Philippine Television's Primetime Queen is back via GMA Telebebad's ‘AMAYA’

Beginning May 30, expect no less from GMA Network as it ushers in Philippine primetime's boldest, most anticipated epicserye that will not only take viewing satisfaction to greater heights but will also leave audiences in awe for its visually stunning production values and an absorbingly well-researched story with the grand premiere of AMAYA. This pioneering historical epic series features the country's bankable stable of stars in plum roles topbilled by no less than Primetime Queen Marian Rivera as the warrior princess Amaya. The talented actress displays her versatility and acting caliber once more in the network's most expensive and most ambitious television production to date. Joining Marian in this blockbuster spectacle are two of the most desired leading men in the industry: award-winning actor Sid Lucero as Bagani, Amaya's dashing warrior lover and model-turned-actor Mikael Daez as Lumad, Amaya's good friend and protector who falls in love with her. The story is set in Central Visayas in the 1500s, during the time of Rajah Mangubat's reign. He was not only known as a good warrior, but also as an undefeated one. Nobody stood a chance against him especially with his extraordinary battle skills and his magical amulet. Not long after, a village priestess prophesizes that there will be a day that he will be defeated. Rajah Mangubat becomes anxious about the prophecy not only because he will eventually be defeated, but also because the person who will take over his power is a girl - a girl who has a snake for a twin. With this, he orders all pregnant women in his own village tribe and also in others to be killed. Datu Bugna's village is the only one that survives Rajah Mangubat's terror because they have long been friends and alliances. What Rajah Mangubat doesn't know is that the baby girl that he has been looking for to be killed has been born in Datu Bugna's village. Amaya is Datu Bugna's daughter from Dal'lang, a slave woman. And because he wants to protect Amaya, he hides her in a secret chamber as a "binukot" and tells her that Dal'lang, is already dead. Amaya's twin snake is thrown away to the forest and is told that it may only come back if Amaya is in dire need of help. Amaya has once attempted to escape from her chamber when she wanted to see the outside world for the first time. That was when she saw Prince Bagani for the first time. They immediately fell in love with each other. No matter the distance and the years that have passed, they still have not forgotten that day when they first met. Because of Lamitan's evil desire to get rid of Amaya, she betrays her husband Datu Bugna and tells Rajah Mangubat her husband's plan of revolt. Rajah Mangubat's men take Amaya from her chamber and use her as blackmail to make Datu Bugna confess. He eventually does and Rajah Mangubat kills him in front of Amaya. Rajah Mangubat takes Amaya to his village and there, turns her as one of her slaves. Amaya sees the treacherous Lamitan and becomes enraged with her father's double-crossing wife. She promises that she will do anything to avenge her father. But Rajah Mangubat still has no idea about Amaya's true identity - the girl with the twin snake. Amaya is surprised to see her long lost love, Bagani, but is devastated to find out that he is Rajah Mangubat's son. Bagani is shocked as well when he finds out that the girl he once fell in love with is now a slave. In spite of this, he still remains in love with her. However, Amaya tries to get rid of her feelings for him all for her father's sake. Will she succeed in her battle against true love? Will she be able to finally avenge her father? Will her prophecy come true? Under the helm of renowned director Mac Alejandre, making this epic series even grander is the glittering roster of cast headlined by Gina Alajar as Dian Lamitan, Datu Bugna's scheming wife; Lani Mercado as Dal'Lang, Amaya's dutiful mother; Gardo Versoza as Rajah Mangubat, the wicked datu who will become Amaya's greatest nemesis; Raymond Bagatsing as Datu Bugna, Amaya's devoted father; Glaiza de Castro as Binayan, the youngest daughter of Datu Bugna and Dian Lamitan; Ryan Eigenmann as Angaway, one of the skilled warriors of Rajah Mangubat; Rochelle Pangilinan as Marikit, Amaya's fiercest archrival for Bagani; Irma Adlawan as Mantal, Dian Lamitan's eldest sister; Ana Capri as Agang, Dal'lang closest slave friend; Roy Alvarez as Awi, Datu Bugna's eldest brother; Ayen Munji-Laurel as Rahu Linangan, Bagani's mother; Buboy Villar as Banuk, Bagani's youngest brother; Sheena Halili as Ahak, Amaya's dependable slave friend; and Roxanne Barcelo as Kayang, Marikit's slave. Adding star power to this high-budgeted program are the courageous warriors of Rajah Mangubat including Daniel Fernando, Mon Confiado, AJ Dee, Robert Sy together with the epic series' priestesses Mia Pangyarihan and Anna Feleo. Playing equally important roles are Perla Bautista, Rustica Carpio and Angie Ferro who make special participations in the epic series. Spicing up Amaya's journey are Dan Alvaro, Dindo Arroyo, Bituin Escalante, Bayang Barrios, Dion Ignacio, Jan Manual, Pancho Magno, Leopoldo "Wendell" Salgado and Edgar "Egay" Manuel. From the original concept of Suzette Doctolero together with the guidance of UP historians, Amaya takes a step above and beyond in the local TV landscape for assembling a supreme production team that recreated an extraordinary moment in Philippine history. With the ornate and complex craftsmanship of production designer Rodell Cruz, for creating hundreds of intricate costumes authentically attired by costume designer Gino Gonzales, for constructing a warship known as Karakoa built by 50 local artisans and budget worth millions of pesos, Amaya will definitely up the ante of primetime viewing and soon be winning the hearts of Filipinos all over the country. Witness the enthralling saga of a warrior princess and her battle against her father's greatest enemy with AMAYA premiering May 30 on GMA's undisputed Telebabad block. –Text and photo courtesy of GMA Network