Iza Calzado is aware that one of GMA’s major offerings for 2016 is the grand reboot of the telefantasya Encantadia in which she was part of the original cast in 2005.
“Actually, before it was officially announced, I already had an inkling after I’ve seen Direk Mark Reyes’ Instagram post where Ms. Suzette (Doctolero) was also present in that meeting. Unknown to many, we have an Encantadia chat group where all of us involved in the original production get connected in spite the passing of times.
“I instantly told Direk Mark about my intuition and he just replied that it was a top secret. But it didn’t take too long before they officially announced that there was indeed a remake of Encantadia. So, I already knew ahead of everyone,” she avers.
The pretty actress is happy with this development.
“Oh yes! Even if I’m a Kapamilya now, I can’t deny the fact that Encantadia was a huge part of my career. It helped me to further establish myself then as an actress. As Sang’gre Amihan, I became a household byword during those times. I’m glad and proud to be proud of a classic TV program which was a phenomenal hit. That’s why I’m so excited with this remake.”
Iza knows that the new cast, especially the four female leads will face a tough challenge.
“Playing the four Sang-gres – Pirena, Amihan, Danaya and Alena – is simply a tall order for them. They have big shoes to fill, so to speak. And actually, the whole production is hard to equal. During our time, the working relationship of everybody was solid and it was something I would take pride into. We were one big, happy family then and working towards one common goal: to make the pioneering show a smash hit and thankfully, we did.”
Who does she think will be the perfect Amihan in the new Encantadia?
“I know they’re holding auditions for the new cast at this point. But if I were to choose, it’s either Jennylyn Mercado or Carla Abellana,” ends Iza.
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Ruffa Gutierrez happily announced that all’s well that ends well between her and mom Annabelle Rama. Prior to this, they had a misunderstanding because of the former’s non-showbiz beau Jordan Mouyal.
“Actually, we reconciled during my brother Elvis’ wedding,” she reveals. “He wanted to have a happy occasion so I made the first move. I hugged Mom and it felt good she acknowledged it. I’m relieved that everything’s fine now.”
According to the statuesque beauty, this is a normal phase in her relationship with her mother.
“We have our ups and downs. Of course, there are still moments when we have tiffs like this one. I guess, it happens to any mother-daughter team, right? But as the daughter, I’m always the first one to make the move for reconciliation. That’s the role of the children. What’s good about it is that, we both see our points after analyzing things.”
Ruffa avers that she need not sacrifice her love life just to please her mom.
“Making a sacrifice is not part of the picture. I’m of age already. I think both of us just need to understand each other more. It’s just a matter of respecting each other’s feelings,” she states.
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Broadway producer and actor Shea Arender was in town recently because of his desire to meet Maine Mendoza of the AlDub phenomenon and possibly include her in a Broadway presentation which he would produce and stage in the Philippines.
“That’s right,” he says. “I’m eyeing the new Kia Theater as the venue. It will be in the middle of March of 2016. But unfortunately, Maine’s schedule is so hectic and tight and it’s impossible to get her star opposite me in the musicale.”
Instead, he got Jonalyn Viray.
“Yes, I got impressed with her when I watched the Star Awards. She’s got a very powerful voice and I think she fits the role to a T. I personally talked to her and she’s happy to accept. I think we will complement each other on stage.”
Shea, who’s the Executive producer of the Broadway show The Wonderful Wizard of Song in the US is very pleased with his maiden trip to the Philippines.
“The country is a wellspring of talent. I’m really amazed with the Filipinos’ natural affinity with music. That’s why I’m hiring many local musicians to be part of the band in the actual show. Definitely, I will be visible in the Philippines in the coming days. I love it here!” he says.