Action star-turned-comedian-turned-celebrity dad Raymart Santiago is all set to take on his most lovable role yet as a dead father whose spirit inhabits the body of a yellow Labrador in GMA Network’s upcoming drama series Bantatay.

He plays the character of Bernard Razon, a low-profile yet affectionate veterinarian who maintains a small animal clinic, which he inherited from his father. A doting husband and father of three, he was forced to take on the responsibilities of both a father and a mother after his wife Marcella was kidnapped by their evil relatives.

After such devastating event, a group of armed men soon breaks into their home and kills Bernard right in front of his children. Bernard will have a hard time accepting his death and will do anything to remain “alive”. So much so that he is actually willing to take on the form of a canine to be able to look after his children and get his wife to come home to them.

A certified Kapuso, Raymart is ecstatic to star in his first light drama series and unleash his softer, more compassionate side. He will also have the chance to showcase his comic timing, which viewers find most endearing about him.

Prior to Bantatay, Raymart also starred in a number of GMA-7 shows including Kool Ka Lang, Lagot Ka Isusumbong Kita, Who’s Your Daddy Now?, Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan, Gagambino, Darna, and the most recent, Pilyang Kerubin. The former action prince also taped an episode for his wife’s self-titled drama anthology Claudine, Claudine Barretto’s first show as a Kapuso.

Bantatay also stars Gelli De Belen, Jennica Garcia, Carl Guevarra, Elmo Magalona, Camille Pratts, Gary Estrada, Kier Legaspi, Al Tantay, Marissa Delgado, Prince Stefan, Renz Valerio, Krystal Reyes, Maybeline Dela Cruz, Jessie Corcuera, and Jim Pebangco, and is directed by Don Michael Perez.

Catch Raymart Santiago as the adorable, protective, and dependable Bantatay as it premieres September 14 on GMA Telebabad.

Watch the teaser here:

Raymart Santiago Plays a Lovable and Funny Dad in GMA’s ‘Bantatay’ originally appeared on Starmometer on September 8, 2010.

‘Jejemom’ is GMA Network’s newest weekly comedy series that offers an exciting peek into the modern Filipino household in the age of texting, the internet, and the widely popular Jejemon phenomenon.

No less than award-winning box office comedienne Eugene Domingo plays the lead character of Gigi a.k.a. “The Jejemom”, a single parent with an outrageous sense of humor. Usually clad in multicolored outfits while fiddling with her cellphone, Gigi juggles her time between her parental duties to only son G-Boy (Robert “Buboy” Villar) and younger sister Lovely (Jennica Garcia), and her responsibilities as the trusty barangay secretary.

Dysfunctional as they are, Gigi and her family manage to keep their humble yet happy household running. But their lives will turn upside down after Gigi receives a text message exposing the whereabouts of a certain Lady Gangsta, the leader of a notorious kidnapping syndicate, by mistake.

Gigi instantly reports the incident to Dindo (Wendell Ramos), the hunky policeman that Gigi adores so much, and becomes the star witness of the case. Her confession eventually led to the imprisonment of the kidnappers except for the mastermind Lady Gangsta, who now seeks revenge against Gigi.

In order to protect their identities, the authority decides to put Gigi, G-Boy, and Lovely under a witness protection program, which requires them to live in a posh suburban subdivision and pretend to be rich just like the rest of their new neighbors.

Ever the resilient and sociable Jejemom, Gigi slowly but surely wins the friendship of the Soccermoms, all except for Bunny (Gelli de Belen), the wife of the highly influential but dubiously masculine government official Winston (Ricky Davao). Bunny tries her might to destroy Gigi’s reputation in the village and reclaim her crown as the Soccermom queen.

Can Jejemom keep her family safe from the evil hands of Lady Gangsta who might actually be closer than they imagined? Are Gigi, Lovely and G-Boy truly ready to kiss their former life goodbye?

Aside from shedding light on the jejemon culture, Jejemom, directed by Dominic Zapata and originally written by Denoy Navarro-Punio, also touches on significant topics such as motherhood, parenting, and neighborhood spirit – but with a quirky, comedic twist!

Completing the cast are Chariz Solomon as Yasmin, Gigi’s kikay housekeeper, Carl Guevarra as Jhong, Lovely’s internet-addict boyfriend, and Bayani Agbayani as Chief D. Marangya, the barangay chief of police.

