GMA-7 has a new primetime show that promises to make televiewers addicted to it. It’s aptly entitled “Adik Sa Yo,” Joel Lamangan’s newest directorial job for television. It features some of the network’s most sought-after stars: Dennis Trillo, Marvin Agustin, Jennica Garcia and Jolina Magdangal.

GMA Network launched the show in a grand, expensive fashion last Wednesday at the Oasis along Aurora Blvd. The Santacruzan-themed event started with a performance by the San Jose Drum and Bugle group and after that they had the stars (including Elizabeth Oropesa, Joey Marquez, Pauleen Luna, Chanda Romero, Iwa Moto, John Lapus, Ces Quesada, Luz Valdez, German Moreno, Benjie Paras, Vaness del Moral, Sandy Talag, Mosang, Tony Mabesa, Jim Pebangco, Charisse Solomon) come in in their colorful Filipiniana attires.

After the presentation of the stars, the famed Bayanihan Dance Troupe performed its signature native dances. Indeed, the event was conceived in a grand fiesta style, and the spirit of the traditional Flores de Mayo was very much alive that night at Oasis.

What makes “Adik Sa Yo” a potential top-rater is that it is an original material. And because it was raining, Joel Lamangan took it as a blessing from the heavens. “Kakaibang show ito – original, romantic and funny. At magagaling lahat ang mga artista sa cast…”

Ms. Lilibeth G. Rasonable, supervising producer, said, “Sigurado ko, maiibigan ito ng mga manonood…”

“Adik Sa Yo” follows the lives of Ruben (Dennis), Karen (Jennica), Carlos (Marvin), and Joan (Jolina) – four people who couldn’t be more different, with the amusing circumstances that surround them. As fate would have it, “their paths inevitably crisscross to create a roller-coaster ride of emotional highs and lows; unexpected twists and turns, and life-changing surprises.”

Elizabeth Oropesa, now a doctor!

Definitely one of the most talented actor in the cast is Elizabeth Oropesa. It is recalled that she got the Grand Slam for Best Actress for the movie “Bulaklak ng Maynila.” This is in addition to seven or eight other Best Actress trophies in her entire acting career.

We were delighted to see her that night because she hasn’t been seen on the screen (big and small) for sometime. The much-awarded actress said she still loves her craft, but in the past several years, she had to pursue another calling – healing! “I felt I needed a change of career,” she said.

“Ang dami kong offers na movies and teleseryes, but I turned them down because I wanted to study,” she said. “I spent five and a half years in school and now that I’m finished, may time na ako ulit sa showbiz. I accepted ‘Adik Sa Yo’ because it’s Joel Lamangan directing. Besides, I need money to establish another branch of my wholistic spa Juana’s Paradise, this time in Donsol, Sorsogon.”

Elizabeth studied Physiology and Anatomy, Traditional and Chinese Medicine Advance, among others at the University of the East. She also specialized in stress, trauma and pain management. Her clients are composed mostly of foreigners who get to know of her wholistic approach (by the way, she uses only organic materials in her services) through the Internet. Beth (who is Elizabeth Oropesa Freeman in real life) has her Healing Center in #20 Winston St., East Fairview, QC. (Those interested to try her services may email her at elizabethof888@yahoo.com)

Elizabeth, who also appeared in the digital movie “Ded Na Si Lolo,” plays the mother of Jennica and stepmother of Jolina in “Adik Sa Yo.” She’s behind the success of Stella Sardines, but she’s also a social climber who wanted to marry off Jennica to Marvin because he is rich.

“Adik Sa Yo” airs weeknights after “Totoy Bato,” only on GMA-7.

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‘Ngayon at Kailanman’ airs today on GMA-7

Based on a blockbuster movie in the 90s entitled “Ngayon at Kailanman,” the TV version features a star-studded cast topbilled by Heart Evangelista and JC De Vera and it begins airing today, June 8, on GMA-7’s Sinenovela. The movie then starred Sharon Cuneta, Cherrie Gil and Richard Gomez.

The TV version’s cast include talented dramatic actors, among whom are Luis Alandy, Pen Medina, Ramon Christopher, Dion Ignacio, Arci Muñoz, Dexter Doria, Charlie Davao and Mel Kimura.

The story unfolds when Arya Noche (Heart Evangelista) returns from abroad to attend the wake of his father, Don Artemio (Charlie Davao). Arya discovers that her family no longer owns the Hacienda Noche which is now being managed by the son of her father’s trusted assistant and Arya’s childhood sweetheart, Edwin Torres (JC De Vera).

Arya’s brother Ronald (Luis Alandy) tells Arya that Edwin and his father (Pen Medina) has a hand in the death of Don Artemio. Arya must now confront Edwin!

“I feel so comfortable working with JC,” Heart revealed during the press launch of “Ngayon at Kailanman.” “We were schoolmates at a private school during our younger days,” she added.
“Ang bait niya,” Heart stressed.

But with matters of the heart, Heart said it is still a big no! “I have already matured enough.” She was alluding to a recent break-up. “I want to concentrate with my job, and even dating has no place in my schedules. I am defensive, even in conversations.”

Aside from her experiences, Heart said that she has already read so much about life. “I am happy, and I can see now the realization of my dream.”

“My focus now is really my job,” Heart reiterated. “All others must wait!”

She loves “Ngayon at Kailanman.” “I identify myself with my character and then get into it!”

Commenting on certain current issues, she said that there are indeed so many issues, but why focus only on celebrity issues?

She is a believer of a close-knit family. “The family makes who you are!”

“Ngayon at Kailanman” “teaches one’s heart to love and forgive.”

JC De Vera expressed his gratitude to GMA-7 for his leading role in “Ngayon at Kailanman.”

Regarding a controversy which ensued between his manager, Annabel Rama and an executive of GMA-7, JC said it affected him for a while, but he has already recovered from it and he is now totally focused to his role in “Ngayon at Kailanman.” His contract with GMA-7 winds up in 2010, and he hopes to have his contract renewed.

“I owe my manager so much,” JC stressed. “She brought me to where I am now! I am always ready to renew my contract with her when that time comes.”
JC is under a five-year contract with his manager.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, June 8, go to FDCP Chairman Rolando “Jacky” Atienza, Atty. Rogelio Montero, former Mayor Chuchi Purisima, Wilma Cruz-Tapalla, Col. Federico Laciste, Jr., Linda de Leon, Gabrielle P. Gabayno, Caliope Chua-Coteok of Asingan, Pangasinan; Joy dela Ysla Villagomez, Julie Ang of Metrobank, Bob Albano, Tina Corpuz, Elvira Ramos-Venegas, Japoy Lizardo of Star Magic, and my better-half, director Leonardo Q. Belen… Happy wedding anniversary to Rep. Conrad Estrella III and wife Sandra, PCSO Chairman Serge Valencia and wife Tina Revilla, Rene and Flor Ragunton, and Prandy and Chiqui Yulo… Happy belated anniversary to Crusaders Shalom Choir (CRUSHAL) of Sto. Cristo Parish, Marulas, Valenzuela City (June 7)...