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Carlo J. Caparas’ Kamandag introduces us to a whole new world in Philippine television.
Carlo J. Caparas’ Kamandag introduces us to a whole new world in Philippine television. This is a journey to the realm of animal kingdom called Ambog, where wild cats, foxes, bulls, monkeys and snakes rule the land. Launching a breathtaking telefantasya at the studio 3 of GMA Network, the cast was in full force when they were introduced to the press last November 12. Text by Loretta G. Ramirez. Photos by Mitch M. Mauricio. The theme was green and the foliage was everywhere during the official press conference of Carlo J. Caparas’ Kamandag. The event started with an introduction to the realm of Ambog and its five kingdoms: the HASBAYA or the snake kingdom headed by the just and kind King Saban (Gardo Versoza) and his mortal wife Queen Alicia (Eula Valdez); the OROBAYA, the land of the bull creatures, headed by King Budog (Johnny Delgado); the LOBOBAYA, kingdom of the fox-like creatures, headed by the ruthless King Gular (Zoren Legaspi); the kingdom of GOYBAYA where the business-minded monkey-like beings are ruled by King Dingol (Benjie Paras); and lastly, the kingdom of PUSBAYA, the turf of the wild cats led by Queen Kuran (Francine Prieto), who is considered as a deceitful leader by those in her lands. Based on the popular Carlo J. Caparas story from the early 80’s, Kamandag is a tale of a half-human, half-snake creature who is forced to live in the mortal world because of the conflict he brings in his birthplace. With his snake-like powers, he becomes a sort of hero in his town and the people begin calling him Kamandag. Bringing this role to life is one of the hottest young actors in the GMA roster, Richard Gutierrez. Now, GMA brings us this classic story and gives it a new feel under the direction of two of the most talented and respected directors in the land, Mark Reyes and Topel Lee. The crowd was in awe with the costumes and snakes that were paraded during the introduction of the Ambograws. But aside from this, the press also noticed how star-studded this show is promising to be. Consisting of seasoned actors and actresses like Ariel Rivera, Emilio Garcia, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Melissa Mendez, along with femme fatale Ehra Madrigal among others, this newest primetime offering of GMA promises to give us an amazing adventure that only GMA can pull-off. New faces are also being launched into the primetime Telebabad block of GMA. Watch out especially for Jewel Mische and Maxene Magalona, who both play the new leading ladies of Vergel a.k.a. Kamandag. Of course, the event’s highlight came when Richard Gutierrez who top bills the series emerged, clad in his snake like costume with green eyes blazing as if taunting the audience to try and taunt him so he can release his kamandag powers. But the biggest surprise came when the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) heavyweight fighter Brandon “The Truth” Vera was introduced as part of the cast and not just Richard Gutierrez’ trainor. Playing a special role in the show, he assures us that we are in for a spectacular adventure. “Keep your eye on GMA, they have a lot of plans. There are a lot of exciting things coming up. See you all soon, maraming salamat!” was Brandon’s message to the Filipino viewers. Heed his message and catch Carlo J. Caparas’ Kamandag starting November 19 during the GMA primetime telebabad block. Learn more about the show straight from Richard Gutierrez via the iGMA Live Chat on November 15. Here is your chance to ask him in person the questions about his show and just about anything under the sun! Just log on to this link to bond with Richard Gutierrez! Feel the fun with Richard, Jewel, Maxene and Ehra by texting their name (your message) and send to 4627 for all telcos. Each Fanatxt message costs PhP2.50 for GLOBE, SMART, and TALK 'N TEXT and PhP2.00 for Sun subscribers. Join the forums and post your comments and expectations of this show.