Amor Chicko in preview

Three days past its premiere last Monday, it's obviously too premature to tell how the new Cebuanovela on ABS-CBN Cebu entitled "Amor Chicko" is faring.

But the pressure to make better with this one should be somehow weighing in for the cast and crew as its writer and co-director Jurey Mirafuentes admitted to this writer last Saturday that "Milyonaryong Mini" did not create such an impact as expected. "Dili jud siya in-ana ka hugyawan like [past TV series] For Life," he said of the previous Cebuanovela.

But moving on. According to Jurey, the plus point of "Amor Chicko" is that the storyline is fresh and was worked on from scratch, unlike "Milyonaryo," which could have disinterested viewers who had already seen the original version and thought that the revival was an exact reproduction. "Amor Chicko's" cast alone also suggests that this is a romantic-comedy series for the young who, by the way, largely make up the demographics of its 5:25 to 5:55pm timeslot. Eda Nolan ("Let's Go"), who's actually a native of Jagobiao, Mandaue City, and Davaoeño Charles Christianson ("Pedro Penduko") play the main characters in this "Cinderella-like tale" that promises to feature the "academic scenery of Dumaguete City's Silliman University and the colorful and exciting fashion world of Cebu City," as per synopsis.

As in many a romance that's made for TV, there's the necessary "evil" - or make that antagonistic third (and fourth, if you may) wheel that tries to wreak chaos and confusion on the central love team. Local TV talent and model Bea Villegas is Karina who would do everything to tighten her hold on Chicko. "You will really see how desperate she'd get," Bea said of her character in a presscon at SM Entertainment Plaza last Saturday. And there's Dustine, played by another familiar face on local TV - singer Migs del Socorro - who interestingly looks like a cross between Christian Bautista and Dennis Trillo at certain angles.

Supporting cast include fashion designer and "Little Big Star Cebu" stylist Dexter Alazas and TV producer Adrian Diongzon who leave, albeit briefly, their behind-the-scenes work for some on-camera action.

Watch out also for cameo appearances by "Pinoy Big Brother" alumni Nene Tamayo, Say Alonzo and Uma Khouni plus "Pinoy Dream Academy's" Chai Fonacier. "Amor Chicko" will be shown not just in Cebu but in Bohol, Dumaguete, Davao, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro City, Butuan, Iligan and Camiguin as well. To serve as appetizer for scenes to come in this new series are its never-been-seen stills on this page, courtesy of ABS-CBN Cebu's entertainment head Donna Ocampo.

Catch "Harana at Sugbo" in Kahayag Café

Tonight should be interesting to hang out at Kahayag Café with its HARANA at SUGBU.

According to owner Gina Pestaño, Kahayag will be featuring 3PM (3 partners for music) who'll be playing the best of classic Cebuano love songs and the like. 3PM has two guitar players/vocalists and a "baho de arko."

Gina vowed that "nindut gyud kaayo sila paminawun with their blending and all."

If you have guests whom you'd like to take around and treat to some of the finest Cebuano music, drop by at Kahayag for some "true-blue all-time Cebuano favorites." For info and reservations, you may call 233-8676 or 0920-9227507.