More intense afternoons await the viewers this December when the life of a haughty and self-centered woman makes a sudden turn as fate steps in, making all her dreams fall apart in the top-rating Sine Novela presents Kaya Kong Abutin ang Langit.

Since she was a kid, Clarissa (Iza Calzado) desired nothing else but to be wealthy, prominent and powerful. With the death of her godsister Therese (Isabel Oli), Clarissa finally gets adopted by her well-off godparents, Ralph (Ricardo Cepeda) and Monina (Pinky Amador). She sees the situation as the only opportunity that would make her rich.

While enjoying her comfortable life, Clarissa, unintentionally alienates the people she loves. Her sister Nancy (Angelika dela Cruz) despises her in spite of all Clarissa’s claims that everything she does is for their family.

For Nancy, her relationship with her sister is already impaired because of her sister’s greediness. Nancy’s hatred grows stronger each day. Aside from getting herself adopted, Clarissa sided with her adoptive parents following the suit filed by their mother Naty (Lani Mercado) against the Gardamontes who were found responsible for the death of their father. It worsened when Clarissa was out of reach when their mother died.

On the other hand, Daryl (Wendell Ramos), her boyfriend, felt betrayed after Clarissa chose her adoptive parents over him when the Gardamonte couple discovered their secret relationship. Daryl used to be the boyfriend of Therese.

Although in pain, Clarissa continues to live with arrogance. But her world is slowly turning upside down as soon as fate stepped in.

Clarissa was disowned by the Gardamontes after watching a video that made her look guilty of killing Therese. She sought the help of Daryl but he turned her down. Meanwhile, Ralph finds out and managed to gather proof that Nancy is her daughter from Naty. Plus, Nick (Bobby Andrews), the man who abused Clarissa and whom she and Daryl tried to kill, is back to avenge himself.

With no one to turn to, Clarissa meets her salvation when she accidentally reconnects with Jerome Recto (Victor Aliwalas), who has been in love with her since the first day they met. Clarissa accepts Jerome’s marriage proposal. But Clarissa’s only hope breaks into pieces when she discovers that she is pregnant!

Will Clarissa abort the baby or will she tell the truth to her fiancé? Will the matrimonial ceremony help Clarissa achieve a happy ending? How will she accept the fact that her sister Nancy is the real daughter and only heir of the Gardamonte’s wealth?

Find out all these as the plot thickens in the riveting drama of Sine Novela presents Kaya Kong Abuting ang Langit on GMA Network’s Dramarama sa Hapon.

The film is an adaptation of Carlo J. Caparas‘ graphic novel of the same title. Directed by Rico Gutierrez and Mac Alejandre, the epic movie stars Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., who previously starred in a version of the character in Dugo ng Panday (“Blood of the Blacksmith”) in 1993. The late Fernando Poe, Jr. originally portrayed the role in several versions of the pinoy fictional hero.

Here’s the full cast of the movie:

* Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. as Flavio
* Phillip Salvador as Lizardo
* Rhian Ramos as Emelita
* Iza Calzado as Margarita
* Robert Villar
* Sheena Halili as Dahlia
* George Estregan Jr.
* Matt Ranillo III
* Geoff Eigenmann as Marcos
* Benjie Paras as Rafael
* John Lapus as Mauching
* Paulo Avelino as Celso
* Stef Prescott as Armida
* BJ Forbes as Martin
* Luz Valdez as Nanay Kamaring
* Joonee Gamboa as Tatay Seloy
* Carlos Morales as Vamipro
* Gladys Guevarra as Rawna
* JB Magsaysay as Manuel
* King “Abdul” Gutierrez as Cruzaldo
* Dindo Arroyo as Hugo

VIDEO LINK: Ang Panday (2009) – Movie Trailer

Image courtesy of GMA Films.

A significant decline were evident in the overnight tv ratings of AGB Nielsen during and after typhoon Ondoy wreaked havoc in Mega Manila. But as the week progresses, the ratings gradually came back to normal.

Last September 28, two soap operas debuted on GMA-7. But since Metro Manila is badly hit by typhoon Ondoy last Saturday, the aftermath affected some shows specially “Tinik sa Dibdib” and “Kaya Kong Abutin ang Langit” because both soaps started in a very low note they did not even manage to enter the daytime’s top 10.

The next day, September 29, Iza Calzado’s soap debuted at no. 5 in daytime’s top 10 and then it climbed to no. 3 last September 30 and reached no. 2 last October 1. It was rating better than Sunshine Dizon’s soap for the whole week EXCEPT last Friday when Tinik sa Dibdib took over the 2nd spot and Kaya Kong Abutin ang Langit settled for the 3rd slot.

