Marian as Amaya

MANILA, Philippines -- If Marian Rivera is excited about her forthcoming project “Amaya,” it’s because this is the first original teleserye assigned to her. In a recent interview, Marian recalled that all the TV projects she has starred in for GMA-7 were all remakes.

“Ang ‘Marimar,’ ‘Dyesebel,’ ‘Endless Love,’ ‘Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang,’ ‘Darna’ – lahat ng mga ito nagawa na. Ito lang ‘Amaya’ ang original, kaya siyempre excited ako,” Marian said.

If the serial is touted as the most expensive and most ambitious production of GMA, it’s because “Amaya” is the network’s first-ever historical soap opera.

“Para hindi kami magkamali – kahit sa paghawak man lang ng kampilan, ng arnis, which I have to learn how to use because my role here is a woman warrior – sa pagsasalita ng napakalalim na Tagalog, at pagkilos. We have a consultant on the set who really knows Philippine history,” Marian related.

For “Amaya,” the network had to build five sets in different areas. It also prides itself fabulous costumes and flashy jewelry imported from Asian countries, and a war ship called “Karakoa” built by 50 local artisans.

“This ‘karakoa’ is really amazing,” Marian attested.

Describing further her role, Marian added, “Prinsesa na pasaway ako dito. Nakatakip ang mukha ko all the time, but I am adventurous, gusto ko makakita ng ibang lugar, makapunta sa ibang dagat. Ako lang ang babaeng warrior na nakikipaglaban sa kahit sinong lalaki. Wala akong powers as Amaya, but I trained myself to fight.”

In the series, Marian is a noble princess who is abducted and becomes a slave before finally becoming the greatest female warrior of her time. Joining her in the cast are award-winning actor Sid Lucero (who plays Prince Bagani) and model-turned-actor Mikael Daez (as Lumad). Both expressed excitement on working with Marian for the first time.

“Amaya,” directed by Mac Alejandre, premieres on May 30.

Legaci, Poreotics  rock Seventh High 

Legaci, DJ Tay James, and Poreotics rocked Seventh High last May 10, in the official after party of “My World Tour” in Manila. Seventh High showed its flexibility as a venue as it catered both to families and teenage party-goers.

The Lounge hosted an amazing performance from YouTube sensation, Legaci, who sang a medley of hits like “Firework” by Katy Perry, and timeless classics like “End Of The Road” by Boyz II Men. The four-man a capella group composed of Chris Abad, Del Lazaro, Dominic Manuel, and Micah Tolentino gave a rousing performance to show their love for their Filipino roots.

The Club, on the other hand, witnessed a party for the ages as San Francisco’s DJ Rayzaruckus and the famous opening DJ of Bieber, DJ Tay James served a lineup of dance hits that had everybody dancing until sun up. Along with him were Justin Bieber’s bodyguard, Kenny Hamilton, who emceed for the night and “America’s Best Dance Crew” champions and “My World Tour” front act, Poreotics.

Celebrities joined the party, including Dennis Padilla, Joko Diaz, Ivan Dorschner, Sam Concepcion, James Reid, Dionne Monsanto, Gee Canlas, JM Rodriguez, Ara Mina, Tirso Cruz III.

Contact Seventh High at theoffice@7thhigh.com.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 26, go to Big. Gen. Raul S. Imperial, Iking Araneta, Lita Torralba-Logarta, Evelyn Recio-Cruz, John Rex Tiu, Comm. Fe Aldave Yap, Naomi Sandiko, Felipa A. Somera, Cely Cabalza, Lumen Villegas, Nerissa C. dela Cruz, May B. Savellano Acosta, Dr. Jo Catapang, Liza Rodriguez, Kareen Cabrera, and Josephine Elicano… Happy wedding anniversary to Jules and Elizabeth Roaro… Condolence to the family of Emil Santos Aguinaldo who joined his Creator on May 20...