VHONG NAVARRO IS READY TO GET 'UGLY'
By REYMA BUAN-DEVEZA
abs-cbnNEWS.com

The country’s “Prince of Comedy,” Vhong Navarro will once again prove his comedic prowess with his latest television project “I Love Betty La Fea” with actress Bea Alonzo as Betty.

In an exclusive interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Navarro shared his happiness and promised that his fans and viewers will definitely love his new role as Nicolas, the best friend and confidant of Betty.

“Okay naman po sobrang saya dahil isa ako sa mapalad na makasama dito sa Betty La Fea dahil alam ko marami ang nag-aabang nito,” Navarro said.

The actor described Nicolas as the male counterpart of Betty. “Kung pagmamasdan mo itsura nila para silang pinagbiyak na kamatis. Sa ugali, pareho sila ng pangarap sa buhay gusto nilang maging successful kaya lang si Nicolas ang hangad ay magka-girlfriend ng maganda at sexy,” the actor added.

Navarro said that Nicolas will play a vital role for Betty. In the series Nicolas will be the sounding board or confidant of Betty.

“Feeling ko kami lang ang nagkakaintindihan kasi nga dahil kami lang iyong magka-uri, kami lang ang magkabagay tapos nag-usap kami sa ending na kapag hindi siya nakapag-asawa hindi ako nakapag-asawa kami ang magkakatuluyan, parang naka-kontrata iyon sa aming dalawala,” says Navarro.

The actor admitted that they haven’t started taping for the series but they’re done with the cast pictorial.

For the series, Navarro will be working for the first time with other stars like actress-beauty queen Ruffa Gutierrez and Alonzo.

“Sila sir Ronaldo Valdez medyo matagal-tagal na iyan basta excited ako sa project kasi maraming mga bago, si Meryll Soriano nandito din at first time na makaka-trabaho,” Navarro said.

The actor said that for the series he still prepared to give justice to his new role. He admitted that he asked for a copy of the original version of "Betty La Fea" from Colombia.

He watched the series to get information on how he’s going to portray the character of Nicolas.

“Kinuha ko iyong pinaka-original sa Colombia, para mapag-aralan ko kung paano manamit, kung paano ang mannerism at arte ni Nicolas doon, so dadagdagan ko na lang,” explains Navarro.

The actor said that as an artist he doesn’t mind if people will start teasing him “ugly” because of his role as Nicolas.

“Sanay ako diyan hindi ba nagsimula naman ako ang mga roles ko mga ganyan o kaya bading, ngayon lang naman ako nagkakaroon ng parang matinee idol look o mga agent o Don Romantico so ito binabalik lang siguro, siguro na miss ng tao ang ganoong characters ko,” Navarro said.

He even added that he is really excited to do a character he's done often enough previously: that of a good-hearted nerd.

Navarro shared that the cast, production staff and all the persons behind the series are all excited.

“Inabangan ito sa buong mundo at first time natin sa Pilipinas na magkakaroon tayo ng Betty La Fea alam ko na marami na ang excited na mapanood ito ganoon din ako nate-tense lang ako kasi sana ay magustuhan nila ang character ko as Nicolas,” Navarro said.

Showbiz
Saturday, July 5, 2008

Anyway, hindi big deal kay Vhong kung hindi siya bida sa I Love Betty La Fea ni Bea Alonzo.
Actually kung tutuusin, puwede na siyang mag-demand ng role dahil nagkaroon na siya ng sariling serye, ang Lastikman. Marami-rami na rin ang solo movie niyang kumita. “Wala naman sa akin yun. Si Chito (Roño, manager ni Vhong) naman ang nagdi-decide. Saka maganda naman ang role. Gagawin ko rin naman after nito yung Lastikman uli kaya okey lang,” sagot ni Vhong nang uriratin siya sa kanyang role bilang Nicolas na bestfriend ni Betty La Fea.

Anyway, halos kumpleto na ang cast ng Betty La Fea except sa character ni Armando. Siya na lang ang hindi ini-introduce kung sinong gaganap. Dati sinabi nang si John Lloyd Cruz pero naiba ang ihip ng hangin at balitang naghahanap pa sila hanggang ngayon.

NICOLAS ♥ BETTY

KASAMA si Vhong Navarro sa telenobelang I ♥ Betty La Fea bilang kaibigan ni Betty (Bea Alonzo) na si Nicolas.

