Last Monday, June 30, viewers were able to meet the cast
members of the Philippine version of the telenovela that was a hit in the
United States and Latin America. ABS-CBN's adaptation of Betty La Fea includes
characters from both the American and Colombian versions, although over a dozen
versions of this telenovela have been made in other countries. The original
version tells the story of Beatriz Pinzón Solano, a well-educated, intelligent,
idealistic, and timid woman who is unattractive (hence the moniker "fea," which
means "ugly" in Spanish).
The full trailer of I Love Betty La Fea was shown during one of the
breaks of the show My Girl. The perky song, "Hey Betty You Are Beautiful,"
was performed by Mika as the cast members were revealed to the public one by
one.
Bea Alonzo brings life to the character of Betty, the ugly duckling who wants
to prove her worth in the fashion industry. After a series of unsuccessful job
applications, she is finally hired as a secretary in the Eco Moda fashion
agency. Betty becomes the butt of jokes of her officemates who look down on
her because of her outward appearance.
According to the official website of ABS-CBN, the Kapamilya Network is
currently constructing a full-scale office set at one of the floors of the
Eugenio Lopez Jr. Communications Center building in the network's compound.
This will serve as the venue of the love story between Betty and her immediate
boss Armando (whose identity still remains a closely guarded secret).
Actress and style icon Ruffa Gutierrez is tapped to play Betty's nemesis
Daniella, one of the people who disdain Betty for her looks. Daniella's close
friends are Patricia (Wendy Valdez) and Marcela (Megan Young).
Other officemates in Eco Moda include Kylie (Sheryn Regis),
Rose (Meryll Soriano), Jen (Krystel Moreno), Cely (Arlene Tolibas), Rita (CJ Jaravata), and Sammy Villaresis as the guard of the fashion company. Comedian
Vhong Navarro is Betty's best friend and officemate Nicolas who happens to be
physically challenged.
The Eco Moda team is also composed of Mario (Joem Bascon), Randy (Randolf Stamalacky), Enrique (Ronnie Liang), Mac (Jojo Alejar), and Hugo (Thou Reyes).
Julia (Ai-Ai delas Alas) is Betty's loving mother. She cares for her daughter so much and for her Betty is the most beautiful woman in the world. Hermes (Ronaldo Valdez) is the kind and supportive father of Betty. Andrew (Sam Concepcion) is Betty's cute and confident younger brother.
I ♥ Betty La Fea will air soon on ABS-CBN's Primetime Bida.