Apoy sa Dagat Director FM Reyes: "Why not promote our own Philippine islands?"

In a country where the audience is apparently divided into socioeconomic classes, just "how do you make both ends meet?"

A good, well-thought out story, a quality entertainment show, plus a free ticket to the unseen paradise of the Philippine islands--these spell out ABS-CBN's newest teleserye Apoy sa Dagat as director FM Reyes and Nick Olanka and the creative staff  shared their insights and the story behind the soap opera at the Bloggers Conference last February 9.

"This teleserye shall redefine what a quality show truly is, and shall bridge the gap between what we offer in the cinema and in free TV," Direk FM Reyes shared, who believes that quality and educational programs should not be restricted to the elite and high class community but must be offered most especially to those who cannot afford them and who should watch them.

Direk Nick Olanka and the creative staff also shared some of the special techniques they used in the teleserye that also showcases the beautiful islands and beaches in the Philippines like Bataan. I truly learned a lot from the directors especially from Direk FM, who also said that the names of the places involve a semiotic correlation with the emotional load of the story.

"Our efforts to produce an exceptional and quality teleserye, where the audience will not only be entertained by the story but also be educated by the diversity and beauty of our country is most especially dedicated to those who cannot afford quality cinema and cable channels," Direk FM added.

Starring outstanding artists Piolo Pascual, Deither Ocampo and Angelica Panganiban, Apoy sa Dagat is a story of twins Serena and Rebecca who got separated when they were still young. As both lead separate and completely different lives--Serena living with Ruben (Piolo Pascual) in the beautiful island of Bataan and Rebecca living in the corporate world--they will eventually meet each other and prove that fire and water can never co-exist; one will always have to destroy the other.

Direk FM also shared the sophisticated and difficult characters of the twins where Angelica cannot represent both via simple physical differences and must portray each one in completely distinct attitudes, mannerisms and expressions. I have been watching Apoy sa Dagat and just like what Direk FM said, Angelica indeed does an excellent job in portraying the twins.

Apoy sa Dagat is also starred by renowned artists Nikki Gil, Patrick Garcia,  Aiko Melendez, Angel Aquino, Liza Lorena, Freddie Web, Perla Bautista, Sylvia Sanchez, Melai Cantiveros, Regine Angeles, Bryan Santos, Wendy Valdez, Mikylla Ramirez, Zeppi Borromeo, Rico Barrera and Alizon Andres.

Reflections on 100 Days to Heaven

My dad. Drama mode.

Aside from watching Spongebob Squarepants and Mr. Bean, I've finally got to like a teleserye that truly feeds the minds of kids like me, with ABS-CBN's 100 Days to Heaven (directed by Malu L. Sevilla). It seriously makes me cry, laugh like a mad man, and learn the practical approaches in life like "you should manipulate the world first before it manipulates you and buries you alive."

Sofia's (Jodi Sta. Maria) father Andres (Joel Torre) truly moves me to tears, given his situation as a physically disabled man struggling to do his job as a financially-supportive father. With his son Kevin (Louis Abuel) unfortunate enough of having leukemia, he could not sleep at night just thinking about how he could provide for his son's medical needs.

I remember my father every time Andres stays late up at night and pours out his frustrations, saying he feels like a worthless father because of his physical misfortune. I always cry whenever I see him selling rags out in the streets, with all his efforts to earn money for Kevin's treatment. I see my dad in him thinking how caring and emotionally vulnerable he is as well, with his determination to make us successful citizens of the world by always working overtime.

On the other hand, there are a lot more lessons I learn from Madame Anna Manalastas (Coney Reyes) and Anna (Xyriel Manabat). 100 Days to Heaven not only makes me want to love and understand my dad more, but also helps me understand the "art of being the bad guy". Anna shares a lot of reasonable viewpoints about life and its cruel reality we've all overlooked and we take as unreasonable.

In yesterday's episode, Anna was trying to prove to Sofia that she did a big favor to her employees by scolding them and simply telling the truth that they were a bunch of failures. I remembered how my strict teachers back in high school scolded us and I tried to understand their intentions that after all, they simply cared about us, for if they didn't, they wouldn't even bother wasting their time reprimanding us. Maybe it was just the same way Anna did.

I've always loved villains, because they're not bad guys after all. Like what Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) said, "We've all got light and dark inside of us. What matters is the part we chose to act on." Anna Manalastas may be that annoying, unreasonable toy empress, but she sure teaches me to look into the other side of bad guys--their good side.