Not ONE show since the “awesome in the beginning, but all out horrible in the end” Marimar struck me as charming… until now, all thanks to GMA’s new remake of Lalola, starring Rhian Ramos and JC de Vera.

Having looked at the Argentinian trailer on YouTube and after having watched the first two weeks of the Philippine version, this show is a keeper for me.

I think what makes me tune in every 3.30PM PST is Keempee De Leon’s “Gary” and Rhian Ramos’s portrayal of a man stuck in a woman’s body — they are just hilarious together. The third that keeps me tuned is, of course, JC de Vera, and his crush on Lola (or Lalo heh) — it’s very refreshing that, though it is unfortunate he’s not teamed up with Ysamien Kurdi, at least we’re given a chance to see him with someone different. *Change can be good.

Probably the only thing that annoys me is the whole “witch clan” thing the story has going on in the woods with all that dodged up dust flying everywhere into people’s mouths, noses, and skin. It makes the show seem like a telefantaserye which has become a real drag considering both ABS-CBN and GMA have at least one show that is in the fantasy genre. Just stop it already! It would have been fine if Ada took revenge on Lalo the normal way: hire a 21st century witch and skip all the graphics effects.

However, I can overlook that since the pros definitely outweigh the cons. All in all, I hope this show won’t disappoint!

Before I sleep…

Once again, these ultra fast subs are brought to you by JAYCEE. Be sure to leave Jaycee your thanks!

ATTN: I thought I had a week free before the next session of college classes begins, but unfortunately, it takes place after it. So, that means my “Farewell” entry for Lobo is still unfinished.

However, now that Lobo is done, I’m wondering what upcoming teleseryes Angel Locsin will star in, other than that movie with Piolo. In other tidbit news, I feel that, just from the previews, GMA’s lineup definitely beats ABS-CBN’s right now. My Girl is probably the only one keeping the Kapamilya boat afloat.

Goodnight!

- Paula

Edit It’s only Monday and Episode 19 plus Episode 20 Preview has ALL BEEN SUBBED!! Thank you Jaycee!

Here is the commercial for GMA’s upcoming remake of My Name is Kim Sam-Soon featuring Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez, as the leading lady. This will be the second Korean drama that the Philippines will have remade.

Unlike Korea’s My Girl, I actually did have the opportunity to watch MNKSS, but I will still try to give an honest opinion that (hopefully*) does not make comparisons to the original.

Here I was searching YouTube for some videos about the Philippines because I was feeling pretty nostalgic at the moment, and this video came up:

… and the YouTuber linked to this Multiply blogger, who found the article on PinoyExchange (which he hasn’t provided a link to the original post/thread).

I really find this hard to believe and it sure does sound really really fishy. Come on, after all these years of competing with each other, the two networks suddenly decide to monopolize the entertainment industry by becoming one? (Hm.. that’s actually a pretty good reason why…)

Note: However, since I have not seen any news reports on Google or TFC and GMAPinoyTV pertaining to the situation, this is probably either a hype or someone just made this article up. So don’t start placing bets or anything.

Anyway, if the two networks did decide to get hitched and become Philippine Broadcasting Network or “PBN” (lol), this would be my list of positives:

• The Kapuso and Kapamilya can finally stop ragging on each other because they’ll be in-laws now.
• I don’t have to pay for TFC and GMAPinoyTV.
• All Filipino dramas will have the clean and clear picture quality that GMA has.
• At the same time, shows will have quality plot, thanks to ABS-CBN writers (I’m basing this on Lobo).
• GMA talents will finally learn how to dance correctly. (lol Don’t hate me!)
• Because TFC is available in more countries than PinoyTV, having one network would benefit GMA talents since they’ll finally be known in these countries too. I have to say, there’s a handful of GMA talents that aren’t being recognized at all because of the raging popularity of Marian Rivera, Ding-Dong Dantes, Richard Gutierrez, and now the addition of Heart Evangelista.
• ABS-CBN and GMA celebrities can now collaborate with each other without the media and the people frowning over it.