In the primetime race, Lovers in Paris also held its pilot episode last Monday night and it’s safe to say that it was not affected by Ondoy by virtue of its 20% rating which is good for fourth place. It maintained the position on Tuesday but it dropped to the seventh position last Wednesday and Thursday. It ended it’s first week run last Friday at no. 5, tied with Survivor Philippines Palau.

TOP 10 DAYTIME AND PRIMETIME PROGRAMS IN MEGA MANILA
(September 28 to October 4, 2009)

September 28, Monday

Daytime:

1. Wowowee Part 2 (ABS-CBN) – 16.1%
2. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) – 16%
3. Bagyong Ondoy (ABS-CBN) – 15.4%
4. Wowowee Part 1 (ABS-CBN) – 13.7%
5. Banana Split Daily Servings (ABS-CBN) – 12.6%
6. Last Romance Part 1 (GMA-7) – 12.5%
7. GMA Flash Report: Bagsik Ni Ondoy (GMA-7) – 12.5%
8. Kambal Sa Uma (ABS-CBN) – 11%
9. Ang Lalaking Nagmahal Sa Akin (ABS-CBN) – 9.3%
10. Hunter X Hunter (GMA-7) / Daisy Siete: Chacha Muchacha (GMA-7) – 8.6%

Primetime:

1. Darna (GMA-7) – 21.8%
2. TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) – 20.6%
3. 24 Oras (GMA-7) – 20.3%
4. Lovers In Paris (ABS-CBN) – 20%
5. May Bukas Pa (ABS-CBN) – 19%
6. Dahil May Isang Ikaw (ABS-CBN) – 18%
7. Stairway To Heaven (GMA-7) – 16.7%
8. Katorse (ABS-CBN) – 16.5%
9. Rosalinda (GMA-7) – 16.3%
10. Survivor Philippines: Palau (GMA-7) – 13.4%

September 29, Tuesday

Daytime:

1. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) – 15.5%
2. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) – 12.7%
3. Banana Split Daily Servings (ABS-CBN) – 11.7%
4. Kambal Sa Uma (ABS-CBN) – 11.4%
5. Kaya Kong Abutin ang Langit (GMA-7) – 11%
6. Daisy Siete: Chacha Muchacha (GMA-7) – 10.9%
7. Last Romance (GMA-7) – 10.1%
8. Tinik Sa Dibdib (GMA-7) – 9.2%
9. Hole In The Wall (GMA-7) – 9%
10. Pilipinas, Game KNB? (ABS-CBN) / Maria de Jesus: Ang Anghel Sa Lansangan (ABS-CBN) – 8.5%

Primetime:

1. Darna (GMA-7) – 24%
2. TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) – 22.3%
3. 24 Oras (GMA-7) – 22.2%
4. Stairway To Heaven (GMA-7) / Lovers In Paris (ABS-CBN) – 19%
5. May Bukas Pa (ABS-CBN) – 18.9%
6. Dahil May Isang Ikaw (ABS-CBN) – 18.7%
7. Rosalinda (GMA-7) – 18.2%
8. Survivor Philippines: Palau (GMA-7) – 17.7%
9. Katorse (ABS-CBN) – 16.1%
10. Ikaw Sana (GMA-7) – 14.1%

September 30, Wednesday

Daytime:

1. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) – 17.1%
2. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) / Banana Split Daily Servings (ABS-CBN) – 14.5%
3. Kaya Kong Abutin ang Langit (GMA-7) – 13.1%
4. Daisy Siete: Chacha Muchacha (GMA-7) – 12.7%
5. Kambal Sa Uma (ABS-CBN) – 12.5%
6. Last Romance (GMA-7) – 12.1%
7. Tinik Sa Dibdib (GMA-7) – 11.9%
8. SiS (GMA-7) – 11.2%
9. Maria de Jesus: Ang Anghel Sa Lansangan (ABS-CBN) – 9.7%
10. Ang Lalaking Nagmahal Sa Akin (ABS-CBN) – 8.8%

Primetime:

1. Darna (GMA-7) – 28%
2. 24 Oras (GMA-7) – 26.1%
3. Stairway To Heaven (GMA-7) – 24.5%
4. TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) – 24%
5. Rosalinda (GMA-7) – 23.7%
6. May Bukas Pa (ABS-CBN) – 23%
7. Lovers In Paris (ABS-CBN) – 21.5%
8. Dahil May Isang Ikaw (ABS-CBN) – 21.1%
9. Survivor Philippines: Palau (GMA-7) – 20.5%
10. Katorse (ABS-CBN) – 19.3%

