessa is under the helm of esteemed director Albert Langitan. He directed the recently-concluded top-rating Afternoon Prime series Impostora.

Don’t miss the much-awaited premiere of Contessa beginning March 19 on GMA Afternoon Prime after Eat Bulaga.

Kapuso viewers from across the globe can also catch their favorite Kapuso shows via GMA’s international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International. For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com.