The heartwarming and inspiring story of “Nita Negrita” started airing last Monday (Feb. 14) on GMA-7 after “Alakdana.” In the lead role is Barbie Forteza, 2010 PMPC Best New Actress and “tween sensation.” Sharing the spotlight with her is Joshua Dionisio, her love team mate.

Barbie plays Antoinette/Nita Negrita who was raised at an orphanage after being separated from her birth mother at an early age. Having been born to a Filipino mother and a Black American father, the kind-hearted Nita was often teased because of her complexion but was quick to overcome this obstacle with the help of her Nana Ima (Nova Villa).

It’s Nova’s first soap with the Kapuso Network and she’s excited about it. “At the orphanage, I take care of all the orphans, including Nita. I raise them the best way I could, teaching them the right values. And I feel happy when they end up well, and when they come back to me, remembering our good times together,” Nova said.

(At the Kapatid Network, Nova is in the sitcom “Happy Together” which also stars John Estrada. But she said the show is going to be axed soon.)

Also in the cast of “Nita Negrita” are Lotlot de Leon (Mirasol, Nita’s biological mother), Zoren Legaspi who plays Arturo, Mirasol’s new husband. Mirasol will have a hard time conceiving a child so they settle on adoption. At the orphanage, although Mirasol is drawn to the dark-skinned Nita, Arturo wanted to adopt Misty (Lexi Fernandez) and his wish was followed.

Completing the cast of “Nita Negrita,” directed by Gil Tejada, Jr. and written by Agnes Gagalonia-Uligan, are Diana Zubiri, Rachelle Anne Go, Bubbles Paraiso and Lollie Mara.

• • •
‘True Grit’ opens Berlin film festival

The American 2010 Western movie, “True Grit,” opened last Feb. 10 the 61st Berlin International Film Festival. Its gross box-office income has already reached $161 million. Its production cost was $38 million.

For the forthcoming Oscar Awards, “True Grit” has obtained 10 nominations which include Best Picture, Best Actor (for Jeff Bridges), and Best Actress (Halee Steinfeld).

The movie is an adaption from the novel of the same title written by Charles Portis in 1969.

During the California “golden days,” Mattie Ross’ (Halee Steinfield) father was killed by his own helper who immediately escaped bringing with him two horses and priced golds of his victims.

Mattie Ross, then a young girl, decides to pursue the criminal by hiring US Marshall Reuben “Rooster” Cogburn (Jeff Bridges).

“True Grit” is masterfully crafted, an adventure that must not be missed. It was written for the screen and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. Aside from Jeff Bridges and Halee Steinfeld, the other stars are Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, and Barry Pepper.

“True Grit,” distributed locally by United International Pictures, opens today in local theaters.

• • •
‘Breakups & Breakdowns’ at Teatrino

Upstart Productions opens the year with an exciting and original new musical written and directed by Joel Trinidad entitled “Breakups & Breakdowns” which happens at Teatrino, Greenhills on Feb. 18 to Mar. 12 (Fridays, 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.).

With original music by Trinidad and his creative partner Rony Fortich, who is currently the Musical Director of Hong Kong Disneyland, “Breakups & Breakdowns” assembles some of the country’s finest theater actors including Joel Trinidad, Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Reuben Uy, Jenny Jamora, and Emerita Alcid-Trinidad.

“Breakups & Breakdowns” centers on the bittersweet complexities of falling in and out of love by presenting the intertwined and romantic narratives of four individuals – playwright Mark and his ex-girlfriend Nina and Mark’s friend, Derek and another girl named Sandy.

“Breakups & Breakdowns” debuted at the Ateneo De Manila University also under the direction of Joel Trininad as one of the productions of Blue Repertory. Trinidad says that the he is strongly bonded with the material since it is loosely based on his own romantic experiences. The sudden interest of the mainstream Filipino market in musicals prompted Trinidad to produce and stage “Breakups & Breakdowns” at a bigger and more popular venue.

For more information and ticket inquiries e-mail upstarttickets@gmail.com.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Feb. 16 go to Mrs. Erlinda Oledan, Shermaine Santiago, Robert M. Young, Winston Marbella, Julie Esguerra, Bob Velasco Jr., Lily A. Foronda, Tessie Luz, Lulu Reyes, Josie Puzon, Grace Ramirez, Thelma Matias, Rafael C. Aquino, and Mary Jane Papin… Happy wedding anniversary to Gabriel and Margott Ripoll… Belated b-day greetings to ballroom dancing champion Ednah Ledesma…