Ryan gets Direk Carlo’s nod

Why Direk Carlo was given the title "Komiks King" is self-explanatory. In his heyday as a komiks writer and novelist, he churned more than 100 novels which, to date, are still popular, not only because most of these have been made into films but because a number of them are being adapted into TV series.

The first ever komiks novel adapted into a teleserye by ABS-CBN was from Direk Carlo. The komiks title "Ang Panday" became even more popular when the late Fernando Poe Jr., in his time known as the "King of Philippine Movies," made a series of movies based on it.

Jericho Rosales played the lead in the TV version.

"Ang Panday" was followed by "Bakekang," which then reigning superstar Nora Aunor made into a movie. GMA 7 later adapted it for TV with Sunshine Dizon portraying Bakekang.

Robin Padilla regained his status as an action star with his portrayal of Joaquin Bordado, which GMA-7 also serialized. "Joaquin Bordado" was also produced into a movie by Imus Productions with Senator Ramon Revilla, Sr. playing the title role.

"Codename: Asero" is another creation of Direk Carlo. Currently being serialized on GMA 7, it has Richard Gutierrez as lead actor.

Another Carlo Caparas novel on GMA is "Gagambino" with Dennis Trillo playing the title role. The series reportedly rated 35% when it premiered last Monday, the highest rating that day.

Now comes another work from Direk Carlo which is expected to do well at the ratings games: "Pieta." Direk Carlo considers this particular creation of his a masterpiece. "Pieta," he explained, is a true story. It’s about a mother’s unconditional love for her son.

"Pieta," when it was made into a movie by Amazaldy Films nearly two decades ago, earned a best director for Direk Carlo and the first acting trophy for Vivian Velez.

Ace Vergel, who played the problem son, likewise, earned a best actor trophy for his role.

***

Direk Carlo said he felt worried when he first learned that the role of Rigor was given to Ryan Agoncillo.

"I have nothing against Ryan. I don’t know him too well as a person, but as an actor, alam kong bago siya.

"Ang ini-expect kong gaganap sa role ni Rigor sa TV adaptation ng ‘Pieta’ ay isa sanang katulad ni Ace. He was just simply perfect as Rigor," he said.

But Direk Carlo himself revealed that he quickly changed his mind about Ryan when he saw the teaser of ABS-CBN’s "Pieta."

How about Cherie as Amanda? What can the director say about her?

"Cherie has always impressed me as an actress," Direk Carlo replied. "She appeared as one of the characters in a movie based on one of my novels, ‘God Save Me.’ She won a trophy for best supporting actress."

Toto Natividad, one of the best directors Direk Carlo worked with, is the latter’s personal choice to direct the action scenes in "Pieta." Direk Toto’s co-director is Don Cuaresma.

Direk Carlo considers the other stars in the cast as good, too. John Regala, whom Direk Carlo has directed in a past movie, is simply perfect for the role of Miguel.

"Tingnan mo lang siya," he stated, "mukhang scheming na, ‘di ba?"

Jestoni Alarcon is assigned the pivotal role of Delfin. Sexy and promising actress Krista Ranillo plays Martha, Rigor’s lady love.

The other talented stars of "Pieta" are Jason Abalos, Jairus Gamboa, Janus del Prado, John James Uy, Lyka Ugarte, DJ Durano, Neil Sese, Nina Dolino and Ynez Veneracion.

In special roles are Alessandra de Rossi as the young Amanda, Baron Geisler as the young Miguel and Joross Gamboa as the young Delfin.

Special mention should be given to child actor Paul Salas for his convincing performance as the pre-teen Rigor.

"Pieta" will start airing on October 27, right after "Wowowee."

***

Will the success of the TV series based on his komiks novels earn Direk Carlo a new title?