Romance and comedy, apart from the deeply affecting heavy dramas, are by far the most engaging themes for television. They make complicated situations palatable and easy to digest as they find humor in real-life situations.
Today, a new series, which takes inspiration from the daily situations and happenings in the smallest government administrative unit, the barangay, premieres today on GMA Telebabad.
Fans of onscreen pair Kylie Padilla and Ruru Madrid need not wait any longer as the KyRu love team banners GMA News and Public Affairs’ election offering and latest political romantic comedy series TODA One I Love.
Like the jeepney, the tricycle is a popular means of transportation in the Philippines that reflects the culture and identity of Filipinos. Aside from playing a major part in the daily commute of many Pinoys, the tricycle is also used as a vehicle to promote various products and even political candidates.
TODA One I Love will revolve around the family, dreams, and loves of three lead characters—Gelay, Emong, and Kobe. They will find themselves tangled in the topsy-turvy politics of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association or TODA, as well as the local mayoral elections.
The series gives viewers a glimpse of Philippine local politics—all presented with a sprinkle of comedy and romance. At the center of this latest Kapuso Telebabad offering is the strong-willed, independent young woman Angela “Gelay” Dimagiba, portrayed by versatile actress Kylie.
An engineering student, Gelay is the daughter of a tricycle driver Mang Tolits and Aling Lea. Family is everything for Gelay; she is willing to sacrifice her own happiness for them. She has a childhood friend Emong, whom she has been crushing on since they were young. But Emong only sees her as a younger sister.
Playing Raymond “Emong” Magsino is heartthrob Ruru. He is the son of Aling Jane and Mang Jessie, the incumbent TODA president. A hard-working lad, Emong is determined to better his life. With his TESDA course under his belt, he goes abroad to work as a mechanic. This temporarily cuts his friendship with Gelay. But when his employer closes shop, Emong has no choice but to go back to the Philippines. Upon his return, Emong discovers that Gelay is still the tough girl he knows—only she has transformed into a beautiful lady. Emong now finds himself head over heels with his childhood friend.
But Emong faces competition when it comes to winning Gelay’s heart: the handsome and prince charming material Kobe Generoso to be portrayed by Chinito heartthrob David Licauco. Even though Kobe is the son of the incumbent Mayor Migs and ex-mayor Mayora Dyna, he still wants to make a name for himself.
But before Gelay decides between her two admirers, her life makes a 180-turn when the TODA Elections spell trouble for her and her family.
Joining Kylie, David, and Ruru in this political rom-com series are Gladys Reyes, Victor Neri, Jackie Rice, Kim Domingo, Tina Paner, Maureen Larrazabal, and Raymond Bagatsing with the special participation of Allen Dizon.
Viewers should also look forward to the characters of Cai Cortez, Buboy Villar, Archie Alemania, Kimpoy Feliciano, Ayeesha Cervantes, and Bruce Roeland.
“This series has an interesting cast. Everyone is a character and has a story to tell. It helps a lot in the series because we wanted to showcase what really happens in a TODA, in a small political community as truthful as possible, but of course in a funny way,” Jeffrey Hidalgo, who shares the director’s chair with Nick Olanka, told Manila Standard.
TODA One I Love is written by Volta delos Santos, Robert Raz, Mario Banzon, Lei Chavez, and Aya Anunciacion.
Kapuso viewers abroad can also catch TODA One I Lovee on GMA Pinoy TV. For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com.