Now for the cons:

• Both talents from both networks will have to fight aggressively for roles in different dramas. Hell, that’s why they leave their networks and go to the other — so they can have a chance to work, which I totally accept and respect. However, there will be even more competition that it is now if the two networks do merge.
• We’ll probably be all called The Kapusomilya. Ugh. Enough said.

There’s more to mention, but I don’t want to give in to the hype too much. I just wanted to share this so I can read your opinions.

So, what do YOU think about the “merge”?

Dyesebel

GMAPinoyTV has finally, after two weeks, premiered Dyesbel tonight. Now that I’ve watched the whole episode, I can finally write down my thoughts.

Based on what I watched tonight, in my opinion, I don’t understand how the show received such a high rating (in Mega Manila) during its premiere in the Philippines. The story begins with a mermaid who, having mysteriously drowned, develops selective amnesia and marries the very rich man that saved her from the water. Life doesn’t become easier since, of course, the rich man’s mother is totally against him falling in love and marrying a poor girl (oh, how original). Also, the story can’t be complete without the rich woman his mother did want him to marry: the woman that will most likely cause all the problems within the show.

Yay… I just can’t get enough of rich people treating poor people like dirt. THAT PLOT HAS NEVER BEEN DONE. I love it!

Okay, okay. Putting all sarcasm aside now…

Let me first start off by asking: Why the hell is Jean Garcia (as Lucia) the young mermaid Wendell Ramos (as Tino) marries? Ew Ew Ew. Mind you, I love Jean Garcia as an actress and I love to hate the villainous characters she plays, but what I don’t love is seeing her, at her age, kiss a man that could very much well look like her son! That wedding kiss made me cringe with disgust to no end. And you know what, she’s done this before with Polo Ravales (watch at your own discretion)! Ugh. GMA could have had other actresses play the part: Nadine Ramos, Katrina Halili, Iza Calzado… Now that I’ve pondered on it, I think Iza would have been a wonderful choice, but I’m guessing Joaquin Bordado would probably prohibit her from playing the part.

Coming to an earlier thought, I just didn’t buy how Lucia, the mermaid, just drowns in WATER. I’m hoping that as the episodes keep coming, that mystery will (hopefully!) be answered. My best guess is that the mermaids’ Queen knocked her out or something.

Then there’s the time when Lucia, after being pushed around by Tino’s mother, heads to sea to let all her emotions out and a giant CGI octopus attacks her and her boat. Tino quickly rescues her and as they head home, he tells her not to tell anyone or people may think she was crazy. Tino, I don’t think you’ve noticed that the octopus’ arms spanned close to a whole 1-storey building and considering that there would be fishermen nearby (since they are in a fishing-for-profit community), they would have seen AND heard the beast too. Hell, if the fishermen can see a small ass mermaid’s head popping out of the water during Tino and Lucia’s shoreline wedding, they can see a giant octopus.

Another little tidbit that I found unbelievable and really annoying was that when Lucia was giving birth to Dyesebel, the baby came out with a mermaid’s tale and once the very professional and very educated midwife sees this, she plops the baby onto the birthing table and screams her ass off as she exits. Yeah, I don’t think doctors, nurses, or any other hospital employee would scream in fright and disgust at every deformed person they see. If so, hospitals would just be nonexistent. Hell, that’s why there are doctors and nurses — they’re there to treat, help, and cure people with diseases, wounds, deformities, and other health cases.

Ugh. I simply can’t go on anymore… these little tidbits, when written and directed carelessly, can make a series look real dumb. I’m just being honest.

So my question of the night is: If you have watched Dyesebel’s first episode, did you enjoy it? And if so, why?

Remember, the question has nothing to do with Marian Rivera, GMA or Dyesebel loyalty, and is far from it — it’s about how the writers conducted the first episode in relation to my thoughts in this post. Now, I’d like to read yours!

Hi everyone! I decided to create a series of Water Cooler posts so that I wouldn’t have to write whole posts about each little thought I have.

