Carlo J. Caparas’ Pieta now a TV series

Author: ISAH V. RED
Column: Life & Entertainment

In 1983, Carlo J. Caparas directed a movie based on a komiks material he wrote about a mother’s sacrifice for his son. It was titled Pieta, starring two of the industry’s revered actors, Charito Solis (as the mother) and Ace Vergel (the son).

Vivian Velez, known to fans as “body beautiful,” produced the movie for herself as she took on the role of Vergel’s love interest, competing with Solis for attention.

This afternoon, a new version of this “triangle” unfolds on the screen (smaller, of course) as Carlo J. sold the TV rights of his movie to ABS-CBN for serialization.

Pieta tells the story of a mother’s unconditional love and sacrifice for her son. It follows the character of Rigor, which was played by Vergel in 1983 and is now played by Ryan Agoncillo, cast against type of course, as the character is a tough guy in a blighted area somewhere in the big city. Rigor grew up without a concrete notion of who his father is under the care of Amanda (Cherie Gil).

Agoncillo, during the press conference, said that he is all set to shed his boy-next-door image as for the character, which, by the way, launched the late Ace Vergel to become a big action star and earn the nomenclature “Bad Boy.”

Cherie Gil shows off her versatility as Amanda. According to Caparas, both Ryan and Cherie are good choices for Pieta’s lead roles.

Caparas said that he has given the TV team a creative independence in interpreting the characters, updating the storyline to give the series a contemporary feel.

Speaking in Tagalog, he said, “I can’t close my eyes to the changes that have been happening around us… the technology, the society, the language… these are very important, and the team is closely in touch with all of these so they can change, adjust, and adopt things for the series.”

Meanwhile, the show’s directors—Toto Natividad and Don Cuaresma—admit to discussing certain inputs with Caparas if only to make sure that they wouldn’t astray far enough from the original.

John Regala, who was in the original movie as Turko, is back as the scheming Miguel, who is out to seek revenge at Amanda. Jestoni Alarcon plays the pivotal role of Delfin.

Krista Ranillo makes screens sizzle as Martha, Rigor’s lady love.

The series also stars Jason Abalos, Jairus Aquino, Janus del Prado, John James Uy, Lyka Ugarte, DJ Durano, Neil Sese, Nina Dolino, Ynez Veneracion, with special participation of Alessandra de Rossi (young Amanda), Baron Geisler (young Miguel), Joross Gamboa (young Delfin), Andre Muhlach, Fred Payawan, Vice Ganda, Charles Christianson, Tanya Gomez, Evangeline Pascual, and Paul Salas as the young Rigor.

Ignoring Lance Raymundo

I was wondering about the press conference of Pieta with almost all of the stars in the series appearing and sitting in front of the media inside the Dolphy Theater (formerly Studio 1). I didn’t see Alessandra de Rossi and Baron Geisler, otherwise that press-do would have exploded with all of them there.

What unsettled me was the fact that ABS-CBN might have deliberately ignored Lance Raymundo, not a contract star of the network. He didn’t have a tarp hanging on the wall of the theater, and, apart from that, he wasn’t in the “tent” card and audio-visual presentation. Not even an image in the trailer.

So, what was he doing there?

I was told that he is playing Turko, which John Regala played in the movie, and an important role at that!

Has the role been trimmed? Has there been a prior agreement between management and Natividad on the issue of Turko?

Here’s some advice to ABS-CBN: While it may look good that you have a million stars populating your show, it is not wise to put them all in a press conference. Why not focus on the four or five major characters? In that way, the publicity effort of your corporate communications will be more effective.

In any case, as the open forum slowed down due to the number of stars answering “insensible” questions, a lot of the media started leaving the theater.

Also absent from the AVP was Neil Sese and DJ Durano, who said his character is not coming in after a week or two, though.

If Pieta fails to put Kapuso network’s Sinenovela Presents down in the ratings game, we wouldn’t blame Caparas. Pieta might be his originally, but what we will see onscreen beginning today is the handiwork of ABS-CBN.

Kalusugan Karavan

Nearly 2,000 Dagupeños had the opportunity to avail of quality health and medical care during the recent “Kalusugan Karavan” project of GMA Kapuso Foundation and Pharex Health Corp. held at the Dagupan Astrodome in Dagupan City.

Leading the contingent from Manila were no less than top broadcaster and GMA Kapuso Foundation executive vice president Mel Tiangco and Pharex HealthCorp president Tomas Marcelo Agana III.

The medical mission is the result of a tie-up agreement between GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) and Pharex, The Company known for high-quality and affordable medicines. Pharex is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and the GMA Kapuso Foundation medical mission tie-up to Dagupan City is one of the many activities The Company has lined up to commemorate two decades of being a pioneer in quality and affordable healthcare.

Over 30 doctors with different specializations from the Pangasinan Medical Society, the Department of Health, the Dagupan City Health Office and the Philippine Army volunteered their services for the Dagupeños. Joining them were Pharex employees, nurses and health care practitioners from Manila who generously volunteered their time and expertise to help make the event a success.

