Bangs Garcia (photo by JUDE L. BAUTISTA)

Actress Bangs Garcia does not mind if she is the second or third choice for the lead character of ABS-CBN’s newest drama “Magkano Ang Iyong Dangal.” In fact she hopes the soap could turn her into an accidental star.

Bangs was cast opposite Sid Lucero and Rayver Cruz in a role that initially had Roxanne Guinoo. Roxanne reportedly dropped out of the project even if she already taped for the Chito Roño TV masterpiece.

“Ok lang po sa akin if second choice or kahit pang-ilang choice po ako sa role na ito kasi trabaho po ito. In fact sobrang thankful po ako sa ABS-CBN kasi nabigyan ako ng chance na ipakita kung ano ang kaya ko sa isang serious drama na ganito,” said Bangs at the location shoot for “Magkano Ang Iyong Dangal” in Marikina City.

The project with a title ABS-CBN bought from the drama that originally starred Zsa Zsa Padilla and Christopher de Leon is now made into straight-up soap with sub-plots and situations that are closer to reality.

According to Chito Roño he wanted a soap filled with all the confrontation scenes and twists grounded on character development and authentic visuals.

Bangs plays Carmela who will find herself torn between Rayver’s Troy and Sid’s Nilo. “Dangal” is said to be a primetime drama in the afternoon that is both a heartwarming and poignant love story that will touch the sensibilities of those who are willing to sacrifice everything in the name of love.

Chito, who is working on the movie musical “Emir,” said he has hoped to go back to doing TV for quite sometime now and “Dangal” came as the perfect project.

Also in the cast are Debraliz Valasote, Beverly Salviejo, Nikki Valdez, Paw Diaz, Bettina Carlos, Makisig Morales, Martin Rosario, Ella Cruz and Joshua Dionisio. “Magkano Ang Iyong Dangal” will start airing on Jan. 25 right after “Wowowee.”

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Feng Shui event

Slated on Jan. 23 at the Center Stage of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City and on Feb. 6 in Cebu City is a luck-laden event, the 5th Philippine Feng Shui Convention which the World of Feng Shui (WOFS) Philippines and Business World are staging to welcome the year of the Golden Tiger.

Aptly themed “Feng Shui Spectacular 2010: Riding the Golden Tiger,” the convention will be graced by WOFS President/CEO and renowned Feng Shui expert Marites Allen. With well-known TV personality Boy Abunda and Ruffa Gutierrez as co-hosts and Club Mwah performers providing spectacular numbers, the event promises to be another insightful and entertaining experience for the whole family.

Guided by this year’s theme, Allen vows to share valuable Feng Shui information that one needs to prosper in the Year of the Tiger. Despite some challenges expected during the year, Allen says “we can be in control of our future by using our inborn talents and resources, by being aware of what lies ahead and knowing how to harness the natural energies that surround us.”

An internationally recognized Feng Shui expert, Allen provides high-level Feng Shui consultation services to top executives, famous celebrities and other clients in business circles.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Jan. 16 go to Bishop Teodoro Bacani, Sandy Andolong, Tony Leviste, Eduardo Villa of NBI, Dr. Eric Mauricio, Mrs. Susie Aunario, Mildred Ortega-Templo, Prescila Villa, chief of Public Affairs and Advocacy of DSWD; Roland Arredondo, Priscilla Arias, France Kevin Buenaseda, Karen Villar (Karen Villacarillo in real life), Josephine Marie T. Tolosa, Mark Niño Fantilagar, Tony Navarro, Levi Gordoncillo, Francisco Velasco Jr., Inday Sempio, Remy de Vera, Grace Adriano, Drew Arellano of GMA-7’s “Unang Hirit,” Ellah and Johnny Galigaro, and dear friend Bootsie Violago. Happy wedding anniversary to Roberto and Teresita Castro; Mr. and Mrs. Isagani G. Antonio Sr.; and Benny and Annie Salonga. Condolence to the family of Felix A. Tabor Jr. who died last Jan. 11.