Reviews

When I first heard about Dingdong Dantes and Rhian Ramos being paired together for this drama series, I was very surprised, mainly the age gap of nine years between them. Dantes is known to be a really good actor at times, and a really bad one often. While Ramos frequently receives abuse from fans for bagging roles she does not deserve, however, every time Ramos proved hr detractors wrong - she gained rave reviews in her last drama series role in LaLola - and Stairway to Heaven she certainly puts her detractors in their places! Stairway to Heaven is utterly beautiful from beginning to end. Joyce Bernal directs the most heart wrenching drama series I have seen in a very long time, a story of a childhood love that must overcome the greed of others and above all, death. Dode Cruz is the head writer, it is so different to anything he has done before - after receiving endless bashing due to the way he writes; with Stairway to Heaven, he proves he does not need violence, kidnappings, switch-births, etc. to make a drama series work.

The acting is the most solid I have ever seen for a very, very, very long time - the entire cast performed miles above the bar. Barbie Forteza and Joshua Dionisio played the younger counterpart of Dantes and Ramos' Cholo and Jodi, and they played it well, they had a certain chemistry that made you feel for their characters, Forteza's crying scenes are noteworthy especially coming from someone who has no past acting experience.

The supporting cast did amazing jobs, starting with Karen de los Reyes, who had her career's best performance! De los Reyes has always been known as the "best-friend", although she has done well with a few intense characters like in Mulawin. In Stairway to Heaven, de los Reyes proves that she can literally eat the leading lady in acting (although Ramos was still amazing). Same goes to Soliman Crz, who best performance he has ever delivered, the audience could feel his heartache and love for his son Tristan (played by TJ Trinidad), the nice third wheel. The most memorable scene of him here is when he fought off Jean Garcia's evil stepmother character, not with violence, but with sharp words! Jean Garcia gave out a scary performance, her scene alone when she revealed Sandy Andolong's character's affair was simply devilish, she was so scary.

Now, the main characters! Glaiza de Casto was effective as a villain who only wants to be loved and wanted things she was deprived from. TJ Tristan's Tristan is a tragic character who desperately wants to be loved by the woman he cannot have.

Music also played a very important role in this drama series, Regine Velasquez's rendition of Faith Cuneta's "Pag-Ibig Ko'y Pansinin" wasn't really the best, but it was beautiful, I felt shivers down my spine. I also love the music score, although there were some off-key and kinda out of place music scores, but listening to the score along is lush. Overall, Stairway to Heaven showed the entire cast's career's best performances. Highly recommendable!

This is the second GMA-7 remake of a Thalia telenovela after the highly successful MariMar two years ago. When Rosalnda first aired, it gained lukewarm audience, and I must admit the first few episode of the series was not interesting nor boring - maybe the story is not as intense as MariMar's.

Newcomer Carla Abellana reprises the role memorable Thalia title role. Her innocence alludes the character, the way she spoke and way she acted was perfect for the role. When the character turned stronger, it suited Abellana even more. Abellana is paired to Geoff Eigenmann as the ever dashing Fernando Jose, even though Eigenmann's charisma is no par to Dingdong Dantes' Sergio in MariMar, the chemistry between Abellana and Eigenmann is electryfing.

The overall performance is surely about the bar. Glydel Mercado throws an award-winning deserved performance, her anger and pain is felt by the audience. As opposed to Sheryl Cruz who carries the OTT (over the top) performance, it might have worked with Bakekang, but not here. Roderick Paulate is a revelation, I've never seen him in a such melodramatic role (even though the character is a comic relief). Another stand out is Jomari Yllana, and man, the man has not lost it. His aura could make any woman (even me, and I'm a man) swoon! Although not as solid as director Maryo J. de los Reyes and writer R.J. Nuevas' previous effort, the powerful Impostora, Rosalinda is an underrated flower that deserves more hype and more love than it's getting.

