The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Award-winning filmmaker Jeffrey Jeturian (“Sana Pag-ibig Na,” “Pila-Balde,” “Bridal Shower,” “Bikini Open,” “Kubrador” and “Ekstra”) who directed the highly rated daily soap opera in ABS-CBN’s “Be Careful with my Heart” is back in the timeslot of the highly successful light drama of Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap some years ago.
Jeffrey is directing Angelica Panganiban and Zanjoe Marudo, this time in another rom-com series, “Playhouse.”
Can the triumvirate reprise the hit show of Jodi and Richard which also made the tandem very popular? It also led to solo starring roles for Sta. Maria and consistent TV and film roles for Yap.
“Let’s see,” said Jeturian during the recent post-joint birthday bash of film director Cesar Evangelista and entertainment writer Jocelyn Dino at Dampa in Farmers Market in Cubao.
“This is also a comedy drama show which is meant to tickle the funny bone and the imagination of the public,” added Jeffrey.
Jeturian is happy working with Angelica and Zanjoe who are both versatile and could deliver comic shots without really trying hard. Panganiban is exactly honed by her regular appearance in the sitcom “Banana Sundae” of ABS-CBN. Meanwhile, Marudo was also part of the comic strip which also refined his comedy antics.
According to JJ, pet name of Jeffrey, the production team has already taped a five week-roll of material which could run on that span of time. But remember that a one-season length of a show should produce at least a thirteen-week material on the shelf. The existing bank material is also being added up and extended to daily shoots of the soap. That’s why when Jeffrey was caught up by a heavy downpour in Cubao during the birthday party, he was wary he couldn’t show up in the set as early as the six in the morning call time.
“Sanay na naman ako. Kahit kulang ako sa tulog, kailangan kong bumangon nang maaga para sa trabaho (I am used to it, anyway. Even if I lack sleep, I should wake and get up from bed early for work),” smiled the down-to-earth director.
Angelica and Zanjoe are both reliable artists to shoot up their project, according to their director. Their show will replace Robin Padilla, Richard and Jodi’s morning weeday’s drama series “Sana Dalawa Ang Puso.”
“Be Careful with my Heart” has made Sta. Maria’s stellar stature elevated to a solo star and Yap’s acting career catapulted to the top. He was an instant superstar among new male performers. Until now, a lot of televiewers are purchasing archival materials of the TV drama from I Want TV platform of ABS-CBN.
“Because ‘Be Careful with my Heart’ was a feel-good TV show. Walang kontrabida, lahat bida pero (There’s no villains in the story, all of them were heroes. They were all representatives of the ordinary people but) they were cheerful,” commented Jocelyn who was an avid viewer of the drama.
Let’s trust the ABS-CBN Marketing to sell “Playhouse” and let’s wait for the response of the public.
Knowing Jeturian, he has stamped his love and commitment to happy life in his new masterpiece.