NEWSFLASH

Special to the Philippine Headline News Online
by Alex Jimenez
Newsflash Entertainment Columnist

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CARMINA, YNEZ STAR IN ADULT SOAP OPERA

Manila, Aug. 12, 1998 - Philippine TV executives have wised up on imported Latino soap operas, which initially opened their eyes on the vast potential of early evening/late afternoon steamy adult drama serials.

GMA-7 has jumped the gun on everyone with the debut this week of the newest adult soap opera on local television -- HALIK SA APOY, starring the hottest names on the big screen: Ynez Veneracion and Carmina Villaroel. They lead the stellar cast that also includes award-winning actor Tirso Cruz III, Jake Roxas, Kim delos Santos, Mariel Lopez, Jay Manalo, Tanya Gomez, Marianne dela Riva, Katya Santos, My My Davao, Polo Ravales, Dino Guevarra and Alicia Lane.

The story of HALIK SA APOY revolves around three women and how their complex lives are intertwined and connected to one powerful, evil man, Congressman Rosales (played by Tirso Cruz).

The Congressman masquerades as a protector of the people's welfare and even advocates women's rights. In reality, however, the politician is a corrupt patriarch who treats the many women in his life as mere objects and possessions.

Among his victims is his own wife Lorraine (Maggie dela Riva), a typical submissive spouse who is content with domestic chores and child-bearing. Their three children are played by Jake Roxas, Dino Guevarra and Mariel Lopez.

Ynez plays the reluctant bold star Bambi, who is forced by circumstances to become the congressman's concubine because of a crime she accidentally committed. Deep in her heart, she remains true to her one great love, Jonas (Jay Manalo).

Carmina plays Celina, a lawyer who suspects Cong. Rosales in the death of her father and the madness that drove her mother to insanity. She is torn between her vow of revenge and her love for the Congressman's son Jimmy (Jake Roxas), Her younger sister Doreen (Katya Santos) is also romantically involved with another son of the congressman, Jilmer (Dino Guevarra).

The hottest daily soap premiered last Monday and airs Monday to Friday, from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. on GMA-7, fighting it out on the same time slot with imported Latino soap operas dubbed in Tagalog.