OR the first time,
Dennis Padilla is co-starring with his nine-year-old daughter, Julia Barretto
(mom is Marjorie Barretto), in "Palos." The girl is playing a very important
role in the teleserye. Like Cesar Montano and Jake Cuenca, who share star
billing, Julia also plays an agent in "Palos." She is tasked with equally and
multiple important missions, which she also has to accomplish, no matter what.
"Kaya, like Cesar and Jake, mag-a-action din
dito sa ‘Palos’ si Julia. Sa kaso ko, since comedy naman
is my forte, magpapatawa ako," said Dennis. "And I have for my partner
ace comedian Redford White. We play adopted parents to Wendy (Valdez), na
magkakaroon ng papel sa buhay ni Cesar."
Billed as the protector of the people, "Palos" is based on a
movie popularized in the ‘60s. Bernard Bonnin, who has a featured role in the
series, played the title role. According to Bernard, he has made, at least,
eight movies based on "Palos" and all titled, you guess it, "Palos."
"Viewers have actually a lot to look forward to in ‘Palos,’"
Cesar cut in. "A lot of action stunts and scenes are done by us, the members of
the cast, after a painstaking training. May three special effects din
ang ‘Palos,’ the series, never yet done in any TV series or shows. At ang
dami ding drama and, of course, as in all action series, mapa-pelikula o
TV, there are sizzling romantic love angles."
Sexy and brave women are also given special prominence in
"Palos," like Sunshine Cruz, who is paired with her real-life husband, Cesar,
Bangs Garcia, Jodie Sta. Maria-Lacson, Roxanne Guinoo, Carla Humphries, and
Regine Angeles. Other important actors are Jomari Yllana, Gloria Romero, Jay R.
Siaboc, Vandolph, Dennis Padilla, and Ron Maloles.
"Palos," like two other new, big and important teleserye,
"Lobo" and "Kung Fu Kids," premiered last Monday on ABS-CBN. It is directed by
Toto Natividad, Erick Salud, and Trina Dayrit.
***
Hailed as another exceptional project from the Kapamilya
network, "Lobo" is produced by Star Television, the TV arm of Star Cinema. The
creative group in charge of the series is the same set of people handling the
drama anthology, "Maalaala Mo Kaya."
"Lobo" stars two of the hottest stars in showbiz today, Piolo
Pascual and Angelo Locsin. The series marks Angel’s first project with the
Kapamilya network after her decision to transfer from GMA-7.
"Lobo" is a tale of ill-fated lovers who go against all odds
to be together.
Angel is the character lobo (werewolf) in the series.
The concept has been in the planning table for three years, long before Angel
may have considered the idea of signing up with ABS-CBN. Award-winning story and
script writer, Ricky Lee, on whose story and script "Lobo" was based, said that
the one who originally conceptualized the project may have been inspired by the
story of "The Beauty and the Beast."
Directed by FM Reyes and Cathy Garcia-Molina, "Lobo" also
stars Shaina Magdayao, Ryan Eigenmann, Robert Arevalo, Agot Isidro, Dimples
Romana, Maritoni Fernandez, Nash Aguas, Luaren Young, Janus del Prado, AJ Perez,
Gio Alvarez, Irma Adlawan, Dante Rivero, and Pilar Pilapil. In special roles are
Diether Ocampo, Bobby Andrews, Kier Legaspi, Angel Aquino, Sharlene San Pedro,
Jacob Dioniosio, and Sheryl Cruz.
***
Raymund Dizon, producer of "Kung Fu Kids," revealed that he
has dreamt of producing a family-oriented show. One which parents, together with
their kids, even including the lolo and lola, plus the househelp,
will all enjoy together watching. Raymund believes that he has realized this in
"Kung Fu Kids," an action-packed superserye, topbilled by the brightest
child stars in the industry: Jairus Aquino, Paul Salas, Eliza Pineda, Jane
Oineza, Kristoffer Dangculos, Josha Dionesio, and Andre Garcia.
The series allows the kids (ages eight to 13 years old) to
display their martial arts prowess. They learn the skill from a bizarre-looking
kung fu master.
"Hahangaan mo ang professionalism ng mga bata,"
stated Malu Sevilla, who directs the fantasy-action series. "Napaka-dedicated
nila sa trabaho. I salute them."
Former child star Richard Arellano, who co-directs with
Direk Malu, on his part, said: "What will set ‘Kung Fu’ from the previous
kiddieserye, especially, is that the kids here are not gifted with
superpowers. Yet, they are able to wipe out their enemies through sheer
determination and teamwork."
"Lobo" was also shot in different locations, including a temple in China to
add depth and mystical appeal to the series.