8/10

Padilla's fourth serving on television, third with GMA Network, is better than expected, and in comparison to the previous three, this adaptation of Carlo J. Caparas' graphic novel is Padilla's acting piece for television. In Basta't Kasama Kita, his character seemed forced to be 3-dimensional. Asian Treasures was good for the explosive action scenes and until the fantasy storyline crept in. Joaquin Bordado was an excellent piece of television filled with terrific characters, but I found it very hard to watch.

Totoy is a farmer living with loving wife Elena and daughter. This "Totoy" character develops into a revolutionarian after Elena killed herself instead of being raped by the terrorists. Ara Mina played to role subtle, the best performance she has done in ages as Elena. After getting even with the terrorist, Totoy moves to the city and become a day-labourer fighting against the company's corruption. And there he meets two characters: Fredo, the man who seemed to lost faith in his former profession as a boxer, and Anna, Totoy's childhood sweetheart who is now a famous singer. As always, Eddie Garcia delivers the goods, now as Fredo. While its ironic seeing the country's most famous singer Regine Velasquez playing the country's most famous singer Anna Molina.

And from there, Totoy becomes the renowned Totoy Bato. Much similarly to GMA Network's other programme Zorro starring Richard Gutierrez, Totoy Bato explores the origins, the pathos of the character Totoy. All the different battle he went through (terrorist, revenge for his wife, corruption, prejudice and for love) defines him as a character.

Acting solid here, Padilla is not overshadowed by visual effects like his previous two series. Garcia performs up the bar. Velasquez might be not as good as in Ako si Kim Samsoon, but still commendable.

This version of Zorro is simply epic. The first historical Philippine drama; well, forget about that disastrous, short-lived Princess Sarah, this is the sh*t! It stars Richard Gutierrez, Rhian Ramos, TJ Trinidad, Michelle Madrigal, Jacklyn Jose, Joel Torre, Bianca King etc.

Based on the popular (probably the most famous) swashbuckler character created by Johnston McCulley. This version of Zorro retells the novella The Curse of Capistrano, the first ever Zorro "adventure". Just like the novella, the series details at a man's steady recreation from a boy orphan through his chaotic adolescence to the turbulent power struggle with the Spanish government of the 17th century, and to finally becoming a legendary masked-hero.

It's beautiful, it's moving, its well-acted, well-written, well-directed, well-scored. The action, the comedy, the drama... all balanced to a dose perfect for television viewing. It's fantastic how each episode is creating a tension building up to its inevitable future. What I love about this series is how it is able to touch upon the right elements, humour, sadness, action and pathos - each character (well, the main ones, at least) are 3-dimentional, they breathe and live like we do. And the writing is lush(!) - the dialogues are powerful and the scenes fast moving.

Acting wise? You get what you get from Richard Gutierrez, I don't think its ever the director's fault now. Gutierrez still pulls the same faces, even excellent directors couldn't make him. However, despite that, Gutierrez does pull of some good acting chops (but nothing major). TJ Trinidad is strong, brooding and quite possible scary, only an amazing actor can pull of the "evil man, but abides by the law" role, and Trinidad certainly pulled it off. Rhian Ramos is better than ever, but I can't help that her beauty doesn't seem to fit the setting the drama is trying to create. Nevertheless, Ramos still performs above the standards.

I am amazed how faithful the writers are to its original novella, even to the littlest characters. Kudos to Mark A. Reyes and Dominic Zapata for teaming up again to possibly making the best Richard Gutierrez starer, maybe outdoing their last team-up with Mulawin, five years prior!

LaLola is director Dominic Zapata's follow up to the highly raved Ako si Kim Samsoon. Before the premiere, I thought this series has both Zapata's weakness and strength, fantasy being the weakness and comedy being the strength - so, I was curious on how this would turn out to be.

The series stars Rhian Ramos. I admit that I don't like her, but damn she is a good actress. And this series made me like her a little bit more. Many of the strength of the series, just like ASKSS, came from the casting: Eddie Garcia is great a always, same goes to Eula Valdez. But the biggest surprise (from the supporting cast) came from Keempee de Leon, I didn't really see him as an actor before, but just a drag-comedian; but combined together, de Leon is a great comedic actor as Ramos' closet bestfriend.

