ROBIN PADILLA with Kris Aquino and Anne Curtis

True to its description, “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw” is a top caliber drama series which begins airing on Primetime Bida of ABS-CBN on Jan. 21, 2013.

The first five episodes, screened Sunday, Jan. 13, for the press, were blockbusters by themselves. These are indications that “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw” will achieve unprecedented high marks on the ratings war: first, the stars Kris Aquino, Robin Padilla, and Anne Curtis are the top box office hits crowd drawers; second, the story of “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw” is so tightly woven, with a flow so breathtaking; and third, the performances of the actors and actresses are excellent, almost perfect.

“Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw” begins with Ruth (Anne Curtis) who wants to pursue her own career as a fashion model instead of working for her father’s (Tirso Cruz III) giant security agency. She wants to go to the US to continue her studies, but her father won’t let her go.

Ruth executes a “kidnap-me” scheme disguising and asking Roxanne (Kris Aquino), her elder sister, P30 million for the ransom of Roxanne’s sister (Ruth). But before the amount can be delivered, Detective Dagohoy, aka Bogs (Robin Padilla), discovers the “kidnap-me” scheme and Ruth is arrested and thrown to jail.

This is her first encounter with Bogs which later develops into a much guarded love affair because the father of Ruth is not in favor of her daughter’s relationship with a “lowly” policeman. This makes Ruth become more persistent with her desire to pursue her career in the US. She creates mayhem in their house, rejecting her father’s rules and regulations, and even defying her father’s pronouncement that she will never be given any inheritance.

Ruth leaves for the US, Bogs sees her off at the airport where he meets Roxanne.

Now begins the development of an extraordinary relationship between Bogs and Roxanne.

Other members of the cast are Gloria Sevilla, Ian Veneracion, Smokey Manaloto, Karla Estrada, Laureen Uy, Miles Ocampo, Marco Gumabao, and Xyriel Manabat.

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TV5 Starts 2013On A High Note

The Kapatid Network truly started the new year on a high note with the airing of some refreshing and exciting shows, the first of which was “Kidlat,” a superhero series topbilled by Derek Ramsay and also starring Ritz Azul, Nadine Samonte, Baron Geisler, Wendell Ramos and acclaimed actor Christopher de Leon.

Also aired starting last Jan. 7 was “Jeepney Jackpot” with Mr. Fu and Valeen Montenegro along with sexy Saida Diola and driver Andres. This fast-paced game show-on-wheels airs weekdays at 5p.m.

Said Atty. Ray C. Espinosa, TV5 President/CEO: “Our dynamic push for 2013 represents TV5’s commitment to lead with innovative programming and quality shows that respond to the Pinoy’s evolving tastes and needs. More than ever, the entire Kapatid Network stands by its vision for a truly national network that celebrates the best and the brightest of the Filipino and to raise the standards by which Philippine television would be seen by the rest of the world.”

Also now being aired (at 9:30 a.m. before “Face to Face”) is “Alabang Housewives,” with Pamela Spella and Vanessa Ishitani, fan favorites from the first season of “Amazing Race Philippines,” as hosts. The show will see Pamela and Vanessa, as well as their celebrity guests, completing different tasks with élan all their own.

Another excitingly dramatic show, the much-awaited “Never Say Goodbye,” topbilled by superstar Nora Aunor, will also be shown soon. Watch out for it!

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A More Energized Marco Sison

It’s a more energized and wiser Marco Sison who came up recently with his newest album, “Isang Pagkakataon,” distributed by PolyEast Records. If Marco was very excited about this, it’s because it’s been eight years since he last released an album.

Marco explained his excitement thus: “‘Isang Pagkakataon’ means a lot to me because it represents a big piece of my recent life. It’s been a while since I came out with an album and producing felt like the right move. It’s something I wanted to experience, and which I see as a big part of my development as an artist.”

The title track is a composition of Vehnee Saturno who has worked with Marco in previous albums. The album was recorded in Vehnee’s own Saturno Music Studio.

“Isang Pagkakataon” is Marco’s first set of all-new material in eight years. The all-Tagalog album has been preceded by other newly written songs by Vehnee Saturno, including “Selos,” “Kahit Na Minsan Pa,” “Sa Iisang Puso Mo,” “K’wento” and “Sabik Na Puso,” which was written by Marco himself.

“Ever since I started my career, I’ve been given the chance to sing original songs. I’ve always wanted to give back something to OPM that Filipinos would, I hope, appreciate – to produce original Pinoy music,” Marco added.

Known as one of the classic balladeers of the country, Marco is responsible for such hits as “My Love Will See You Through,” “Si Aida, Si Lorna, o Si Fe,” “I’ll Face Tomorrow,” “Always,” and “Make Believe.”

“Isang Pagkakataon” is now available in record stores nationwide.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Jan. 18, go to top designer Renee Salud, Joy Virata, Jon Santos, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Fred Pizarro Jr., Doris Nuyda, Lulu Gonzales, Rene Mayo, Cornelia Lee (a.k.a. Angge), Eleanor Esteban, Jenny Zagala, Mrs. Milagros Santos, US-based Anna Gonzales and Janet Domingo, Melvin Bello, Rachel Tubig, Lulu Coching Rodriguez, Marco Ballesteros, Earl Dante Carandang, Faye Rivera Mauricio, Atty. Antonio Rebasa, M.D., Ava Johnson, Wilma Magnanao, Bernadette dela Cruz, Dr. Concordia Medalla, and my granddaughter Agatha Beatrice A. Belen who turns 14... Happy 7th year wedding anniversary to Yugel and Kaye Losorata (nee Villagomez)...