Will love bloom on the set of 'Sugo'?

Richard Gutierrez is both excited and nervous with "Sugo", his newest TV series on GMA 7, which he describes as more than just a telefantasya. "Sugo," which premieres tonight, promises to be even bigger and better than "Mulawin," the record-breaking and trendsetting telefantasya which carried Richard and erstwhile love team partner Angel Locsin to greater heights in popularity.

"We want to be trendsetters so we are doing something different here," said Richard. "This is a love story laced with adventure and suspense. I knew doing "Sugo" would be very taxing physically but I was prepared. I took up lessons in martial arts after the brief vacation I had when 'Mulawin' ended. But I love what I am doing. I went to the gym regularly to tone my muscles. I trained one month for kung fu and another three weeks for cinematic fighting."

The young actor is confident "Sugo" would exceed, if not equal, the success of "Mulawin." "I certainly wish we could surpass the success of 'Mulawin.' We will do everything to make 'Sugo' even better in terms of story, the special effects, and in the quality of the production," said Richard. He is confident that with directors Lore Reyes and Dominic Zapata at the helm, and with noted director Peque Gallaga serving as Sugo's production designer, they could never go wrong.

Playing Richard's leading lady in "Sugo" is commercial model Isabel Oli, the commercial model who was Piolo Pascual's partner in the Max's Fried Chicken commercial. And according to those who've seen Richard and Isabel on the set, the two have instant chemistry. "We did a workshop together and from there, I knew we'd make a good team, a great partnership," said the handsome young actor who plays a dual role in "Sugo." "We got along fine and masarap siyang katrabaho."

At this point, it is still too early to say if their tandem would click with the masses and could possibly lead to something romantic. "We are still in the getting to know each other stage. But I find her to be very sweet. She gets along well with everybody. Mahusay siyang makisama and she's very professional. And I feel I have a connection with her because she's a Cebuana just like my mom," said Richard.

"At times, when she's talking with somebody on the phone in Cebuano, parang I want to butt in or say something but I don't know how kasi di naman ako marunong mag-Cebuano but I do understand some of the words she's saying. I just know a little of Cebuano."

That is getting ahead of the story but is it possible for him to fall for Isabel?

"Why not? She's very sweet and she comes on to me differently. But everything depends on what my heart would dictate. But one thing is sure, once I fall for a girl, that is really love. There's no turning back," he said.

Do they have a kissing scene? "Wala pa but I think we are going to have several. I'm quite excited because she (Isabel) hasn't had a kissing scene before. First time niya ito kung sakali," was Richard's parting shot.

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Jackie Chan has become a mere parody of his old self. With his recent glut of movies, he's been reduced to dishing more punchlines than punches. While this has been largely his charisma, many probably miss Jackie Chan who could put on a tough exterior and send opponents sailing with his roughhouse kung fu. Now he's ready to be less goofball and more gung-ho. In his new movie, "The New Police Story," he'll show us a darker Jackie Chan who delivers the meanest chops.

Chan stars as Senior Inspector Wing, the most decorated and respected police officer on his force. When it comes to cracking the toughest cases, no one can hold a candle to Chan and his team. But now they're about to go after a gang that will test their mettle.

After pulling off a heist, the gang deliberately sets off the alarm to challenge the cops. Tracing the gang's whereabouts, Wing vows to round up the culprits in three hours. When Wing and his men raid the gang's lair, a surprise attack is launched on them. Wing survives but loses his best men in the process, including his longtime girlfriend's younger brother.

Despondent, Wing takes solace in alcohol. During one of his inebriate episodes, he runs into Frank, a new member of the force assigned to his unit. Frank who lionizes him didn't expect to meet his hero in this manner. When he carts Wing back to the police station, they will find an unexpected ally in Sasa, a sassy and smart investigator. Sasa stumbles upon a vital information regarding the gang that's heavily into X-games and on-line games. Apparently, their last action against the police force has been transformed into an on-line game where every move has been plotted. Now, Wing and his new team must learn to pursue this new lead if they hope to beat the gang in their own game.

The "New Police Story" opens in theaters on July 13. It is distributed by Viva International Pictures.

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The Hunks tries to solve the mystery in this week's "Bora." News reaches the island that the boat carrying Ursula (Chokoleit) sunk in the middle of the ocean. However, instead of cooperating with the rescue team, her husband Marlon (Dennis Padilla) wants to call off the search for her body. Meanwhile, a stranger is looking for Dodong (Roderick Paulate) so The Hunks informs him of Dodong's whereabouts. Later, they found out that the stranger is out to kill Dodong .

Will the Hunks be able to discover the reason for Marlon's weird reaction to Ursula's death? Will they be able to know the reason why the stranger wants Dodong dead and stop him from killing Dodong? Find out this Tuesday night. Also in "Bora's" cast are Star Magic's Assunta de Rossi, Pauleen Luna, Pia Romero, Jaymee Joaquin, Joyce So, Mickie Joy Hyatt, Gerhard Acao, Empoy Marquez and Bentong with Luis Manzano. This week's guests are John Lloyd Cruz, Gabe Mercado, and Rey Solo. "Bora" is written by Karlo Angelo Alamares and directed by Johnny Manahan.