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SHOWBIZ
MONDAY, JANUARY 29, 2024
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
What makes Linlang’s TV adaptation different from Prime Video version
The television series follows the love story of Kim Chiu (left) and Paulo Avelino’s characters, Julianna and Victor, respectively
Very Wang
Nickie Wang
I
N A recent media conference, directors FM Reyes and Jojo Saguin talked about the distinctive aspects of Linlang when comparing its original series with the Prime Video version released last year. According to the directors, only 40 percent of the original script was showcased on Prime Video. The mystery thriller, which enjoyed widespread popularity in over 240 countries, consistently ranked as the top show on Prime Video Philippines, stars Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino, and JM de Guzman. Reyes said that the entire series was initially written as a weekly show with episodes lasting approximately 30 minutes each. The total script amounted to around two and a half hours.
From left: Paulo Avelino, Kim Chiu, and JM De Guzman are back with the teleserye version of the hit series ‘Linlang’
The ‘Linlang’ cast and directors strike poses for the cameras at the press conference
Vivamax premieres daring double delight
Dyessa Garcia (left) and Chad Solano banner Christian Paolo Lat’s ‘Dilig’
However, when presented to Prime Video, they were asked to condense the series into one-hour episodes, resulting in just 60 percent of the original story being aired. This structural change, according to Reyes, has influenced the viewing
Skygarden delves into art of letting go in comeback single JAPANESE pop-rock trio Skygarden makes a comeback with a fresh single under Alt G Records. The new JaPinoy rock song, titled “Historia,” follows the trio’s debut single “Kokao” and is poised to once again captivate audiences with its themes of love, loss, and drawing strength from the past. Composed of Ryoichi “Ryo” Rivera Nagatsuka, Hiro Ozaki, and Iwaki “Iwa” Maegawa, Skygarden explains that “Historia” holds a deep personal significance for the band, drawing inspiration from Iwa’s past relationship. The song narrates the story of two college sweethearts who are forced to part ways due to the challenges posed by the pandemic.
LEADING local streaming platform, Vivamax, unveils two erotic dramas as January comes to a close and February unfolds. Dilig, directed by Christian Paolo Lat, is a gripping narrative infused with themes of greed and deceit, premieres on Jan. 30, while Katas, helmed by Rodante Pajemna Jr., coming to the platform on Feb. 9, is a riveting tale of a woman who strategically deploys her charm and allure as she willingly entangles herself in a snake pit-like trap in pursuit of success. Dilig follows the intricate tale of Katelyn (Dyessa Garcia), who discovers her father’s impending marriage to a younger woman, Resa (Rica Gonzales) upon her return to her hometown. Resa, aiming for Serafin’s inheritance (Archi Adamos), fabricates a pregnancy and plots to have Serafin disown Katelyn. The hired gardener, Otso (Chad Solano), becomes entangled in this web of deceit, tasked with seducing Katelyn but finds himself falling for her. Meanwhile, Dale (JD Aguas), a childhood friend of Katelyn, is engaged in a secret affair with Resa. Can Otso navigate the lies initiated by Resa, and will Katelyn save her father from the clutches of this devious woman? Katas, on the other hand, stars emerging Vivamax talents Yda Manzano, Cariz Manzano, Aria Bench, Mara Jalipa, Chester Grecia, Ardy Raymundo, and Sahara Bernales. The film follows Carmina (Sahara), a woman on a mission, as she becomes the new maid for Xander (Chester) and Grace (Yda). Carmina teases and seduces Xander, sparking a secret affair between them. As Carmina is warned about Xander’s past actions with maids, she continues the relationship, even triggering Grace’s paranoia. Will Grace uncover the secret affair, and what consequences will unfold in the lives of Xander, Grace, and Carmina? Nickie Wang ‘Katas’ stars (from left) Chester Grecia, Cariz Manzano, Yda Manzano, and Sahara Bernales
experience significantly. “So you can just imagine, roughly 60 percent of the original story has not been seen. That’s why the experience is different,” Reyes said. “If you have a 30-minute show, which is roughly less than 22 minutes per day, the experience is also different. Now, you will observe what holds your attention, and how the actors will fare in this kind of time. Because, isn’t time important in storytelling? But the happier thought is that 60 percent hasn’t been seen yet,” Reyes added. The directors stressed the importance of understanding the nuances of storytelling and structure, pointing out that the one-hour format on Prime Video effectively engaged viewers. Nevertheless, Reyes emphasized that a 30-minute show provides a different experience, prompting viewers to contemplate what captures their attention and how actors perform within that concise timeframe. Saguin, on the other hand, highlighted that the teleserye version would provide viewers with a glimpse into the backstory of certain scenes, offering explanations absent in the Prime Video rendition. He also drew attention to the distinct editing styles between free TV and Prime Video. “Yes, some scenes have explanations and backstories. ‘Ah, so that’s what it is, that’s why that scene unfolded that way.’ Also, the editing style on free TV is different from Prime,” Saguin pointed out. Linlang also stars veteran actresses Maricel Soriano and Ruby Ruiz, and fast-rising star Kaila Estrada. Completing the stellar cast are Jaime Fabregas, Raymond Bagatsing, Albie Casiño, Jake Ejercito, Heaven Peralejo, Adrian Lindayag, Race Matias, Benj Manalo, Lovely Abella, Frenchie Dy, Ross Pesigan, Hanna Lexie, Juno Advincula, Connie Virtucio, Lotlot Bustamante, Meann Espinosa, Danny Ramos, Bart Guingona, Marc Mcmahon, Anji Salvacion, and Kice. Linlang premiered on free TV on Jan. 22 and airs on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, iWantTFC, and Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.
Despite their deep affection for each other, Iwa chooses to let his girlfriend pursue her dream of working abroad, sacrificing his own happiness for her future. “It took me two years to move on from that relationship, and I will always love her. In those two years, I moved here [to] the Philippines, and we started Skygarden. It was a really big decision, but I’m okay now. Sometimes, I think what would happen if I chose a different path,” said Iwa. “Even though Iwa and his girlfriend love each other, there’s this situation that made them break up. Iwa lost his job during the pandemic, and he doesn’t want to hold her back. So, he makes the difficult decision to let her go, even though it hurts him deeply,” explained Ryo. On the other hand, Hiro recounted the group’s experience recording the song for the first time in GMA Music’s studio. “It was our first time, and GMA Music has really good equipment. It made us appreciate the song even more, especially with the guidance of Sir Kedy Sanchez (GMA Music’s Artist and Repertoire Manager and in-house producer),” Hiro shared. The music video, directed by Njel de Mesa, was released on Jan. 26, and the song is now available on digital platforms. From left: Japanese pop-rock trio Skygarden members Hiro Ozaki, Ryo Nagatsuka, and Iwa Maegawa