October 1, Thursday

Daytime:

1. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) – 18.8%
2. Kaya Kong Abutin ang Langit (GMA-7) – 16.4%
3. Kambal Sa Uma (ABS-CBN) – 15.3%
4. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) – 14.8%
5. Daisy Siete: Chacha Muchacha (GMA-7) – 14.7%
6. Banana Split Daily Servings (ABS-CBN) – 14.3%
7. Tinik Sa Dibdib (GMA-7) – 13.5%
8. Last Romance (GMA-7) – 12.1%
9. Hole In The Wall (GMA-7) – 11.3%
10. Ang Lalaking Nagmahal Sa Akin (ABS-CBN) – 10.5%

Primetime:

1. Darna (GMA-7) – 29.5%
2. 24 Oras (GMA-7) – 28.5%
3. Stairway To Heaven (GMA-7) – 27.4%
4. Rosalinda (GMA-7) – 24.5%
5. TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) – 23.3%
6. Survivor Philippines: Palau (GMA-7) – 22.8%
7. Lovers In Paris (ABS-CBN) – 22.3%
8. May Bukas Pa (ABS-CBN) – 21.4%
9. Dahil May Isang Ikaw (ABS-CBN) – 21.2%
10. Ikaw Sana (GMA-7) – 20.7%

October 2, Friday

Daytime:

1. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) – 19.2%
2. Tinik Sa Dibdib (GMA-7) – 15.6%
3. Kaya Kong Abutin ang Langit (GMA-7) – 15.2%
4. Daisy Siete: Chacha Muchacha(GMA-7) – 15%
5. Hole In The Wall (GMA-7) – 14.5%
6. Kambal Sa Uma (ABS-CBN) – 14.1%
7. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) – 13.9%
8. Ang Lalaking Nagmahal Sa Akin (ABS-CBN) – 13.5%
9. Banana Split Daily Servings (ABS-CBN) – 13.1%
10. Spongebob Squarepants (TV5) / Last Romance (GMA-7) – 11.3%

Primetime:

1. 24 Oras (GMA-7) – 28.3%
2. Darna (GMA-7) / Stairway To Heaven (GMA-7) – 27.6%
3. TV Patrol World (ABS-CBN) – 24.9%
4. Rosalinda (GMA-7) – 23.7%
5. Lovers In Paris (ABS-CBN) / Survivor Philippines: Palau (GMA-7) – 23%
6. Dahil May Isang Ikaw (ABS-CBN) – 22.9%
7. Ikaw Sana (GMA-7) / May Bukas Pa (ABS-CBN) – 22.1%
8. Katorse (GMA-7) – 21.5%
9. Florinda (ABS-CBN) – 20.3%
10. Bubble Gang (ABS-CBN) – 14%

October 3, Saturday

Daytime:

1. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) – 26.7%
2. Bagyong Pepeng (GMA-7) – 20%
3. Wish Ko Lang (GMA-7) – 18.8%
4. Lovers In Paris: A Marathon Special (ABS-CBN) – 17.1%
5. Wowowee (ABS-CBN) – 14.2%
6. Startalk (GMA-7) – 14.1%
7. Salamat Dok: Hagupit ng Bagyo (ABS-CBN) – 12.1%
8. Joey’s Quirky World (GMA-7) – 11.8%
9. Entertainment Live (ABS-CBN) – 10.9%
10. Spongebob Squarepants (TV5) – 9.8%

Primetime:

1. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (GMA-7) – 25.6%
2. News Patrol: Hagupit ng Bagyo (ABS-CBN) – 24.3%
3. Talentadong Pinoy (TV5) – 23.3%
4. 24 Oras Special Edition (GMA-7) – 21%
5. Pinoy Records (GMA-7) – 20.5%
6. Tiagong Akyat (ABS-CBN) – 19.9%
7. Imbestigador (GMA-7) – 18.7%
8. The Singing Bee (ABS-CBN) – 16.3%
9. Maalaala Mo Kaya (ABS-CBN) – 15.9%
10. Celebrity Duets (GMA-7) – 15.3%

October 4, Sunday

Daytime:

