Not everyone likes Proserfina

By Joseph Peter R. Gonzales

Asked regarding the viewers? mixed reception of her character in the soap opera Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang on GMA-7, Marian Rivera says she already expected it right from the start.

?I?m aware that not everybody likes Proserfina [the character in the show]. For one, she?s totally different from Marimar and Dyesebel. The first two were a hit with the kids but the Proserfina role is heavier and more mature. It requires me to project sexiness on screen, which is part of the character that is aggressive, so I don?t expect that those who watched me in the previous shows will readily accept me as Proserfina.

?But in the next episodes, the back story of Proserfina will be highlighted and will show the complicated events that led to the person that she is right now. I?m certain the viewers will understand her better once they?ll know of her origins. They?ll love her as the story progresses,? says the popular actress.

Although the program is steadily doing well at the ratings game, critics say it?s not as impressive as the figures posted by Marimar and Dyesebel, which consistently held the top spot in the prime time block.

?Dingdong [Dantes] and I, along with Joyce [Bernal, the show?s director], don?t [apply] pressure [on] ourselves, and not thinking that we should always be no. 1. What?s more important to us is we?re giving our best efforts to make the soap more appealing to the audience as days go by. We love our job. We?re happy with the show?s ratings. As for me, I?m flattered that people now call me Proserfina in public. That only proves that they are really watching Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang.?

Marian says that definitely, she still considers her new soap an ace even if some quarters say it fell short of expectations considering that her love team with Dingdong is considered the hottest these days.

Emerging love team

StarStruck 4 big winners Aljur Abrenica and Kris Bernal?s time has finally come. Their love team gets its biggest break in GMA-7?s next grand Sine Novela offering Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin, a remake of the Sharon Cuneta-Gabby Concepcion blockbuster flick back in the early ?80s.

?I?m simply overwhelmed with this development!? beams Kris. ?In fact I cried during our official story conference. I couldn?t believe that Aljur and I will soon headline in a Sine Novela.?

Does she think and feel their screen tandem is already ripe to headline a drama series?

?Honestly, the idea just makes me really nervous. This early, Aljur and I feel the pressure since all of GMA?s Sine Novela presentations have been consistent ratings champions. But on the other hand, we feel the challenged, so we will do our best and prove to the public that we deserve our home studio?s confidence and trust. We?re also elated to be working with award-winning director Maryo J. de los Reyes and Ara Mina who is one of our best young actresses.

Kris wears a white gold bracelet these days. It?s obviously expensive because it is adorned with little diamonds. Asked as to the identity of the person who gave it to her, the bubbly young star reveals:

?It?s a gift from someone who is close to me at present. He gave it to me last year so that I would always remember him.?

Many suspect it is Aljur, whose secret love affair with fellow StarStruck batch mate Rich Asuncion had already ended.