MANILA, Philippines - The Marvin Agustin-Jolina Magdangal fans have been ecstatic since the announcement that they’ll work together in the ABS-CBN afternoon series “Flordeliza.”
The two actors are also excited to work together, and it has reflected onscreen. The press were able to watch the first week of the show on Monday, and majority of them assured that the ‘90s kids will love to see the MarJo loveteam again.
During flashback scenes, the members of the media watching remembered the “Hey Babe” days of the Marvin-Jolina love team.
An additional treat to those who will be watching "Flordeliza" is the team up of Desiree del Valle and Carlo Aquino.
Show director Wenn de Ramas said the remade “Flordeliza” has a different story from the 1981 television series which starred Janice de Belen and the late Julie Vega.
“It’s a different story, nagamit lang talaga namin ‘yong title. Kasi hindi sila magkapatid doon, e, magkaibigan lang sila Janice [de Belen] tsaka Julie Vega,” he explained during the presscon after the screening.
“So ito [binago] namin para tumama doon sa unang timeslot na panghapon, na magkapatid na ang makikita is ‘yong sobrang pagmamahalan ng magkapatid. ‘Yong outside force ang naghihiwalay para sa kanila.”
The kids who played Flor and Liza are Ashley Sarmiento and Rhed Bustamante. Direk Wenn said he’s more focused with the kids in this project since he has no problem with the other cast, who have already proven their acting skills over the years.
The director said that the kids did not disappoint especially with how easily they pulled off dramatic scenes.
The highlight of the television series is that two women will fall in love with the same man, Crisanto played by Agustin. Desiree's character Elizabeth is the legal wife of Crisanto and the other woman is Jolina's charactor, Florida.
Direc Wenn explained that Jolina's "other woman" character is different from those in past TV shows like “The Legal Wife” Nicole and “Two Wives.”
“Hindi ito ‘yong tipikal [na kabit], she’s very giving,” Direk Wenn said describing Jolina’s character.
“Hindi ko ine-encourage ang lahat na maging kabit,” he joked. “Andoon lang siya sa sitwasyon na andito na, e. Pero kung darating ‘yong panahon na kailangan niya magbigay, siya ‘yong unang gagawa ng paraan.”
Meanwhile, Desiree's character Elizabeth is a loving wife to her husband, who will be abducted by rebels.
The other members of the TV series' cast are Elizabeth Oropesa, Tetchie Agbayani, Juan Rodrigo, Edwarde Mendez, Joey Paras, Tess Antonio, Lemuel Pelayo, Johan Santos, Ronie Araña, Dionne Monsato and Nikki Valdez.
The series was co-directed by Tots Sanchez-Mariscal IV.
Catch the first week of “Flordeliza” starting January 19 on ABS-CBN, after “It’s Showtime.”