NEWSFLASH

NEW GMA SOAP CAPTURES TV AUDIENCE

Quezon City, April 26, 2001 - The new GMA soap opera “Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin” has been on the air for only a month, but already has convinced the Philippine audience, as evidenced by its consistent high ratings of 33% audience share. It stars Albert Martinez, Angelika de la Cruz, Sunshine Cruz, Cogie Domingo, Marjorie Barreto, Eddie Gutierrez, Carmi Martin and many others.

Apparently, it is the soap opera to beat this season.

“It was GMA-7 who introduced TV soap operas way back with ‘Anna Luna’ in the ’80s. Funny, I was also a part of that show and now andito din ako. Pero ang dami ng kinaibahan nitong ‘Ikaw Lang’ duon. Like mas mabilis ang pacing dito at iniiwasan namin istretch out ang mga scenes kung di naman kailangan. Pag na-establish na ang point, cut na kaagad sa next unlike noon na babad talaga,” explains Albert Martinez, who plays father to the character Angelika de la Cruz plays.

This is because unlike two decades ago, the whole story of the telenovella was finished even before the cameras start grinding.

“This way, alam na kaagad namin kung gano kahaba tatakbo ang story at kung paano ang progression ng mga characters namin,” says Albert.

Another factor that makes “Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin” a treat to watch is the detail director Louie Ignacio flesh out in every scene. Glossy scene fits where glossy scene goes and squalor it is if that’s what’s required. In fact, the cast jumps from one location to another (one in Loyola Heights where we had our press visit, the other in Caloocan) to achieve this end.

“Ako naman I make special effort for the clothes I wear in the show. Although may sponsor ako, and I’m very thankful to them, minsan I provide for my own especially kung may mga special requirements yung scene. Okay lang kasi nababawi naman yon nung fact na nakikilala ka ng mga tao sa kalsada by the name you play on the show. It only means people really watch it and gets into the role each of us play,” says Marjorie Barreto.

Sherwin Ordoñez, who used to be a member of Abstract Dancers then a star of ‘Click’, considers his role as “Charles “ in “Ikaw Lang” his careers’ major break.

“Syempre people watch you everyday so madali kang makilala. Because of the success of the show, I am able to live independently and enjoy the opportunity of acting before millions of viewers,” says the 20-year old actor.

To downplay his boyish looks in order to convincingly essay the love interest of Angelika de la Cruz, Sherwin has to dress up in a more mature manner and even modulate his voice.

“Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin” is the saga of three familiesthe Madrigals, the Fuenteballas, and a third “surname-less” familywhose lives twists and turns due to long-kept secrets that unravel to a surprising climax.

Number one in its time slot, the show airs every 6:30-7 p.m. weeknights on GMA-7. (Bulletin)