From the stellar visual effects to the out-of-this-world kili, GMA Network’s local adaptation of My Love From The Star has undeniably become a nightly favorite of Kapuso viewers. Unfortunately, due to poor health, one of its actors, Spanky Manikan who plays the role of Mr. Jang, will no longer be in the series as he was advised to rest.
During the show’s early stages, the elderly actor expressed his excitement to be part of the hit Korean series and even declined offers for other projects so he could focus on My Love from the Star.
Gil Cuerva, who plays the role of his dear friend Matteo Domingo, is sad that he has to leave but wishes him well. “I think working with Tito Spanky is one of the best things that can happen to a new actor, like myself. He’s a man with so much wisdom and being the newbie that I am, I was always looking for someone I could ask questions, get advice from, and he was the perfect person to give me a lot of advice, a lot of tips. Ultimately, he is really a great actor to have scenes with and even though the time we spent together wasn’t that much, he somehow has been a mentor to me when it comes to acting. Sir Spanky, get well soon, we miss you. And I hope that our paths will collide again in the future,” he says.
Meanwhile, the other members of the cast also expressed their feelings; saying they will miss having him in the show but understands that it is in his best interest to take a break.
Glydel Mercado, who plays Lynelle Chavez, has nothing but praises for the actor. “Si Tito Spanky, as a co-actor, siyempre alam nating lahat na napakagaling niyang aktor talaga. Ang galing niyang ka-eksena, madali siyang katrabaho kasi alam niya lahat ng gagawin niya once na dumating siya sa set. Tito Spanky, hope you get well soon and we’re praying for you and may God bless you always.”
My Love from the Star’s antagonist Gabby Eigenmann, who portrays Jackson Libredo, also said, “Tito Spanky, get well soon and I pray that you get better any time soon. Of course umaasa ako na makatrabaho pa rin kita and it’s always a joy to be working with you. Mahal ka namin,” he says.
Taking over Manikan’s role, is Crispin Pineda. The guys behind the show are confident that he could portray the endearing and lovable character of Mr. Jang effectively, like Manikan.
★★★★★
In today’s episode of Sarap Diva, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and her guests will never run out of hugot.
Among Songbird’s special guests today, before Eat Bulaga, is the lead star of Mulawin vs Ravena, the actor tagged in the Kapuso network as the Kapuso Drama King, Dennis Trillo.
Expectedly, cross-dressing comedians Boobay and Inday (Teri Gian) will try to join the jumble.
Though you have been “friendzoned,” are you still hoping fate will change? Have you tried loving someone who is another person’s squeeze? Have you been cheated by the person you thought loyal to you? But deep in your heart you’re still the winner.
Is your favorite shong in the Top 5 Hugot Songs of Sarap Diva?
If your feeling hungry, Songbird prepared BBQ Braised Pork for her guests.
Sarap Diva airs after Maynila, Saturdays on GMA 7.
★★★★★
I was talking to a few showbiz insiders recently and one of the more interesting topics was the Golden Dove Awards organized by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP).
On its 25th year now, the Golden Dove has clearly withstood the test of time. Though there is no question about its durability, its credibility, particularly in the TV category, is another story.
For the longest time, the Kapamilya Network has dominated the Golden Dove Awards. Not that ABS-CBN has anything to do with it. ABS-CBN is a member of the KBP, but its closest rival – GMA Network – is not.
You see, the Golden Dove Awards is exclusive to members of the KBP. It is a “for members only” award-giving body.
Given this, how does this affect the credibility of the Golden Dove Awards?
Well, the KBP membership might have a ready answer for that. Why doesn’t the Kapuso network apply for re-instatement as a member? That is, of course, out of the question, as we all know there are issues the GMA top guns don’t agree with KBP.
In the local TV landscape, for awards to be acceptable, the competition betwen ABS-CBN and GMA Network must be underscored amid minor players, the other networks on both free-to-air TV and cable TV. With GMA out the Golden Dove categories, can any other network measure up to ABS-CBN?
I don’t think so.
Is it finally time for the KBP to pull the plug on the Golden Dove Awards?” I wouldn’t be surprised if this happens in the near future.
★★★★★
Mary Ann Mungcal from Pampanga was crowned Miss Global Philippines 2017 on June 24, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila in the glittery coronation night attended by beauty pageant denizens that filled the humungous theater to the rafters.
Mungcal bested 21 other candidates for the right to represent the country at the 2017 Miss Global pageant later this year in Cambodia.
The new Miss Global Philippines hauled the lion’s share of special awards, including the much-coveted Best in Swimsuit and Best in Long Gown. Last year’s winner Camille Hirro, who was 1st runner-up in Miss Global 2016 passed the crown to her.
Rowee Sasuluya was first runner-up, while Jacqueline Mayoralgo was second runner-up. Ma Mhaelen Mae Patano and Fina Gulapa were third and fourth runners-up, respectively.
Actor Derrick Monasterio and TV host Luanne Dy served as the show’s masters of ceremonies.
The coronation night will be telecast tomorrow in SNBO on GMA Network.
★★★★★
Just an announcement, The Eddys, the awards given by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors, will happen tomorrow night at Kia Theater, 7 p.m. with a red carpet before the actual awards show.
This is the first time a group of entertainment editors of newspapers (broadsheets and tabloids) have gotten together and lent their experience and expertise in judging movies and honor outstanding works of actors, directors, writers, and other craftsmen and technicians in the movie industry.
The Eddys will also honor outstanding individuals in the industry, like Lily Monteverde of Regal Entertainment as Producer of the Year, Boy Abunda as a TV personality who has a special heart for the movies (Joe Quirino Memorial Award), and Lav Diaz who became an internationally acclaimed filmmaker after years of being a showbiz writer/columnist (Manny Pichel Memorial Award).
The Eddys will be hosted by father-son tandem of Edu and Luis Manzano with special performances by some Kapuso stars, including James Reid and Nadine Lustre, Martin Nievera and the ASAP Birit Queens.