Under pressure

GMA-7’s newest telefantasya, Mars Ravelo’s Dyesebel, has hit the primetime telebabad block with a 44.9% rating last Monday. Amazingly, it surpassed the pilot episode of the phenomenal first-ever Marian-Dingdong TV offering, MariMar. Currently at the helm of this underwater adventure are two directors who are feeling the pressure to exceed all expectations. Text by Loretta G. Ramirez. Photos by Xylen A. Punelas. Directors Joyce Bernal and Don Michael Perez are undoubtedly primetime gurus when it comes to heading a production crew built for success. As the director of the tremendous hit MariMar, Direk Joyce now also feels the pressure to outdo the achievements of her first Marian-Dingdong tandem. “Actually, ang focus namin ngayon is for Marian and Dingdong to unlearn [all they learned in MariMar] and rediscover each other again,” says the award-winning director. Concerned that people might still have a hangover on the MariMar-Sergio teamup, she had the pair go through acting workshops to internalize their new character. “Talagang tinatanggal namin 'yung pagka-Sergio at pagka-Marimar nila. Totally, iibahin namin 'yung character ni Dingdong at saka ni Marian para mag-iiba 'yung stance nila,” adds Direk Joyce. Director Don Michael Perez is also under tremendous pressure. With this being only his second primetime TV show, he still considers himself a neophyte in the world of directing. “Previously, I was only writing scripts for them. Actually, noong nag-workshop nga kami together, sabi ko ‘You only know me as somebody who writes your lines. Now, I’m going to be somebody who translates the lines for you.’ Bagong-bagong mundo. I’m still in that transition phase between writing and directing. In fact, 'yung isang paa ko, nasa pagsusulat pa. So 'yun, dalawang mundo pa 'yung binabaybay ko,” explains Direk Don. Like Direk Joyce, he expresses his concern about beating the success of MariMar. And he says that because people expect them to top MariMar, it has become their target to do just that. Enjoying a sky-high rating on its first few days, it seems that both directors really don’t have to worry about the show. With the proven success of the Marian-Dingdong tandem, the support of a powerhouse cast, plus two of the most creative directors in the industry, Mars Ravelo’s Dyesebel is definitely in good hands. Be a part of Mars Ravelo’s underwater adventure. Watch Dyesebel weeknights right after Joaquin Bordado on GMA’s primetime telebabad block. For more features about GMA’s newest primetime offering, click on the following links: The mermaid’s tale Clean Slates for Marian and Dingdong Ready to make a splash Feel the Fun with Dingdong and Marian! Text DINGDONG/MARIAN and send to 4627. (Each Fanatxt message costs P2.50 for GLOBE, SMART and TALK N TEXT, while it costs P2.00 for SUN subscribers).