Okey lang kay Vhong na sumuporta kay Bea.

“Hindi lang naman ako ang suporta kay Bea kundi pati sina Ms. Ai Ai (de las Alas) at Ruffa (Gutierrez),” sabi ni Vhong kahapon sa 9501.
“After this, gagawin ko raw ‘yung part 2 ng Lastikman.
“Saka maganda ang role ko dito. Nasa title pa ako. Ako ‘yung love (♥)!”

‘Lalaking Betty’ ang dating ni Vhong sa ser*yeng ito. Hindi pa sila nagte-taping ni Bea dahil ginagawa pa ang set na kumbaga’y upisina ng kumpanyang pinagtatrabahuhan ni Betty.

Hindi rin alam ni Vhong kung kelan magsisimulang ipalabas ang telenobelang ito.

“Wala pang playdate,” sambit pa ni Vhong. “Pero hindi naman ito ma-effects na mahirap. Para siyang sitcom. Konti lang ang location.”

Kasama rin sa cast ng I ♥ Betty La Fea sina Ronaldo Valdez, Sam Concepcion, Jojo Alejar, Ronnie Liang, Sheryn Regis, Joem Bascom, Randolf Stamatelaky, Megan Young, Wendy Valdez, Kristel Moreno, Arlene Tolibas at Meryll Soriano.

JAKE CUENCA IS OUT OF I LOVE BETTY LA FEA

Jake Cuenca was never considered to play Armando in I Love Betty La Fea, says an ABS-CBN.com source. The reason why his name cropped up among the contenders was because of some polls by different fan groups on who should have the coveted role. Plus, the fact that Jake and Bea are reportedly dating has put the couple under close scrutiny.

But even if he didn’t land the role of Armando, Jake will definitely busy with the different projects he has lined up with ABS-CBN. He will soon be starting his first project with Star Cinema with Shaina Magdayao and Maja Salvador as his co-stars. For the month of August, he’ll be busy with overseas shows with fellow Coverboys Rafael Rosell, Jon Avila, and Victor Basa.

As to who will be playing Armando, ABS-CBN is now preparing a big announcement soon. Other members of the cast were already introduced in music video aired on ABS-CBN, like Ai-Ai de las Alas, Ruffa Gutierrez, Ronaldo Valdez, Sam Concepcion, Meryl Soriano, Sheryn Regis, Joem Bascon, Lloyd Zaragoza, Marvin Yap, CJ Jaravata, and Vhong Navarro.

BEA ALONZO LOVES HER "BETTY-FUL" TRANSFORMATION
By Rachelle Siazon

"It’s very Betty-ful!" says Bea Alonzo about her deglamorized look for I Love Betty La Fea. Dressed as her Betty character, Bea talked to ABS-CBN.com about her "reverse makeover" during the shoot of the much-awaited comedy series. According to Bea, the frequent makeover sessions, which usually last two hours, have helped her get a feel of her role.

A lot of work was required for Bea to achieve the perfect "ugly" look as Betty. She had to wear fake bangs, her eyebrows were "thickened" using stencils from false eyelashes, and her hair was turned into a long curly dried-out mess. Bea even wore fake braces that were specially designed to fit comfortably and to help her speak easily.

The young actress never had any qualms about going through her reverse makeover. In fact, Bea is willing to do more to give justice to the well-loved character. "Binibigay ko na lahat sa workshop. Every night pinapanood ko yung Colombian Betty La Fea at 4 am na ako nakakatulog kasi talagang na-hook ako sa story at sa character," she says.

She hopes that viewers will also see the lovable attributes in her character that she found in Betty. "Gusto ko kay Betty yung pagiging secure niya sa sarili niya. May confidence siya in the way she carries herself despite how she looks. Alam niya yung mga gifts sa kanya ni Lord, the talent and intelligence na hindi lahat ng tao meron."

Bea also has praises for her co-stars in I Love Betty La Fea, most of whom she will be working with for the very first time. She commends their professionalism and she couldn’t be more flattered than to be surrounded by a star-studded cast.

Con 38 años y asentada en su rol de madre (tuvo a su hijo Malek a los 36), la conductora y actriz Karina Mazzocco se prepara para retornar a la TV tan sexy como siempre, pero más abocada a "esa parte nuestra que no se ve" que "a la exterior" según cuenta en el nuevo número de la revista Noticias en un reportaje en el que dice estar "abocada a la psicología budista", de la que es fiel seguidora.

