True-to-life local drama to air on TV5

CEBU, Philippines - Her life story has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and adversities — from a childhood of hardship, abusive relationships, a prosperous business, a sudden financial misfortune, to finally becoming the formidable entrepreneur and stable single mother of five that she now is.

How Aida Patana emerged to become a thriving and independent woman despite the roadblocks thrown her way would be a rich source of inspiration for many people, so she believes. It is for this reason that the lady behind M-Talent Events and Promotions (and a slew of other lucrative businesses) decided to produce a drama series based loosely on her experiences.

Titled “Loving Hearts,” the 13-episode series will have a June 9 premiere on TV5. It will be shown to Central Visayas viewers on Sundays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Patana will play herself, while Manila-based actors Jao Mapa, Ian Veneracion and Jeric Raval will portray the pivotal men in her life. The cast will also include known actors Isabel Granada, Ana Capri, Boots Anson Roa, Robert Arevalo, as well as local talents Mafe Castillo, Editha Cabahug, Maria Elena Gabaya, Monica Sacay, Krissel Valdez, Kevin Cabahug and Cathy Cabahug.

The dialogue will be a mix of Visayan and Tagalog.

Patana said the story’s main message is that one should never lose faith and need only to work hard to succeed. This is her second try at producing and acting in a local series. Her first venture was the drama “Baylo Ta,” which enjoyed a three-month run over CCTN Channel 47.

Directing the series is Wiliam G. Mayo, president of the Kapisanan ng mga Direktor ng Pelikulang Pilipino and of the Philippine Motion Pictures Directors Association. “Through this project, we want to show that talents don’t have to go to Manila to be part of showbiz. Together with M-Talents, we also have a vision of producing the first Cebuano entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival,” said Mayo, who has helmed at least 70 full-length features that are mostly in the action and true-to-life genre.

M-Talent Events and Promotions (located on S.B. Cabahug St. Ibabao, Mandaue City) is also celebrating its first anniversary this month. To mark the occasion, Patana will bring over a handful of stars for an April 27 show at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Dubbed “An Evening with the Stars,” the star-studded event will feature Zsa Zsa Padilla, Pops Fernandez, Gabby Concepcion, Jaya Ramsey, Erik Santos, Valerie Concepcion, Empress Schuck, Paul Avelino, Enrique Gil, Neil Coleta, Krissel Valdez, Monica Sacay, DJ Durano, Joy Viado and Fretzie Bercede. Photos by JOY TORREJOS (FREEMAN)