ABS-CBN is fielding “Juan de la Cruz”, an action-fantasy to replace “Princess and I” starring their hottest property now, Coco Martin, as a half human-half aswang hero whose weapon is a cross that can change into various other weapons in his battle against evil elements. His nemesis is an aswang-killer, Erich Gonzales, but they fall in love with each other. Also in the cast are Albert Martinez, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Joel Torre, Gina Pareno, Lotlot de Leon, Jaime Fabregas, Arron Villaflor and Neil Coleta.
TV5 will in turn offer an action-fantasy with Derek Ramsay playing the title role of a superhero called “Kidlat”, which will replace “Enchanted Garden” in the 6:30 PM slot. This is an all-original material not based on any previous local film with the title “Kidlat” in it. He has two leading ladies in the series, Nadine Samonte and Ritz Azul, with Wendell Ramos, Baron Geisler, Jay Manalo and BB Gandanghari as his villainous adversaries, directed by former GMA director Mike Tuviera. TV5 reportedly got the services of a top Hollywood production who worked in such films as “X Men, First Class” and “The Bourne Legacy” to handle its special effects. Aside from this, TV5 has another big series to start in January, “Never Say Goodbye” starring Nora Aunor, Cesar Montano and Alice Dixson.
January will indeed be a big showdown among the three top networks. Here’s hoping all these big-budgeted shows will click with the viewing public.
