MANILA, Philippines —  TV5 is coming up with its first dramaserye on primetime entitled “Babaeng Hampaslupa” and it premieres Monday, Feb. 7, after “Willing Willie.”

The drama series revolves around the conflicts between two warring Filipino-Chinese families, and tells the story of three women driven by their respective quest to fight for love.

In the powerhouse cast led by Ms. Susan Roces are equally talented actors, among them comebacking Alice Dixson, Jay Manalo, Bing Loyzaga, Freddie Webb, Christian Vasquez, Karel Marquez, Celso Ad Castillo, Vandolph, Jenny Quizon, Susan Africa, Julio Diaz, Dolphy Jr., Anne Villegas, Sheila Marie Rodriguez, and Alex Gonzaga who plays the title role.

Portraying Alex’s leading men are Alwyn Uytingco and Martin Escudero.

In the grand press launch of the drama series, Perci Intalan, head of the network’s Creative and Entertainment Production, expressed great pride in the project, saying “we are entering into traditional soap opera on primetime, and so we wanted something na bonggang-bongga, beginning with the cast who are among the finest we have. And I’m happy to have the creative team of Bb. Joyce Bernal and Eric Quizon as directors.”

At the presscon, Eric Quizon said “I didn’t expect na ganito kaganda at kalaki ang resulta ng teleserye namin.” Faith Cuneta sings the theme song entitled “Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin.”

Susan Roces plays the role of a strong-willed woman, Helena See, a woman driven by her desire to recover from her painful past and reclaim what is rightfully hers. It’s something very different from past characters played by the erstwhile movie queen.

Alice Dixson, on the other hand, plays Diana, a simple worker who fell in love and gave birth to the sole heiress of the Wong family.

Playing Diana’s daughter is Alex Gonzaga who plays a dramatic role for the first time. Alex is Grace, who was abducted as a child and raised by a poor couple in the slums of Tondo.

Jay challenged by role in ‘BH’
Although he has played a similar role already (in Regal Films’ “Mano Po” series). Jay Manalo said he is still challenged by his role in “Babaeng Hampaslupa.” “Ang challenge ko dito, yong how to attack the role differently kasi nga I’ve done it before…” His role is that of a son who’s supposed to be the next patriarch in his family but his brother (Christian Vasquez) got in his way.

He has been offered a project by the Kapuso Network but Jay said “hindi angkop sa akin ang role offered me. Hindi ako na-challenged sa role na yon.” Back from a short stint in the US where he brought his wife and three children, Jay said “ayoko na sana mag-artista because of the many intrigues thrown my way. Gusto ko maging normal na tao na lang… but it’s my job so I just have to do my job well.”

It’s Jay’s first time to be working with Alixe Dixson. “Babaeng Hampaslupa” is Jay’s first TV project in 10 months. As to movies, “matagal na akong walang movie project.”

Watch out for the premiere of “Babaeng Hampaslupa,” tomorrow night at 9, after “Willing Willie.”
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ETC A-list movie features
This love month ETC will have you falling in love again with four love stories. Passion will be running deep every Sunday at 9 p.m. on ETC A-List with stars such as Drew Barrymore, Nick Canon, Christina Milan, Jimmy Fallon and Adam Sandler.

Drew Barrymore stars in the “real” story of Cinderella as Danielle in “Ever After.” A servant to her stepmother, one day she accidentally meets Prince Harry, the future King of France.

On Feb. 13, “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” will be shown with Nick Canon playing high school loser Alvin who may be extremely smart but has no game with girls. Alvin dreams of being able to hang out with the popular kids especially beautiful cheerleader Paris (singer Christina Milan). He gets his wish when Paris agrees to pose as his girlfriend.

Can a guy love a woman more than sports? That’s the question asked in the hilarious “Fever Pitch” on Feb. 20. Boston Red Sox fan Ben (Jimmy Fallon) falls in love with workaholic Lindsey (Drew Barrymore) over the winter but when summer rolls in and baseball season starts she soon discovers that his love for his team borders obsession.

With “The Wedding Singer,” slated for Feb. 27, get ready to sing the tune of love with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore as Robbie and Julia. Robbie, a wedding singer meets Julia, a waitress at one of the receptions he performs at. Both are engaged to be married but as they soon discover they are more compatible with each other rather than their partners.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 6, go to Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Daisy Romualdez, Eddie Gutierrez, Mayor Amy Sison Navarro of Santiago City, Isabela, Pining Espina, Edward Chan, Lilia de Vera, Beth Lim, Rosario N. Clarino, Michael Luga, and broadcaster Aljo Bendijo... Happy wedding anniversary to Jeffrey and Wella Chan…