Dyesebel

Here in America, our shows on GMA is behind a week to the Philippines’ broadcast, so Dyesebel hasn’t been aired yet. Curious, I searched for uploaded videos of the new show starring Ding-Dong Dantes and Marian Rivera and luckily, I found them. First and foremost, I have nothing against these two all. I think Marian is great and Ding-Dong — I’ve loved him since the Antoinette Taus days! However, because I was so disappointed with Marimar, I don’t know if I’d like watching Dyesebel. I have an awful feeling that the show will just be like the former. The writers will just put Dyesebel through so many hardships and then I’ll be getting a headache… yeah, I don’t want to go through that again. So I’m considering on putting Dyesebel on a trial week and see how it goes.

However for the first episode, I couldn’t even sit watching it. One forum member stated that the graphics and effects matched that of the movies (I’m guessing effects from American or other foreign movies?). The first thought that came to my head was, “Excuse me? Did we watch the same episode here?” Seriously, I thought I was watching Finding Nemo! No offense to the graphics designers and animators, but this wasn’t supposed to be a cartoon. I’m sorry Dyesebel fans, I just don’t see the hype in it all, but I’ll give it a try nonetheless.

edit: I thought I was the only one thinking the same way… guess not.

Lobo

While writing my page on Lobo, I just realized how far this story has gone. I can’t believe that it’s been so long since Lyka and Noah (hah I wrote Piolo and erased it) led normal lives.

Also, there’s a few people starting to sub Lobo which I think is fantastic. Maybe I should join the band wagon? lol Actually, I’ve subbed before — I subbed a few Marimar parts of their Christmas episode, but it was soooooo time consuming! Seriously, it’s a long process and I don’t know how subbing teams for Taiwan, Japanese, and Korean dramas do it!

As for Lobo, nothing much to say really. Lyka finally gets a hold of the rock that will save them all and faints due to the sheer pain of the rock’s flames. And Lady Elle also goes into the cave to see if Lyka is all right. I’m mostly excited for tomorrow’s episode.

I need your help!

Does anyone know where I can get pictures of Lobo or Dyesebel that I can use for layouts or screencaps, or such?

So I’m here in wonderful Philippines and have been watching both Lobo and Marimar (the latter, not so much) since I came a week and a half ago. Marimar ended this Friday and I was too tired to even watch the ending. hehe

I have oh so much to say, but so little internet cafe time. Jericho Rosales is singing in the background as I type. BTW, I’m at SM Mall of Asia. BE SURE TO GO TO THE SEASIDE! Beautiful atmosphere and sunset, I tell you!

I hope to type up my thoughts about the Philippines and the teleseryes when I get back. I have too much to say about Marimar, and I still have to get up to date with the show. As for Lobo, the teleserye keeps getting better. BTW, I MISS MY TFC! Here, in the Philippines, the commercials are longer and the actual show only runs for four minutes until another commercial break comes back. UGH.

So until then, happy drama viewing everyone!

P.S. – I haven’t even been watching my TKA! BTW, Taiwan’s Hana Kimi will soon air on ABS-CBN and will be dubbed in Tagalog. Laters!

Lobo

Today’s episode of Lobo turned in second to the episode where Noah finds out that Lyka is his childhood friend, Ulay. The episode begins with Lyka jumping out of bed at the sight of her bedroom becoming a flower boutique. heh Not knowing what to do with all those flowers, she gives them to her co-workers, all the while, confused on who knew about this certain wish of hers on her “wishlist”.

Her best friend (and secret guardian), Trixie, helps her in discovering who is her secret admirer. This is one of the many aspects I like about Lobo and where the writers got it right. I absolutely love how Trixie and Lyka are when they’re together. Maybe it’s the nostalgic Filipina in me or I just really find them quite entertaining. Trixie’s character sometimes makes me wish I had my own “mare”. With them two, the story doesn’t seem all too serious and takes on a more fun and cheeky approach.

Moving on, Trixie leads Lyka into how Noah could be the admirer. However, Lyka just pipes up that Noah may have a twin, which would explain why he has two differing personalities. hah Oh, how I love Lyka’s excuses.

