There’s a reason why Rayver Cruz did not watch Nagbabagang Luha (1988) prior to the taping of the film’s television adaptation. He wanted to give the male protagonist, originally played by Gabby Concepcion, a different flavor, and with the guidance of director Ricky Davao, he knew he was headed in the right direction.
“I trust the director and his vision of the television adaptation. I didn’t want to just copy the original. I wanted to portray the character based on how the director wanted the character to be,” Rayver shared in an online presser.
In the television series that tackles sibling rivalry, Rayver is Alex Montaire, the general manager at Montaire Group of Farms and Resorts who has a burning desire to succeed. Alex is the husband of Glaiza de Castro’s character Maita.
Glaiza’s character, on the other hand, is described as a responsible sister of Cielo (Claire Castro). As a faithful wife, Maita has a burning love for her family.
The actress reveals her utmost admiration towards the original actress who played the role of Maita and she feels honored to be chosen to reprise the role of Lorna Tolentino.
“She is one of the veteran actors I really look up to. She gives every role not only justice but truth and that’s always been my objective ever since,” she noted.
Meanwhile, proud director Ricky Davao heavily relies on the cast for the effective portrayal of their characters. He also feels honored that the cast trusted his vision when it comes to reintroducing their characters.
“I’m confident of the adaptation because of the writers and the cast. The TV series is much more daring than the original,” Ricky stated.
“It’s a two-hour film and then you’re making it into one season. We put some emphasis on each character’s back story, but we remained faithful with the character names and their respective characteristics,” Ricky added.
Completing the powerhouse cast are Mike Tan as Bien de Dios, Maita's longtime friend who protects her at all costs despite his unrequited love for her; seasoned actress Gina Alajar as Mrs. Calida Montaire, Alex's overprotective and conniving mother who dislikes Maita believing that she steals her son’s attention.
Allan Paule as Paeng Ignacio, Maita and Cielo's doting father who goes to great lengths just to protect them; Archie Adamos as Levi de Dios, Bien's father who is the policeman in charge of Cielo and Paeng's case; Myrtle Sarrosa as Judy Enriquez, Alex's sultry ex-girlfriend who is suspicious of Cielo's true intentions; Royce Cabrera as Sherwin, notorious drug dealer and Cielo's abductor; Ralph Noriega as Joryl, pool boy in the resort who also fancies Cielo; Karenina Haniel as Monina de Castro, Cielo's confidante who gets her to see reason and knows all her secrets; Bryan Benedict as Javy, Sherwin's accomplice in abducting Cielo.
Nagbabagang Luha, the hottest rivalry between two sisters ignites on GMA Network’s Afternoon Prime block beginning today. It airs Monday to Saturday, after Eat Bulaga.
Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV. It will also be available for streaming via iQiyi International or IQ.com for subscribers in