And then comes the weak bits: Sheena Halili who triumphed as a funny girl in MariMar and ASKSS, fell short here, maybe her role isn't just funny; and JC de Vera, who delivered a powerful performance in Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita, doesn't compensate as a comedy actor as Ramos' leading man.

The biggest strength of the series came from the writing of Jun Lana, the script is deeply suiting. And Zapata's direction through cinematography and music score complements Lana's writing.

I've always liked a girl with beautiful eyes, and I quickly fell in love with this movie. This is not the typical movie that a guy would like but, as a big fan of films, I do like this type of film.

It's all about Marian Rivera and Iza Calzado's eyes. They cried buckets in this movie, I was very close too. These girls know how to act through their eyes, they didn't really need to say anything, I can already feel their pain. But between the two, Calzado brought the better part in acting; Rivera was equally good, but now match with the first, she was refreshing in every sense of the word.

On the other hand, leading man Dingdong Dantes delivered a worthy amnesiac performance. Dantes has certainly grown up from his chubby "pa-cute" days to this strong figure of an actor.

The film is worthy of its hype. Excellent direction and writing, with beautiful musical scoring from Von de Guzman. The film, however, fell short on one thing: pacing, sometimes it was just too slow trying to give us the whole picture. Plus the advertisements concealed within the film doesn't help.

All in all, One True Love is a must see. Probably not the best Filipino film of 2008, but it is up there. I can't wait to see my next melodramatic love story... I guess I'll be watching Anne Curtis' Baler this Christmas.

8/10

The visuals and style of writer-director Jose Javier Reyes' My Monster Mom doesn't differ from his previous work Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo and Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo. Incidentally, this movie's abbreviation is "MMM", and the others are "KKK" and "SSS".

Much of the movie is very good, but its suffered from the two leads' awful acting. Real life mother-daughter Annabelle Rama and Ruffa Gutierrez presents over the top acting. But the director plays much on the idea that they're awful actresses by using "jolly" lines.

Though Rama-Gutierrez display bad actings, the supporting cast does not. Eugene Domingo is at the top of the game like always as Rama's rich friend. Young actors/actress who hasn't performed well in the past has shown better acting, like Bubble Paraiso, Mart Escudero and Iwa Moto.

Director Joel Lamangan brings back to life Gilda Olvidado's much adored tale about obsession with such fine quality. He proves that he has not lost his touch in melodramas. Merged with a beautiful adaptation of Don Michael Perez where the characters are very human - all are rotten inside.

With such fine direction and writing comes the equally spectacular acting, not just out of the four main characters, but also to the wall of supporting cast. Out of them, Carlo Aquino gave the most excellent performance --- his character filled with love and obsession was so realistic, its almost scary! Truly an award-winning calibre performance!

L: Change the World is a spin-off from the Death Note movies, not the mangas. The mangas/anime are better than all the films. Death Note: Part 1 is a better film than L, but I enjoy the last the most. Death Note: Part 2 is all-over the place though.

Hideo Nakata was able to craft an intense and heart-pounding thriller, and Matsuyama Kenichi is just simply amazing as the almost heartless L, but we see more of him as a "human".

Basically, L: Change the World chronicles the last days of L, similar to what Passion of the Christ did to Jesus. Other than the amazing Kenichi, the young boy F is adorable and we see him become Near - who we never see - in the near future; hence the toy robot.

Overall, L: Change the World is a worthy spin-off to the shaky films and superior mangas/anime. Highly recommended!

One of the best Asian horror remake

I was fortunate enough to view the film during the Cannes Film Festival. And it was received by the critics and audiences with open arms. The original film, "Sigaw", was the first Filipino horror for a long time to be very atmospheric.

Directed by the original film's director, Yam Laranas, "The Echo" is a very fine and atmospheric film like the original. The changes from the original was obvious and was probably done to expand the character histories.

Delivering very frightening chills, "The Echo" is a step up to your average Asian horror remake.

I must say, this is Richard Gutierrez finally doing some real acting. In my opinion, Gutierrez should stick to light to comedy roles like the lead role in this loose adaptation of the classic story of Arsène Lupin, both from the French novel and the Japanese anime.

