GMA Network pulls off a casting coup via Carmela: Ang Pinakamagandang Babae sa Mundong Ibabaw

Beginning January 27, primetime viewing will never be the same again as GMA Network brings to light another timeless and original drama series that promises to steal the televiewers' hearts via the soap opera CARMELA: ANG PINAKAMAGANDANG BABAE SA MUNDONG IBABAW.

This program validates every woman's aspiration to be understood through a beautiful story of love that can never be.

All set to deliver a powerful and compelling portrayal of the complex character of Carmela is no less than Primetime Queen Marian Rivera. In the series, Carmela is a very beautiful woman who had gone through a lot in life. With her beauty, she is judged not only by other people but also by people close to her. When Carmela falls in love with a man who despises her mother, she is forced to make heart-wrenching decisions.

The multifaceted actress is very excited with her latest TV endeavor which she says will be another unforgettable character that will surprise her fans and supporters.

"Kakaibang Marian Rivera ang mapapanood ng viewers bilang si Carmela. Very excited ako sa role ko rito dahil masasabi ko na isa ito sa pinakamahirap na dramas na gagawin ko. Siguradong mapapamahal sa viewers si Carmela. Kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa GMA dahil ipinagkaloob nila sa akin ang magandang proyektong ito," says Marian.

Viewers should also look forward to another new and interesting tandem in Carmela as Marian shares the screen for the very first time with Ang Crush ng Bayan and Kapuso Network's leading man Alden Richards. Alden plays the role of Yago, the handsome and smart grandson of Fernando (Roi Vinzon) and Fides (Laurice Guillen). Yago's only wish is to find someone who will fall in love and accept him for who he is despite his flaws and insecurities in life. His perspective in life will completely change when he meets Carmela who will show him a different view about life and love.

GMA Network is proud to present a stellar cast of the country's most respected artists in film and television: Agot Isidro as Amanda, the beautiful and strong willed mother of Carmela, Raymond Bagatsing as Dante, the brother of Fides who will fall in love with Carmela, Jennica Garcia as Alliyah, Carmela's trusted friend, Rochelle Pangilinan as Yolly, Dante's scheming girlfriend, with Roi Vinzon as Fernando, Dante's politically ambitious father who is a womanizer, Freddie Webb as Ramon, the chief of police in Santa Maria and Fernando's closest aide, Eva Darren as Lola Wagay, an old lady who will adopt and raise Carmela when she sets off to Manila, Krystal Reyes as Janine, Fides' adopted daughter, Ana Feleo as Nida, Fernando's cousin who will be the protector of Amanda and Carmela, RJ Padilla as JP, Yago's close friend and Ms. Laurice Guillen as Fides, the uptight and religious wife of Fernando.

And to helm this heart-wrenching and heavy drama is renowned TV director Dominic Zapata, who is the man behind the trending primetime series of GMA Network, My Husband's Lover.

Director Dominic says viewers will see something fresh and interesting in the new tandem of Marian and Alden since they will be playing characters that are so different to the various roles they've done in the past. "I like it that they are being paired together for the first time because as artists they are forced to bring something new to the table. And being the consummate professionals that they are, I am sure they welcome both the opportunity to showcase their acting dexterity in the challenge to help create new characters na mamahalin ng viewers."

In the series, viewers will witness how Carmela will fight back and seek revenge against the people who abuse, discriminate, and hurt her family. She will learn how to take matters into her own hands, even sacrificing her love for Yago in order to seek justice.

In Carmela, viewers can identify with the journey of the different characters and their drama and the challenges they have to face. The program's relatable characters and intriguing plot make it even more appealing to the viewers, making them realize that everyone deserves equal rights for genuine and real love.

Carmela is created by the GMA Drama group under the supervision of Senior Vice President for Entertainment TV Lilybeth G. Rasonable; Vice President for Drama Redgie A. Magno; Assistant Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy; Program Manager Helen Rose S. Sese; and Executive Producer Carol Galve.

The creative team is composed of Creative Director for Drama, Jun Lana; Creative Head for Primetime Block, RJ Nuevas; Creative Consultant, Dode Cruz; and Suzette Doctolero as the concept creator and creative writer.

CARMELA: ANG PINAKAMAGANDANG BABAE SA MUNDONG IBABAW premieres on January 27 on GMA Telebabad.

Get the latest updates about Carmela from its official Facebook page Facebook.com/CarmelaGMAOfficial, Twitter account @CarmelaGMA, and the GMA Network website GMANetwork.com.