MANILA, Philippines -- When she came out from the set where “Nita Negrita” was being shot, Barbie Forteza was totally in black make-up.

“I was shocked,” she explained, “when I saw my face!”

Barbie plays Nita Negrita, a dark-skinned young girl who was born like a dark African girl. It is this same skin color that has been giving her a seemingly endless problem in her community. She is despised, ridiculed in the community.

Nita struggles hard to surmount the obstacles, and it is this kind of struggle that makes “Nita Negrita” become more intriguing and interesting. Of course, “Nita Negrita” airs on GMA-7.

Another interesting character in “Nita Negrita” is Mystica “Mysty” Del Castillo. She is played by young actress Lexi Fernandez, daughter of noted actress Maritoni Fernandez.

Mystica burdens Nita with almost insurmountable ordeals making the teledrama heart-breaking and emotionally charged. Lexi is very effective as kontrabida as shown by the reactions of audiences who hate her.

The teledrama director, Gil Tejada, has high praises for Lexi. “She is indeed an effective character actress. Aside from her natural talent, her body language contributes greatly to her being a character actress, or as an antagonist! I advise her to pursue her acting career as ‘contravida,’” the director added.

Lexi is not one actress who enjoys being in the limelight through intrigues or gossips. Recently, she was rumored as having misunderstandings with some close friends.

Nova Villa, a comedian for almost three decades, turns a serious drama actress in “Nita Negrita.”

“It was my first time to play such role,” she said. “It was difficult at first, but now I can even cry – profusely shedding tears – when a scene calls for it!”

Nova is deeply a religious person. A Catholic, she said that one solution to the problems of life is prayer. “Keep on praying,” she said. “I pray no less than 30 minutes every morning. I talk to God! I tell Him my problems and what I need most urgently!”

Among the support cast in “Nita Negrita” are Lotlot de Leon, Zoren Legaspi, Diana Zubiri, Alvin Aguilar and Rachelle Ann Go.

ABS-CBN talent endorses Urban Edge

Just recently, Pinoy brand Urban Edge introduced its newest brand ambassador, Benjamin de Guzman who started in showbiz via various TV and print endorsements.

Driven with deep sense of determination, Benjamin is currently part of ABS-CBN’s Gigger Boys and cast member of new TV series “Atom.” His edge recently earned him 2009 PMPC’s Star Award for Television Best New Male TV Personality.

Urban Edge is available in MartOne Discount Stores, Mi Stores, Ever Gotesco Stores, Tiong San La Trinidad, Magic Mall San Jose, Magic Mall Malasiqui, Cash n Carry Dept. Store, Centro Tuguegarao – soon our Urban Edge ambassador will be visiting one of these stores! Watch out for it!

Veteran actor  returns on stage 

Veteran actor Joel Trinidad returns on stage after the successful run of “Breakups and Breakdowns,” the maiden offering of his theater company Upstart Productions. Trinidad reprises his role in the much-talked about Philippine repeat of Rob Becker’s “Defending The Caveman.”

Presented by CTE Productions, “Defending The Caveman” is a Broadway comedy about the sexes with almost 8 million tickets sold worldwide. The play has been translated in 16 different languages.

“Defending The Caveman” is directed by Michael Williams and Cathy Azanza-Dy. Catch it on May 20 and 21 (8 p.m.) at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza.

The soundtrack of Joel’s original musical “Breakups and Breakdowns” featuring performances by Miss Saigon’s Emerita Alcid is now available. Joel can also be seen in Resorts World’s Broadway meets Vegas production of “Kaos.”

Tickets to the “Defending The Caveman” are available at Ticketworld outlets.

Ayala Malls Cinemas’  M-Pass treats 

Ayala Malls Cinemas’ M-Pass cardholders are in for a treat as they get to watch an exclusive screening of Disney’s “Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides” today, May 20, at Glorietta 4 Cinemas. Being invited to special movie screenings is part of the wonderful perks of being an M-Pass cardholder. Other privileges include exclusive movie promos, birthday treats, access to online food order and a lot more.

M-Pass is a prepaid service that allows one to pay for his movie tickets ahead of time. Cardholder gets past the long lines in ticket booths and conveniently goes straight to the cinema of choice to his preferred seats.

Ayala Malls Cinemas also offers other exciting promos to moviegoers. Watch Disney’s “Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides,” at any Ayala Malls Cinemas, buy tickets in advance and get a collectible magnet and get a chance to win other cool premium items for every advance purchase of two tickets. Promo runs until May 22.

“Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides” opens today, May 20, in all Ayala Malls Cinemas. Also in Disney Digital 3D. Visit www.sureseats.com for more details.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 20, go to Rep. Butz Aquino, Ms. Pilita Corrales, Lolit Solis, Miriam Pantig, Remy Bicomong, Yolanda Alvarez, May Jessica Macapulay, Relly Elipano, Peter Timbol, Joriz B. de Guzman, Hayden Kho, Onehanch Landingin, and Carla Humphries (Madeleine Lauren Apacible Humphries in real life)... Happy wedding anniversary to Emil and Ana Rodriguez...