As The STAR reported in a scoop a few issues ago, when the long-running ABS-CBN series returns on Monday, June 15, Susan Roces’ well-loved character Lola Flora will be “missing.” In fact, Lola Flora will not be reappearing until September when the series ends after a five-year run with its story stretched much too far and therefore much too thin.
Susan, who is turning 79 on July 28 (the same day The STAR will mark its 34th anniversary), is a senior like some of the above-60 members of the cast, so she opted to quit the series — well, the COVID-29 pandemic, you know. No, Lola Flora won’t be “killed” even if her carinderia was bombed in the episode immediately prior to the imposition of the lockdown. She will be “hidden” somewhere.
“Good timing,” Susan’s manager Dolor Guevarra told Funfare, “kasi may hint na mawawala si Lola Flora…In the next episodes ibabalik din uli sana siya.”
The rudely-interrupted series resumed shooting early last week reportedly at a beach resort in Batangas owned by John Prats who is in the cast. The “new normal” network protocol strictly requires the cast (no exception) and the crew to stay in one place after being tested negative.
During the shoot (which may take at least one week or longer and no more than 70 people in the set strictly observing precautionary measures such as wearing face mask and social distancing, etc.), nobody is allowed to go out of the house/hotel... “at walang uwian.” Violators will be dropped and, if a member of the cast, his/her character will be killed. If there’s a change of setting (like if they have to shoot in the studio), all of them are to be transported by shuttles while observing physical distancing.
“Chaperons or alalays are not allowed,” added Dolor, “so the stars will have to take care of themselves. They will be required to bring their clothes and everything that they need.”
You don’t expect somebody like Susan to be restricted by such protocol, do you?
That’s also the same reason why Helen Gamboa bowed out of the new Bea Alonzo teleserye which will resume shooting in Ilocos, never mind if she has already shot some scenes. (Stars’ drivers are booked in another place.) Helen’s husband, Senate Pres. Tito Sotto, is happy with Helen’s decision. Safety above all else, you know. Health first and foremost.
The big question now is: Will Probinsyano be the same without Susan Roces, the only link to FPJ, and after Coco’s widely-publicized rant against the authorities involved in the ABS-CBN franchise case? (Coco has apologized particularly to Solicitor General Jose Calida.)
Besides Lola Flora, also not coming back (according to a Funfare DPA) are Pamilya Ko, Banana Sundae and Home Sweetie Home (Toni Gonzaga can’t leave home because she has to take care of her little son) and the Liza Soberano-starrer Make It With You, while Love Thy Woman and A Soldier’s Heart will be cut short.
It’s Showtime, ASAP Natin ‘To and Magandang Buhay will be taped in the studio without an audience. TV Patrol, will continue to deliver relevant news and information to viewers live on Cinemo channel and with same day replay.
According to the network announcement, new shows will be launched — Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo will be seen in Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan and Angel Locsin will host Iba ‘Yan, both public-service programs.
The new and returning programs will be seen in the Philippines on the new Kapamilya Channel on cable and satellite TV that are owned and operated by other companies and are not covered by the cease-and-desist order issued by the NTC to ABS-CBN.
For viewers and fans from all over the world, the aforementioned Filipino shows can be enjoyed anew on TFC cable and satellite, IPTV and tfc.tv.
(E-mail reactions at rickylophilstar@gmail.com. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)