1. ASAP ‘09 (ABS-CBN) – 13%
2. Showbiz Central (GMA-7) – 10.9%
3. SOP (GMA-7) – 10.8%
4. Matanglawin (ABS-CBN) – 10.4%
5. The Buzz (ABS-CBN) – 9.6%
6. Dear Friend: 3 Bachelors (GMA-7) – 8.7%
7. Hagupit ng Bagyo: A Special Coverage (ABS-CBN) – 8.5%
8. Unang Hirit Special Edition: Bagyong Pepeng (GMA-7) / Spongebob Squarepants (TV5) – 7.8%
9. Joey’s Quirky World (GMA-7) – 7.1%
10. Wolverine and the X-Men (ABS-CBN) – 6.5%

Primetime:

1. 24 Oras Special Edition (GMA-7) – 25.7%
2. Pinoy Big Brother Double Up: The Magical Reveal (ABS-CBN) – 24%
3. Kap’s Amazing Stories (GMA-7) – 22.3%
4. Power of 10 (GMA-7) – 20.1%
5. Mel & Joey (GMA-7) – 18.1%
6. Rated K (ABS-CBN) – 17.7%
7. Sharon (ABS-CBN) – 16%
8. Goin’ Bulilit (ABS-CBN) – 13.9%
9. All Star K (GMA-7) – 12%
10. George and Cecil (ABS-CBN) – 10.4%

Source: AGB Nielsen Philippines via PEP

Kaya Kong Abutin ang Langit is a 1984 classic drama starring the Diamond Star Maricel Soriano. Iza Calzado will reprise the lead role about a woman who will do everything just to meet her dreams.

Also in the cast are Angelika dela Cruz, Wendell Ramos, Isabel Oli, Victor Aliwalas, Lani Mercado, Rainier Castillo, Pinky Amador, Ana Capri, Ryan Yllana and Bobby Andrews.

The said Sine Novela is being helmed by renowned film director Topel Lee (Ouija, Sundo).

The 17th offering of GMA’s Sine Novela premieres on Monday, September 28, under the Teledrama sa Hapon block.

VIDEO LINK: Kaya Kong Abutin ang Langit Teasers

Iza will be portraying the role of Rowena Joy, a gay man who had undergone a sexual reassignment surgery to become a woman.

Also in the cast are Paolo Ballesteros as the gay Rowena Joy and TJ Trinidad as their ultimate love interest.

SRO Cinemaserye Presents: Rowena Joy is written by Jun Lana under the direction of Soxie Topacio.

VIDEO LINK: SRO Cinemaserye Presents: Rowena Joy Teaser

Manila is a two-part indie film inspired by Ishmael Bernal’s 1980 film Manila by Night and Lino Brocka’s 1979 film Jaguar. It is divided into a “Day” and “Night” episode directed by Raya Martin and Adolfo Alix, Jr., respectively.

Manila was first exhibited at the 61st Cannes Film Festival and the 31st Moscow International Film Festival and it is set to be screened in 6 more international film festivals.

Now, Filipinos will finally have the chance to watch this black-and-white film at the following theaters, released by Star Cinema: SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Manila, SM Fairview, Robinsons Ermita, Robinsons Galleria, Gateway, Trinoma, Glorietta 4, Sta. Lucia, SM Davao, SM Cebu, SM Pampanga, and SM Taytay.

An MJM Production and Bicycle Pictures production, Manila also stars Rosanna Roces, Jay Manalo, Alessandra de Rossi, Baron Geisler, Iza Calzado, Angelica Panganiban, Jiro Manio, William Martinez, Anita Linda, Marissa Delgado, Menggie Cobarrubias, John Lapus, Katherine Luna, Aleck Bovick, and Jon Avila.

VIDEO LINK: Manila – Full Trailer

The 26-year-old kapuso actress is still waiting for her new television project from her mother studio since All About Eve ended weeks ago. Even though she has no teleserye for the moment, Iza is busy doing the films Whatever Yaya! Spoiled Brat the Movie together with Ogie Alcasid and Michael V., and the Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Ang Panday” so-starring her with Senator Bong Revilla, Jr.

Dubbed as “Nouveau Belle,” meaning New Beauty, Iza is looking fresh and renewed on the cover as shot by photographer Jake Versoza at the Manila Ocean Park.

Just like Anne Curtis, Iza also survived a devastating heartache recently but she used it as a challenge to better herself. And she’s the perfect gal to wear the creations of the 8th MEGA YDC winners because she embodies someone who has a flourishing career, a renewed self-confidence, a passion to live life to the fullest, a newfound love for her body and an urge to see worlds outside her own.

Also inside MEGA’s June issue are the Best of Filipino Fashion and a 30-page Paris Portfolio among others. Now available nationwide wherever magazines are sold.

