ABS-CBN is presenting another must-see romantic comedy and what makes it even more interesting is that it topbills two unlikely stars – Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco, the favorite loveteam of the masses. They will be seen in the much-awaited series “Precious Hearts Romances presents Mana Po” which premieres today after “Agimat presents Kapitan Inggo” on ABS-CBN’s Hapontastic.

“Ibang-ibang Melai ang makikita ninyo dito sa series na ito,” said the directors of the show. “We believe that puwede nang mag-level up si Melai, kayang-kaya niya ang role.” Melai indeed has gone a long way ever since she emerged the grand winner of “PBB Double Up.” She (and Jason) has appeared in various Kapamilya programs (“Impostor,” “Si Kokey@Ako”), the latest of which is “Banana Split.”

But she has to leave the sitcom in order to concentrate on “Mana Po.” Till the last minute however, Jason was convincing her to stay but he did not succeed. Lovers in real life, Jason and Melai celebrated their anniversary on Valentine’s Day.

Melai and Jason underwent acting workshop for this project “kaya siguro nahinog na rin ang acting skills namin,” Jason said.

Melai plays the role of Brandi dela Paz whose mission is to reclaim the inheritance that is supposed to be hers but was left by her father Vino (John Arcilla) before he died to the son of his best friend Jack (Buboy Garovillo). It wasn’t out of generosity that he gave away his wealth to Milosebio “Milo” Kiping; it was to rectify a wrong that he has done to his friend in the past.

Also in the cast of “Mana Po” are RR Enriquez, Tom Rodriguez and Johann Santos. The directors, by the way, are Ted Boborol and Katski Flores. Ted first worked on “Pangako Sa ‘Yo,” and marked his directorial debut via “Kristine.”

• • •
Newly improved ‘Sapul sa Singko’

Viewers of “Sapul sa Singko” on TV5 now has more reason to enjoy mornings, what with the show’s innovations in newscasting. Aired from 5-8 a.m., the show is packed with bull’s eye POVs, easy to digest household and money tips, the latest in lifestyle, food and fashion, the hottest intrigues in showbiz, plus up-to-the-minute national foreign news.

For fresh news and relevant commentaries, Erwin Tulfo, Chiqui Roa-Puno and Martin Andanar are there to serve them. Meanwhile, Lourd De Veyra, Shawn Yao and Atty. Mike Templo deliver juicy information on pop culture, lifestyle and other trending issues. Just recently, Amy Perez joined the gang for more home management tips and start-up business ideas.

Ferdinand “Makata-tawanan” Clemente (of “Talentadong Pinoy” fame) gives the latest and most interesting finds on the spot; Benjie “Tsongki Benj” Felipe gives a rundown on the most intriguing showbiz updates from your favorite celebrities; while Lia Cruz strolls around the Metro to find what’s hot in fashion, lifestyle, fitness and sports.

And, in the new segment “Love Hurts,” Erwin and Martin become “love experts” as they give authoritative but also naughty love advice to those who need it. Billed as “naiibang serbisyo publiko sa balat ng telebisyon,” “Love Hurts” takes on romance problems e-mailed by viewers. Erwin said that the inclusion of drama in the morning show does not at all lessen their credibility as newscasters.

Erwin and Martin are joined by another “love expert,” Amy Perez, as devil’s advocate and referee. Co-hosts Chiqui, Shawn and Atty. Milke act out the love stories e-mailed by viewers. The segment is helmed and narrated by Lourd and segment presenters Lia Cruz, Benji Felipe and Makata-tawanan also do some acting for the segment.

Viewers may e-mail their “love problems” to lovehurts@tv5.com.ph.

• • •
Splash announces its latest champion

Splash announced recently its champion for its direct selling arm – popular showbiz and media icon Boy Abunda, who will advocate the direct selling platform of Splash, as an ambassador for business and great opportunities for Filipinos who are looking for a rewarding livelihood.

“Having a direct selling arm is aligned with the company’s thrust and passion in making lives better. Aside from offering a wide range of quality personal care products, we have now provided our people access to livelihood,” said Glenda Pingol, general manager of Splash Direct Selling Division.

• • •
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Feb. 21 go to Tony Gloria of Unitel Pictures, Love Anover and Don Morales of GMA-7’s “Unang Hirit,” Jinky Llamanzares, Rochelle “Raki” Vega, Girlie Guillen, Beth Virtucio, Dr. Delia R. Barcelona, Clark Howell A. Arcinas, Mike Alunan, Doreen Belen of Hawaii, Paolo Perez, Gigi Paras, Jennifer Fong, Severino “Boy” Velasco, and Rangi Paula G. Mercado...