The JEJEMOM invasion begins this Saturday, August 14, after Kaya Ng Powers on GMA Network.

For Pinoy TV Subscribers, JEJEMOM will air on August 15 in the Unites States and on August 16 in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.

The ‘Jejemom’ Invasion Kicks Off on GMA Network originally appeared on Starmometer on August 9, 2010.

Join Panday Kids’ Julian Trono and Sabrina Man as they dance and play with dolphins thrice their size. Collect oohs and ahhs while watching these friendly mammals flip, jump and spin their way to everyone’s delight.

Then catch the rare sight of Gelli De Belen kissing a sea lion in the lips! Judge for yourselves if their skills in acting, dancing and most especially, coaxing are that impressive for Gelli to bequeath them a loving kiss.

Embrace marine life further by hanging out at the World of Discovery Aquarium. Spot schools of fish in their most vibrant of colors, strangest of shapes, and most unbelievable of sizes. Take a peek at their pristine habitats and at the same time, discover the simple yet highly-effective ways of preserving them.

And to boost the adventure to the fullest, Gelli, Julian and Sab will dive together and uncover the wonders of Camayan Beach Resort. Get an exclusive view of corals coming alive and of ship wrecks, drawing everyone with their sublime beauty.

The unforgettable ocean adventure in ZOOPERSTARS starts this Sunday, April 25, after AHA! on GMA.

Ocean Adventure in ‘Zooperstars’ originally appeared on Starmometer on April 21, 2010.

SiS was conceptualized by GMA executives in 2001 who wanted a different approach to typical morning talk shows seen on TV. At the time, the morning talk shows that were seen on TV were mostly live panel discussions with guest celebrities.

“Sis” premiered in July 2, 2001 as a replacement to Dina Bonnevie‘s D! Day. The original hosts are true-to-life sisters Janice and Gelli de Belen. Carmina Villaroel was later added in the show.

The first program toppled by SiS was “Morning Girls” hosted by real-life bestfriends Pops Fernandez, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Kris Aquino. SiS was too strong against the so-called “Power Girl Trio” that’s why ABS-CBN reformatted the show making it “Morning Girls with Kris and Korina” with the powerhouse tandem of Kris Aquino and Korina Sanchez.

Year 2004 saw the show easily coasting through the ratings after “Morning Girls with Kris and Korina” folded up and was replaced with “Good Morning Kris” and “Morning Star” in succession.

Year 2005 saw the show competing against Boy Abunda‘s morning talk show “Homeboy” and Roderick Paulate and Amy Perez‘s variety show “Most Requested Show (MRS)” on ABS-CBN, and “Chowtime Na!” on IBC-13. However, “Sis” was still the preferred morning program of most Filipino viewers, as they clobbered the competition in the ratings. Both “MRS” and “Chowtime Na!” has since folded up and “Homeboy” was left to slug it out with “Sis” in the ratings.

Other shows that “Sis” faced stiff competition from ABS-CBN were: “Boy & Kris” featuring the Philippines’ King of Talk Boy Abunda (from Homeboy) and Philippines’ Queen of Talk Kris Aquino (2007-2009) and “Ruffa and Ai” (February 2009-present) hosted by Ruffa Gutierrez and Ai Ai delas Alas but the latter is about to become one of the casualties of the GMA talk show.

According to reports, Ruffa and Ai is ending its season this week together with the hosts’ contract. The kapamilya talk show will not return for another season as it will be replaced by the upcoming talent variety program “Showtime” to be hosted by Vhong Navarro and Anne Curtis.

We can’t help but speculate that the ratings of Ruffa and Ai didn’t live up to the expectations of the ABS-CBN management that’s why they decided to end its season (or series) run. And with another show pitted against the kapuso trio, the guessing game is on once again if how many months will “Showtime” last on air or will it be the very first program to topple “Sis”?

For now, it’s safe and fair to say that the real “queens” of morning television are Janice de Belen, Gelli de Belen and Carmina Villaroel. Do i need to explain further?

‘Sis’ Knocks Down ‘Ruffa and Ai’ originally appeared on Starmometer on October 19, 2009.

All My Life is the the first lead role if Aljur Abrenica and Kris Bernal in a [pre-] primetime series which premiered last Monday night. Check out the powerhouse cast of the newest GMA teleserye after the jump.

Aljur Abrenica

Photos courtesy of GMA 7.

All My Life – Promotional Photos originally appeared on Starmometer on June 29, 2009.