Long story short, it was Noah who freaking sneaked into her room and bombarded her with flowers. How sweet and stalkerish Noah can be. hah The episode’s packed with cute glances, nakakakilig actions, and fun conversations.

Aside from their love story, we are also taken into what’s currently happening to Nessa, Lyka’s mom. Since Nessa hasn’t been taking the pills the Luna organization gives her to stabilize her lobo instincts, Nessa was able to break free during one of her once in two weeks outting. Here’s to hoping she’s able to successfully escape from the compound.

In other serious news, Gabby confronts Noah on his feelings for Lyka. Noah admits that he’s JJ and Lyka is indeed his friend from the past, Ulay. I don’t know about you, but my initial thoughts were, “Oh shit.” The Luna already knows that Nessa has a child and it won’t take long until they put two and two together.

In the Abangan scenes, Lyka confronts Noah (so many confrontations! lol) about her wish list and her secret admirer, but we all know that he’s not going to say squat. Freaking Gabby got to him, that’s why. All in all, is anyone else excited for when Lyka changes fur? I know, I am. hah

Marimar

I think I can openly say how this show has left all intelligence and has boarded a plane to the Bermuda Triangle. In fact, they’ve landed there already and have built a campfire. Strangely, they’re still able to give us daily footage of their stupidity.

I can’t even make myself watch the first few parts and have been going straight to the episode’s end for months now. I’ve been watching Marimar ever since she became Bella Aldama, but mind you, I watched the older episodes on YouTube. I should have taken it as a sign when Marimar (when she was “mang mang”):

1. Got left behind by Sergio who went to Macau
2. Was alone and pregnant (thanks Sergio)
3. Was thrown out like garbage (thanks Angelika)
4. Had her face thrown into mud to get Angelika’s bracelet (thanks Angelika)
5. Was thrown into jail for putting her face in mud to get Angelika’s bracelet, only to have her arrested for supposedly stealing it (thanks Angelika)
6. Had her grandparents die in a house fire (thanks Angelika)
7. Was shot at
8. Fell down a steep cliff, after being shot at
9. Had to fend for herself and unborn Cruzita (by sleeping on streets and eating food in garbage)
10. Got shot at again (thanks Natalia)

That concludes Season 1 of Marimar. See, I was able to watch all of that AND I watched all the parts of the episodes. At that time I was cheering on for Marimar and hoping to see her and Sergio get back together. Not to forget, I also loved it when Sergio and her were stuck on that island. I tell you, THEY SHOULD HAVE NEVER LEFT.

Onto Season 2. I loved the beginning when Marimar, turned Bella, came back from the US to get an education (remember this word). Rodolfo was a big pain in the ass though. However, Sergio trying to prove that Bella was in fact Marimar was exciting, especially when the truth came out. The whole ordeal was a little slow in some points and I should have taken that as even a bigger hint of what crap will happen next after the truth was out.

During the time Marimar became Bella and her and Sergio got back together, this is what happened:

1. Marimar finds out that her marriage to Sergio was a sham (thanks Sergio)
2. Marimar almost marries Rodolfo
3. Marimar gets kidnapped for the first time
4. Marimar gets shot at, again (thanks Rodolfo)
5. All the while there were tears, miscommunication, and confusion — all they had to freaking do was sit down and talk things out!!!

SO WHEN WE ALL THOUGHT that Marimar and Sergio were going to live happily ever after, after the whole Rodolfo ordeal, this is when the show just comes crashing down:

1. Angelika becomes Marimar’s long lost sister (thanks GMA and Marimar writers for prolonging the freaking story)
2. Marimar became dumb again (like she never went to the US to get an education) and accepts Angelika as a sister after Angelika “saved” her life
3. CRUZITA gets stuck in a fire and almost becomes brain damaged
4. Tia Esperanza is murdered (thanks Angelika… WILL YOU DIE ALREADY!)
5. Marimar is the prime suspect for something she didn’t do, again
6. CRUZITA falls into a freaking hole
7. Sergio gets back with Angelika so she doesn’t give the police the weapon for Tia Esperanza’s murder (Marimar’s letter opener)
8. Marimar is devastated and drinks
9. CRUZITA is taken away by child services after they find bruises on her (thanks Angelika, thanks drunk Marimar)
10. Marimar gets kidnapped, again.
11. Marimar is shot at, again (thanks Marimar’s bodyguard)
12. Marimar almost gets buried thoroughly and loses oxygen
13. Everyone thinks Marimar is dead, again