Unlike Frank who had long left our country, we thank God for it, the telenovela mania remains and there are no signs that it will be leaving.

Komiks king Carlo J. Caparas' hits are reportedly will be in the television tube sooner.

Everybody in the country knows the character of Marimar, lobo, dyesabel, joaquin bordado, my girl and others.

Aside from the TV giants and front runners in TV ratings GMA- 7 and Abs-Cbn, ABC 5 and the government run stations have their own.

I have to quarrel regarding the airing but can we not limit it.

One, the there are already too many shows with same theme or line of message if there are.

I am batting for shifting to reality shows and note worthy talk shows at the TV prime time.

A Oprah type will be a good model.

Second, our kids who usually are glued practically every night are not getting the needed substance they are supposed to get from television.

Television whether we like or not is the most influential medium.

Nearly all houses regardless of status in life have television sets.

All open especially during primetime that product owners are willing to pay five figure rates in every 15 seconds to advertise their goods.

Let us maximize therefore the presence of television by choosing the shows that have enough substance or meat for the brains of ours and our children.

Let us look for better shows if we are fed up of same kind of shows.

I firmly believe that if we are more concern in the shows we are watching eventually it will reflect in the television rating.

Owners of television stations will follow thats for sure!

a ca dejo tres capitulos de muestra (by meikochan84 del youtube) de lo que podria decir la primera parte (osea cuando todavia disque christian esta confundido) y un video musical

Capitulo 4 (sucede que oliver beso a la novia de christian, Christian  empieza a odiarlo hasta que oliver le dice que no le gusta su enamorada si no que esta enamorado de el, de christian)

capitulo 11 (cuando christian por fin se anima a descubrir los placeres de la vida XD)

capitulo 13; acaso christian estara celoso? pero claro q ue si este capitulo me derrite, es cuando le deci yo tambien se que estoy enamorado de ti (muy yaoi XD) Pongo un extracto del dialogo Oliver:aunque no me des esperanza yo aguardare, finalmente tendremos que hablar, Christian : quise luchar contra esto, pero... me enamore. Se me rompe la prostata (de una forma romantica xD) de solo ver estos dialagos

Y una cancion dedicada ha esta pareja

The selfish king has long neglected his royal affairs, and left his kingdom to the senate, each one more corrupt than the other. The king cared so much of his garden that one day he gave out a royal decree that the garden is now the sole property of the king himself. On the front gate, he places a huge golden lock with keys that only he possesses that even the queen was denied entry. The people of the kingdom suffered under the rulings of the corrupt ministers. More mega-projects were built for their selfish need, a new city was to be built at the far end of the kingdom, buildings with glistening roofs and polished marbles for floors and golden archways for entrances to be made the new capital using none other than the taxpayer's money. The king and queen was left in the old capital now reduced to a royal city. The king remained in his garden, unaware of what is left of his kingdom for the walls of the garden was too high to see that his city is now almost empty. The queen now pregnant, with a belly so big she can hardly walk, stayed in the castle with the handsome Sir David by her side.

Nine months passed by and by now the queen is almost ready to deliver. News were sent  to the gates of the garden but the king sent everyone away, the rose garden needs pruning and the maze needs tending but the fact was, the king could not bare the sight of blood and the idea of heads coming out from between a woman's legs send quivers to his spine. That night, rain poured like it never did, half the royal city was flooded and in between the roars of thunder, the queen screamed and wailed and before she passed out, two babies popped out just in time for the midwife to catch them.

The next morning, the queen woke up to the most beautiful sights she ever saw. Two adorable little boys, each on one side of her bosom. At one corner, Sir David felt asleep on a chair, waiting on her beloved queen, worried that she may never wake up. The first born, was very handsome, reminds her of his farther, sleeping on the chair, with generous endowment even at this early age. The second born, has stunning beauty, skin as smooth as the radiant morning sun, the face of the queen's mother when she was young and beautiful. She kissed each one so lovingly and put their mouth to her bosom, and they start feeding hungrily. Sir David woke up the instance the king walked into the room. He didn't even notice the knight when he made it out the room for his eyes were fixed on the two magnificent beings drinking from their mother's tits. The king was overcame with joy that he leaped onto the bed and gave the queen the warmest embrace and kiss she had ever felt since they got married. The next day, the king and queen sat in the golden hall and welcome all his subjects in the castle to celebrate the newborn children. The king gave out a royal decree that all works on the new city will be stopped and all funds left in the royal bank will be used to rebuild the city, damaged by the flood. The king's subjects were all overjoyed much to the annoyance of the greedy ministers, but they smiled and congratulated the king anyway, afraid they might be sent away to prison on the charge of treason.