This is Gutierrez's first non-fantasy series since he became GMA-7's top leading-man, and this is my second favourite out of four series (as of mid-2007). Gutierrez managed to show emotional intensity while showcasing his acting chops with an excellent set of supporting casts, raging from acting legends like Alicia Alonzo and newbie Ehra Madrigal.

There are about a dozen villains in Lupin, from the likes of Ara Mina (suffering), Polo Ravales (jealousy), Ricky Davao (power-hungry), all performed at their bests - even Rhian Ramos who is also our hero's love interest. But it was Janno Gibbs who stole the series in his comedic arch-antagonists of Lupin!

Also Katrina Halili was able to make me cry, for the first time she is not playing a villain role here! Her untimely "future" was upsetting. Mike Tuviera's direction was swift and sleek, almost cinematic. Lupin is also Gutierrez's most underrated series.

First of all, "Dyesebel" was mainly aimed for children. I would consider "Dyesebel" to be the best TV-adaptation of a Mars Ravelo classic. "Darna" was overrated, while "Lastikman" wasn't able to sustain a straight storytelling, and "Captain Barbell" was ruined after 3 months of its airing.

The love story of Dyesebel and Fredo is very "touching", as they go through all the travails of a mermaid-human love. The two main villains to the Dyesebel-Fredo love story comes from two different worlds: the human Betty (Fredo's "past" who wants a "future", a complex character who basically wants things she can't have) and the mermaid Berbola (the rivalry she matches with Dyesebel are derived from their parents'). And there is Erebus, a mermaid willing to do the right thing to obtain Dyesebel's love, even bargaining for his life.

Sounds "serious", right? Well, then comes the "funny characters", which I must say is top-notch, led by the superb young Robert Villar. His chemistry with Marian Rivera (Dyesebel) is undeniable. But comes the problem, the Dyesebel becomes to naive and childish about love in the beginning of the story.

Fuelled with superb performances from Lotlot de Leon, Mylene Dizon and Jean Garcia - they made the series an extra better. Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes (the leads) were able to "fly away" from their roles from their previous project. The music was mesmerising, the beautiful violins makes the love and melodrama more effective. The theme songs, both sung by those talented young kids from Sugarpop and composed by Danny Tan was able to reflect Dyesebel's feelings from the sea to the land.

A little disappointment come from the evil subplot, performed by wooden teen actors. I'm not gonna even expand it! Director Joyce Bernal wanted the series to be "light"; but is the series "too light" for its own good?

We saw Eddie Garcia and Eddie Gutierrez battle for supremacy in politics for Kung Mawawala Ka; now, we see Dina Bonnevie and Glydel Mercado rages war on one another in Joel Lamangan's third serving in prime-time television. Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita marks Lamangan's return to his roots of crime, mayhem and politics in this adaptation of Gilda Olvidado's classic novel.

In this story of treachery, connivance, greed, power and vengeance, we have Evita Perrantes (played by the ever so excellent Bonnevie, the character and its name is clearly adapted from Evita Peron) whose life ruined by his husband's nemesis. Losing her husband and parents, she rises up and crushes her enemies. All seem well until her only daughter (played by rising actress Yasmien Kurdi) Emma gets abducted and never found, by her nemesis Imelda (played by Mercado, the character and its name is adapted from Imelda Marcos). Evita hopes of finding her long lost daughter once again. This series is more complex that this, but it's too difficult to write it all down.

Don Michael Perez, whose work before working with Lamangan in Sinasamba Kita were mediocre to below average, shows depth and colour into each and every character, taking homage to many political figures in the history of the world and from other mediums such as Romeo and Juliet. Due to their blooming characters, the cast were able to show, of course also with the help of Lamangan, their acting prowess: from veterans like Tonton Gutierrez to the has-beens Deborah Sun and Roi Vinzon to up and coming JC de Vera and Kurdi.

In addition, Von de Guzman's musical score for the series is simply amazing. Mix that with awesome cinematography and cutting-edge fade cuts, and you have a thrillingly breathtaking series! The series proves that not only vengeance pays, but it also shows that all sins must be paid back: no one will always be above the law even in the dark underworld of crime and mayhem.

