New TV series steps up the drama

Author: Alwin M. Ignacio, Contributor
Column: Life

Currently airing on primetime TV is Stairway to Heaven, the hit Korean drama that featured South Korean superstars Kwon Sang Woo and Choi Ji Woo. It is now a Filipino evening melodrama headlined by Dingdong Dantes and Rhian Ramos.In the original soap, the story revolved around Han Jung-suh (Choi Ji Woo) and Cha Song Joo (Kwon Sang Woo), childhood friends whose special bond blossoms into love.When it first aired dubbed into Filipino, the main characters names became Cholo and Jodi, with a heart-tugging ditty performed by Faith Cuneta titled Pag-Ibig Ko Sanay Mapansin. GMA 7 aims to replicate the shows phenomenal success by retaining 90 percent of the original plot line and its popular theme song given a different vocal styling by diva Regine Velasquez. The network also assembled a formidable cast that includes TJ Trinidad as Tristan, Glaiza de Castro as Eunice, Jean Garcia as Maita Aragon, Sandy Andolong and Soliman Cruz.During the shows first week, Joshua Dionisio (young Cholo), Barbie Forteza (young Jodi), Joana Marie Tan (young Eunice) and Jhake Vargas (young Tristan) were able to pull in substantial ratings despite heavy competition (it was pitted against the immensely popular Tayong Dalawa on the rival channel).Since then, the ratings have been consistently impressive, and the fast pace is much appreciated by the viewers. It is also safe to say that a new TV pairing is born in Dantes and Ramos.Dingdong knows the pressure is high and that filling in the shoes of the Asian superstar is no easy feat. The original actor, Kwon Sang Woo, is one of the most important actors in Korea, and in this soap, he was indeed very good. Ang dami niyang crying scenes and dramatic highlights. Emotionally, the role is very taxing. As an actor, I like the fact that I am given the opportunity to do something that I have not done previously. The character offers so many challenges. Iba kasi yung level of intensity ni Cholo; he is so in love, so committed to his feelings and the relationship he shares with Jodi. They fell in love when they were barely in their teens and now, as full grown adults, there is still a certain innocence about the love that they have for each other. Many agree that Dingdong is in his best element as Cholo. Viewers have been quite riveted by his performance. Among his most memorable dramatic moments include his walk in the beach, grief stricken, as the ashes of Jodi are thrown into the sea. Tears in his eyes, he professes anew that he has not loved anyone but Jodi.Rhian Ramos, meanwhile, is seen by fans of the series as miscast in the role made iconic by Choi Ji Woo, who played it with emotional gravitas. Many of those who watched the Korean show religiously deem Ramos too young and too inexperienced to tackle a role that requires heavyweight emotions.Dantes just shrugs of these observations. He is thrilled to work with his very promising leading lady. He believes that Rhian will surprise all those who doubt her. This is our first time to work together. We had a screen test prior to the workshop and the taping. For me, the taping is the real thing. Everything is running smoothly. When we do the scenes, magaan naman. She is very cooperative and you know, we make it a point to be open with one another, relates Dantes. What is wonderful about Rhian is her commitment to become Jodi and when do a scene with her, there is doubt in my mind that she has become her character. I am fully convinced that she is Jodi.With the shows consistent ratings and positive feedback, Dantes is sure that more audiences will soon be hooked on this one-of-a-kind love story.The original material is very good, quite well-written actually, and all the characters in it are so interconnected. All the actors in the Korean version obviously were most excellent. And without sounding boastful, now that we are doing our version, I think the audiences will love it even more because now they have become Filipino and are given life, heart and soul by some of our finest young actors and actresses. From TJ, Glaiza, Rhian and Ms. Jean, lahat magagaling, he proudly says.With love as the shows main theme, many wonder if the romance onscreen will transcend off-screen since Dantes has a notorious reputation of falling in love with his leading ladies. Dingdong laughs, then explains, I guess that is a more ideal set-up than working with someone that you abhor, right? He adds, As Ive said, the objective here is very clear, and that is to give people a good show. And I think, Rhian and I, we share the same objective. Maganda naman ang kinalabasan, ng Stairway to Heaven, especially in showing audiences what we can offer as actor and actress. Stairway to Heaven airs weeknights, after Darna, on GMA 7s Telebabad Block.

Source: The Daily Tribune