by Edmund L. Sicam, Inquirer News Service

	ALICE Dixson (left) and Richard Gomez (right), topbill GMA-7’s new soap. Also in the cast are Valeri Galang (second from left) and Rey Emmanuel de Guzman.

Cinenovela

THERE was a time when tearjerkers were simply called soap operas. Then ‘Marimar’ came and soaps became telenovelas. ABS-CBN got tired of telenovelas and called their soaps teleseryes, Now GMA has come up with its own term, cinenovela to describe its latest salvo in the battle of the network soaps, “Ang Iibigin Ay Ikaw.” An executive explained that the soap was shot like a movie, which means high production values, big stars and a story that will take the cameras to different locations. The show premieres July 15.

GMA launched the soap, we mean cinenovela, in grand style. The members of the cast were dressed to the nines but Studio 3, where the affair was held, was not as grand, though it looked formal enough. Maybe there was no time to make reservations at a posh location. The affair was catered by Cibo, which is known for its elegant cuisine. Members of the press were asked to come in formal wear but entertainment writers are uncomfortable in barongs or suits so many came in their usual casual get-ups.

Writer Gina Marissa Tagasa-Gil used the acronym S.O.A.P to describe the show. “Ang Iibign Ay Ikaw” has a Strong story, an Original concept, Awesome production and a Powerhouse cast. Since we have not watched any of the episodes, we can only confirm that the cinenovela, indeed, has a powerhouse cast.

The two protagonists are Christopher de Leon and Richard Gomez, who by themselves command quite a following. Then there’s Alice Dixson, the object of their affection, who’s making a comeback after a two-year stay in Canada, where she is based with husband Ronnie Miranda. Playing contravida is Lani Mercado.

Other big names in the cast are Jackie Lou Blanco, Barbara Perez, Rosa Rosal, Boots Anson Roa, Mark Gil and Rio Locsin. The younger generation is represented by Krista Ranillo, AJ Eigenmann, Chubi del Rosario and Karen delos Reyes. Everyone was there except for Rosa.

GMA’s bigest catch for this series, however, is Binibining Joyce A. Bernal (that’s how she is billed in credits) who has produced a lot of box-office hits starring Sharon Cuneta, Robin Padilla and Rufa Mae Quinto. The network is hoping that she can do the same with “Iibigin.”

Like other soaps, the title is based on a song, which was one of the finalists in the 1999 Metropop contest, a composition of Jimmy Borja and interpreted by Lani Misalucha. At that time, Lani was not yet a household name. This time, her appearance at the launch was a big deal as she sang the theme. While other soaps are based on popular songs, this one will do the reverse in that the cinenovela will make the song popular.

The network’s top brass, president Felipe Gozun, TV group head Jimmy Duavit, finance head Felipe Yalung, board member Teresa Abrogar along with executives Wilma Galvante and Mike Enriquez were there to emphasize how important the occasion was.

Let the network wars escalate!