The 5 years for another Lamangan-Iglesias team-up since"Kung Mawawala Ka" was worth the wait!

From the creator of the critically praised and audience-adored Bakekang, Carlo J. Caparas, comes Joaquin Bordado. The premise of the series is simple: a happy family man with a secret job gets betrayed by the people he works for, he is resurrected by an old man who transferred the man's power to Joaquin; now he must find his wife and child after they are taken away, and must carry the duty to destroy evil.

The series marks the third TV series of "Action Superstar" Robin Padilla, his second with GMA Network after last year's flawed Asian Treasures, and in my opinion: it is the best so far. Unlike other Philippine dramas, the story follows Joaquin Bordado in his adventures - similar to Heroes when all the characters are "all-over" the place but heading towards the same goal.

Mac Alejandre directs this series with first-time prime-time director Argel Joseph, and I must say: Alejandre has truly got "groove" back after working with Joyce Bernal in the big-hit MariMar; he's able to show his "groove" through the excellent Sine Novela: Kung Mahawi Man Ang Ulap last year.

Iza Calzado proves that she is one of the best actresses in the Philippines with her stunning portrayal of the protagonist's wife. Eddie Garcia, plays the main antagonist, marks a Sylar-cross-with-Magneto character - Mr. Garcia's acting skills is not to be doubted, he is a legend after all.

The series is beautifully written by Suzette Doctolero from the Caparas medium - the series appeared to have a very "comic-book" feeling to it, especially compared to more well-known "comic-book"-turned-series like the awful Lastikman and the below-mediocre-Captain Barbell. Doctolero has added colourful characters such as Dianne and Jason, played by Iwa Moto and Mark Herras - the two suffered criticisms from their previous works, but with their character beautifully written, they were able to performed at their best.

Although the series is beautifully written, some episodes are very uneasy to watch.

First of all, this is definitely the worst Vhong Navarro solo.

This movie is funny, mainly because of the endless Vhong Navarro slapstick. Pokwang and Mura added silliness to the film, making it more funny, but other than that, the film is shallow and not even that funny at all.

It's laughable because of the stupidness. Valerie Concepcion, who gave a terrific performance in Sinasamba Kita, was incredibly awful; and Makisig Morales did nothing to help the film.

To Star Cinema, the next time you give director Gilbert Perez a movie project, make sure it focus more on the children - that would be a better film than this film.

B.F.G.F. is an excellent example of what a romantic comedy should be. Compared to other rom-coms in the Philippines such as I've Fallen For You and You Got Me, the film does stands out from your average rom-com, especially in the Philippines.

The movie is carried by its lead stars, Richard Gutierrez and Marian Rivera, gracefully. Gutierrez has finally found his forte in the form of comedies, while Rivera (in her first leading role) showed substance. Both played their characters in such delicacy and playfulness with the help of director Mark Reyes from the script of Suzette Doctolero.

It's a perfect rom-com cause the plot is simple: boy hires girl to pretend to be a girlfriend to make the ex jealous, girl turns out to be boy's best friend's girl, boy and girl falls in love but trouble by ex and best friend.

The film helps you be inspired to find someone to hug and cuddle with, especially the seemingly excellent chemistry between the two lead stars (but Rivera and Dingdong Dantes has a better chemistry). Ehra Madrigal (who plays the ex) was very subtle in her role, while the best friend JC de Vera was easy to watch on screen.

To conclude, the film gives enjoyable laughs and many "kilig" moments.

I've Fallen for You has proved that ignorance does make the world go round. The film is directed by first time director Lino Cayetano and stars Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson in their first solo movie (2nd in their - soon - long list).

I just want to stress: why does ABS-CBN keep pushing the Kim-Gerlad love-team... both has stale acting. Gerald cannot use the excuse that "Tagalog" isn't his first language, because even in his English speaking scenes. Why ABS-CBN? Even celebrated director Jerome Poblocan couldn't help this pair, and you'd have newbie Lino Cayetano to fix the mess? The premise of the story is incredibly unrealistic and too fast paced. First thing you see is when they met, next time you see them they're in-love. And both of them having the same name in the movie doesn't help. The execution is very poor indeed.

