Local TV's 'princes' of drama

MANILA, Philippines - Oyo Sotto (left) and JC de Vera (right) are undoubtedly two of today’s younger set of actors who can lay claim to the title Mga Prinsipe ng Drama.

Proof to this are the TV drama series where they displayed depth in acting at a young age.

Some of Oyo’s past TV projects include Ikaw Sa Puso Ko, Agawin Mo Man Ang Lahat, Majika, Makita Ka Lang Muli, Prinsesa ng Banyera, Midnight DJ and Bangis.

For JC’s part, he has under his sleeves such TV series as Pati Ba Pintig ng Puso?, Panday Kids, Ngayon at Kailanman, Babangon Ako’t Dudurugin Kita!, Pasan Ko Ang Daigdig, several Obra episodes and Ang Utol Kong Hoodlum.

Oyo and JC, thus, fit their respective characters, previously portrayed by seasoned actors Tirso Cruz III and Michael de Mesa, in the new version of the classic TV drama Valiente, produced for TV5 by Archangel Media, Inc.

And the producers did right in giving Oyo and JC the roles of Theo Braganza and Gardo Valiente as both delivered more than what was expected of them as main attractions in the TV drama.

Even their co-stars, like screen veterans Jaclyn Jose, Tirso, John Regala, Michael and newest addition Lorna Tolentino, approve of the choice.

Oyo and JC’s performance make viewers feel the depth of their friendship in the beginning as well as the inexplicable anger and hatred towards each other due to events that separate them as friends.

Now that there has been a reversal of fortune — Gardo becomes rich and Theo ends up being poor — explosive encounters between the two erupt in each scene.

Energized and power-packed though the scenes may be, Oyo and JC allow each other to shine in every encounter.

Professional rivalry is totally out of the picture as both gain an even larger following on the strength not only of their good looks, but their ability to deliver a sterling performance in highly dramatic scenes.

Valiente airs weeknights after Wil Time Bigtime.