The first born, the handsome one was named Prince David Cook and the second born, the pretty one was named Prince David Archaletta.

Thus begin the tale of tales, beginning of the beginning, an ending that never ends. The tale of the two brothers continues..................................

Long ago, in an age when fairies and men live together in peace and harmony, there lived a King and Queen in a faraway country beyond the high mountains, among the clouds and passing wind. The King was called His Majesty King Gaylord, for he was forever gay living in his castle beyond the high gates far from sadness and worries. The Queen was called Her Majesty Queen Drag, for it was said that the queen's farther wanted a son so much that when she was born, she was given such a manly name, as it was written in his will before he dies at a very young age of 25. The queen was his one and only child but she would have many step-brothers in the future when her mother got married again with the king's cousin who killed the king in his sleep one fateful night.

King Gaylord and Queen Drag married in a joyous moment, written in history as one of the most happening weeding that can only be rivaled by Prince Charles and Princess Diana, centuries to come. It was said that their wedding was known as the wedding of the century as no other kings and queens before them had managed to hold such a lavish 100 days wedding celebration. They enjoyed one whole year of matrimonial bliss until one day, after hearing about the king's vast but otherwise empty courtyard, the king of a neighboring country presented the king with a gift on his first wedding anniversary. The gift was a Royal gardener, not any regular gardener but one with the most gifted "green hands". His skill and ability was in fact a gift by a fairy he once saved from being sodomized by an evil minister. The fairy was so grateful for his kindness that not only he gave him the gift of the "green hand", he made him the handsomest gardener known to man and an extra special gift of a very generous endowment (so that the fairy may satisfy his needs with the gardener during his visits to his humble cottage). The gardener was known as Fernando Jose.

Thus begin the life of Fernando Jose in the King's courtyard, building the most beautiful garden in the whole world, complete with the most intricate and elaborate maze lined with roses, white and red and in the center of the garden, the most beautiful lake with clear blue waters with an island in the middle. On this island a single tree of "sakura" or cherry blossoms that bears flowers all year long. It was later told that the sakura tree was in fact, a parting gift from the fairy to the gardener on the night before they parted in tears that floods the gardener's cottage and leaves behind a pool with waters so salty that no fish can live in it. Upon the completion of the mega-project, the king and queen held a large banquet in honor of the master gardener. Since, the mega-project was mainly funded with the taxpayer's money, the king promised that the whole kingdom may enjoy it as a public garden.

However, the king, selfish as he is, ordered that a huge brick wall as high as the hills to be built around the garden and a heavy iron gate built at the entrance. Each entry will be charged and the money collected is used for more mega-projects to satisfy the king's selfish needs. The king started neglecting the queen soon after, he is hardly seen in the castle. She lied in an empty bed every night, cold and miserable and at times when her yearnings for a man's touch grew too unbearable, she would make her way to the kitchen and satisfy herself with a long, cold cucumber. She grew more curious about her husband's absence that one night he called upon her most trusted knight (most of the royal knights favored the queen anyway, because she was most beautiful and blessed with two very healthy bosoms) to spy upon the king's whereabouts. The knight was known as Sir David Becham. It was found that the king would make his way to the garden's gate every night where the gardener awaits him and he would only make it back to the castle in time for breakfast.

In the meantime, the relationship between the Queen and Sir David grew ever closer until one night on her way down to the kitchen to get a cucumber, she stumbled upon the knight having a late supper with only his sexy white boxers on. She cannot hold herself when, while standing up to give the queen a bow, her majesty caught a glimpse of his huge endowment, all hard and swollen in the cold, morning air. She flung herself into his strong, masculine arms and they spent the night together in the king's bridal chamber.

Thus, this continued for the next few months until one day, the king's farther came to visit, reminding him that if he is unable to produce a royal heir, he would lose his throne to his cousin. The king more afraid to loose his precious garden, unwillingly slept in the queen's chamber that night. Try as he may he was unable to get his penis working. The wise Queen gave the king a few drops of elixir and soon after the king was riding the queen like a horse, for the first time after twelve long months. The king got so exhausted that he slept the whole day. The elixir in fact was a gift from the queen's mother but to be used only when the king reaches the age of 60. It was also the same elixir she used to heat up the nights she spent with Sir David.

