ABS-CBN unveils new offerings

ABS-CBN Corporation recently unveiled its new offerings for the quarter, which includes a local adaptation of a hit Mexican telenovela and a fantasy series based on a famous Pinoy comics character.

Chosen to play the iconic role of Maria Mercedes is Jessy Mendiola, who considers it as the biggest break and challenge in her career.  The series, which starred Thalia, became one of the biggest hits on Philippine television in the ’90s.

At the Kwento ng Kasiyahan: The Grand Kapamilya Weekend, a video message from Thalia for Jessy showed the Mexican actress’ excitement for the project.

“All the luck in the world. You’re gonna make a great job. Good luck in Maria Mercedes,” said Thalia in a video conference with Jessy for a future episode of Tapatan ni Tunying.

In doing the series, Jessy discovered she shared many similarities with Maria, a strong woman who would do everything for her family.

“We are strong women but vulnerable when it comes to our families. And Maria longs to find true love, which I also do,” said Jessy. 

As Jessy gives life to one of the most loved characters on Philippine television, Andi Eigenmann will essay the role of a popular local heroine, Galema.

According to Andi, she was surprised and at the same time, delighted to have been offered the project at this point in her career.

“A lot has happened in my life. As much as my career is really important to me, I know that I can’t expect everything to be handed to me the way I want it to.  So when I got it even after everything, I was so happy,” she said.

Based on the comics by Jim Fernandez, Galema, Anak ni Zuma revolves around the life of a beautiful young woman with snakes on her shoulders, who wants to prove that she is human like others. 

“There’s more to her than what she looks likes.  Even if she has those monstrous looking creatures hiding behind her hair, it does not mean she is a bad person. She has the best intentions and a pure heart. But there is still a monster inside her. I am not saying she’s evil deep inside, but it balances out,” she said.

Apart from Maria Mercedes and Galema, Anak ni Zuma, ABS-CBN also launched one of its biggest teleseryes Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin and its most romantic series of the year Got to Believe.

Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin topbills Dawn Zulueta and Gerald Anderson. Dawn plays the role of Zenaida Dizon, a mother seeking justice for her husband and son who have been falsely accused for crimes they did not commit. 

“Zenaida will do everything to protect her son because he is all she got in her life,” she explained.

When asked how far she will go for her children, Dawn said, “I don’t even want to imagine that. If you will think about it, you can do everything possible. And it’s quite dangerous.”

As the hot-headed son Miguel who was jailed in the story, Gerald said he had to observe life in the prison and learned many life lessons and values. 

“You will realize that with so little, you can survive.” He said. “It is really a blessing that I get to take this role and this story at this point in my life.”

Another big offering from ABS-CBN is the romantic series Got To Believe, starring today’s most popular youth stars— Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, whose love team is unparalleled.

Asked why there’s magic in their tandem, Kathryn said, “It’s very innocent, very sincere, and very young.” For Daniel, it’s because they have no problems. “Kasi light lang kaming dalawa.”

The ABS-CBN trade event also launched 101.9 MOR as the new name of ABS-CBN’s FM station, the fourth anniversary plans for It’s Showtime, the acquisition of the Fernando Poe Jr. film library and the five current affairs afternoon programs namely Bistado, Mutya ng Masa, My Puhunan, Tapatan ni Tunying and Hiwaga.

The Voice of the Philippines coach Lea Salonga capped the star-studded event with powerful song numbers that impressed the advertisers and left them wanting more from the Broadway Diva. 

The much-talked about and Twitter trending talent-reality show will soon have it Live Shows after the Battles Rounds wrap up this week, leaving the coaches with six artists, each to compete for the chance to win the Voice of the Philippines title.