First of all, I like to commend Star Cinema for having an alternative protagonist. But the premise of the film puts down that "alternative". The film basically shows the greed in people's lives on wanting to be thinner to be loved. Much of the film is completer rip-off to films such as Just Friends and the-oh-so praised 200 Pounds of Beauty.

The story tells a guy wanting to be "fit" to be liked by the girl he likes, who is disgusted at him. He hires a female trainer, who unwittingly falls in love with him. Trainer leaves, and returns to see the then-fat guy with the girl of his dreams. The story itself has become pointless, forced and far-fetched after the first 45 to 50 minutes.

Kristine Hermosa has shown more acting in her supporting role here than any other roles she's done, I commend her. I still don't get it why Star Cinema loves the Toni Gonzaga-Sam Milby tandem, please...

I just feel sorry for Jade Castro, who made the heartbreaking Endo, because of this film. Why? She had the top-executives of Star Cinema breathing down her back to match up to GMA Films' B.F.G.F.

La Vendetta, or in plain English "Blood Feud", is the first Philippine drama to use the "unknown" genre of suspense-thriller. Under the direction of three of some of the best directors in the country: Gil Tejada, Lore Reyes and Topel Lee - who showcased his talents with the excellent horror movie Ouija.

The plot is simple: 8 people in an eerie mansion, 1 mysteriously murdered, 1 is framed for the murder because of her mental conditions; many years passed, the framed one returns home finding the ghost of the dead remains roaming, now she is determine to find out the truth. An excellent premise from visionary writer RJ Nuevas.

The majority of the cast performed well. But the one that strikes me is Angelica Jones, she was able to shine in her comedic character. Paolo Contis, Caridad Sanchez and Chynna Ortaleza are still timeless with their craft. Rising young actress Ynna Asistio did well as well.

Though the lead Sunshine Dizon's role in multidimensional here in La Vendetta, just like her role in Impostora, her performance was overshadowed by the latter. I believe this series was Jean Garcia's chance to shine in a pitiful villain, she was just amazing - she stole many scenes in throughout the series.

At last, Jennylyn Mercado as a vengeful ghost. She wasn't able to shine because of her limited role, but she did very good on singing the theme song. I thought "P.S. I Love You, as the theme song for a supernatural thriller? You kidding!" but as soon as the credits of the series started rolling I begin to feel chills down my spine - BRAVO!

I hope GMA could make a follow up series with the same genre. I can't wait to see a "Ring" or a "The Grudge" type series. A premise: a cursed ghost.

GMA-7's afternoon soap opera Daisy Siete has different stories every season, but retaining the cast. All have been mediocre to almost unbearable to watch. But comes Tabaching-ching, the series' 16th season presentation. It stars Jopay Paguia on the title role of an overweight lady with a beautiful singing voice.

The first time I heard about Daisy Siete's season 16 through promotions, I immediately thought of the Korean movie 200 Pounds of Beauty - which is a very good film. Though, people might call Tabaching-ching a rip-off of 200 Pounds of Beauty, it is very different, the only thing they have similar is the fat woman with a beautiful voice who turns to be a fit singer in the end.

Tabaching-ching has more story including her evil sister and mother, the antagonist school mates, her lovers; plus there is also Rochelle Pangalinan's arc. You wouldn't think Rochelle's arc has anything to do with the main story of the series, but it turns out a very important! The series is very well acted and written - better than most of the Daisy Siete seasons. I think the bigwigs behind Daisy Siete should stay with stories involving women in deformity and singing - just like the follow up season, season 17: Uling-ling.

I can see why Tabaching-ching's ratings are so high.

I was quite excited that ABS-CBN is making a TV-version of Princess Sarah as I was a fan of Camille Prats' version. But this series turns out to be a disappointment.

The most visible reason why this is a big disappointment is that they've made Sarah into a "tomboy" - Sarah is supposed to be a princess, therefore subtle. Sharlene San Pedro is a good young actress, but not in this series, probably because Charming Lagunsad is a lot better than her.