And in today’s episode, Angelika finds out that Marimar’s death was all an act because Renato paid Nicandro and Diego to help Marimar out, so she gives the police the evidence. Now Sergio and Marimar (with Cruzita) have purchased a ticket to Hong Kong (how funny) so that they could get away. What brings our blood to boiling point (it’s been everyday), is that in the Abangan scenes, the police catches up to Marimar and Sergio at the airport.

Gah, we just can’t get a freaking break!!!!! Someone kill Angelika already — Sergio, Renato, Diego, Marimar all had chances to do so. They could’ve strangled her, poisoned her, shot her, pushed her onto a freeway (or a highway in other countries)…

They Kiss Again

I had Lobo become first for it’s a great show and They Kiss Again as last because the episode from Sunday was what we’ve all been waiting for. Here’s a little background as to why we’ve been waiting:

Qi Tai, one of the practicing nurses and classmate in Xiang Qin’s nursing department has started to like her after he sees how poorly Zhi Shu treats her. The whole ordeal started when the Jiang family goes to vacation and Xiang Qin brings along her classmates. Zhi Shu, who has already suspected that Qi Tai likes Xiang Qin, further becomes angry and does not talk nor look at her. The married couple have a fight while on vacation. Long story short (and after two weeks in our time), Zhi Shu realizes that he’s actually just jealous because of the closeness Qi Tai and Xiang Qin have, with the help of Ah Jin.

So in Sunday’s episode, I was balling with tears. The episode starts off with Jiang Mama reminding Xiang Qin that it was her and Zhi Shu’s second year anniversary. Xiang Qin then goes up to tell Zhi Shu about it and the party Mama is planning. He just replies that there’s no need for a party because they’re not happy anyway. Xiang Qin leaves and closes the door, all the while crying behind it. She then screams at Zhi Shu all her feelings: she loves him wholeheartedly and it seems like he doesn’t love her, so why did he marry her? Such a sad scene, but it was great that Xiang Qin told him that — knock some sense into Zhi Shu! lol

The scene proceeds to the cafeteria. Ah Jin overhears Qi Tai professing his love to Xiang Qin again and telling her to divorce Zhi Shu. Ah Jin runs to get Zhi Shu, and a now bruised Zhi Shu (Xiang Qin’s father knocked some sense into him as well!) tells Qi Tai that he needs Xiang Qin in his life because without her he’s not able to be himself. Basically, in a nutshell, Xiang Qin completes him. Xiang Qin hugs Zhi Shu and they make up. Poor homewrecker, Qi Tai. lol

When Xiang Qin and Zhi Shu get home, they’re holding hands and being all lovey-dovey. We love it! You have to watch it for yourselves people!

Also, Chun Mei has a complication with her pregnancy because of all the stress she’s been having over Ah Bu and his mother. But in the end, Ah Bu and Chun Mei patch things up together and Chun Mei replies that they’ll have to work on being parents.

By the end of the episode, Xiang Qin and Zhi Shu miss their anniversary party because they headed off to have their own party, alone, together. So sweet! They then get home and tell Mama what happened to Chun Mei. Mama forgives them and tells them to hurry upstairs so they can start on making their own baby! lol

The next scene is hilarious and you guys just have to watch it: Zhi Shu strips. lol

——————————–

There’s a major difference between Taiwan and Filipino dramas. From the past dramas ABS-CBN and GMA have come up with, they’re usually filled with tears, headaches, high blood pressures, and cycles — the stories are always repeating themselves, taking on past roles. It’s like we’re watching the same plot, but just packed with a different name. Whereas, with Taiwan dramas, even Korean and Japanese soaps, there’s always a fun factor and wit. I’m not going to say that every drama coming from those countries have been 100% great, but there have been many many hit dramas from them.

