ABS-CBN continues to present pocketbook-based stories for its Hapon-tastic block. This time, network executives decided to adapt Midnight Phantom for the small screen. Starting this Monday, July 12, viewers will be able to watch the a new afternoon show based on the Precious Hearts Romances pocketbook by Martha Cecilia.
When asked to differentiate Midnight Phantom from other Precious Hearts Romances novels, director Cathy Garcia-Molina, pointed out:
"I really like this because it's something different. It's not like the typical love. Ang layo ng love story niya—love, betrayal, and revenge. It's very different from all the Precious Hearts Romances that we showed already," she said during its press conference last July 8 at the 9501 Restaurant inside the ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City.
Direk Cathy was also also of the directors in charge of PHR presents Bud Brothers.
Midnight Phantom's story revolves around the life of DJ Brandon (Rafael Rosell), who is also known as Midnight Phantom to his avid listeners. A college student named Nadja (Denise Laurel) will fall in love with his voice and will do everything just to meet this DJ. The mysterious DJ will then use her to get revenge from a former love who brought scars not only to his face but also to his heart.
For those who are familiar with the novel, Midnight Phantom is a sensual story. However, Direk Cathy made sure that the TV adaptation is safe for young viewers.
She further explained, "It was one of the problems talaga especially 'yong timeslot namin is when all the kids are at home, lahat ng estudyante nasa bahay. So, 'yong moral responsibility ng produksyon sa kanila was really taken into consideration talaga. You know, we tried to be as faithful as possible to the book but we have to adjust to the audience, we have to make it general patronage."
Direk Cathy, who is known for her hit romantic-comedy movies, said that she also did not want to show what exactly was written on the novel.
"There were adjustments. Personally, hindi ko kayang magpalabas sa TV ng ganun. Sa pelikula, gagawin ko 'yan ng ganyan, pero 'yong responsibilidad kasi natin sa bata 'yong [iniisip] namin."
Aside from Rafael and Denise, Midnight Phantom will also feature the acting skills of Ina Raymundo, young actors JM de Guzman, Charee Pineda, and former Pinoy Fear Factor participante Jommy Teotico. Joining them are seasoned actors Spanky Manikan, Beverly Salviejo, and Cris Villanueva.
Follow the mysterious story of DJ Brandon in Precious Hearts Romances Presents Midnight Phantom every weekday starting July 12 at 5:25 p.m. on ABS-CBN's Hapontastic.