GMA-7's Senior Vice
President for Entertainment Wilma Galvante proudly called the network's latest
project, Luna Mystika, a true
original in the vein of 2005's hit series Encantadia.
That comparison has nothing to do with the story but rather on the fact that
both shows are both fresh materials conceived and conceptualized by the
network's pool of creative writers.
In a time when current
trend seem to dictate revivals of old movies or serialization of popular komiks
stories, the need to introduce new tales and ideas is a welcome development to
guarantee the flow of novel materials worthy to be included in local literature
and pop culture.
PINOY FOLKLORE. Being original of course doesn't necessarily mean scrapping off essential elements successfully used in the past. Like most of its predecessors, Luna Mystika makes use of Philippine folklore, particularly mythical creatures known as Engkantos in giving life to its concept and story.
Leading the cast is
Heart Evangelista, who will appear in her second primetime series for GMA-7
following Codename: Asero. Heart will
portray two characters: the kind-hearted Luna and her mystical twin sister
named Celestina.
Playing dual roles is
not an easy task and Heart admitted feeling confused by the
extreme personalities of both characters.
"Yun nga, medyo
naguguluhan ako ng konti. Kakatapos lang namin ng taping ng Asero at dalawa agad ang character ko,
so nag-ano ako... Before each take, halimbawa, magta-transform ako bilang Celestina,
nagkukulong ako sa kotse, nagmu-music ako. Pati yung pabango ko, iniiba ko para
feeling ko, ibang tao ako. Yun nga lang, medyo nagkaka-nightmares ako kasi
medyo imbibe ko siya," said Heart during the press conference held last
November 11 at Studio 3 of the GMA Network Studio.
Mark Anthony Fernandez—who
is paired for the first time with Heart—praised his co-star for her dedication
and work ethic.
Enthused Mark: "Ang
tingin ko kay Heart, isang tunay na artista. Talagang primetime na artista na ito,
pang -award. Yung acting niya, panlaban palagi. So, ako, bihira maging fan. Pero
ngayon pa lang, fan na ako ni Heart. Iba yung drive niya sa trabaho."
Complementing Heart and
Mark are Dante Rivero (Joaquin Sagrado), Chanda Romero (Benita Alejandro),
Sheryl Cruz (Alice Sagrado), Romnick Sarmienta (Dominic), Rita Avila (Diana
Sagrado), Gardo Versoza (Dante), Ariel Rivera (Simon).
Rounding up the entire cast
are Mark Herras (Kamilo), Luis Alandy (Andoy), Kris Bernal (Malou), Aljur
Abrenica (Libado), Iwa Moto (Donita), John Lapus (Karya), Beth Tamayo (Lanie),
Pauleen Luna (Adita), Michelle Madrigal (Anata), Hero Angeles (Alguwas), Mosang
(Piryang), Marky Lopez (Efren), Bearwin Meilly (Bikodong), Jade Lopez (Susing),
Paolo Avelino (Johnny), Prince Stefan (Henry), and Survivor castoff Jace Flores (Lucas).
Under the direction of directors Mike Tuviera and Gil Tejada, witness love, magic and Pinoy folklore in Luna Mystika. It airs right after 24 Oras starting tonight, November 17,on GMA Telebabad.