Vengeance beyond death

Fresh from the laudable success of Impostora, the primetime TV drama hit that showcased the impressive capability of GMA Network in the genre, comes the newest offering from the Kapuso Network—the first ever suspense-drama on primetime TV—La Vendetta. Press release and photos courtesy of GMA Network. Interviews taken from the “La Vendetta” Press Conference. Compiled by Jillian Q. Gatcheco. Photos courtesy of GMA Network. The story Premiering on October 29, La Vendetta presents a riveting story of love, deceit and vengeance that features a powerhouse cast of today’s highly commendable dramatic actors, led by the remarkable threesome of Jean Garcia, Jennylyn Mercado, and Sunshine Dizon in their challenging roles as sisters who find themselves entangled in a vicious web of mystery in which one of them meets a tragic death. Betrayed and denied a blissful life with the man she truly loves, the dead sister’s soul is driven by a harrowing hatred that surmounts even the afterlife. As a vengeful ghost, she will stop at nothing in her quest to torment her murderer and bring justice to her own death. Who among the three sisters becomes the hapless victim of a ruthless crime? Is it the strong-willed Amanda (Jean Garcia), the eldest of the three who manipulates the lives of her sisters? Is it Amanda’s stepsister Eloisa (Sunshine Dizon) who, despite her apparent weakness, also harbors a mysterious persona? Or will it be Almira (Jennylyn Mercado), the youngest sister who is torn between her love for both her elder siblings and the one who is most affected by Amanda’s domineering nature? La Vendetta boasts of a compelling plot that will not only keep viewers hooked to its captivating story, but will also keep everyone guessing who is behind the mysterious death of one of the sisters. The three sisters Jean and Jennylyn’s last collaboration was in Say That You Love Me (2005), a movie under Regal Films. “Silang dalawa ni Mark Herras [ang magkasama doon]]. Mother niya ako,” says Jean. “First time naming magkasama sa TV. She’s very professional. It’s been great! Masaya, magaan, and maayos ang taping.” “I’ve worked with Jen in Encantadia (2005) and baby namin yan,” shares Sunshine. “Wala po akong masasabi. She’s grown a lot as an actress, so I’m very happy to be working with her again.” “Lalo na ako, medyo bago-bago sa industriya, kaya nandiyan sila to support, nandiyan sila para tumulong mag-internalize, and kung paano i-attack 'yung scene,” says a grateful Jen about her two veteran co-stars. Sunshine and Jean, on the other hand, have previously worked together in the hard-hitting drama Impostora (2007), which ended just a few months ago. The cast Jennylyn Mercado is reunited with erstwhile reel and real life partner Mark Herras, who plays the role of Galo, the impoverished lover of Almira who is willing to do anything to fight for his beloved. But Amanda opposes Almira and Galo’s relationship and forces Almira to marry the wealthy Gabby Trajano (Polo Ravales) instead. “Syempre si Mark naman po, talagang love team namin ay tanggap ng mga tao. Iba naman 'yung sa amin ni Patrick (Garcia), personal side naman yun. Iba 'yung showbiz,” explains Jen when asked about what she thinks about her love team reunion. Completing La Vendetta’s stellar lineup are Luis Alandy as Ariel, Amanda’s boyfriend who also shows concern for Eloisa; Paolo Contis as Junjun, the ambitious family gardener; Chynna Ortaleza as Joana, Galo’s sister; Lotlot De Leon as Rodora, the family cook; Rustom Padilla as Alfie, Amanda’s gay friend; Dante Rivero as Edwin Cardinale, Amanda and Almira’s father and Eloisa’s stepfather; Snooky Serna as Janet, Edwin’s second wife and the mother of Eloisa and Almira; Caridad Sanchez as Nana Mildred, the trusted nanny and keeper of the Cardinale family’s darkest secret; and Wendell Ramos as Rigo, a psychiatrist who falls in love with Amanda. La Vendetta also stars Angelica Jones, Ella Guevara, Alynna Asistio, and Joseph Marco. Directed by Gil Tejada Jr. (Bakekang, 2006) and Lore Reyes (Sugo, 2005), La Vendetta airs weeknights starting October 29 on GMA’s top-rated primetime Telebabad block. Share your views about this television milestone. Talk about La Vendetta on the iGMA Forum!