MANILA, Philippines – Two big shows start airing Monday on GMA-7.

One is “Alakdana,” an original afternoon offering which gives Louise de los Reyes her first lead role. The other is Pablo S. Gomez’s “Machete,” which gives Aljur Abrenica his biggest role to date.

From being “Star-Struck’s” Ultimate Hunk, Aljur has become a fullfledged primetime hunk and for this, he said he is eternally grateful to GMA-7.

“Malaking fulfillment ito sa aking career. Matagal ko itong hinintay at pinaghandaan. I thank GMA for the trust they gave me for this big project.”

No doubt the role of Machete is a most coveted one. It was first played by Cesar Montano and then by Gardo Verzosa in the early ’90s. In this modern version, Machete is brought to life by the artworks of two beautiful women, Rosella, a sketcher, played by once controversial Bela Padilla, and Marla, a sculptress portrayed by Ryza Cenon.

Because she was born with a rare skin disease, Rosella is often ostracized, so she would spend most of her time drawing in the woods. She makes a living by selling her sketches to artists like Marla, a successful sculptress who uses Rosella’s artworks as basis of her statues.

In the forest, Rosella is drawn to one particular tree with “alibata” carved on its trunk. From then on, the image of a handsome and strong man would appear to her in her dreams.

Rosella draws this image and keeps it, as she has no plans of selling it.

But Marla finds the drawing and convinced Rosella to sell it to her as she was planning to put up an exhibit influenced by the age-old mysteries surrounding the “haunted” forest.

Marla carves the image in wood and names it Machete!

Also playing an important role is Gwen Zamora, who was last seen as Vic Sotto’s leading lady in “Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote,” the topgrosser at the 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival.

During the press conference for “Machete,” Gwen denied for the nth time that she was the cause of the break up between Vic and Pia Guanio.

Completing the cast of “Machete” are Ryan Eigenmann, Zoren Legaspi, Gina Alajar, Noni Buencamino, Rio Locsin, John Arcilla, Polo Ravales, Chariz Solomon, Rocky Gutierrez, Karen de los Reyes and Stephanie Henares.

“Machete” airs after “Dwarfina” on GMA Telebabad. It will debut in Asia Pacific, US and Canada on Jan. 26 via GMA Pinoy TV, the flagship international channel of GMA-7.

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Louise goes serious in her acting career She charmed audiences as one of the phenomenal Kapuso Tween Royalties in “Reel Love,” and now Louise delos Reyes showcases her serious acting skills in the compelling afternoon drama “Alakdana” (aired after “Eat Bulaga”). Louise breathes life to Adana who is born with a scorpion tail on her body.

Louise said she is excited and proud that she has been given a project like “Alakdana,” admitting though that she is pressured but thankful for the chance to prove her mettle.

“Alakdana” is directed by Mac Alejandre who he said is always excited to launch a new star like Louise in a big project. He believes that the network made the right decision in choosing Louise for the lead role in “Alakdana” because she has the potential to be a big star someday.

Also starring in “Alakdana” are Jean Garcia as Teresa and Matthew Mendoza as Vergel, Adana’s parents; Jobelle Salvador as Zoila, owner of the golden scorpion; Paulo Avelino, Ritchie Paul Gutierrez and Alden Richards as Louise three leading men. Completing the cast are Ian de Lon, Racquel Montesa, Karla Estrada, Joanna Marie Tan, Eunice Lagunsad, Perla Bautista and Jonee Gamboa.

The story of “Alakdana” begins with Vergel, a rich businessman who fell in love with his family’s lowly helper Teresa. They managed to keep their love strong but hidden from Vergel’s parents. But their romance was jeopardized with the arrival of Zoila, Vergel’s childhood friend and ex-girlfriend who is still very much in love with him.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Monday, Jan. 24, go to Minnie Seneres, Bernie Buenaseda, Monica Galima, Ma. Paz Arambulo-Tolentino, Fe Rodriguez, Jeremias Montemayor, Pacita de Guzman, Dr. Nellie M. Acosta, Dr. Marilyn Alentajan, Zebedee Zuniga, Lourna Kalaw Tirol, Rachelle Arnaldo, Chona Sevilla, Maries Soliman, Mely Cheek of London, and my nephew Danny Boy D. Martinez who is a chef in Manhattan, New York… Adolf Alix’s movie “Chassis” starring Jodi Sta. Maria received an X rating from the MTRCB.

Adolf said they will appeal the decision as they want to show the film in its integral version… After the Christmas holiday, people now look forward to the Chinese New Year on Feb. 3. It’s time to greet family and friends Kung Hei Fat Choi and to do this, they may use a great product called Sun Call and Text Combo 10 (CTC 10)…