TV5 drama set in Misibis

MISIBIS BAY — In the coming days, TV5 is not just about to present the results of its hard work but it is also set to display the magnificence of the luxurious Misibis Bay when the story of its latest primetime drama offering titled Misibis Bay begins to unfold in the small screen. Perched in the south-easternmost tip of Cagraray Island, Misibis Bay is a tropical hideaway in Bacacay, Albay.

According to business unit creative head Mac Alejandre, several top tourist destinations were considered to be the backdrop of the sexy drama series that topbills Ritz Azul, one of the network’s teleserye princesses. “We searched for the most fitting location. We even looked at the possibility of going abroad like in Thailand for the show,” he shares. “Until the day came when the production team found Misibis (Bay) as the perfect setting for the sexy revenge drama. After several meetings with the management of the resort, a partnership was forged.”

In the press conference, GM Ian Mayer Varona says, “We were approached regarding the possibility of (TV5) shooting here at the resort…It’s not just a resort; it’s the product of the vision of the owner to develop Bicol as a destination because in recent years, Bicol was always known for being a gateway of typhoons, eruptions or calamities. That scene has changed. Bicol is now on the tourism map and this opportunity to partner with TV5 came and I think it’s very timely because we are really pushing Bicol to be one of the top destinations in the Philippines.

“This series is very instrumental in pushing forward the tourism agenda of the region. Our marketing pitch is not just the resort itself but it’s really the beauty of Bicol so I hope this will be a most successful partnership and we are behind TV5 all the way.”

Direk Mac made it clear that everything started with a concept. They thought of coming up with a sexy drama that is fast-paced yet interesting and exciting for the viewers. And they see it best to do most of the scenes in a place that will complement the core of the story.

“We feel that there’s a ‘movement’ in all corners of the television industry…we know that pretty soon something will happen and whoever has the right timing and the one who is always ready to seize the moment at the most opportune time, s’ya ang mananaig. Misibis is one of TV5’s preparations. It is fast-paced; it will run for only six weeks but without compromising the quality. Ito rin ang maglulunsad sa paniniwala ng TV5 that Ritz will become a television superstar. The network trusts her and the production team deemed this is the most fitting (acting) vehicle that will catapult her to stardom.”

Ritz, on the other hand, can’t thank enough her mother network for supporting her in making a mark in the acting scene. She admits to having mixed emotions about the new project. “I’m happy but at the same time nervous just thinking how great an actor Christopher de Leon is. We will be together in most of the scenes.”

Ritz confesses that never did she imagine that the role would require her to do lap dance. Hesitation initially set in, she says.

“The daring scenes here, I think lumevel up s’ya compared to what I did before, gaya nung lap dance. Kung iisipin ko s’ya as Ritz kinakabahan ako. I really felt shy at first to the point that I approached Mr. Boyet about the lap dance. I said, ‘Sir, nahihiya po ako.’ He told me, ‘No, no wag kang mahiya.’ Parang he’s comforting me so lumakas ang loob ko and thankfully, nagawa ko naman. It’s a pleasure working with him.”

Ritz shares that a dancer was present on the set to teach her how to do the lap dance number right.

When asked which is more daring —- posing sexy in a men’s mag or doing a lap dance — Ritz finds the latter a tougher act “because all you need to do there (in men’s mag) is pose while here you have to act, you have to move to convey sexiness; sa galaw makikita yung kaseksihan.”

As an actress, Ritz wants to try everything — from action to comedy to sexy. She gives her best in every acting assignment but without going beyond her set limits. “I don’t think I can do super intimate bed scenes.”

Ritz shares a similarity with her role.”Just like me, Maita will do everything for her family. The only difference is kapit s’ya sa patalim.”

In the story, Ritz is Maita who lives in the slums with her grandmother (Boots Anson-Roa). She works as a dancer to earn a living until she crosses paths with Anthony (Christopher de Leon). The two will fall in love in spite of their age difference and opposite social standing. Anthony has three sons (Daniel Matsunaga, Vin Abrenica and Victor Silayan) who will also get involved with Maita.

“Palaban ako dito; may revenge plan, actually each character has a hidden agenda,” Ritz explains. “It’s a challenging role and I’m thankful to TV5 for the trust that I can do this (role) well.”

With Ritz and Christopher, other cast members like Vivian Velez, Andrea del Rosario, Megan Young, Vin, Daniel, Lucky Mark Mercado, Victor, Malak So Shdifat and Luke Jickain will stay in the resort for 15 days to do the TV series’ highlights. Monti Parungao directs.

Forming part of the location shoots are the different sections of the five-hectare island resort — from its infinity pools to dive spots to recreational areas. There’s also an amphitheater where Anthony will declare his marriage proposal to Maita and the exchange of “I do’s” will take place in the chapel located at Misibis Bay’s Eco-Energy Park.

Also, Ritz, Vin, Luke, Victor, Malak, Lucky Mark and Megan took time out to participate in the tree-planting activity held at the Eco Park.

“I wish I could come back here and I want to see how much it had grown,” Ritz says.