Komiks favorite "GAGAMBINO" set to spin web over primetime TV

An ecstatic Direk Carlo J. Caparas—still wearing his omnipresent hat and dark glasses—graced the press conference of GMA 7’s latest telefantasya “Gagambino” (starring Dennis Trillo in the lead role) held Monday at the Studio 3 of GMA 7 Network Center.

As always, Direk Carlo was lavish with praises for the Kapuso Network and with the way they are adapting his komiks novels for television so as to be adored and watched by loyal telefantasya viewers.

“I really admire the way GMA 7, their writers and their directors, produce my stories for the TV screen. Mas pinapaganda pa nila ito sa kung ano ang nasa isip ko,” remarked the better half of actress-producer Donna Villa, who was conspicuously absent that night.

“GMA 7 and I make a good combination because our ideas complement each other,” said the former komiks novelist-turned-director who had been inactive as a director as of late, but has not turned his back on weaving komiks stories.

He said that he and the scriptwriters have a meeting of the minds. Although he has already given the writers the leeway and freedom to do whatever they see fit for the story, he is still consulted every now and then regarding changes. As long as he knows that these would make the story better, Direk Carlo has no objections to any change. And so far, he has been very pleased.

“My ideas with regards to my stories get enhanced because of the input given to me by the writers of GMA. Besides, some of their writers, like RJ Nuevas, also came from komiks so they can easily adapt to what we want to do.

“If I would be the one to write, of course, I’d also like to have a freehand to do whatever it is that I want to do with the story. That’s why I trust that whatever it is they want changed, it would be for the better,” said Direk Carlo, who added that he would really make it a point to watch the show on TV.

“Gagambino” is an original Carlo J. Caparas story, but he admitted that changes are bound to happen along the way. Since a telefantasya has a gigantic cast, putting them all together means creating many—as in many—twists and turns in the story. But the changes, according to Direk Carlo, also serve to make the story more interesting for the viewers.

He even cited as example the Robin Padilla-starrer “Joaquin Burdado,” the outcome of which exceeded his expectations.

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“Gagambino” also marks the second team-up of Dennis Trillo and Katrina Halili who were first paired together in “Magdusa Ka” which was featured in GMA’s afternoon block.

“We are so comfortable with each other. Magaan siya katrabaho. Seryoso siya sa trabaho niya. Gusto niya ang ginagawa niya and sa tingin ko para maging successful kayo sa team-up ninyong dalawa, dapat pareho kayo ng goal na pagandahin ang show kaya we have exerted all our efforts,” said Dennis on working again with one of FHM’s sexiest women.

Naturally, the press members were curious about Dennis’ affairs of the heart in the light of his revelation that all is over between him and Cristine Reyes. When asked about this, the actor said he’s focusing on work, what with the many opportunities given to him that he has to take care of.

Meanwhile, “Gagambino” delivers an all-access backstage pass to viewers this Sunday as it unveils how the program has been created through a primer dubbed as “Gagambino’s Web.” This will be shown on Oct. 19 after “SOP.”

    The 45-minute documentary on the making of GMA’s newest telefantasya will be hosted by Dennis himself who’s playing the title role in series that premieres on Monday, October 20, after “Codename: Asero.” We will see Dennis and his alter ego, Bino, in a series of short sketches that become the takeoff point in discussing various aspects of producing the series, including the set and costume design, computer effects, as well as the rigorous training of the cast members led by Dennis himself.

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For the first time in her TV career, Glaiza de Castro is playing a superhero in the upcoming series “Gagambino” and this excites her no end.

“I prayed hard to get this kind of role. Napanaginipan ko pa nga ito because I really wanted to play this role. I told myself that if ever I’d get a role in a primetime series, I want one in telefantasya,” said Glaiza also at the presscon of “Gagambino” last Monday.

This is a welcome break for Glaiza who’s beautiful enough to join a beauty contest but is reluctant to do so. “(Joining a beauty contest) entails so much preparation. Besides, if I really want to join one, then I should psych myself for it,” said Glaiza, who’s also in the show “Rock and Roll” on TV 5 with young dramatic actor Jason Abalos and comedian Ketchup Eusebio.