A light drama with elements of action and adventure, Mangarap Ka marks a new direction for ABS-CBN, which has created and perfected the teleserye genre over the years. Spotlighting the colorful sights and sounds of downtown Manila, Mangarap Ka is set in Quiapo, where televiewers will meet Oslec (Piolo Pascual), a street-smart young man whose life is about to change when he meets a lost young boy named Tikoy (newcomer Steven Chistian Fermo).
Mangarap Ka is a memorable TV event for Piolo, not only because this is his first teleserye after Sa Puso Ko Iingatan Ka but it’s also the first soap opera that he will be headlining alone.
"I’ve always wanted to do something personally interesting to me, and my character Oslec is just so fascinating," says Piolo.
An excellent supporting cast joins Piolo in Mangarap Ka.
Celebrating her 30th anniversary in show business this year, Nova Villa does a complete turnaround as one of Philippine television’s most skilled comediennes with her first dramatic role as the serious, deadpan and grumpy fortune-teller Nana Zoila Catacutan in Mangarap Ka. Nova explains though that she can still find comedy in her new character. "There’s a different humor in Nana Zoila, because Mangarap Ka has heart and depth," Nova shares.
Rio Locsin, meanwhile, is on her third ABS-CBN drama with Mangarap Ka, and believes that her flamboyant character as barangay captain Jacqueline Catacutan Carter has the potential to become one of her most unforgettable characters. "It’s definitely an offbeat role that requires tricky acting with comedic touches. I’m really looking forward to reinventing myself," Rio enthuses.
After playing ’80s soap opera heroine Julie Vega in one of 2003’s highest-rated Maalaala Mo Kaya episodes, Angelica Panganiban plays Catherine Sita "Cutie" Carter, Kapitana Jacqueline’s eccentric 19-year old daughter, who, in Angelica’s own words is "so kikay, loud and looks like she’s going to be so fun to play with."
Patrick Garcia also makes a comeback to the teleserye fold (after the TV series Darating ang Umaga) in Mangarap Ka. "It’s really a treat to work in an ABS-CBN teleserye and be surrounded by all these great actors and creative people. My character Tristan is so different from Darating ang Umaga’s Nathanael. Tristan is shy and prefers to stay home with his computers, a character which is very similar to my real personality."
Lastly, Mangarap Ka introduces a fresh new face in the person of six-year old Steven Christian Fermo, who takes on his first teleserye with a co-starring role as Tikoy Chu, a Tsinoy who finds himself lost in Manila. First seen in a toothpaste commercial, Steven is poised to run away with the viewers’ hearts in this endearing new role.
Mangarap Ka also boasts of a top-caliber production team led by its two young directors, Malu Sevilla and Cathy Garcia Molina, with Ricky Lee serving as Creative Manager. Dado Lumibao is the teleserye’s head writer. Executive producer for Mangarap Ka is Marivic Oducayen, while supervising producer is Anna Goma. Executive in charge of production is Malou Santos.
Aside from the store’s grand opening, Plains & Prints also launched its latest summer collection via a fashion show featuring top fashion models and the finalists of Philippine STAR’s Dreamgirls 2004. Plains & Prints also introduced Indulgence and Magical, two new additions to its line of Eve Mood Fragrances.
Guests were treated to free services like henna tattoos, hair braiding, hair stencil and color by Lolane, make-overs from Body Shop and facials from Weigh Less Center. Hundreds of mall goes used their cellphones to register in the Plains & Prints Mobile Club and were instantly rewarded with membership cards, free mugs and gift vouchers. Gift packs from Plains & Prints and the participating sponsors were also given away.
Highlight of the week-long affair was the appearance of La Greta, who was not only the main guests during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, but drew the grand winner of a two-night accommodation for two at the Pearl of the Pacific in Boracay. She also personally signed specially-made postcards given during the event, to the delight of the event visitors.
Membership to the Plains & Prints Mobile Club is ongoing. Simply text PnP and send to 2966 for Globe subscribers and 3996 for Smart subscribers.