The queen was dissapointed that once the king recovered from the exhaustion, he made his way back into his beloved garden. Some said that that night they heard voices coming from the garden of people shouting at each other followed by sad sobbings and tears. Thinking they were hearing ghosts, they closed their windows shut and went to sleep under their blankets. It was not long before the news was heard all over the kingdom that the queen is now pregnant. Even more delighted was the news that the queen is pregnant with twins.

To be continued..........................................

Nesma's version currently has the working title "Gancho en el Corazon". Nobody has been selected to play the lead actress yet although there are rumors that former TV Azteca star Ana Serradilla might be the lead in this production.

Natalia Oreiro and Facundo Arana were the lead stars in the original. This is the second Natalia Oreiro-Facundo Arana starrer that Televisa has remade. The first was Muneca Brava which Televisa adapted this year as "Al Diablo con los Guapos".

The opening credits of the original. Me encanta!

CARLA PETERSON ELOGIÓ A SU AMIGA
"Natalia Oreiro fue mi maestra"

“Si no hubiese trabajado en ´Sos mi vida´ con Natalia, probablemente no hubiese estado preparada para afrontar mi rol en ´Lalola´”, reconoció Carla Peterson sentada en el sillón de “Mañanas Informales” donde llevó tres de los Martin Fierro que ganó su programa ayer.

“También tomé cosas de Carlos Belloso, cosas brutas que tenía su personaje, como gesticular con las manos pero sin despegar los dedos” explicó y agregó que durante el tiempo en que se hizo la tira “volví locos a mis amigos hombres pidiéndole que me enseñen cosas”. “Me enteré de mi protagónico por el diario y no lo podía creer porque hasta ese entonces el programa iba a ser de Nancy Duplaa. Pensé que estaba bueno trabajar con Luciano Castro, me dije a mi misma ´que bueno es, es bueno como actor, como persona y claro, además esta bueno´” confesó entre risas.

Carla habló de la alegría que significó para ella ganar la estatuilla a mejor actriz de comedia. “Para mi familia esto fue muy importante porque cuando yo decidí que quería ser actriz me apoyaron mucho. Seguramente nunca pensaron que yo podía llegar tan lejos por eso ahora siento que esta estatuilla es una especie de premio a ellos que me bancaron siempre”.

Respecto a su novio francés al cual no le agradeció, Carla despejó toda duda “el festejo y las gracias hacia él, fueron en privado, y muy lindas” dijo la actriz.

“Lalola es una historia universal, yo amo este programa y le sigo los pasos ahora que el producto hace su recorrido por el mundo, estoy orgullosa y feliz” concluyó visiblemente satisfecha.

Mientras RBD anunció el lanzamiento de la edición especial de su quinto disco de estudio,

"Empezar desde

Cero", como agradecimiento por el apoyo de sus fans, Dulce María se siente contenta porque es tomada

en cuenta para protagonizar una telenovela, y Anahí descarta que tenga rencores por las versiones de que aumentó sus senos.

Entrevistados en su disquera, Dulce María apuntó que se siente honrada y halagada porque su productor y

manager de RBD (Pedro Damián), la toma en cuenta para futuros proyectos, aunque aclaró que todavía no hay nada concreto para realizar una telenovela.

Por su parte Anahí, quien se molestó con Juan José Origel porque publicó en TV y Novelas que había aumentado sus senos, dijo que no tiene rencores contra él, "yo sólo amor y paz".

"Empezar desde Cero: Fan Edition", incluye tres temas inéditos: "Tal Vez Mañana" (escrito por Maite), "Te Daría Todo" (escrita por Dulce María) y "Elige estar Bien" (tema de la campaña del mismo nombre que interpreta el sexteto al lado de Kudai y Eiza González).

Además, el material incluye un DVD con los videos de los temas "Inalcanzable" y "Empezar desde Cero", así como sus respectivos "making offs".

Y para los que se sienten parte de RBD, las canciones "Inalcanzable", "Y no Puedo Olvidarte" y "Empezar desde Cero" también vienen en su versión karaoke.

El CD+DVD de la agrupación intérprete de "Celestial" y "Sólo Quédate en Silencio" estará a la venta a partir del 6 de julio.

