GMA Network pulls off a casting coup via Pahiram ng Sandali

CEBU, Philippines -  GMA Network showcases a formidable cast via PAHIRAM NG SANDALI, a compelling study on love and relationships.  The drama series premieres on November 26, replacing Coffee Prince on GMA Telebabad.

Ms. Redgie Acuña-Magno, GMA's AVP for Drama enthuses, "Bawat isa sa atin ay may hiram na sandali.  Kaya magugustuhan ang Pahiram Ng Sandali ng ating mga Kapuso. Yung buhay natin.  Yung makapiling natin ang mga mahal natin sa buhay.  Yung trabaho natin.  Makapag-aral.  Lahat iyan ay mga hiram na sandali."

"Pero ang tanong, matatagpuan ba ang pag-ibig na karapat-dapat ipaglaban sa isang hiram na sandali?", Director Maryo J. Delos Reyes, who helms the masterpiece, interjects with the very intriguing question which according to him the series will explore for its viewers.

Direk Maryo, as fondly called by the industry, is one of Philippines’ most admired directors; his body of work is a brand in itself which is synonymous to excellently entertaining.

His brilliance catapulted Lorna Tolentino to celebrity status via Diosa, a romance-fantasy that also advocated pro-nature messages.  And his opus, Magnifico, gave him grand slam victory in 2004.

Ms. Lilybeth Gomez-Rasonable, OIC of GMA's Entertainment Group shares, "Viewers will find Pahiram Ng Sandali exciting because it mirrors our lives, how we are, what we are and how falling in love makes us different from who we thought we were.  Even more engaging is to discover how someone we love can alter our destinies."

Coming from the phenomenal success of her latest production One True Love, Ms. Redgynn Alba, Program Manager of Pahiram Ng Sandali, is confident that GMA's latest offering will also exceed expectations, "Considering the exceptional talent of our cast and the team behind Pahiram Ng Sandali, we can promise that viewers will witness the finest on Philippine television."

Leading the casting coup of Pahiram Ng Sandali is Metro Manila Filmfest 2011 Best Actor Dingdong Dantes who is all set to show off his acting prowess as Alex Santiago, a man driven by his desire to care for his mother who falls in love with an older woman, whose love realigns his goals in life.

Aside from being recognized as one of the country's youth advocates and sought-after endorsers, he was also lead actor and producer of Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles.

While Lorna Tolentino portrays Janice Alvaro, a media executive who is hurt by her husband's lack of interest and is flattered by a young man's sincere interest and affection.

She appreciates the project with this perspective, "Magugustuhan niyo po ang Pahiram Ng Sandali kasi kapag nakilala ninyo ang characters namin sa series, makikita niyo rin yung sarili ninyo.  Maaalala ninyo yung sarili niyong experiences, yung sarili ninyong feelings.  Na lahat tayo ay tao lang.  Lahat tayo ay nagsisimula sa tamang rason at motivation.  Pero nagugulat na lang tayo na natatagpuan natin ang sarili natin sa maling sitwasyon dahil sa desisyon ng ibang mga tao at dahil sa mga pangyayari na hindi natin inaakalang makaka-apekto sa pagkatao natin."

Lorna is one of Philippine cinema's very few grand slam actresses.  Her most memorable award-winning performances were for Maging Akin Ka Lamang and Narito Ang Puso Ko.

Seasoned actor Christopher de Leon joins the powerhouse cast of Pahiram ng Sandali as Phillip, Janice's husband.  Highly respected, Christopher won acting recognitions for Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang and My Other Woman, just to name a few from a long list of awards.

Mark Gil is Larry Gomez, Dingdong's domineering father.  He has three Best Supporting Awards and one is for Magnifico, under the guidance of Pahiram Ng Sandali's director.

Introducing in Pahiram ng Sandali is fast-rising Kapuso actress Max Collins as Cindy, an independent and adventurous woman who falls for Alex. She has appeared in The Good Daughter and Coffee Prince.

Alessandra de Rossi is Baby, Phillip's lover. She earned her first critical acclaim at only sixteen years of age, for her performance in Azucena.

Playing equally important roles in Pahiram Ng Sandali are Sandy Andolong, Roi Alvarez, Isabel Rivas, Neil Ryan Sese, Julio Diaz, Kristoffer Martin, Luz Valdez.

Dingdong expounds, "Words will never be enough to articulate the beauty of Pahiram Ng Sandali as an artwork.  And am proud to say na sa palabas namin ay walang bida at kontrabida.  Dahil ang mas mapapansin ng viewers ay kung paano pinagsanib ang galing ng bawat isa sa amin, sa harap o likod man ng camera, dahil para sa bawat isa sa amin, ang project na ito ay isang hiram na sandali lang.  Bihira ang ganito kaganda. Bihira ang ganitong pagkakataon."

"And like the best things in life, you can't have it for a lifetime.  Puwede pa siguro na, you shall remember Pahiram Ng Sandali for a lifetime.  Kaya sana, huwag niyo pong palampasin.  Sana ay sama-sama nating pagsaluhan ang hiram na sandaling ito."

Pahiram Ng Sandali will redefine primetime viewing experience beginning November 26 on GMA Telebabad.