Kris willing to host 'Deal or No Deal' in US

Author: Aster Amoyo
Column: If I Know

IF Kris Aquino is given the chance to host "Deal or No Deal" in the US (which is hosted by Howie Mandel), she is willing to accept the offer, she will be able to take her children with her to the United States. But this doesn't mean that she will leave the Philippines just like that.

"Doing something like that would bring honor to our country. The reason I am so excited is because my mom is so excited. She is asking nga why is the episode I am doing with Howie Mandel is not going to be shown in the Philippines," Kris told the entertainment press at the presscon for "Deal or No Deal" Around The World held at the 9501 resto at the ABS-CBN building Tuesday night.

"I really want my mom to be happy and be proud for whatever time is remaining right now. The reason I said yes was because I know this would make a lot of Filipinos proud of what we Filipinos can accomplish. But I would only go if I could bring my kids," she said.

Kris was told sometime last year that there might be a chance that she will do a special episode of "Deal or No Deal" with Howie Mandel that will be shown in the US . But Kris didn't give this much thought although she was excited. "I don't want to be disappointed in case it wouldn't push through but some seven weeks ago it was confirmed to me by Alu Almaden, the business unit head of Deal of No Deal that it is indeed pushing through, the charming TV host recalled.

The special episode of "Deal or No Deal" will be taped today with the American contestants flown in to Manila . It will be aired on May 7 via the NBC network, with Howie Mandel as co-host.

DIREK JOYCE NERVOUS WITH 'Dyesebel'

DIRECTOR Joyce Bernal admits that she is nervous with the telefantasya "Dyesebel," her new assignment under the Kapuso network that will start airing on Monday, at the GMA telebabad block.

This is the first time that Direk Joyce is handling a telefantasya and she admits she doesn't have an idea of the temperament of a telefantasya. Dyesebel is different because it features characters from a komiks novel unlike MariMar that had been adapted from a Mexican telenovela.

That's why Direk Joyce says it's double the challenge giving life to Dyesebel compared to MariMar which was a phenomenal success. And since the new series features the tandem of Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes, there is added pressure to make it better.

"Makapantay man lang ang 'Dyesebel' sa ganda ng ratings ng 'MariMar 'would make all of us happy," said the lady director.

"Ang hirap pala mag-shooting sa dagat and to underwater scenes because salty water has an effect on the body. After sometime, hindi na makaarte nang maayos ang mga artista ko dahil ginaw na ginaw na sila. They could only take so much exposure from the elements. Kaya nga saludo ako sa aking mga stars, my staff and crew dahil hindi birong hirap ang kanilang pinagdadaanan to make Dyesebel beautiful for the viewers, added Direk Joyce.
ALFRED COMPLAINS ABOUT MERMAN ROLE

Alfred Vargas prepared hard and long for his role as a merman in"Dyesebel" where he plays the defender and secret admirer of Marian Rivera (as Dyesebel) in the new TV version of the Mars Ravelo classic.

"Character-wise, I prepared for my role. We all underwent a workshop. Masarap katrabaho si Direk Joyce (Bernal) sa taping. I even did a research on Dysebel. I was able to watch the movie done by Alice Dixson and I was able to view some scenes of the version done by Ms. Vilma Santos, said Alfred in our interview at the presscon for Dyesebel Monday night at the poolside of the Sofitel Hotel at the CCP Complex along Roxas Boulevard .

"It's hard to swim. We had to undergo training underwater. It's hard to wear a tail and then swim because we need to do a dolphin kick. We also need to hold our breath underwater for about 30 seconds so that we could get a good shot. Okay naman ang training na ibinigay sa amin and I enjoyed it," Alfred related.

"Our training took several months. Even before we started taping, we had been undergoing training. It helped that I was a swimmer when I was a kid so I didn't really have much difficulty, he said. Aside from being a challenge, I also enjoy playing the role of a merman because this is my chance for the young children to see me in a different way. I always did serious drama before. Now I am doing a fantasy-comedy although my character also has some drama in it and I am very glad GMA 7 gave me this role.

Alfred even had to cut his hair short for his role as a merman. "When I previewed the first scenes that I did, hindi maganda kasi lumulutang ang hair ko kasi mahaba ito. Hindi guwapo, parang nakakatakot. Sabi ko, kung ano ang itsura ko underwater, dapat ganoon din ang itsura ko. They said I looked better in my short hair and I even look younger by four years, said the actor who went on a diet to keep himself fit.

Dyesebel is Alfred third show under the Kapuso network. He is in Nuts Entertainment (aired every Saturday) and ESP (aired every Thursday).

Source: People's Journal