Thea Tolentino: Girl on fire in ‘Pyra Babaeng Apoy’

CEBU, Philippines - Imagine yourself having the ability to create, manipulate and be able to hold fire in your hands? Will you be brave enough to use this gift? Or will you suppress this uncanny ability?

Pyrokinesis is the ability of a person to project fire from their mind or to simply think it to being. Although there is no evidence or scientific documentation to support this, there are a number of people around the world who claim that they possess pyrokinetic powers.

In July 2012, there were even reports of an eleven-year-old boy with super psychic abilities that drew hundreds of curious people, including the media, to her home in Gubat, Sorsogon, Philippines. According to news reports, one of his abilities is to mysteriously produce fire.  There is also a similar case of a three-year-old in Antique,  Philippines documented in March 2011. There are other such reports of the plausibility of pyrokinesis from all over the world.

This August, GMA Network explores this special power via its newest drama-fantasy themed series that will surely fire up afternoon viewing – ‘Pyra Babaeng Apoy.’

Thea Tolentino, one of Kapuso Network’s fast-rising artists, topbills the newest GMA Afternoon Prime series as she breathes life to the character of Pyra. Playing opposite her is GMA’s upcoming leading man Jeric Gonzales who plays the role of Jeffrey Calida, an uptight and perfectionist geek who will eventually fall for Pyra.

The series also stars Angelu de Leon, who is reunited with Thea and Jeric following the success of the teen-oriented series Teen Gen, as she portrays the role of Merly, the fiercely protective mom of Pyra. Multi-talented TV personality Gladys Reyes plays the role of Susan Del Fierro, an achiever, go getter and someone who will not stop until she gets what she wants. Versatile actress Roxanne Guinoo plays the role of Barbara Del Fierro, the biological mother of Pyra.

Joining them are character actors Ryan Eigenmann as Daniel Del Fierro, the  domineering husband of Barbara; Christopher Roxas as Ramon, a fire breather and the biological father of Pyra; and Polo Ravales as Tito, the best friend of Daniel  who holds most of the latter’s secrets.

Completing the cast are the fresh faces of drama, Elle Ramirez as Cindy Del Fierro and Zandra Summer as Ena; and adding rhythm to the series is the country’s King of Soul in an endearing depiction of Pyra’s doting mentor Sir Aidan, Mr. Janno Gibbs.

In the series, Pyra, a born pyrokinetic, has the ability to create fire and this usually happens when she experience extreme anger. Because of this, she learns how to control her emotions and develops a sunny disposition and positive outlook in life. Although she grew up not knowing who her real parents are, Pyra is raised by a very loving and fiercely protective mother Merly.

And though Pyra is already able to control her pyrokinetic abilities, there are still instances that could trigger her emotional outbursts, which could eventually result to her hurting the people around her.

Will Pyra be able to know and find her real parents? And if she does, will she choose her real parents or the person who raised and showered her with love? How will her loved ones protect her when they know that she has the special ability that could cause harm to other people? Will Pyra be able to fully control her pyrokinetic abilities?

Under the direction of Roderick Lindayag, the director behind the top-rating programs Alakdana, Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin, Hiram na Puso and Kakambal ni Eliana among others, Pyra Babaeng Apoy also shows how far a mother would protect her child from the world especially when she knows that her child could cause harm to other people.

The creative team is composed of Creative Director Jun Lana; Afternoon Prime Head Roy Iglesias; Creative Consultant Kit Langit; Headwriter Des Garbes-Severino; Writers Ana Aleta-Nadela, Rona Lean Sales, and Angeli Delgado; and Brainstormers Jason John Lim and Homer Novicio.

Created by the GMA Drama Group, Pyra Babaeng Apoy is supervised by the Executive In-charge of Production Lilybeth G. Rasonable; VP for Drama Redgie Acuña Magno; AVP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy; Program Manager Hazel F. Abonita; and Executive Producer Joy Lumboy-Pili.

Pyra Babaeng Apoy fires up afternoon viewing on GMA Afternoon Prime.