Daldalita brings inspiration and love on GMA Telababad

CEBU, Philippines - GMA Network unveils the latest addition to its slate of innovative programs for the last quarter of 2011 with the much awaited debut of DALDALITA. It will replace Futbolilits beginning tonight on GMA Telebabad.

Leading the grand ensemble of cast is singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid as Mateo, Daldalita/Lolita’s father who loses his wife in childbirth. Ogie, who has already established himself as one of the biggest stars in local show business, displays his versatility as he dabbles in drama for the very first time.

Playing equally vital roles are Manilyn Reynes as Katrina, Daldalita’s protective aunt; and Rufa Mae Quinto as Cherry, Mateo’s scheming girlfriend.

Adding star power to this heartwarming Kapuso offering are Isabel Oli as Teacher May, Daldalita’s kindhearted teacher; Marc Abaya as Sam, head veterinarian and Katrina’s eccentric boyfriend; Julie Ann San Jose as Marga, Katrina’s younger sister; and Elmo Magalona as Gino, Mateo’s apprentice.

Spicing up Daldalita’s life are Spanky Manikan as Dr. Manny Manuel, Mateo’s sympathetic boss; Arnold Reyes as Arthur, Mateo’s bestfriend; and Joey Paras as Chi-Chi, Sam’s sidekick.

And to reprise the coveted-title role of Daldalita is no less than Kapuso child wonder Jillian Ward. The multitalented child personality takes the limelight once again as she works side by side with Ogie in this heartwarming drama series.

Daldalita is the first primetime team-up of both Ogie and Jillian who are very excited to start working on this original family-oriented drama that not only brings inspiration and love to its viewers but also guarantees to provide wholesome family entertainment.

Also making this program uniquely entertaining is the presence of real animals that will make Daldalita’s life colorful and truly exciting. Some of these captivating animal actors’ viewers should look forward to include Daisy, the duck; Bobby, the pig; and Kirat, the mouse.

The series also marks the TV comeback of popular singer-actress Donna Cruz as she plays the coveted role of Carmela, Mateo’s devoted wife.

Daldalita begins with the married couple Mateo and Carmela living a simple life in the province. Their happy marriage hits a rough patch when Carmela dies after giving birth to their daughter Lolita. Adding to Mateo’s misfortune is the unusual condition of his child whom he thinks is mute. Nonetheless, Mateo devotes his unconditional love and attention to Lolita.

As Mateo dutifully raises Lolita, Katrina, Carmela’s sister, helps her brother-in-law in fulfilling his parental duties. Most of the time, Mateo and Katrina would clash but in the end they realize that they have developed an unlikely affection for each other.

The two get closer and closer as days pass by until Katrina advises Mateo to bring Lolita to a “miracle” doctor. This angers Mateo and makes him say hurtful words to Katrina. Completely devastated, she packs her bags and leaves him.

Having no one to turn to, Mateo seeks the help of his neighbor Tisay to help him out in taking care of Lolita. Unknown to him, Tisay brings Lolita along to beg on the streets.

One day, police officers arrive to arrest beggars who are part of the syndicate. Afraid of being caught, Tisay immediately flees and leaves Lolita in a basket inside a delivery truck.

Mateo’s whole world crashes down when he learns of Lolita’s disappearance. He parts way with Katrina and continues his life without his daughter.

Meanwhile, baby Lolita ends up in a duck farm owned by Lupe who finds her and raises Lolita as her own. But Lupe’s daughter, Susan, despises the new addition to their family and often mistreats Lolita.

The animals in the farm empathize with Lolita who until now is still unable to utter a single word.

To cheer her up, they would talk and play with her. Lolita listens to the animals and Daisy, the mother duck in the farm, treats Lolita as her adopted baby. Until one day, when Susan attempts to kill Daisy, Lolita stops her and says “quack”!

Lupe, after hearing that Lolita can now speak animal sounds, teaches Lolita how to talk like a human and gives her a new name: Daldalita. Daldalita grows up to be an extraordinary girl who is able to understand the language of the animals in the farm.

Susan continues to bear a grudge against Daldalita. When Lupe becomes sick and bedridden, Susan sees this opportunity to get rid of Daldalita and takes her to Manila. Daldalita, along with Daisy (the duck) and Bobby (the pig), ventures around the city and starts their life in a new and different environment.

Due to an unexpected turn of events, Mateo and Daldalita’s paths will crisscross. Mateo, who is now an accomplished veterinarian, finally reunites with his missing daughter.

But with a different name, will Mateo find out that the lost girl who now lives with him is really his long-lost child, Lolita? How will Daldalita’s animal friends help her in discovering her true identity? Who are the friends and foes Daldalita will meet in her adventures?

Under the helm of Director Don Michael Perez, together with Denoy Navarro-Punio as head writer, Daldalita brings the special human-animal connection to primetime TV that Filipino viewers, most especially the young ones, will surely enjoy watching.

The exciting adventures of DALDALITA begin tonight right before 24 Oras on GMA Telebabad.