The costumes for the series is bad - worst than Krystala's costume. They look like they're going to a Halloween party.

Sheryl Cruz wasn't able to shine for me - I don't like her villain role here, I prefer her villain roles in the excellent Sinasamba Kita and in Bakekang. Albert Martinez is excellent as always, so was Candy Pangilinan.

2006 had Bakekang. I had 3 shows in mind on what show would rule Philippine drama for 2007: ABS-CBN's Maria Flordeluna and Ysabella, and GMA-7's Impostora - all had been excellent. MF and IMP preformed well in the ratings, while YSA "flopped", I guess. That narrowed me down to MF or IMP, but then came the Philippine remake of Thalia's monster hit telenovela "Marimar".

Not only "Marimar" replaced the 'Angel Locsin' with the 'Marian Rivera', "Marimar" is both critically acclaimed and preformed excellent on the ratings with ratings reaching up to an amazing 49.5%, until its finale episode with 52.6% - the only show since 2005 to reach 50%.

"Marimar" had the best acting preformed by a cast for a very-very long time in a Phiippine drama (after Kung Mawawala Ka). Many of the actors/actress shinned in this series especially Richard Gomez, Dingdont Dantes, Katrina Halili and Sheena Halili, plus the star of the show MARIAN RIVERA! The series tries to distant itself from the original, and it worked. Bing Loyzaga and Bianca King were excellent, stole the show for me for 3 weeks!!! I also commend the magnificent Caridad Sanchez, she did make my cry until her death (I feel so sorry for her, especially when she got fed dog-food!) On the directors, Joyce Bernal is excellent, as always; plus Mac Alejandre bounces back after losing his touch for quite some time. At first, I though it was just Bernal who did wonders directing "Marimar", but Alejandre showed crafting skills in Kung Mahawi Man Ang Ulap.

Other part of the cast like Nadine Samonte, Cristin Reyes, Sharmaine Santiago and Dino Guevarra preformed at their best. Sheena Halili was able to shine in her role. Even Marvin Agustin! He's so good that I actually hated his character with passion!

The theme songs: Mel Villena's composition of 'Marimar' capture the "life" of the old Marimar theme song, Regine Velasquez was an excellent choice to sing it. There was also Danny Tan's 'Mahal Kita', with two versions, one by Maricris Garcia (subtle) and one by Gerald Santos (passionate), both were amazing.

Overall, Marimar is the best melodramatic Philippine drama for a very-very long time!

Mara Clara was good. Esperanza was good. Krystala was very bad. Ysabella is...

...Well, an improvement from Krystala. Judy Ann Santos is good in playing the title role (except for Krystala). The series is a well done. Very good indeed.

Gina Pareno and Coney Reyes were excellent. Another thing, I don't know who casted Derek Ramsey in this series - he can't act! But he and Santos has a chemistry.

I can't say anymore... BUT IT'S VERY GOOD! Oh, it has a very nice musical score - like the tribal drums sounds-like.

Well, Bituing Walang Ningning was quite watchable even though it was not very good, but Pangarap na Bituin is very low. The story was supposed to be more realistic than BWN and Bituin, but it turns to be very soap operatic, just like all the other ABS-CBN dramas.

Cherry Pie Picache, who gave amazing performances through the indie movies Kaledo and Foster Child, is annoying along with Rica Peralejo, Joel Torre and Rio Locsin, who practically gave their worst performances in their television careers.

Plus there is Sarah Geronimo, who gave a reasonably well performance with BWN; but now, she should just stick with singing, her acting is going no where. And there was also Jericho Rosales, who last year the lead in his own drama, is now in a very low supporting role. Out of the 5 episodes shown weekly, you only see him in 2 episodes...

It was only Maja Salvador's character made me stay and watch this awful drama. She and Jay-R Siaboc have a good chemistry even though he is a bit bad in acting - I think its the accent. In addition, I thank ABS-CBN for giving Pooh and Cathy Gonzaga roles in this series, cause they are pretty damn good (funny).