MANILA, Philippines – GMA-7 sets a new trend in its formidable afternoon drama block with the airing starting Monday of “Koreana” (after “Trudis Liit” on GMA). The new drama series is topbilled by Kris Bernal, dubbed the “Sinenovela Princess.”

When we talked to Kris the last time, she didn’t know yet that she was being given the “Koreana” project, which was a follow-up to her and Aljur Abrenica’s last series together as a loveteam, “The Last Prince.” Kris said at the press conference of “Koreana” that “I was in California, USA to promote GMA Pinoy TV when they called me up. Pinapauwi ako agad because of the project. Of course, umuwi naman ako agad because I was so excited na may trabaho na ulit ako.”

Looking fresh and more beautiful these days, Kris is back on the afternoon block where she first established herself as one of GMA-7’s most promising young leading ladies after starring in the phenomenal “Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin?” From then on, she was cast in several other top-rating programs including “All My Life,” the fantaserye “The Last Prince” and most recently, an internationally-shot episode of “Love Bug.”

In “Koreana,” Kris plays the role of Jenna, a strong-willed and kind-hearted Korean-Filipina who dreams of returning to her roots, and reuniting with her biological family. In preparation for her role, Kris studied the Korean language under a professional coach, and took cooking lessons too to endure the authenticity of her acting.

This time around, Kris has two equally talented and good-looking leading men, “StarStruck” Season 5 second prince Rocco Nacino, who plays the rebellious Benjo, and “StarStruck” Season 5 Ultimate Male Survivor Steven Silva, who takes on the role of Joshua, an uptight and goal-oriented half-Korean.

“Koreana” is a compelling tale about a young girl’s quest for love, closure and self-actualization. It draws inspiration from Korea’s rich and colorful traditions, which has expressly reached Philipine shores, and combines it with our very own.

Directed by Gil Tejada and originally written by Richard “Dode” Cruz, “Koreana” also stars Eddie Garcia, Eula Valdez, Angelu de Leon, Marco Morales, and Lotlot de Leon. Completing the cast are Saab Magalona, Sylvia Sanchez, Joyce Ching, Luigi Revilla, Dinky Doo, and Grace Lee.

By the way, viewers in the US, Asia Pacific and the Middle East can catch “Koreana” beginning Oct. 14 on GMA Pinoy TV, the flagship international channel of GMA Network.

• • •

Watch ‘13th Day,’ feed a hungry child

SM Cinemas will showcase a story of hope, the “Miracle of Fatima,” in special screenings of the movie “The 13th Day” till Oct. 12 at SM City Iloilo and Oct. 13-19 at SM Megamall.

The film recounts the story of three Portuguese children – Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta – who the Blessed Mother appeared to every 13th day of the month to receive her message of hope and share it with the world. Set against the backdrop of World War I and the Russian Revolution in the early 1900s, the movie shows how the three young ones were faced with doubts, hardship, and persecution

“The 13th Day” will not only uplift the spirit, but also bring hope to underprivileged children. Every time you watch the film, you will be able to feed one hungry child through the Hapag-asa Program. The program, which is an acronym of the words “hapag” (dining) and “pag-asa” (hope) aims to feed malnourished Filipino children, as well as to provide them with education, and their parents with sustainable livelihood.

His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, Amb. Howard Dee, World Apostolic of Fatima Pres. Rosario P. Melchor, and Mrs. Felicidad Sy graced “The 13th Day’s” recent premiere at the SM Mall of Asia.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Monday, Oct. 11, go to Kuya Daniel Razon of UNTV, Richard and Ricardo Cepeda, Baby Aguilar, Dianne Eugenio, Jan Carlo Tobias, Johnson Robert, Dr. Miles dela Rosa, Terry Lim, Ed Santilla, Pat Cabiling…Happy wedding anniversary to former Amb. and Mrs. Roy Seneres, and Oscar and Bootsie Violago…