ALJUR ABRENICA And Kris Bernal for ‘All My Life’ on GMA-7

At long last, two of GMA Artist Center (GMAAC)’s homegrown talents Aljur Abrenica and Kris Bernal, have finally earned their rightful shot at the big league via their latest soap opera on primetime television, “All My Life.”

When this loveteam in “Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin” annihilated all other competitions, shocking everyone with their box-office appeal and outstanding chemistry onscreen, the GMA network didn’t waste any moment and “struck while the iron is hot.”

Aljur and Kris have only good words to say about this God-sent opportunity of a lifetime. Kris said, “We are very grateful for everything that GMA is doing for us and the loveteam. They molded and trained us from the very first acting assignment they gave us. We promise to do everything we can, give it our best so we can meet the expectations.”

Aljur specifically thanks the fans who supported them in “Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin.” “Kung wala po sila, wala din kami ni Kris. Sana hindi nila kami iiwan kasi mahaba pa ang tatakbuhin namin. Basta umasa sila that we will give our best in all of these,” he said.

The two humbly admit that even they got surprised with the turn-out of the ratings. Kris is always emotional about it. “Hindi lang po ako talaga makapaniwala sa mga blessings na natatanggap namin ni Aljur. I am very much overwhelmed,” she said.

Aljur said they are very happy. “Siguro po nagustuhan kami ng mga tao kasi nakita nila ang chemistry namin ni Kris. Hindi naman po kasi put-on ang nakikita nila. We really enjoy each other’s company. We love working together. We’ve become real good friends and we’ve gotten to know each other better.”

Kris added, “That closeness maybe translated well on screen and maybe the people can see how hard we work in the show.”

The two were all over promoting their soap opera, which premiered on Monday on GMA-7. It airs before “24 Oras.”

We have a wish though. We pray that they will stop kissing each other on the lips everytime they do promotion for their soap. In our opinion, they are overdoing it already. The general public need not see this unnecessary public display of affection everytime they do promo. We saw them do this in “Showbiz Central,” “Startalk” and then again during the press conference. The kiss goes bolder and bolder even and it is not at all pleasant anymore.

With Aljur and Kris in the love story touted to win the hearts of many Filipinos everywhere, are Lani Mercado, Gelli de Belen, Zoren Legaspi, Jay Manalo, Manilyn Reynes, LJ Reyes, Paulo Avelino, Gladys Guevara, Jay Aquitania, Jade Lopez, Steff Prescott, Bryan Termulo, Chris Cayzer, Moymoy Palaboy, Byron Ortile, and Martin Delos Santos. Direction is by Mac Alejandre and Andoy Ranay. The theme song, Odette Quezada’s “Friend of Mine” is sung by Aiza Seguerra.

Anne Curtis goes back to TV via ‘The Wedding’

After winning her first movie acting award, Anne Curtis makes a big television comeback as she leads the cast of “The Wedding,” with Derek Ramsay and Zanjoe Marudo. It premiered last Monday on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida.

“I am so proud of this project,” said Anne, who was last seen in the fantaserye “Dyosa.” “The elements that people love about Koreanovelas – the pace, humor, romance – they will find here, but this is an original concept.”

Derek adds, “We worked so hard for this, and we are very sure that Kapamilyas will enjoy our teleserye.” Zanjoe, on the other hand, is certain that “The Wedding” will complete the Primetime Bida experience.

Directed by multi-awarded director Jeffrey Jetturian and Mae Czarina Cruz, “The Wedding” also stars William Martinez, Irma Adlawan, Baron Geisler, Alwyn Uytingco, Hiyasmin Neri, Jaja Gonzales, Mich Dulce, Luanne Dy, Zeppi Borromeo, among others.

Dulaang UP celebrates 34th year

Dulaang UP celebrates its 34th year and their over all plan is to “take its audiences to the edge of reason, identity, transformation, and power.”

The season will kick off with a restaging of Floy Quintos’ “Atang: Dulang May Musika” (July 1-12; direction by Alexander Cortez). DUP productions are held at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, Palma Hall, UP Diliman.

The 34th anniversary pays homage to German playwrights via the staging of Wedekind’s “Lulu: A Sex Tragedy” (Aug. 5-23; direction by Dexter Santos), Von Kleist’s “Amphitryon” (Sept. 9-22; direction by Jose Estrella), Schiller’s “Mary Stuart/Maria Stuarda” (Nov.18-Dec. 6; direction by Tony Mabesa), and Brecht’s “The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui” (Feb.17-March 7, 2010; direction by Alexander Cortez).

The UP Playwrights Theater will stage two one-act plays, Paz Marquez Benitez’ “Dead Stars” and Amelia Lapena Bonifacio’s “Sepang Loca,” (July 14-18, 21-25; direction by Anton Juan) at the Teatro Hermogenes Ylagan, Bulwagang Rizal, UP Diliman.