Twists & turns as Bakekang nears end

Every story must come to an end. Yasmien Kurdi and Lovi, daughters of Sunshine Dizon on GMA 7’s Bakekang, were clueless and mum when asked about the ending of the weeknight teledrama when The STAR recently visited them on the set.

"We really don’t know," the two chorus. "We haven’t seen nor read the final script."

The closest they could offer on the grand finale of Bakekang is that the storyline is similar to the movie version that starred Nora Aunor in the title role. Yasmien relates that her character, Charming and Kristal, played by Lovi, have a heated argument with their mom, Bakekang. They decide to run away from their ambitious, sometimes vicious mother. Charming and Kristal board a ship that will take them down South. Bakekang then searches for her daughters. Little do the girls know that Bakekang is on the same boat.

In one dramatic ending, the ship is engulfed by fire, making passengers — including Charming, Kristal and Bakekang — struggle for dear life.

"Who will Bakekang save?" Televiewers will find out the answer soon. Based on the original version and script, the starstruck Bakekang will save Kristal in the "when-push-comes-to-shove" scene. Since the teledrama is a spin-off of sorts, expect some twists and turns to give the modern version a look of its own.

"I think Bakekang will save Charming," shares Lovi. "Bakekang has spent little time with her. She needs to do a lot of catching up — and patching things up with Charming. My character and Bakekang are always together."

"But she loves Kristal more than my character," counters Yasmien. "She will save her (Kristal) because she brings the money. Besides, Bakekang is ambitious and the real kontrabida in the story. But you can’t help sympathize or feel for her."

This a la Titanic scene is one of the highlights of the TV series as it nears its ending. It was shot at the Batangas Port and gathered GMA 7’s reliable production team. Every detail was scrutinized. Some sequences also required the stars to do some soaking up in the cold waters of Batangas.

"I dive. And I grew up near the beach in Kuwait," says Yasmien. So she doesn’t mind getting wet.

Having played her character for six months, Yasmien will miss Charming when the show wraps up in March.

"People, especially the kids, recognize me more because of her (Charming)."

If her character gets killed in the end, at least it is done because the story calls for it, Yasmien says. "Ayokong patayin ang character ko because I’m immature or I have an attitude problem with my work."

Lovi is also happy Kristal has introduced her to the public and many recognize her as the singer-actress. Lovi still remembers her first taping day when Sunshine slapped and spanked her. Lovi found it difficult yet memorable as it brought out the best emotions and the actress in her.

Life must go on for Yasmien and Lovi when the curtain falls on Bakekang.

From TV, Lovi and Yasmien will hit the recording studios for their respective sophomore albums.

Yasmien has been frequenting the GMA recording studio for her 12-track, pop-mellow album showcasing her Sarah McLachlan style.

The follow-up album to In the Name of Love will tackle teen and mature issues. Yasmien says the album will make her act her age.

The album also contains two original compositions of Yasmien. One of them, entitled Love is All We Need, might be the title of the album.

It also has remix recordings of Kisapmata and Goodbye, plus a collaboration with Sandwich.

Before entering showbiz, Lovi dabbled in song writing, and this, she does to this day. She has a collection of compositions that reveal her musings on love and life.

That’s why, when Sony BMG broached the idea of a new album after Lovi: Best of My Heart, she knew she could do it. The recording company will choose from her compositions for the rest of the album tracks. Aside from recording, Lovi will also be seen semi-regularly on S.O.P.

Thus, it will still be a happy ever after for Yasmien and Lovi.