Tiangco welcomed the Dagupeños and encouraged them to avail of the free medical consultation and medicines. “We hope that through this project, we have provided much-needed medical care to the sick residents of Dagupan. We hope to be able to do similar projects in the future with the help of our partners and sponsors like Pharex.”

“This is a great opportunity for Pharex to once again strengthen its commitment to reach out and serve the healthcare needs of Filipinos. We are very pleased at the outcome of the project and very thankful to GMA Kapuso Foundation partnering with us in this endeavor,” said Agana.

Pharex distributed boxes of medicines ranging from anti-hypertensive, anti-infective, expectorant, anti-ulcerant, oral anti-diabetic, cold preparations, vitamins and minerals, anti-diarrhea, and oral rehydration salt. GMA Kapuso Foundation also distributed a pair of crutches, 15 folding canes and 13 wheel chairs to select beneficiaries.

Cebu City’s Tom

Mayor Tomas Osmeña is serving his last term. This strong-willed man from the long line of Osmeñas of Cebu City has never left the headlines. Tomas faces his political foes and critics with such determination and most of the time proves them wrong. How? Well, he has perfect timing as well as foresight and with a glib tongue, sometimes accentuated with sarcasm and wit, he gets away with almost everything even if he is perceived wrong at times. So people cry out, “There he goes again,” and his loyal followers applaud him.

Margot, his wife and adviser, sees to it that he does not forget to smile and touch base with the people. He is a good cook and does the groceries when he is in the mood. A good father, he allots a considerable time with Margot and only son, Miguel.

Who would ever imagine the mayor getting sick seriously? While he drinks and smokes, his defenders claim all these were in moderation.

Cebu was rocked recently with the news that the mayor was bleeding and the best doctors in Cebu diagnosed the cause as a malignant mass in the urinary bladder which could be cancerous and might need a major operation. Ah, like the headstrong Achilles who bowed to the mythic “vulnerable heel”, Mayor Tomas saw rough sailing ahead. “I am not dying, no way,” he muttered before he boarded a flight to the United States for a second, even, third opinion. Margot asked Cebu to pray for his husband. For the first time, even his enemies were tongue-tied and prayed. Quite surprisingly, the mayor calmly told the people that he was leaving everything to the Sto. Niño. The mayor is a devotee of the Child Jesus and performs his religious duties faithfully.

So, Mayor Tomas submitted to tumor surgery at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston as Cebu waited but not in vain. He went through surgery and is now on the road to recovery. After a restful stay in the hospital, he would soon be back and resume work at City Hall. He said this even before he took the series of medical tests and consultations.

After all, there is still the impending controversy about his pet project, the SRP, the South Reclamation Project. And, he still has to answer the endless queries about his other concerns. He has always been a workaholic and wastes no time to cope with crises.

We are sure the return of this dauntless mayor will become a field day for the local media and his critics. But it will be a heartwarming homecoming for his ardent admirers and minions. Will he be back with his usual fighting mood? Or, has his grit been softened after an imminent bout with cancer? Will his critics ever see the better side of him?

The cynics speculate that the mayor’s failing health could weaken his grip in dealing with issues, but many believe the mighty Tomas could still wield his power. Well? Your guess is as good as mine. Meantime, we can just wait and see and pray for the mayor’s good health. After all, even his critics admit that he has been one of the best mayors Cebu City has ever had. A toast for future unity and reconciliation?

DZMM’s Bago Yan Ah

DZMM’s Bago Yan Ah made it as a finalist in the 2008 Turquoise Awards: The 2nd International Radio Competition.

The radio program, anchored by DZMM station manager Angelo Palmones, was praised for its discussion of topics related to alternative and renewable energy, which is related to the award’s theme of global climate change and environmental problems.

Palmones’ award-winning program will be competing with nine other finalists from South Korea, Italy, Sweden, Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Greece, India, and Germany.

The Turquoise Awards is organized by the Turkish Radio and Television Corp. in cooperation with the European Broadcasting Union and the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union and aims to recognize outstanding radio programs from around the globe that tackle important concerns and issues affecting the society.

William, Harry to attend Quantum premiere

Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, producers of the latest James Bond film Quantum of Solace, announced that Princes William and Harry have graciously agreed to attend the world premiere of the 22nd 007 adventure on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at London’s Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square.

At the request of the two princes, the event will benefit two charities, Help for Heroes and The Royal British Legion. The premiere will be attended by the film’s leading actors Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Olga Kurylenko, Mathieu Amalric and Gemma Arterton. Directed by Marc Forster, the movie will be released by Sony Pictures Entertainment in UK cinemas on Oct. 31, to be followed by the Philippines on Nov. 5.

Wilson and Broccoli commented, “We are thrilled Prince William and Prince Harry have agreed to attend the world premiere of our latest James Bond film, and are pleased this event will help raise much-needed funds to support the servicemen of our country through The Princes’ chosen charities.”

Source: Manila Standard Today

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