Joel Torre gives tribute to Nestor de Villa and Nida Blanca

In the eleventh installment of Sine Novela, 'Saan Darating ang Umaga?' GMA features one of the most distinguished actors in Philippine entertainment, Joel Torre. Reprising the role of Nestor de Villa in the TV remake, the director/actor admits that this is his tribute to the tandem of Nestor de Villa and Nida Blanca. Text by Loretta G. Ramirez, Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio After a long hiatus from doing soap operas in GMA-7 Joel Torre is finally back in the Kapuso Network. Portraying the role of Nestor de Villa in the 1983 hit movie, Saan Darating ang Umaga?, he admits that this is the perfect opportunity for him as well as the other casts to give the due tribute to the two legends of Philippine show business. "Magandang tribute ito sa kanila kasi mula noong bata ako napapanood ko na 'yung song and dance nila hanggang sa mga movies nila. They have one of the most successful love teams in Philippine cinema and TV," shares the multi-talented actor. Back in GMA During the press launch of the show last November 3, 2008, Joel Torre admits that he is very happy that at last he is back in GMA. "I'm happy na hindi sila nagsasawa na mag-offer sa akin ng mga roles kahit na parating hindi ako natutuloy. Ilang taon din nila akong gustong i-cast, pero nagkakataon na may kasabay talaga. It just so happened na noong sabihin sa akin ng manager ko na si Ms. June Rufino ang project, libre ako to do it," confesses the renowned actor/director. According to the Program Unit Manager of Saan Darating ang Umaga?, Ms.Cheryl Ching-Sy, they were indeed hoping that Joel will accept the role of Ruben when they offered it to him. "Si Direk talaga ang first choice and we are so happy na this time available nga siya." "Hindi siya heavy melodrama but at the same time it tackles a very serious subject matter which is very important – the family. We have very good actors in it. Lani Mercado, Charlie Davao, Pinky Amador and of course si Yasmien Kurdi and this boy – (Dion Iganacio) magaling sya. Of course directed by Maryo J. delos Reyes who is an icon sa mga movie themes like this." Don't miss this heartbreaking Sine Novela when it premiers on November 10, 2008 during the Dramarama block of GMA. Watch Saan Darating ang Umaga? right after Una Kang Naging Akin.