Marian Rivera makes a big splash

April 27, 2008

SHE is the most beautiful, most captivating and the first-ever mermaid to conquer the hearts of many Filipinos from comics to silver screen for decades. This summer, she will swim her way to viewers of the new generation to give them a chance to explore not only her colorful world under the sea but also her breathtaking adventures above water. This April, GMA-7 launches with pride the most anticipated, extravagant serialization of the original Pinay mermaid - Mars Ravelo’s “Dyesebel.”

Premieres April 28, this newest telefantasya of GMA boasts of an enchanting storyline with a powerhouse cast led by the country’s most celebrated and most sought-after loveteam today - Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera.

Primetime hunk actor Dingdong Dantes plays the role of a Fredo, a multi-media mogul so full of himself while versatile actress Marian Rivera plays Dyesebel, the prettiest and most adventurous mermaid who will conquer everything in the name of love.

“Dyesebel” is one of the classic komiks creations of Mars Ravelo which was adapted as a movie several times since 1953, with actresses Edna Luna, Vilma Santos, Alma Moreno, Alice Dixon, and Charlene Gonzalez playing the coveted role. With “Dyesebel,” Marian’s versatility as an actress will further unveil as she gives a new life and a fresh twist to the sparkling story of “Dyesebel,” which is expected to totally strip her off from the character of Mari Mar of the phenomenal primetime program that launched her to stardom.

Dingdong, meanwhile, will try to equal if not surpass the portrayals of veteran actors like Jaime dela Rosa, Romeo Miranda, Matt Ranillo III, Matthew Mendoza and Richard Gomez who all played Fredo, Dyesebel’s love interest.

Joining Dingdong and Marian Rivera in this grand telefantasya are well-respected artists in the entertainment industry: Rufa Mae Quinto, Ricky Davao, Alfred Vargas, Mylene Dizon, Lotlot de Leon, Luis Alandy, Marco Alcaraz, Teri Onor, Paolo Ballesteros and Jean Garcia.

Also featured are Aljur Abrenica, Bianca King, Michelle Madrigal, Kris Bernal, Hero Angeles together with Charlotte Hermoso and Filiberto Nepomuceno, with the special participation of Wendell Ramos, Chanda Romero, Chinggoy Alonzo, Andrea del Rosario and Jen Rosendahl.

The story of Mars Ravelo’s “Dyesebel” begins when human Lucia (Jean Garcia) delivers a beautiful baby girl. Unlike other normal babies, Lucia’s child is half-human, half-fish. She was named Dyesebel. Although surprised with the features of their daughter, Lucia and husband Tonio (Wendell Ramos) love Dyesebel.

But in no time, their neighbors discover the couple’s secret. When the community is hit by a series of catastrophes, Dyesebel’s neighbors believe the young mermaid is nothing but a curse them tremendous misfortunes.

This leads Lucia to offer Dyesebel to the sea where she certainly fits. Unknown to them, it is at the bottom of the sea where Dyesebel’s good adventures and misfortunes will happen.

Beneath the ocean, Dyesebel will meet Banak (Lotlot de Leon), who will be her surrogate mother; Erebus (Alfred Vargas), a young man with royal blood descent who will be secretly in love with her; Bukanding (Paolo Ballesteros), Dyesebel’s merman friend whom she will treat as her brother and lovely sea creatures like Jelay (Charlotte Hermoso) and Butete (Filiberto Nepomuceno), who will be her sidekicks.

Dyesebel’s life miserable under the sea are Dyangga (Mylene Dizon), cruel queen of the sea; Berbola (Michelle Madrigal), Dyangga’s equally-cruel daughter; Usaro (Marco Alcaraz), Dyangga’s assistant and lover who will also be secretly in love with Dyesebel; and Akirang (Teri Onor), the evil sea horse.

Dyesebel grows up as a stunningly beautiful mermaid, child-like, playful and carefree. Most of the time she gets into trouble for violating important rules in her kingdom that include going up the surface, mingling with and falling in love with humans.

Unknown to many, the real reasons behind her boldness is a fervent hope and wish to see once more than man she loves: Fredo. As a young boy, Fredo helped Dyesebel escape when she was caught in a fishing net. Although the young Fredo was not aware that he had saved a mermaid. He becomes the object of Dyesebel’s dreams. Since then she always goes to the surface to catch a glimpse of the young man.

For years, love has kept Dyesebel patiently waiting for Fredo but she remains unsuccessful until one fateful day when the handsome model meets an accident while out in the sea. Dyesebel then saved Fredo and finally gets a chance to meet the man she loves.

Unlike Dyesebel, Fredo doesn’t know the meaning of love. But when he got the chance to get a glimpse of her beauty he hopelessly falls in love with her.

With the power of love binding them, will Dyesebel find ways to be with the man she loves? What will Dyesebel give up to live like human? “Dyesebel” is directed by Ms. Joyce Bernal and Don Michael Perez. State-of-the-art production design was created by Rodell Cruz, extraordinary costumes by Bill Gustillo and spectacular visual effects by Riot, Inc. Mars Ravelo’s Dyesebel also boasts of underwater scenes shot by the remarkable team of Marissa Florendo as well as breathtaking locations in Palawan, Bataan and Batangas.

Dyesebel’s theme song, “Aking Mundo,” was performed by Sugarpop’s Julie Ann San Jose.

It begins Monday, April 28, on GMA Telebabad.

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