However, I think it’s safe to say that ABS-CBN has taken a different leap with Lobo. At first I didn’t think that such a titled drama would work — come on, LOBO. I was thinking about bouncing air-inflated kick balls. And the trailer for the drama: come on, WOLVES? I thought ABS-CBN went off to the looney bin again, them with their “special” effects (GMA isn’t too off from that mark either). Boy, was I wrong. I can wholeheartedly say that Lobo is great and is getting even better as the daily episodes keep coming. We have a plot filled with mystery and intrigue, kilig moments at no end, and fun and well-rounded actors and actresses. I’m truly excited when Lyka will become a lobo, especially when she finds out that she’s the strongest Waya (remember her million Can of X? lol).

Though, I do have to applaud both ABS-CBN and GMA — they have been kicking it up a notch ever since I subscribed to TFC and GMAPinoyTV back in October 2006. Right now, GMA is surviving by a thread because of Marimar, and that’s only because they have viewers that are loyal to the network and show. However, on YouTube, the loyalists are starting to wonder about the writers and director’s sanity when it comes to the show. I truly hope the writers can save Marimar — it was such a great story to begin with, but with all the twists and turns and loopedy-loops, hell, I feel like I’m on a roller coaster that never ends. So Marimar employees, if you ever read this, I know it’s an amazing task to build up a plot on top of Mexico’s original story and I applaud you for making it a Philippine hit. Not to forget, the hard work you guys have endured to bring us viewers excitement and thrill. But, I am sad to say, the story has just gone overboard and it’s been that way for a long while now.

Lobo writers, I hope that with the two-three years it took you guys to develop your plot, I am seriously hoping that the show doesn’t take a quantum leap into the unknown.

With that said, happy drama viewing everyone!

So the writers for MariMar have completely killed, and I mean, KILLED the story.

In the latest episode for Friday, January 18th, 2008, Cruzita Aldama suffers from brain injuries and may not be the same ever again. Why, oh why, did they have to put the sweet little girl that everyone loves in this MariMar mess? She was just an innocent bystander that played with her toys, sometimes coaxing her mother, MariMar, to get back with Sergio. Always with her Ya-Ya, Corazon, Cruzita would always come bouncing along, with a big smile on her face that always makes us, GMA viewers (I’m still Kapamilya at heart!), give MariMar another try.

Unfortunately, the writers for the show have been thwarting off from the original story (which I do not mind, unlike the true MariMar loyalists) and have added outrageous episodes since. Just when we thought MariMar and Sergio would finally get back together (after nth time!), it is found that Angelika is MariMar’s half sister from the same father. I still do not think this to be true. Like everyone, I have my theories, and one of them pertaining to this situation is that Innocencia is the real half sister. In addition, the whole “MariMar and Sergio Fights and Gets Back Together” cycle is getting way out of hand. I can not even remember how many times that cycle has ran. Not to mention, the whole Filipino drama cliché in which the protagonist and antagonist are in someway related, or the protagonist and their lover are also related. How ridiculous!

In the Abangan scene in the last episode, it shows that Tia Esperanza is dead and MariMar is the prime suspect. HOW MANY FREAKING TIMES will MariMar be put in jail for something she did not commit? Not to forget, how many times has this poor girl been shot?! She should be dead according to the numbers. MariMar was shot once by Angelika back when she was pregnant with Cruzita, twice by Natalia when MariMar remembered her identity, then another couple times by Rodolfo when she was trying to get Sergio from harm’s way. HAVE I MISSED ANYTHING ELSE?

Don’t even get me started with the cycle I mentioned a while ago… jeez.

MariMar will end sometime around March and I am thankful for that. However, if these writers do not give us at least 2-3 episodes of happiness by the end of the series, hell, I will be pissed because I am sick and tired of this crap that’s happening in the show. GOT THAT GMA?