Around GMA

Article Inside Page

Bejeweled high ceilings, tarnished candleholders, and the lingering scent of scarlet roses provided just the right ambience for the introduction of primetime’s first suspense-drama, “La Vendetta.” The show’s official press conference was held at Ilustrado Restaurant in Intramuros this past Tuesday, October 23rd. Text by Jillian Q. Gatcheco. Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio. The story revolves around the three Cardinale sisters (Jennylyn Mercado, Sunshine Dizon, and Ms. Jean Garcia) who clash in their fight for love and their rights to the family’s fortune. When one of them dies, the two remaining siblings, as well as everyone linked to them, become primary suspects. The motive for the murder, as well as the person behind it, is the mystery that has to be solved. Head writer RJ Nuevas (Bakekang, 2006; Impostora, 2007) , explained that the show’s concept started around two to three years ago, but the Network believed that it wasn’t the right time to come up with such a genre. By the time the series was ready to be released, they brainstormed for a catchy title that wouldn’t be “too scary” for the audience. Thus, they came up with “La Vendetta,” which translates to “Ang Paghihiganti” in Tagalog. The questions thrown by the members of the Press were a mixture of career and showbiz-related inquiries. Sunshine and Jean, who were both in Impostora (2007), said that they will have a different attack for their characters in La Vendetta. For instance, Jean shared that she will take ‘evil’ to the next level here, unlike her role as Betty (in Impostora), who had an almost funny vibe to her cruelty. When asked how he will provide equal exposure for the three main stars, Direk Gil Tejada Jr. (Bakekang, 2006), who will be working with direk Lore Reyes (Sugo, 2005), answered, “I’m confident na bawat character may kanya-kanyang identity, kaya walang identical role.” Quite a controversial sight that night was Snooky Serna, who recently made her financial status public, and who was very open about the mistakes she has made in the past. She expressed how she felt to be part of the cast: “I’m still poor but thanks to GMA-7, mayroon na naman akong guestings, at nakakapag-ipon na naman ako. I'm learning to be a good steward of my blessings. Dapat magsipag na talaga ako. Pag hindi pa ako nag-behave, there’s really something wrong with me!” Everyone applauded her short, yet humbling speech. Jen also clarified that she and Yasmien Kurdi are in good terms, and it was never an issue when Yasmien bagged the Pasan Ko Ang Daigdig lead role. Jen said that the spot was never meant for her in the first place. She also mentioned that she accepts the fact that fans want her to be with ex-flame Mark Herras onscreen, and she and her boyfriend Patrick Garcia have no problem with that. She performed the La Vendetta theme song, “P.S. I Love You,” during the presscon while a sneak preview of the teleserye was shown on a projector screen. The cast members present, who were all clad in red or black, consisted of Joseph Marco (a new GMA Artist Center talent), Angelika Jones, Chynna Ortaleza, Jenny Miller, Yna Asistio, Lotlot De Leon, Snooky Serna, Ella Guevara, Paolo Contis, Polo Ravales, Luis Alandy, Wendell Ramos, Jennylyn Mercado, Sunshine Dizon, and Ms. Jean Garcia. Some of those who weren’t able to attend but are still part of the cast are Rustom Padilla, Mark Herras, Caridad Sanchez, and Dante Rivero. “Kasalanang walang kapatawaran. Paghihiganting hanggang kamatayan.” Don’t miss this first on Philippine TV, starting on October 29! Share your views about this television milestone. Talk about La Vendetta on the iGMA Forum!