Marian, Alden show early chemistry

After several months of absence from the boob tube, Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera returns in an original drama series that promises to steal the televiewers’ heart via “Carmela: Ang Pinakamagandang Babae Sa Mundong Ibabaw.”

Marian tackles a complex character in Carmela, a beautiful woman who had gone through a lot in her life. With her beauty, she is judged not only by other people but also by people close to her. When Carmela falls in love with a man who despises her mother, she is forced to make heart-wrenching decisions.

The actress is very eager to make her comeback to the TV screen after her riveting performance in “The Temptation of Wife” which netted her an acting nomination at the Asian TV Awards. She says she has another unforgettable character in Carmela that will definitely surprise her fans.

“The people will see a different kind of Marian in my role as Carmela. I am very excited to play the part because I must say that this is one of the most challenging roles I have done of late. I am very sure my fans will fall in love with Carmela and I am thankful to GMA 7 for giving me this role,” said the lead actress of the new series directed by Dominic Zapata.

Joining Marian in this new drama is certified “Crush ng Bayan” and Kapuso leading man Alden Richards who is pairing with Marian for the first time. Alden plays Yago, the handsome and smart young man who is looking for someone who will love and accept him for who he is despite his flaws and insecurities in life. His perspective in life will change when he meets Carmela who will show him a different view about love and life.

After watching the trailer of “Carmela” at the show’s recent presscon, the media people already noted the chemistry of Marian and Alden. Both stars revealed that they were kind of wary about their lack of chemistry since Marian is a bit older than Alden. But the trailer of “Carmela” showed otherwise. Besides, the role of Yago is meant for a guy younger than Carmela so Alden fits the role perfectly.

Barely three years in the business, Alden considers it a big honor to be paired with no less than GMA7’s biggest female star. He says it’s both a challenge and a big opportunity to be acting alongside a top caliber performer like Marian. There are rumors saying that some Kapuso actors are jealous of Alden because of the big break that came his way.

“Being paired with Marian is a dream come true and who wouldn’t want to be in my shoes? I guess I have to work even harder to prove myself worthy of this chance that came my way,” said the Kapuso actor whose star is definitely destined to shine even brighter in 2014.

“Carmela: Ang Pinakamagandang Babae Sa Mundong Ibabaw” premieres Jan. 27 on GMA Telebabad.

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Circuit Makati, a 21-hectare mixed use development of Ayala Land in partnership with Philippine Racing Club Inc., takes a step closer in fulfilling its vision of becoming the city’s entertainment district and the newest active lifestyle destination as it branches its three sports facilities namely the Gatorade-Chelsea Blue Pitch, Citykart Racing and Mountain Dew Skate Park.

The fun began with the ceremonial kick at the Gatorade-Chelsea Football pitch graced by The Azkals led by the Younghusband brothers, and the Gatorade Brand Ambassador Chiefly Caligdong. The Blue Pitch, in partnership with Chelsea Football Club Soccer School Philippines and Pepsi, occupies the 10,000 square meters of Circuit Makati, and is the first FIFA-sized blue football field in the country. The football turf is poised to be a training venue for both amateur clubs and national teams. There will be football programs and clinics to be conducted by the Younghusband Football Academy to hone the skills of future Filipino footballers.

Another facility is the Citycart Racing operated by Urban Karting Manila which should appeal to formula one racing enthusiasts. And for those who are more adventurous, there is the Mountain Dew Skate Park, which boasts of 1,000 sqm skate area.

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Iza Calzado is happy with the opportunity given her by the Kapamilya network to host the new season of “The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Doubles.” This is the first time that Iza is hosting a reality show and the award-winning actress admits she is nervous but at the same excited.

“I can truly relate with the experience of the contestants because there was a time in my life that I also have weight issues,” she said. But with her determination and firm resolve to overcome her weight problem, Iza won her battle with the bulge. If you see how sexy she is now, you wouldn’t imagine that there was a time that she weighed more than 220 pounds. She was 15 years old that time. Now, she is down to her ideal weight of 130 lbs., but wants to lose five more.

With the help of her director and the hardworking staff of “Biggest Loser,” Iza has managed to be a little more confident that she can be a good host despite being a newbie in handling a reality show.

She is aware that she’s taking over the slot vacated by Sharon Cuneta, and when she was first offered the show two years ago, she called up Sharon and informed her about it. Sharon gave her blessings.

“Sharon Cuneta is Sharon Cuneta. It is hard to step into her shoes because she is the Megastar. I may not be at par with her many accomplishments but she was happy that I was chosen to take over,” said Iza. She took a hosting workshop before she started her stint.