Glaiza De Castro finally gets starring role

CEBU, Philippines - At long last, the big break has finally come to Glaiza de Castro. After doing a number of villain roles on TV, where she makes life miserable for the lead stars—Rhian Ramos in “Stairway to Heaven”, Regine Velasquez in “Diva”, among many others—Glaiza now makes a complete turnaround in “Grazilda”, a different take on the story of Cinderella’s wicked stepsister. The kontrabida is now a full-pledged bida.

Glaiza, who has shown her mettle as an actress by essaying various kontrabida roles, gets her first starring role in what promises to be an enthralling fantasy-drama series directed by Dominic Zapata, with Ricky Davao as second unit director. The show is very impressive, based on the trailer that was shown at the presscon held Tuesday night at the Studio 5 of GMA 7. From the location to the costumes, it is very evident that the network is spending a fortune to make “Grazilda” a one of a kind TV treat for all loyal Kapuso viewers.

Grazilda, the wicked antagonist in the classic fairy tale of Cinderella, will become the unlikely heroine in the TV series of the same title. The role is much-coveted and it is not pure luck that Glaiza got it. Given her talent, the ravishing actress deserves this big break. She is most deserving of the honor to give life to an exciting fairy tale character.

Playing Glaiza’s prince charming in the series is Geoff Eigenmann, who plays the role of Eric, the handsome mortal who will become Glaiza’s knight in shining armor.

“Grazilda” starts airing on Monday, September 13, on GMA telebabad.

*  *  *  *  *  *

Speaking of “Grazilda”, newbie actor Benedict Campos plays Prince Charming in the new GMA telefantasya. It has been Benedict’s longtime dream to enter showbiz but he heeded his parents’ wish that he finish his studies first. He took up Political Science at De La Salle University (where he was a member of the varsity swimming team). Now that he has graduated, his parents have allowed him to pursue an acting career.

When he was younger, Benedict was able to do a few commercials. But “Grazilda” is his first-ever TV acting stint. He wasn’t expecting he’d get the role of Prince Charming since quite a number of hopefuls (including some Starstruck finalists) showed up during the auditions. That’s why he was really happy to learn he nailed the role.

“I thought I’d be given just a small role in the series but I was really surprised when I learned I got the role of Prince Charming,” said the 21-year-old aspiring actor. He is being managed by Lilibeth Nakpil, his tita, otherwise known as Betchay in the showbiz circle. His Tita Betchay was instrumental in getting him a contract with GMA 7. He also had a small role in the indie film “Bente”, which starred Richard Gomez and Sen. Jinggoy Estrada.

“Wala po akong acting experience kaya nagulat po talaga ako nang makuha ako for the role of Prince Charming. Gusto ko sana na makapag-workshop muna. Mabuti na lang mayroon kaming acting coach sa set kaya nakakatulong iyon talaga sa akin.”

“Hindi ko pa talaga kung paano nangyari na ako ang napili. Siguro po may nakita sila na potential sa akin,” said Benedict when asked what he thought clinched him the role of Prince Charming. “Pero gusto ko po talaga mag-artista. Enjoy na enjoy ako sa ginagawa ko. Alam ko po na mahirap ang trabaho. Kahit na puyat na puyat ako sa set at umaga na ako umuuwi, masaya po ako. Siguro ako ang pinakamasayang tao sa set ng Grazilda.”

*  *  *  *  *

ABS-CBN revives one of its well-loved brands on television, “Wansapanataym,” this September 11.

A new set of lesson-filled stories featuring today’s brightest stars and remake of ‘Wansapanataym’ classics will stumble upon your Saturday evening very soon.

“A show which highlighted life’s values and moral lessons 6 years ago is now back and is ready to touch the hearts and lives of viewers once again,” ABS-CBN Business Unit Head Deo Endrinal expressed.

“Wansapanataym” graces the Saturday primetime one more time this September.

For more updates log on to www.abs-cbn.com or http://teamkapamilya. multiply.com and follow abscbndotcom on Twitter.