Viewers will get to see an underwater world starting tonight, January 31, when ABS-CBN airs the pilot episode of the fantasy series Mutya.
Written by Pablo S. Gomez, Mutya is a fantasy novel about mermaids. It is a story of a woman named Cordelia (portrayed by Precious Lara Quigaman) who unexpectedly falls in love with Irvin (portrayed by Alfred Vargas), the prince of the sea. As unforeseen events take place, the two will be forced to part ways. Prince Irvin will marry another mermaid (portrayed by Niña Jose) while Cordelia will give birth to a girl born with a fish tail, Mutya (portrayed by newcomer Mutya Orquia).
The TV series is considered a comeback project for Alfred as a Kapamilya after leaving the Kapamilya network seven years ago. His last teleserye on ABS-CBN was Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan.
This can also be considered comeback project of sorts for Precious Lara since her previous projects, the Zaijian Jaranilla starrer, May Bukas Pa, and Impostor.
Aside from Alfred, two other GMA-7 actors will be seen in Mutya: StarStruck V alumnus Piero Vergara and former Survivor Philippines: Celebrity Showdown castaway Ahron Villena.
FORMER KAPUSO LEADING MAN. Alfred Vargas was last seen on television for GMA-7's fantaserye Darna. He said that he had to exit that show because of the election ban when he campaigned to become a councilor in Quezon City.
When his contract with the Kapuso network expired last July, he and his manager Lolit Solis decided to accept the offer of the Kapamilya network.
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Alfred narrated how he felt when he returned to the ABS-CBN compound after being a Kapuso for the past seven years. "Ibang-iba na dito, ang ganda na ng building. The people I knew then, sila rin ang people na kumuha sa akin. Nakakatuwa kasi nagtiwala sila sa kakayanan ko as an actor.
"Sanay na ko magsuot ng buntot kasi naging part ako ng [GMA-7 TV series na] Dyesebel at Marinara ni Rufa Mae Quinto."
Precious Lara narrated how they shot their underwater scenes. "Since pambata ang show, walang love scene pero may mga kissing scenes kami underwater at may mga lambingan. May regulator kami sa ilalim ng dagat. Tatanggalin namin then langoy kami at aarte. Naka-kamison ako...mala-Katorse!"
Did she feel uncomfortable while shooting these scenes? "Hindi naman kasi binabantayan ko na walang tataas pag lubog ko."
The cast members travel all the way to Anilao and Nasugbu in Batangas to shoot this TV series.
FORMER STARSTRUCK V ALUMNUS. Piero Vergarabecame one of the 14 finalists of GMA-7's artista search, StarStruck V. However, the StarStruck V alumnus clarified that he is not under contract with the Kapuso network.
"I was never under GMA Artist Center," said Piero. "After StarStruck, I was supposed to sign but then my mom took me back to Cebu to finish my studies. She didn't plan on signing up. Since I'm a minor, hindi effective ang contract [that I signed].
"Bumalik ako sa Cebu then Kuya Mario [Colmenares, his manager] texted me to audition for Shout Out."
Has he talked to GMA-7 regarding his transfer?
"Recently pumunta ang manager ko to negotiate. I wasn't there at the time but they talked about it and they've smoothed out the rough edges."
Piero also revealed that he auditioned for a role in Mutya. He is cast as Dennis Sardenas, the son of Delilah Sardenas (portrayed by Sandy Andolong), making him the brother of Cordelia (Precious Lara). In the TV series, his character harvests sardines for a sardine company.
Piero revealed that he has signed a one-year contract with ABS-CBN for his other afternoon variety show, Shout Out. "The duration of this one-year contract is for Shout Out. I started sa ABS-CBN for Shout Out talaga. For Mutya, I haven't signed any contract but if they do decide to offer one, I wouldn't decline."
Piero said he took off his shirt for some of his scenes in Mutya. "Lumulubog ako sa tubig at tinatanggal ko rin ang t-shirt ko. The scene I was taping at the time, I was swimming [with Precious Lara] and ang weird naman na mag-swimming na may T-shirt."
FORMER SURVIVOR PHILIPPINES CASTAWAY. Ahron Villena was one of the castaways of Survivor Philippines: Celebrity Showdown that was won by Akihiro Sato. Ahron previously appeared in ABS-CBN's Precious Hearts Romances Presents Bud Brothers, Somewhere in My Heart and Love Me Again.
Ahron explained why he decided to return to ABS-CBN after taking part in the said reality show of GMA-7. "After Survivor, sabi ng manager ko [Arnold Vegafria], may inaayos na project sa akin sa kabila [GMA-7] pero naunang i-offer ito at maganda naman ang role na binigay sa akin kaya tinanggap na namin."
He explained that he does not have a contract with GMA Artist Center. "Wala po akong contract sa GMA, sa Survivor lang pero nagpa-release naman ako sa kanila. Six months po ang contract, dapat hanggang June pa sana."
Ahron is cast as Zale, a merman who is the kontrabida in this fantasy series. "Ako po ay isang sirena na eventually ay magiging traydor," he said.
"Nag-training kami for swimming. Nag-aral kami sa Amoranto Stadium. Ang sarap lumangoy na may buntot!
"Naka-six or seven taping days na kami pero konti pa lang ang nakukunan na eksena. Siyempre kasi underwater ang scenes, hindi puwede gabi kunan kaya day effect lang."
Completing the cast of Mutya are Jairus Aquino, Malou Crisologo as Octupina, Sandy Andolong as Madam Delilah, Tess Antonio as Ester, Gary Lim as Lolo Sheldon, and Pen Medina as Haring Merrick. Ogie Diaz will also be part of this fantasy series after his stint in Momay.
This fantasy series directed by Erick Salud and Jojo Saguin will air its pilot episode tonight, January 31, at 8:15 PM right after Noah on ABS-CBN.