The full trailer of I Love Betty La Fea was shown during one of the
breaks of the show My Girl. The perky song "Hey Betty You Are Beautiful"
was performed by Mika as the cast members were revealed to the public one by
one.

Bea Alonzo brings life to the character of Betty, the ugly duckling who wants
to prove her worth in the fashion industry. After a series of unsuccessful job
applications, she is finally hired as a secretary in the Eco Moda fashion
agency. Betty becomes the butt of jokes of her officemates who look down upon
her because of her outward appearance.

According to the official website of ABS-CBN, the Kapamilya Network is
currently constructing a full-scale office set at one of the floors of the
Eugenio Lopez Jr. Communications Center building in the network's compound.
This will serve as the venue of the love story between Betty and her immediate
boss Armando (whose identity still remains a closely guarded secret).

Actress and style icon Ruffa Gutierrez is tapped to play Betty's nemesis
Daniella, one of the people who disdain Betty for her looks. Daniella's close
friends are Wendy Valdez (Patricia) and Megan Young (Marcela).

Other officemates in Eco Moda include Sheryn Regis (Kylie),
Meryll Soriano (Rose), Krystel Moreno (Jen), Arlene Tolibas (Cely), CJ Jaravata
(Rita), and Sammy Villaresis as the guard of the fashion company. Comedian
Vhong Navarro is Betty's best friend and officemate Nicolas who happens to be
physically challenged.

The Eco Moda team is also composed of Joem Bascon (Mario), Randolf Stamalacky
(Randy), Ronnie Liang (Enrique), Jojo Alejar (Mac), and Thou Reyes (Hugo).

Julia (Ai-Ai delas Alas) is Betty's loving mother. She cares
for her daughter so much and for her, Betty is the most beautiful woman in the
world. Hermes (Ronaldo Valdez) is the kind and supportive father of Betty.
Andrew (Sam Concepcion) is Betty's cute and confident younger brother.

I ♥ Betty La Fea will air soon on ABS-CBN's Primetime Bida.

By KRIS DANIELLE SUAREZ

The cast of the much-awaited ABS-CBN teleserye "I Love Betty La Fea" was revealed in a sneak peek Monday night, but the big question still remains: who will play Betty's boss and love interest, Armando?

The first peek at the cast of "Betty," topbilled by Bea Alonzo, who will play the title character, was shown on ABS-CBN's Primetime Bida's "My Girl!" Monday evening.

The Philippine version of the worldwide hit series adapted characters from both the Colombian and US versions, and the cast includes veteran actors as well as fresh faces in the industry.

Betty is a smart yet unattractive girl, fresh out of college, who wants to prove her worth in the working world. After a lot of unsuccessful job applications, she lands a job at the Eco Moda fashion agency, where she encounters a lot of interesting and difficult characters who aren’t used to seeing anything - or anyone - unfashionable walking along their corridors.

Actress and style icon Ruffa Gutierrez will play Betty's nemesis Daniella, while comedian Vhong Navarro will play her best friend and officemate Nicolas.

Betty's family will be portrayed by Ai-Ai De Las Alas (Julia, her mother), Sam Concepcion (Andrew, her brother), and Ronaldo Valdez (Hermes, her father), while Marvin Yap (Bart) and Lloyd Zaragoza (Roman) play her neighbors.

The Eco Moda office will be staffed by Sheryn Regis (Kylie), Meryll Soriano (Rose), Krystel Moreno (Jen), Arlene Tolibas (Cely), CJ Jaravata (Rita), and Sammy Villaresis (Guard), while Daniella's office clique will be composed of Wendy Valdez (Patricia) and Megan Young (Marcela).

The Eco Moda team will be completed by Joem Bascon (Mario), Randolf Stamalacky (Randy), Ronnie Liang (Enrique), Jojo Alejar (Mac) and Thou Reyes (Hugo).

Since most of the scenes will be shot in an office setting, ABS-CBN decided to construct a full-scale office set just for the series: the Eco Moda office set is already under construction at one of the floors of the Eugenio Lopez Jr. Communications Center building in the ABS-CBN compound.

Story-wise, expect to see a lot of Filipino touches, although a lot of the original elements are being retained.

