GMA ushers in summer TV

source: mb.com
MANILA, Philippines – GMA Network is launching today on “Party Pilipinas” its omnibus summer TV commercial billed as “Halo-Halo Ang Summer Saya.” In its programming recipe, the Kapuso network serves a hodge-podge of new flavorful ingredients to our favorite refreshment “halo-halo.”

Primetime TV’s “King of Telefantasya,” Richard Gutierrez brings on the three-scoop ice cream with “Captain Barbell.” In the comeback of the greatest Pinoy superhero on primetime tomorrow, March 28, Richard reprises his role as Captain Barbell and his alter ego, Teng, and is now joined by a new league of extraordinary beings with unique superpowers.

Host Edu Manzano offers ice-cold peace to warring families in the refurbished “Family Feud: The Showdown Edition,” while Chris Tiu puts in some wiggly gelatin with his “Man vs. Beast” – a new program that will pit powers against animals.

Ali Sotto and radio DJ Papa Jack add on the milk in “Star Box,” a daily talk show staged live in remote areas to engage the common-tao, while Jackie Rice dips in some pinipig in “Sisid” with leading men Dominic Roco, Ian Batherson and JC Tiuseco.

Meanwhile, Mark Herras, Kris Bernal and Rocco Nacino whip up their one-of-a-kind dance moves for TV’s most awaited danserye with working title “Jump,” as Carmina Villaroel takes on the kitchen heat with kiddie chefs in “Amazing Cooking Kids,” a reality cooking competition open to kids from eight to 12 years old. Carmina also stars in the forthcoming drama series “Munting Heredera” with Ms. Gloria Romero.

And then, there’s Marian Rivera making the perfect appetizer with her new horror-comedy show “Spooky Nights Presents Bampirella” which will run for a week. Marian also topbills GMA’s most expensive primetime series “Amaya,” which tells of the country’s untold epics. She is joined by Sid Lucero and TV’s newest “it” guy, Mikael Daez.

GMA-7’s summer campaign was conceptualized by the creative team of GMA’s Program Support Department composed of VP Regie Bautista, Associate Creative Director Dino Garcia, copywriter Sudoy Patena, Art Director Hendrik Gonzales, and Senior Project Manager Hasmin Marable; and was produced by a team composed of awarded cinematographer Ding Achacoso as director of photography, Director Paul Ticzon, co-director Vince Gealogo, producer Ingred Navarro and cameramen Erwin Tolentino, Ricky Paras, Paolo Visda, Javier Delgado and Paul Arrojado.

GMA Network once again completes the summer fun with a truly all-in-one “viewers’ delight.” As the ID’s jingle, sung by Julie Ann San Jose, and Elmo Magalona, says “Anumang saya ang hanap mo, matatagpuan mo rito.”

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Richard, Capt. Barbell mature in new series

Richard Gutierrez has matured and so does Captain Barbell. But what else is expected from the new “Captain Barbell” series?

First, the setting is now in Mega Manila and second are the challenges and hardships that Captain Barbell’s human persona Teng faces.

Writers of the series said that the change in location from the province to the metropolis is interrelated to the maturity of Teng which they want to show their audience. They want to explore how Teng would adapt in the city especially since he has a young girl in his care played by Jillian Ward.

Richard describes the superhero as more mature now.

“As we know five years ago the audience of ‘Captain Barbell’ then were younger and now they’ve grown older. So our story must also mature. We have to establish that in those five years, Teng and Captain Barbell went through a lot in terms of responsibility and in the romantic aspect. It’s more dramatic this time and he has accepted more his role as a superhero,” Richard said.

The story takes off with the death of Rhian Ramos who happens to be a heart donor. And Teng would look for the woman who received Rhian’s heart. The two women who most probably has Rhian’s heart are played by Isabel Oli and Lovi Poe. And unlike the first “Captain Barbell,” there are more female stars in the sequel. As to whom will Richard end up with is what viewers have to watch out for. The two other female actresses in “Captain Barbell” are Michelle Madrigal and Solenn Heussaff.

The director added that Richard matured too as an actor. “If ever he matured as an actor, it is because he has been handled by different directors, writers and he has been doing a lot of things. All of those helped ripen him as a person and actor,” opined director Dominic. “Captain Barbell” premieres on March 28 after “24 Oras.”

source: mb.com