MANILA, Philippines – Starting Monday, Oct. 25, ABS-CBN is bringing back, after 12 years, “Mara Clara,” considered the “Mother of All Teleseryes.” The series, starring Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes as Mara and Clara, respectively, starts airing Monday on Primetime Bida.

“Mara Clara,” which was a popular drama staple from Aug. 17, 1992 to Feb. 14, 1997, has been one of the highest-rated soap operas in the history of Philippine TV and was considered as one of the most unforgettable stories ever told on the boob tube.

The original Mara was of course Judy Ann Santos, and Clara, Gladys Reyes.

“Mara Clara” is the story of two girls who were raised in two opposite worlds – one grew up in a comfortable and rich lifestyle while the other spent her childhood in slums – whose lives and fate are intertwined.

Directed by Jerome Pobocan, director of the now defunct top-rating primetime series “May Bukas Pa,” the new “Mara Clara” will still have that magic that once captivated the Pinoy viewers for five years.

“Nandoon pa rin ang kurot ng ‘Mara Clara.’ Kung paano kayo naantig noon sa kwento at mga eksena, nandoon pa rin yung ‘magic’ na yoon sa remake nito,” Pobocan shared.

“Mara Clara” inspired a Star Cinema movie in 1996 with the same title.

For more updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com and follow abscbndotcom on twitter.
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Danita Paner now a leading lady

Daisy Romualdez’s beloved daughter Danita is now a leading lady despite being a reluctant actress.

It has always been Daisy’s problem with her because when Danita got into showbiz, she made it clear that she only wanted to be a singer, in some big concerts held at the Manila Hotel and other prestigious venues, Danita had showcased her dancing and singing prowess. But finally, she has been convinced to try acting, and she is now managed by Annabelle Rama, her mom’s good friend, and who she considers her second mother.

Danita is JC de Vera’s leading lady in the teleserye “My Driver Sweet Lover (My DSL),” which premieres Monday on TV5. Also starring in the series are Richard Gomez, Arci Muñoz, Eric Quizon, Keempee de Leon, Eddie Gutierrez, Nova Villa, Pilita Corrales and Dina Bonnevie. Completing the cast are Epi Quizon, Yayo Aguila, Ruby Rodriguez, Tom Rodriguez, Carla Humphries, BJ Forbes, Meg Imperial, Chris Pasturan, Alyanna Asistio, JR de Guzman, Cai Cortez, Kristel Goodwin, and Ramon Christopher.

This is actually TV5’s first ever daily series and also the Kapatid Network’s first “kiligserye.” Perci Intalan, TV5 head of Creative and Entertainment Production, said “Finally, we’re geared up to break with tradition by offering a new twist on typical drama. We trust that we’re in the right direction because we’ve got a great story to tell, and a powerhouse cast and crew buckled up to perfect the ride. TV5 has started winning weekends. Now we’re making weeknights more exciting.”

“My DSL” is directed by Eric Quizon and Soxie Topacio.

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GMA-7 launches Christmas campaign

GMA Network launches Monday its 2010 Christmas campaign through a series of true-to-life inspiring stories tagged as “Isang Pagkilala sa Puso ng Pilipino Ngayong Pasko.”

“When we came across these stories, we immediately knew that we had to share them with our audience,” said Regie Bautista, VP, GMA Program Support Dept. “This Christmas campaign reaffirms what Filipinos should always be proud of – the inherent goodness of their hearts.”

Starring in the vignettes is three of GMA’s biggest and most renowned Kapuso stars: Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera and Richard Gutierrez. Richard plays Ed, a US immigrant based in Las Vegas, Nevada, whose heart remains very Filipino. Marian portrays Mila, a woman who literally opens her home to the less fortunate. Mila welcomes the Season of Advent by selling Christmas decors in her garage. She uses the money she earns to prepare food and feed more than 200 families on New Year’s Eve.

Meanwhile, Dingdong plays Jose, a modern-day Christmas angel. Jose spends Christmas Eve going to different hospitals in Metro Manila, paying the bills of indigent patients. “These are real-life Santas,” explained Director Paul Ticzon. “These are people who go out of their way to create a meaningful Christmas for others.”

GMA’s Christmas vignettes can be seen for the first time Monday on “24 Oras.” Shot in high-definition (HD) digital video technology, the plugs are also slated to roll in SM Cinemas.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Monday, Oct. 25, go to Senators Lito Lapid and Alan Peter Cayetano, Cristina G. Caedo, Atty. Lumen Policarpio, Santo So, Chary S. Misa, Jackie Cayuca, Crispina Balderas Bragado, Ma. Bituin Hidalgo, Leandro Baldemor, Rey Espiritu of Walnut, CA; Mrs. Rosario Corrales Miranda, Tony Acaylar, Jojo Montemayor, triplets Leonard Frederick, Alvin Benjamin and Kevin Anthony S. de Leon, Mario Hernando, Ceada Tanopo-Nato and former Isabela Gov. Ma. Gracia Cielo Padaca… Happy wedding anniversary to Jessie and Tiffany Simeon, John and Tini Jacaria, and Rudolf and Babot Armas of New York…