Ruffa Gutierrez, Rufa Mae Quinto, Iza Calzado, Marian Rivera along with their fifth long-lost sister, Ogie Alcasid bring another hilarious and bigger treat to everyone who has followed and still yet to find out the life story of the Desperadas sisters.

The new film catches up with the eventful lives of Ruffa (Isabella), Rufa Mae (Patricia), Iza (Stephanie), Marian (Courtney) and Ogie (Luga Luda) who share an unbreakable bond as half-sisters. The five are brought together by the love and affection they hold for each other.

Desperadas 2 is one of Regal Entertainment’s official entries to the Metro Manila Film Festival under the helm of award-winning director Joel Lamangan and penned by scriptwriter Roy Iglesias. The film brings a deeper and closer peek into the different issues and personal struggles of the five sisters as they cope with life’s endless ups and downs.

Ruffa Gutierrez gives life to Isabella, who, at present is a successful entrepreneur of beauty products. Despite her thriving business, Isabella gets entangled in a big scandal that will change her life instantly.

Rufa Mae Quinto is Patricia, an easy-going woman who has a politician-boyfriend played by the handsome actor, Christian Vasquez. Patricia feels she has no problems at all until a revelation of having a corrupt partner surprises her.

Iza Calzado portrays the role of Stephanie, who now has a kid and experiences post-partum blues. In the midst of her marital woes, Stephanie turns to her sisters and seeks their help and advice.

Marian Rivera is Courtney, an accomplished and chic fashion designer who is married to basketball star Patrick (Will Devaughn). Unknown to Courtney, she has a stalker played by Alex Castro.

Lastly, Ogie Alcasid plays the role of Luga Luda, the Kwelali Princess who happens to be the long-lost half-sister of the Isabella, Patricia, Stephanie and Courtney. Despite being physically-absent in the lives of her half-sisters, Luga Luda manages to develop a special bond and friendship with the four Desperadas.

Desperadas 2 brings together some of the country’s most talented and stylish showbiz personalities today with Ruffa Gutierrez, Rufa Mae Quinto, Iza Calzado, Marian Rivera and Ogie Alcasid – in exceptional roles that will definitely make the audience laugh, cry and get a huge dose of pure entertainment this holiday season.

A bigger, better and funnier Desperadas awaits everyone this December. Make way for the funkier ladies in Desperadas 2 and share in the belief that in this world, all we need is LOVE!

Desperadas 2 for the Metro Manila Film Festival 2008 awards. Desperadas 2 is actually a sequel to the first movie, Desperadas and stars the same set of character from Ruffa Mae Quinto, Ruffa Gutierrez, Marian Rivera and Iza Calzado. This is a Regal Entertainment feature and directed by the critically acclaimed Joel Lamangan.

(Regal Films Press Release)

Video Link: Desperadas 2 – Full Trailer

Synopsis: Medical intern named Migs (Dingdong Dantes) will have to deal with the conflict between his heart and his mind. After three years of courtship, he is about to get married to Joy (Marian Rivera), a nurse who works in the same hospital as him. However, days before the wedding, his first love Bella (Iza Calzado) returns to the Philippines. The balikbayan is still single and still in love with Migs, whom she broke up with in the past when her family migrated to the United States for their restaurant business.

The women in Migs’s life try to get along with each other but knowing that they are both in love with the same man give rise to feelings of jealousy and envy. When Migs gets into an accident, he develops lacunar amnesia, a type pf amnesia that blocks off time periods from one’s memory. In his case, it blocks off the three years that he was in love with Joy and leaving him with memories of Bella.

Also starring in One True Love are Iza Calzado, Jennica Garcia, Pinky Marquez, Bianca King, Tessie Tomas, Boots Anson Roa and Chinggoy Alonzo.

One True Love is a co-production of Regal Films and GMA films written by Maryo J. delos Reyes and directed by Mac Alejandre. Coming to theaters nationwide on November 19, 2008.

Video Link: One True Love – Movie Trailer

Kris Aquino
TV: Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara
Movies: Sukob, Feng Shui and Shake, Rattle and Roll III

Iza Calzado
TV: ESP
Movies: The Echo, Ouija, Sigaw and Shake, Rattle and Roll 8

Rica Peralejo
TV: Komiks
Movies: Tiyanaks, Matakot ka sa Karma, Kutob, Dilim, Spirit of the Glass, Malikmata, Hibla, Silaw, Balahibong Pusa and Takot Ka Ba Sa Dilim?

Judy Ann Santos
Movies: Regal Shocker the Movie, Impaktita, Wow Multo, Ouija and Mag-ingat Ka Sa Kulam.