Dennis Trillo defends Heart Evangelista from bashers on her landing the pivotal role of Alwina in the much-anticipated Kapuso prime time offering Mulawin vs. Ravena.
The bashers say she doesn’t fit the role to a T. It is public knowledge that in the original Mulawin aired more than a decade ago, Angel Locsin played the part, which propelled her popularity as a female lead. “Of course, Angel is the original Alwina and it’s really hard to replace her,” Dennis avers. “But I hope the viewers will give Heart a chance to show what she can offer. It’s unfair to bash her without seeing her interpretation of Alwina first. Who knows, it will be different, something fresh that the public will also like, right?”
For the award-winning actor, apart from the stars, it’s the story of the new fantasy-action series that should be highlighted.
“Mulawin vs. Ravena has an exciting plot. It’s a beautiful story. To be honest, I was hesitant to do it at first. You know, it is fantasy again, then the original was aired many years ago. It’s like the case of My Husband’s Lover, which personally, I don’t want to have a remake.
“It became a hit already so what’s the assurance that the people would still patronize its sequel? But with Mulawin vs. Ravena, I felt different. After reading the script, I thought that the story is so exciting. It still has something new to offer. So, I accepted it.”
For one, the program boasts a stellar cast.
“Yes! We’re star-studded. Apart from Heart and myself, we also have Regine Velasquez, Carla Abellana, Tom Rodriguez, Miguel Tanfelix, Lovi Poe, Bianca Umali, Derrick Monasterio, Bea Binene, Kiko Estrada, Winwyn Marquez, Valerie Concepcion, Angelu de Leon, Bobby Andrews, Joko Diaz, TJ Trinidad, Dion Ignacio, Chynna Ortaleza, Roi Vinzon and Nova Villa,” Dennis enumerates.
The spectacular fight scenes are one of the show’s main come-ons.
“That’s true! They’re a technical marvel. Plus the elaborate execution. As Gabriel, I underwent rigid training myself. I have lots of scenes here where I’m in harness. It’s painful at first and you really have to be strong to endure it. That’s a challenge I’m happy to overcome as the taping progresses!”
Some GMA newbies like Arra San Agustin and Klea Pineda are vocal in saying that he’s their showbiz crush. It’s good his girlfriend Jennylyn Mercado doesn’t get jealous.
“Fortunately, she’s not that type. She understands,” ends Dennis.
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After Break, Filipino-American actor-producer-writer Anthony “Tboy” Diaz is back on the big screen via Gorio Vicuna’s Way of the Cross, which is produced by his own Kaizen Studios.
“I’m so excited about this movie. Compared to Break, I believe the material is heavier and serious. It follows a Hollywood structure. I also take pride in the fact that majority of the scenes we shot here in the Philippines. There’s so much talent in the country,” he states.
Asked why the project is titled as such, the talented lad explains, “Well, the movie is about one’s faith. After watching it, the viewers’ faith will be strengthened. It’s not one which will bash any of the existing religions. The film has redemptive values for sure.”
Anthony is proud of how the characters in the movie was written.
“There’s a handful of colored characters here. Everyone contributes to the progress of the story. There’s no small role, so to speak. I’m glad to have worked with some of the best actors in the country like Alvin Anson, Roxanne Barcelo, Rafael Rosell and Isay Alvarez. It was a great experience.”
This early, many say that Way of the Cross is film fest-calibre.
“Thank you! We are really going to that direction. We plan to field it in various international film festivals and have it screened here in the Philippines,” reveals Anthony.