‘Sa Puso Ni Dok’ premieres this Sunday

CEBU, Philippines - Four-time George Foster Peabody awardee GMA News and Public Affairs unveils another groundbreaking, socially relevant drama with the premiere of the first original medical TV series on local television – “Sa Puso Ni Dok” – beginning this Sunday, August 24.

Serving as an eye-opener on the harsh realities of public health in the country, “Sa Puso ni Dok” is a six-part weekly series produced by the award-winning team of GMA News TV, the same creative group behind highly acclaimed drama series “Bayan Ko” and “Titser.”

“Sa Puso Ni Dok’s ultimate battlecry is the improvement of public health care in the country. We also want to showcase the heroism of many of our government employed doctors, nurses and health workers who value integrity and service for their fellow Filipinos,” reveals “Sa Puso ni Dok” creator and Program Manager Sherilyn Bruan. She adds, “Aside from the program’s extensive research, the medical drama series has consulted medical experts to make the series more realistic in presenting various medical-related situations.”

Topbilled by multi-awarded actor Dennis Trillo together with award-winning actress Bela Padilla and under the direction of  Adolf  Alix Jr., “Sa Puso Ni Dok” tells the story of stern, unorthodox and mysterious head resident Doc Dennis De Vera (Dennis) and fresh grad, idealistic Doc Gabrielle dela Cruz  (Bela) whose lives and loves get intertwined inside the public hospital of Melchora Aquino General Hospital.

“I find my character very interesting. Masungit ako na doktor dito pero unorthodox while Bela’s character is by the book, making us clash in many ways,” shares Dennis about his character, head resident Doc Dennis De Vera.

Bela, on the other hand, enthuses that her character, Doc Gabrielle, is lovable. “Gab is very easy to love because she always means well. She is bubbly, young, and an ambitious doctor. And even when things get in the way, she always finds solutions especially if her patients are in need.”

Both playing the role of a doctor for the first time, Dennis and Bela confess watching a US-based medical drama series as part of their preparation for the drama. Dennis adds that he also did some research to understand some nuances, medical terms, and hospital procedures.

In the series, Doc Dennis’ dedication to his profession remains steadfast as he continues to resist the lure of work abroad to spend his workdays serving the sick in Melchora Aquino General Hospital. He also attends to the poor in a remote barrio in his personal time.

Afraid to love again, Doc Dennis discovers fate has another plan for him in the person of Doc Gab, a fresh graduate who joined the hospital to complete her required two-year return service program.

Armed with idealism and enthusiasm, Doc Gab gets disheartened when she discovers that the hospital has inadequate facilities, shortage in nurses and doctors, and in short supply of medicines.

While Doc Gab lacks experience in facing medical crises, Doc Dennis, meanwhile, has his own ways to face them. But with their opposite personalities, will Doc Dennis welcome the idea of guiding this newbie doctor? And with his passion for his work, will he be able to influence Doc Gab to stay and help the local residents in need? Or will Doc Dennis be swayed to leave the remote hospital instead?

Find out as the romantic love story of the two doctors unfolds in the face of challenging medical scenarios and tragedies as well as the discovery of administrative corruption.

Completing the cast of “Sa Puso ni Dok” are Anita Linda, Menggie Cobarrubias, Maey Bautista, AJ Dee, Gigi Locsin, Stephanie Sol, Elijah Alejo, Flor Salanga, and Sunshine Teodoro.

Catch “Sa Puso ni Dok” every Sunday, beginning August 24, after “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” on GMA-7. (FREEMAN)