MANILA, Philippines -- The serial comedy “Toda Max,” starts airing Saturday on ABS-CBN. It topbills Robin Padilla, Vhong Navarro and Pokwang and marks the comeback of the classic sitcom which the Kapamilya Network is said to have pioneered.

“Toda Max” comes on the heels of Robin’s recent primetime series “Guns and Roses.” He expressed excitement and enthusiasm to be working with his friend Vhong. In fact, Robin admitted that he specifically requested for Vhong to be cast in the show. “I had my talent fee reduced just to be with him,” Robin said in jest.

Vhong of course is equally excited to be reunited with Robin (they were together in a sitcom in the ’90s, with Vhong playing Robin’s sidekick, and which paved the way to the success of Vhong’s career in the showbiz industry).

Vhong said of their reunion: “It’s been a long time, and we really miss working with each other. Also, doing a sitcom somehow reinvents me. I’m now so used to soap operas and variety shows and so it’s refreshing to be back in a sitcom. Kapamilya comedy will make a grand comeback via this show.”

“Toda Max” tells the story of a hillbilly named Tol (Robin) who journeys to Manila with his two children when his wife died. They will live with his cousin Justin Bibbo (Vhong) a carinderia owner who aspires to be a chef someday.

Pokwang plays the role of Lady G, a poor girl who turns millionaire and who will challenge Justin’s life but will soon change when she meets Tol. “Our exciting laugh trip is all set,” said Robin. “So I’m inviting everyone to catch the comeback of family-oriented sitcom on TV. You’ll really learn a lot from it.”

Also starring in the sitcom are Izzy Canillo, Aaliyah Benisano, Jobert Austria and Darwin Tolentino. “Toda Max” is under the business unit of Raymund Dizon, together with production manager Cynthia Jordan, creative manager Rhandy Reyes and executive producer Rocky Ubana.

“Toda Max” will air starting today, Nov. 5, before “Maalaala Mo Kaya.”

‘Regal Shockers’ pilots tonight

“Regal Shocker,” which pilots tonight on TV5, is according to Ms. Roselle Monteverde-Teo, not just a remake but “a beefed-up reinvention of the ’80s horror TV series.” Aside from the special effects and modern post production techniques used, the new “Regal Shocker” series makes use of a more personal approach in frightening audiences, Roselle, who is vice president of Regal Multimedia Inc., added.

“We will be more personal in the approach of ‘what scares you?’ and ‘what are you afraid of.’ The threat is more real in dealing with everyday horror stories of Filipinos. Stories from all ages will be tackled, real kids in real trouble, young adults issues, adult theme et. al. All stories will always be about everyday life and issues of Filipinos, our culture, beliefs and myths,” she explained.

The pilot episode entitled “Elevator” stars Gabby Concepcion and Nina Jose. The second episode, “Red Shoes,” stars Ruffa Gutierrez, Wendell Ramos and Precious Lara Quigaman. The third episode, “Piano,” stars Alex Gonzaga, Edgar Allan Guzman, Bobby Andrews and Angel Jacob. While the fourth episode, “Resort” will have John Lapus, and the fifth, “Kulam,” will star Martin Escudero.

Another important difference is that viewers will learn a lesson or two from every episode of today’s “Regal Shocker” series. As Roselle said, each episode will have a “redemptive value.”

As to why she thinks the horror genre is very appealing to Filipino viewers, Roselle said, “Filipinos are ‘thrill seekers.’ They want to be scared during the Christmas season. Filipinos are very emotional and ‘horror’ is an emotional state!”

Tahanan ni Maria concert set

A major concert designed to raise funds for the construction and operation of Tahanan ni Maria has been set for early January. A spokesperson for the charity institute said that some civic-spirited top celebrities will be invited to share their talents with sponsors of the non-government organization which aims to provide residential care services for the elderly and abandoned children.

The Tahanan ni Maria will be constructed in Sitio Makaira, Tanay, Rizal. By living in a clean and safe environment, the elderly are given the care they need while the young learn to live a life of responsibility and accountability.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 5, go to former DOJ Sec. Raul Gonzalez, ABS-CBN Corporate Communications Head Bong Osorio, Gabby Concepcion, Maria Elena K. Bocalan, Director Maning Borlaza, Mrs. Julie Benedicto, Zandro Zamora, Marife Santos, Carol Nielsen, Thelma Paredes, Cherry E. Mojica, Arman Giron, Alexander P. Romero, Mon Chua, Dr. Aldrene Lee-Tan, Isabel O. Espejo, Ida F. Caalim, Belinda Zabala Valdecanas, Quincie Joy Crisostomo, Joy Isabel, Mina Malinab-Martinez, Yugel Losarata, and Dianne Medina of Star Magic...