Star-studded 'Captain Barbell' to soar high on GMA 7

After the grand success of "Darna," GMA Network is soon launching the first-ever television series of the well-loved Pinoy superhero, Captain Barbell!

Originally created by Mars Ravelo for comics, the much-awaited television series of "Captain Barbell" will soar high starting May 29 with a modern and futuristic storyline and setting that will certainly fascinate children and adults alike.

"Captain Barbell" features a star-studded, powerhouse cast topbilled by today's hottest young actor, Richard Gutierrez-who plays the dual role of the mighty and just Captain Barbell and his alter ego Teng-together with Mr. Richard Gomez in a very special role.

Joining the cast are Snooky Serna, Ricky Davao, Jackie Lou Blanco and Gloria Sevilla together with Patrick Garcia, Camille Pratts, JC de Vera, Ryan Yllana and Ms. Sunshine Dizon. With the special participation of Dante Rivero, Ian Veneracion, Paolo Bediones, Pinky Amador and introducing Rhian Denise Ramos as Leah, the childhood friend of Teng who will be his love interest. Completing the cast are Rez Cortez, John Regala, Ryan Eigenmann, Jeremy Marquez, Ces Quesada, Dexter Doria and Melissa Avelino.

With directors Dominic Zapata and Mike Tuvierra at the helm, the captivating tale of Captain Barbell begins in the year 2106 when a young boy named Arell together with his mother Mrs. B (Snooky Serna) are forced by his father Captain B (Paolo Bediones) to ride the time capsule to escape from the soldiers of the General.

The General is the mysterious, rich and powerful owner of Live Corporation, which is the pioneer in the well-advanced human cloning and mutation that created an army of superhuman beings for his evil schemes, which Captain B opposes. Only Captain B can fight the General because of his extraordinary strength using barbanium.

The time vessel's destination will be in the year 1992. However, Arell and his mother will be separated. Unknown to them, the General will send Commander X (Ian Veneracion), the powerful cyborg to destroy the barbanium with Askobar (asido kontra barbanium).

Arell, meanwhile, will find himself under the custody of the couple Lolo Aloy (Dante Rivero) and Lola Melay (Gloria Sevilla) who will give him a new name-Potenciano a.k.a.Teng-and whose children Sandra (Jackie Lou Blanco) and Cesar (Ricky Davao) will be the child's foster parents. Teng grows up frail, poor and constantly longing for the love and care of his parents who ignore him. Worse, Teng is maltreated by Clarisse (Sunshine Dizon), the daughter of Sandra and Cesar.

Because of these incidents, Teng will find comfort in the company of his friends Kit (Camille Pratts), Bobby (Ryan Yllana) and Lola Melay.

The paths of Teng and his childhood friend Leah will cross once again. This time, Teng realizes that he is in love with this young lady who comes from a rich family. But things will turn out difficult for Teng to confess his love for Leah because the young lady has an arrogant boyfriend.

He will also meet and become friends with Levi (Patrick Garcia), the son of the richest man in the town named Viel (Richard Gomez), who is against their friendship. Unknown to Teng, it is Viel who is responsible for the death of Lolo Aloy.

One night, the group of Jared (Jeremy Marquez), Leah's boyfriend, will gang up on Teng and will leave him beaten in a junkyard. Teng will then discover the powerful barbell, which will be the source of his indestructible might and power. This barbell will be the key to Teng's destiny in becoming the most powerful Pinoy superhero who will be known as Captain Barbell!

With the help of state-of-the-art special effects, cutting edge action sequences and world-class production design, GMA-7's "Captain Barbell" television series will certainly rouse the imagination of many viewers.

More so, watch how "Captain Barbell" fights his enemies with his "hero suit" that is specially created by the world-renowned Miles Teves, the Hollywood designer of "Batman Forever," "Robocop" and "Spiderman"!

Further, feel the breathtaking adventure and love story of "Captain Barbell" with its theme song titled "Nandito Lang Ako" performed by the hottest band today, Shamrock.

Join Teng's captivating story of love, sacrifice and exciting adventures as "Captain Barbell" premieres on May 29 within GMA 7's primetime Telebabad block.