The larger-than-life adventures of Dwarfina begin January 10

CEBU, Philippines - Beginning Monday, January 10, see the world from the perspective of a precious little heroine with the premiere of GMA Network’s first telefantasya offering this 2011, Dwarfina. Guaranteed to delight both young and old, Dwarfina follows the majestic and magical adventures of a girl barely the size of a finger, and how she finds her place in both the mortal and supernatural realms.

Playing the lead characters no less are award-winning actress Heart Evangelista as the fun-loving Dwarfina, and multi-awarded film and TV actor Dennis Trillo as Lyndon, Dwarfina’s beloved friend. After their successful team-up in an episode for Dear Friend and in the movie Mano Po, Heart and Dennis are all set to reignite their tandem, and deliver fresh and remarkable performances on Philippine primetime.

Forming the ensemble cast of prominent actors and actresses in Dwarfina’s earthly world are Janice de Belen as Marissa, Dwarfina’s mother who was cursed by a black duwende; Chanda Romero as Selya, Dwarfina’s cruel grandmother; Cris Villanueva as Kardo, Dwarfina’s affectionate father; Mark Bautista as Estong, Lyndon’s friend who works at the pier; Iwa Moto as Lucille, Dwarfina’s jealous sister; Yogo Singh as Buddy, a batang kalye adopted by Lyndon; and up-and-coming Kapuso teen stars Derrick Monasterio as Darius, Estong’s co-worker; and Kylie Padilla as Chloe, Lyndon’s younger sister who was raised in the US.

Meanwhile, playing equally significant characters in the land of duwendes are Jackielou Blanco as Dita Abiana, Queen of the duwendes; Jestoni Alarcon as Ditu Calixto, King of the duwendes; Angelika dela Cruz as Romera, a powerful yet evil dwarf; Emilio Garcia as Hulyano, the rich and ambitious husband of Romera; Pauleen Luna as Gwendina, daughter of Romera and Hulyano, another antagonist in the story; and Tony Mabesa as Nuno Umberto, adviser to the royal duwende couple.

Completing the cast are Will Devaughn as Elvin, Dwarfina’s bestfriend in the supernatural world; Vaness del Moral as Camila, Dwarfina’s loyal servant; and Mico Aytona as Duwentukin, a dwarf tasked to look after Dwarfina. Dwarfina will also feature the special participation of Ms. Lani Mercado as Andrea, Lyndon’s doting mother.

The story of Dwarfina begins with Kardo (Cris Villanueva) and Marissa (Janice de Belen), a couple who has always wanted to bear a child. One day, Marissa accidentally destroys a mound believed to be a nuno sa punso, killing the daughter of Calixto (Jestoni Alarcon) and Abiana (Jackielou Blanco), the heir to the throne of the Kingdom of duwendes.

Abiana and Calixto are left devastated as this means the end of their rein, as well chaos in the land of the duwendes. Knowing that the women in the duwende world can only bear one child in their lifetime, Abiana uses her power to curse Marissa’s child so she can take the baby and replace it with the dead princess.

Abiana steals Dwarfina upon birth and presents it as their princess, much to the surprise of Romera. Romera is the one truly responsible for the death of Abiana’s daughter, aware that once the death of the real princess comes out, Calixto and Abiana will be forced out of their thrown and she will become the new queen.

Calixto, however, is filled with remorse upon seeing how much Marissa and Kardo love their child. The royal duwende couple then decides to return Dwarfina to her family, while keeping everything as a secret from the duwendes.

Despite being born with one glaring abnormality that is her height, Dwarfina grows up with the love and support of her family and friends, especially her bestfriend Lyndon (Dennis Trillo). This causes Lucille (Iwa Moto), Marissa and Kardo’s adopted daughter, to harbor jealousy towards her sister prompting her to throw Dwarfina into a river, hurting his father Kardo in the process. Lucille puts the blame on Dwarfina, who was then helplessly carried away by the raging rapids, never to be seen by her family again.

Fortunately, Elvin (Will Devaughn), a dwarf who has always looked after Dwarfina, finds her and takes her back to their supernatural world. By this time, the duwendes are all waiting for the seven-year old princess to be presented to them as dictated by their custom.

With the elder dwarf Nuno Umberto’s (Tony Mabesa) blessing, Calixto feeds Dwarfina a special black rice cake, which replaces all memories from her past with memories of growing up in the duwende world. Dwarfina is finally presented as Ditu Calixto and Dita Abiana’s daughter, thwarting all of Romera’s (Angelika dela Cruz) evil plans for revolt.

But for how long can Calixto and Abiana keep Dwarfina’s real identity a secret from everyone, including Dwarfina? If she does find out, will Dwarfina choose to remain in the kingdom of duwendes as their princess, adored and revered, or will she rather return to the earthly world and reunite with her loved ones?

Directed by Mike Tuviera, Dwarfina promises to take viewers on a fascinating journey into the mystical and magical world of duwendes with its original plot written by Aloy Adlawan brought to life by the stunning special effects by Riot Inc.

Witness the larger-than-life adventures of Dwarfina beginning Monday, January 10, after 24 Oras on GMA Telebabad.

Viewers in the United States, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific can watch Dwarfina beginning January 12 on GMA Pinoy Tv. (FREEMAN)