Television director Dominic Zapata describes The World Between Us, a romantic drama that sees the reunion of Alden Richards and Jasmine Custis Smith on the small screen, as an epic love story that tackles love in various levels and forms.
Speaking to Manila Standard Entertainment, the esteemed director shared what made him fall in love with the story and what makes the series, premiering tonight on GMA, another one for the books.
“It’s an epic love story that lasted for 25 years. When I first read the material, I fell in love with it especially with the way it makes you fall in love and the way it makes you think that everything is alright then it goes a certain direction,” the television director started.
“It’s a love story in so many levels and in so many ways. It’s not just romantic, it’s also about love between a mom and her child, love between siblings, and between friends. I find it more apropos nowadays because the pandemic thought us how to love in various different ways, we rediscovered love and that’s the show is all about,” he added.
Adding delight to the already interesting tandem of Alden and Jasmine is actor Tom Rodriguez and a bevy of senior actors and fresh talents.
“I only draw energy from everyone. That’s how I work. When there’s so much energy on set, when you feel the energy of Alden, Tom, and Jasmine, who look for new avenues to express their artistry, and you have these young artists, and the veterans who share their inputs, it feels so dynamic when you combine everything from the cast. Apart from the good material and a bevy of people who are passionate about this story, the cast makes this show really good,” Zapata underscored.
In the series, Alden takes on the remarkable role of Louie Asuncion, the intelligent orphan who has a penchant for inventing gadgets and who will work his way up to prove that he is worthy of Lia's love; Jasmine who is set to charm audiences with her mesmerizing portrayal of Lia Libradilla, the lovable and compassionate youngest member of the affluent Libradilla family who will fall for Louie despite their differences; and Kapuso prime actor Tom in his most offbeat role yet as Brian Libradilla, the stubborn and bullheaded eldest heir of the Libradilla family who never sees Louie as his equal and disapproves of his affection for Lia.
Alden, who at first felt apprehensive to take on the role of Louie, admits that his character’s depth prompted him to accept the project.
“When we started reading the script, iba ‘yung binabasa mo na siya from naririnig mo lang ‘yung kuwento. That started the fire within me to create this character that’s very relatable. With the cast, the story, the director, I think this is going to be one of my best teleseryes in five years.”
“No offense to my other projects because I’ve learned from them but this project is something different. I wake up every morning not because I'm excited to work but it’s because of the project. We go on set to fulfill the requirements of our characters, and I believe everybody in the show feels the way,” Alden asserted.
Jasmine, in turn, reveals what is the secret behind her undeniable on-screen chemistry with Alden, “Pareho kaming in love sa characters namin and sa story nilang dalawa so that makes the chemistry so much easier kasi ramdam mo ‘yung kilig ng character mo. We’ve done projects before and although short period lang ‘yun, it was still enough to build a good foundation. I’m grateful because it’s been so fun and easy to work with Alden.”
Meanwhile, Tom shares how he resonates with the complexity of his character, “At first glance, it may seem like mahirap maka-relate kay Brian. But as I read the script even more, one thing became so clear – that he’s a wounded person. Having been wounded myself in my life, maybe not to the same extent that he has, mas na-curious ako what makes him that way. I realized that he’s only hungry for love and affection.”
Playing equally vital roles are two of the country’s finest dramatic actresses Dina Bonnevie as Rachel Libradilla, the matriarch of the Libradilla family and CEO of Prime Mobile who has a strong moral compass, and Jaclyn Jose as Yachie Delgado, the loving and protective matron of the Libradilla family who is full of wisdom yet keeps a dark secret.
Making this series even grander is the glittering roster of cast including Sid Lucero, Kelley Day, Yana Asistio, Jericho Arceo, and Donn Boco with the special participation of Glydel Mercado.
Witness the enthralling love story of Louie and Lia in The World Between Us – under the helm of esteemed director Dominic Zapata and assistant director Aya Topacio – beginning tonight.
Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV. It will also be available for streaming via iQiyi International or IQ.com for subscribers in the Philippines.
* * *
Sec. Mark Villar, missionary artist Kristine Lim honor 123rd anniversary of DPWH
During the month of the Philippine Independence, the Department of Public Works and Highways celebrated its 123rd anniversary as well. In a simple yet intimate occasion headed by Sec. Mark Villar, a few of the Department’s Officials witness the formal turnover ceremony of a commemorative painting entitled HALIGI (Salmo 18:2) made by Kristine Lim, also known as “Artist on a Mission”, to mark the momentous occasion.
HALIGI (Salmo 18:2), pays tribute to the strength of our Lord that is found in all of us. The same strength is resounded through the efforts of everyone who has been constantly dedicating and committing themselves to successfully forge the projects and developments of DPWH and its leaders for our country amidst this time of pandemic.
Secretary Villar has been an integral part of all the developments and accomplishments of the Build! Build! Build! projects of the Administration through the Department of Public Work and Highways. Regardless of the challenges of the pandemic, he carried on and the whole department stood strong, opening new developments and infrastructures one after the other.
The official turnover ceremony was held at the lobby of DPWH head office. The painting was donated by Sustainable PH & Christian + Collective with the cooperation of Galerie Francesca.
During the ceremony and to everyone’s surprise, Lim turned over a portrait of DPWH Sec. Villar to him that was paid for and commissioned to her by the supporters of the secretary.
Called Victors of Mark Villar, it was founded by groups of men and women who believe in and uphold the goals, visions, and endeavors of Sec. Mark Villar has been and will continue to be the building blocks and foundation of this country towards constant growth, development, and victory.