Only one character remains to be filled, and the producers are still keeping under wraps the identity of the actor who will play the apple of Betty's eyes. Will Bea finally be sharing kilig scenes with hot hunk Jon Avila, or will she test her on-screen chemistry with either Luis Manzano, Aga Muhlach, Piolo Pascual, or even Bea's reported new flame Jake Cuenca? Or will diehard fans get their wish granted to see their favorite love team reunited once again? Stay tuned to ABS-CBN, and be the first to know!

"Betty" will soon be shown on ABS-CBN's Primetime Bida block.

]]> http://telenovelasyestrellas.wordpress.com/?p=75 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:01:13 +0000 telenovelas http://telenovelasyestrellas.wordpress.com/?p=75 A few hours ago, in a special sneak peek, ABS-CBN announced the cast of I Love Betty la Fea, the Philippine version of the cult hit.

Hola, Betty fans! Aqui esta el elenco de nuestra version.

Bea Alonzo as Betty
Ai Ai delas Alas as Julia
Sam Concepcion as Andrew
Ronaldo Valdez as Hermes
Marvin Yap as Bart
Lloyd Zaragoza as Roman
Vhong Navarro as Nicolas
Sheryn Regis as Kylie
Meryll Soriano as Rose
Krystel Moreno as Jen
Arlene Tolibas as Cely
CJ Jaravata as Lita
Sammy Villaresis as Guard
Wendy Valdez as Patricia
Megan Young as Marcela
Ruffa Gutierrez as Daniela
Joem Bascon as Mario
Randolf Stalamacky as Randy
Ronnie Liang as Enrique
Jojo Alejar as Mac
Thou Reyes as Hugo

Yes, no Armando yet.

Si, hasta ahorita, no tenemos nuestro Armandito.

Here's the look of our Betty la Fea. What do you think?

Pero ahora, te dejo la rostro, el look de nuestra Betty. Que te parece?

Years ago, when I was still a little girl, Russian TV aired the very 1st Latin American soap opera which became an instant sensation across the Soviet Union. You may find it unbelievable but this is actually true - in 1996, President Boris Yeltsin decided to broadcast a popular Brazilian soap on election day in an effort to keep voters away from the polls!

And as for American soaps - do any of you remember the endless saga by the name of "Santa Barbara"? The show was a huge hit in Russia, being the first American program to air there after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Being the first soap opera of "insane" length and complicated twists (Latin American soap operas aired earlier were generally not longer than 200 series), the very name of it became the local ironical denominative of soap operas and, even more so, of long stories about personal love filled with all sorts of madly entangled interpersonal twists.

Who would've thought that foreign telenovelas would have made such an incredible impact on such a huge, vastly populated nation, and in fact the entire Soviet block. But trust me, it's actually true - even as a little kid, I remember the entire capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, and later Moscow after we moved there, being completely taken by the lives and dramas of all of the characters of these soap operas.

I just came across an article about Russians finding their utter heroes in Mexican soaps, which was written and published in The NY Times in 1994. Here's an excerpt:

"In her gala opening performance at the Rossiya concert hall, Victoria Ruffo did not dance. Or sing. Or tell jokes. For two hours, against a giant backdrop of billowing sequined white tulle, the Mexican star of Russia's favorite soap opera, "Simply Maria," sat in an armchair on stage.

With the help of an interpreter, Ms. Ruffo chatted in Spanish with a bubbly Russian master of ceremonies and at the end, she answered a few questions from an audience of more than 2,000.

Russians are addicted to television soap operas, particularly to Mexican soap operas like "Simply Maria." When communication workers went on strike last month and the show starring Ms. Ruffo did not air, the protest calls were so ferocious that the Government quickly acceded to the strikers' demands."

Crazy, isn't it? Not in the slightest bit exaggerated either, I can tell you this from my personal experience - people were SO hooked on these nonsensical addictions, it was basically the only real entertainment and stress relief for our people back then.

And by the way, these soap operas were a million times bigger in Russia than in their countries of origin:

"I had never heard of Victoria Ruffo before," explained Zarina Martinez Borresen, the cultural attache at the Mexican Embassy in the mid 90's. "The show doesn't have the same success at home as it does here."

I remember my grandparents, who really were very bright and busy and all the rest of it, don't get me wrong, discussing the details of every episode as though Maria's problems had really been their own. "Did you see how Juan Carlos looked at her when she told him about the baby?", "Do you think Maria is going to stay with Victor or go back to Juan Carlos?", etc. No kidding, I'm dead serious!

