Diana-Alfred tandem ups ‘Encantadia’ ratings
One of the reasons for the celebratory mood on GMA’s “Encantadia” is viewers’ warm reception to the resurgent Diana Zubiri-Alfred Vargas loveteam.
One of the reasons for the celebratory mood on GMA’s “Encantadia” is viewers’ warm reception to the resurgent Diana Zubiri-Alfred Vargas loveteam. It’s something even the two actors are surprised with.
Diana made her first appearance on the new “Encantadia” in October as Lilasari while Alfred was seen last December as Amarro. They were supposed to essay guest roles only but because the public was unstoppable in showing excitement seeing their “idols” back on the series, the two are on extended appearance on the show.
We had lunch with them last week, along with Cong. Alfred’s beautiful wife Yasmine, and they told us how surprised they were to know “kinikilig pa rin ang
mga fans sa tambalan namin.” Alfred said, “Nakakatuwa kasi kahit alam nilang may mga sari-sariling buhay at pamilya na kami ni Joy (calling Diana by her nickname), natutuwa pa rin silang makita kami sa screen.
Nare-remind daw sila noong una naming tambalan sa ‘Encantadia.’ It’s really heart warming.”
Diana said being back on the set of “Encantadia” this time was like coming home.
“Parang wala naman masyadong nagbago. Maybe because it is still Direk Mark Reyes at the helm. Although nakaka miss ’yung mga dati naming kasama – sina Iza (Calzado) and Karylle. It’s good that Sunshine (Dizon) also guested. Those episodes with us were also very well-received by the audience. Nakakatuwa talaga.”
Diana and Alfred last appeared on TV together in 2005 and both went on to do soaps on ABS-CBN separately – Alfred on “Mutya” in 2012 and Diana on “Juan Dela Cruz” and “Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin” in 2013. Both are just happy to be back on the spotlight.
So, how different is “Encantadia” from before? Both of them quickly said, “mas madali ngayon kahit may mga fight
scenes.” They reasoned that the special effects today don’t require much from them physically anymore. Diana said, “When we do fight scenes, we don’t have to be in harness anymore. Dati naka harness talaga kami all the way kaya mahirap. But now, special effects takes care of it.” Alfred, for his part, said,
“Dati we really go on location and ang hirap talagang condition when you shoot scenes in the mountain. Putikputik ang dadaanan mo pag umulan, makeshift ang toilet and dressing room. But now, we have a more controlled environment. We shoot in a compound and everything is more convenient.”
She added, “We are just really happy to be doing this soap again. We both missed it and we are really very glad that our fans are sharing the same excitement we have doing this series.”
•• • Book on family business
We first met Prof. Enrique “Eric” Soriano years ago (about 2011, I think) when he worked as CEO of the Belo Medical Group (BMG), including Belo Essentials and Flawless. We remember him to be a low-key, down-to-earth, approachable and efficient CEO who was meticulous in his work.
So it was nice to see him again after a long time at the launch of his new book “Ensuring The Family Business Legacy.”
In his informative and inspiring book, Prof. Eric provides a quick but comprehensive reference for understanding what it takes to build a successful family business. The book provides the knowledge and tools to help ensure that your family business and legacy will last through the generations. The business tips and insights contained in the book are the result of author’s many years of consultancy work and experience.
Prof. Eric’s advocacy and academic work related to Strategic Management and Family Business Governance has made him a sought after Advisor and resource speaker in International Conferences in the US, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and China. Every year, Prof. Eric delivers more than 150 talks in the Philippines and the ASEAN region espousing Strategic Innovation and Growth Strategies.