MANILA, Philippines -- Marian Rivera returns to claim her primetime queen title via GMA Telebabad’s “Amaya,” touted as an epicserye expected to deliver accurate historical story references and visually stunning production value. “Amaya” starts battle for ratings today, May 30.

The entertainment press was given a glimpse of “Amaya’s” grand production scale during the media launch held at the Studio 7 of GMA Network. The cast, featuring the country’s bankable stable of stars in plum roles, came on stage awesomely dressed in costumes of long ago.

The two sister-princesses Marian and Glaiza de Castro, and also Rochelle Pangilinan as Marikit, Amaya’s fiercest archrival for Bagani; were carried by warriors in elaborate bamboo “duyans.”

The pioneering historical epic series, which is the network’s most expensive and most ambitious TV production to date, has Marian Rivera as the warrior princess Amaya and here, she displays her versatility as an actress also tasked with a very physically demanding role.

Playing Marian’s leading men are awarded actor Sid Lucero as Bagani (Amaya’s dashing warrior lover) and model-turned actor Mikael Daez as Lumad (Amaya’s good friend and protector who falls for her).

The story of “Amaya” is set in Central Visayas in the 1500s, during the reign of Rajah Mangubat, who was not only a good warrior but an undefeated one. But not long after, a priestess prophesized that the day will come when he will be defeated.

Directed by Mac Alejandre, “Amaya” also features in its glittering cast Gina Alajar as Dian Lamitan, Datu Bugna’s scheming wife, Lani Mercado as Dal-lang, Gardo Versoza as Rajah Mangubat; Raymond Bagatsing as Datu Bugna, Glaiza de Castro as Binayan, the youngest daughter of Datu Bugna; Ryan Eigenmann as Angaway, one of the skilled warriors of Rajah Mangubat; Rochelle Pangilinan as Marikit, Roy Alvarez as Awi, Ayen Munji-Laurel as Rahu Linangan, Bagani’s mother, Buboy Villar as Banuk, Bagani’s youngest brother, Sheena Halili as Ahak, and Roxanne Barcelo as Kayang, Marikit’s slave.

Also in the cast are Daniel Fernando, Mon Confiado, AJ Dee, Robert Sy and the epic series’ priestesses Mia Pangyarihan and Anna Feleo. Also playing important roles are Perla Bautista, Rustica Carpio and Angie Ferro in special participation. And, spicing up Amaya’s journey are Dan Alvaro, Dindo Arroyo, Bituin Escalante, Bayang Barrios, Dion Ignacio, Jan Manual, Pancho Magno, Leopoldo “Wendell” Salgado and Edgar “Egay” Manuel.

“Amaya” is from the original concept of Suzette Doctolero who was guided by UP historians. Production designer is Rodell Cruz.

Concert hub at Bobby’s Café

Bobby’s Café de Malate has been known for more than a decade now for its singers. It also became a breeding ground for some of the country’s concert artists like Kyla and Jennylyn Mercado.

Performing nightly at the venue are: Daisy Hael (Monday), Kristel Herrera (Tuesday and Friday), Maxine Pedrozo (Wednesday), Clarisse Arenas (Thursday). Catch the three-piece band of Teteng, Boy and Freddie with Kristel Herrera every Friday and sing-along at the coffee shop of Café de Malate every Saturday.

San Miguel Beer is available for only P39.95 during Happy hour from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Café de Malate at 1888 M. H. del Pilar St. Malate is open from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., Monday to Saturday.

By the way, Bobby Velasco’s daughters Princess and Arielle, together with Manny Pacquiao’s daughters Princess and Queenie, were part of a fashion show held at SM Mall of Asia last May 14.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 30, go to Ricky Davao, Rep. Bingbong Crisologo, Glenda Barretto, Rene Austria, Roxanne Lapus, Narciso Talampas Jr., Marilen Cujuangco, Jose Lim, Marlene dela Peña, Ferdie Villar, Mary Grace V. Macahindog, Rihanna Sofia L. Tabor, Dr. Jofe Syquia, Midz Reyes, Ramon “Monching” de Luna, Jacqueline Sagmit, Monina S. Capili, Pocholo Malillin of Club Mwah, actress Ronalisa Cheng, Leslie Lomeda and MB’s Teresa Gerilla Martinez…