Missing an episode was the biggest small tragedy in every family back then - even the husbands who initially criticized and laughed at their sentimental Soviet wives became addicted to it little by little. "Forget the soccer, 'The Rich Cry, Too' (Los Ricos Tambien Lloran) is on television!" It was that intense.

But unfortunately (or rather - fortunately) the undying enthusiasm wore off with time as we became more open and exposed to some of the more intellectually stimulating forms of Western art, television, entertainment, etc. It is in our blood though - even now.

Sometimes my friends and I laugh about it, we still remember some of the crazy plots and names of characters - it's quite nostalgic of us, if you think about it, and may seem a bit "retarded" to others, but it really was a part of that whole political "collapse" - and perhaps in many ways, it helped to make that transition a little more bearable and slightly less "shocking"?

Aumentar Reducir Enviar Nota Imprimir MÉXICO, Distrito Federal(SUN)

Mientras que la actriz Silvia Navarro espera su llamado para sumarse al elenco de la serie de televisión ''Mujeres asesinas'', el productor Nicandro Díaz confirmó que la actriz mantiene su papel de protagonista para su próxima telenovela, ''Pura sangre''.

''De lado de Televisa la información que tengo es que eso (el contrato con Navarro) ya debe estar cerrado.

Su participación depende de que Silvia esté convencida del proyecto que le estamos ofreciendo''', declaró.

El productor recordó que cuando él le planteó a Navarro el protagónico de su próxima telenovela, la actriz se encontraba en medio de la filmación de la cinta ''La cabeza de Buda''. ''Espero que el encuentro entre nosotros suceda pronto, por no decir ya'', agregó.

El también productor de la telenovela ''Destilando amor'' dijo que si bien como dirigente de un proyecto debe prevenirse con otra actriz por si Silvia llegara a declinar el proyecto, prefiere no pensar en esa posibilidad.

''Es parte de la profesión, el protegerse y pensar en los respaldos, aún así, yo he preferido no pensar en alguno'', subrayó.

Pero a quienes sí confirmó Díaz como parte del elenco fue a Rogelio Guerra (quien después de varios años regresó a Televisa), Lucero, Sergio Mayer, Ana Martin y Sergio Sendel.

En relación con el regreso de Guerra a las filas de Televisa, Díaz dijo desconocer si este retorno es permanente.

Una nueva versión en formato de telenovela de "Doña Bárbara", la obra cumbre del venezolano Romulo Gallegos, comenzará a ser grabada la próxima semana en Colombia por la cadena de estadounidense Telemundo, informó este jueves la compañía local encargada de la producción.

La telenovela será protagonizada por la mexicana Edith González, que interpretará a "Doña Bárbara", el papel que hizo célebre en la versión cinematográfica a su compatriota María Felix en los años cuarenta.

Gonzalez sustituirá a la venezolana de origen croata Gabriela Spanic, quien había sido anunciada inicialmente.

El papel de Santos Luzardo, personaje principal masculino de la obra, estará a cargo del actor venezolano Ricardo Álamo, reveló un alto ejecutivo de Telemundo a condición de anonimato, pues no estaba autorizado a revelar detalles de la novela

La obra de Gallegos, que cuenta la historia de una terrateniente implacable que odia a los hombres y que termina sucumbiendo al amor con su peor enemigo, ha sido llevada al menos en dos ocasiones al cine y tiene unas diez versiones en la pantalla chica.

De ellas la más célebre fue realizada en los años setenta por Radio Caracas Televisión, con guión de los galardonados escritores José Ignacio Cabrujas y Salvador Garmendia, difundida en la mayoría de países de América Latina.

aqui les dejo un video resumen de la historia

Basicamente la trama trata de un chico boxeador con pinta de top model xD asi de esos que los miras y te revientan a palos y un chico bisexual que es su compañero de cuarto entonces este chico boxeador (christian) tiene su novia todo normal hasta que empieza a sentir (y despues sintio de todo y cuando digo de todo es de todo xD) un pequeño deseo asia su compañero oliver, luego se enamoran y pasan un millon de dificultades, desde rechazo de los familiares, discriminacion en el trabajo (viva la europa liberal) y sin fin de cosas que hace pensar que talvez latinoamerica no es taannnn diferente a otros paises, pero a pesar de eso es una historia muy romantica y vale la pena verla.

y otro videito pero ya de la historia