Maricel Soriano will portray different characters in the said anthology in various genre every week from comedy to drama to horror.

On its pilot episode (March 22) directed by Soxie Topacio, Maricel stars in a comedy special where she plays the role of a balikbayan. She returns to the Philippines to get her daughter upon learning that her gay ex-husband is already dead. Together with her boyfriend (played by Carlos Morales), Maricel meets her ex-husband’s gay lover (Roderick Paulate) and engages in a funny dispute over the silliest things.

5 Star Specials The Diamond Star premieres on March 22, 2010, Monday, at 8:00 p.m.

Watch the trailer here:

Maricel Soriano will portray different characters in the said anthology in various genre every week from comedy to drama to horror.

On its pilot episode (March 22) directed by Soxie Topacio, Maricel stars in a comedy special where she plays the role of a balikbayan. She returns to the Philippines to get her daughter upon learning that her gay ex-husband is already dead. Together with her boyfriend (played by Carlos Morales), Maricel meets her ex-husband’s gay lover (Roderick Paulate) and engages in a funny dispute over the silliest things.

The next episode (March 29) will feature Maricel in a horror-themed story together with child actor Nash Aguas. It will be directed by Ryan Carlos.

The remaining episodes will be megged by Joyce Bernal, Joel Lamangan and Eric Quizon.

Maricel recalls her working experience with Soxie Topacio and her good friend Roderick Paulate:

“Of course, nakatrabaho ko na sila lahat pero ang treatment na ginawa namin, it’s going to be a lot different. Ang saya-saya working with Direk Soxie kasi wala siyang ginawa kundi tumawa…hindi lang tumawa kundi humagikgik. Ang saya namin sa set. And, of course, ang sarap na si Dick [Roderick Paulate] ang kasama kasi nakaka-miss talaga. It’s been a long time na hindi kami nakagawa ng project together.”

Perci Intalan, head of Creative and Entertainment, told the press, “We are very proud and honored that Ms. Maricel accepted our invitation to be part of the new TV5. Although, to make it clear, we are not under any illusions na sa amin lang siya.”

TV5 network executives are also cooking up a sitcom for the veteran actress.

5-Star Specials will air on TV5 every Monday starting March 22 at 8 p.m.

Although Rosalinda is Carla Abellana’s first ever role on tv, she is supported by a powerhouse cast that will catapult her to be the next big star. Check out the characters of the Rosalinda Philippine version which is set to premiere tonight on GMA-7.

The Powerhouse Cast of Rosalinda:

Carla Abellana as Rosalinda Pérez

Geoff Eigenmann as Fernando Jose Altamirano

Katrina Halili as Fedra Pérez

Roderick Paulate as Florencio

Sheryl Cruz as Valeria Altamirano

Ariel Rivera as Alfredo del Castillo

Glydel Mercado as Soledad Romero

Gary Estrada as Javier Perez

Jessa Zaragosa as Evangelina

Yul Servo as Roberto

Sherilyn Reyes as Dulce

Sheena Halili as Becky

Marco Alcaraz as Anibal Pacheco

Ryza Cenon as Abril

Mike Tan as Rico

Mart Escudero as Beto Perez

Carlene Aguilar as Rodora

Gian Magdangal as Gerardo

Also included in the cast are Ayen Munji-Laurel as Berta Alvarez, Marky Lopez as Julio and Krystal Reyes as Lucy (Rosalinda’s younger sister).

The Philippine edition of Rosalinda is set to hit primetime beginning July 6, 2009.

These promotional photos courtesy of GMA.