KC Richard help end the network war

The whole thing is, in a way, reminiscent of Romeo & Juliet — you know, a boy and a girl from warring families falling deeply in love with each other.

I mean, the teamup in two movies of Richard Gutierrez and KC Concepcion which was initially deemed impossible because the two are under exclusive contract with fiercely-rival networks, GMA 7  (Richard) and ABS-CBN (KC).

A few weeks ago, Richard entered “enemy” territory and signed a contract with Star Cinema, ABS-CBN’s sister company, as the leading man of KC in her first movie to be produced by Star Cinema. Yesterday, it was KC’s turn to set foot in the “rival” turf to sign a contract as Richard’s leading lady in the Valentine (2009) presentation of GMA Films, GMA (TV’s) affiliate company.

Hopefully, KC and Richard’s teamup will lead to the end of the long-drawn network war (between ABS-CBN and GMA) that turned oh-so-ugly several weeks ago when the two stations engaged in an on-air ratings war that drove the public crazy.

But — keep your fingers crossed — let’s hope that, unlike in the Shakespeare classic, this positive development will end happily ever after.

According to Annette Gozon-Abrogar, GMA Films head, the idea was toyed around with one morning by Noel Ferrer (GMA Films’ Project Development manager and head of synergy) and Joey Abacan (VP of GMA Program Management), “in an effort to reach out to the other network and set a good example to the industry.”

Said Annette, “Then, we made a public announcement that GMA Films was open to the possibility of a co-production deal with Star Cinema.”

Easier said than done? Can the “Capulets” and the “Montagues” bury the hatchet that easily and meet on common ground?

Anyway, after all the hitches and the stumbling blocks and the twists and turns, the impossible was made possible. As they say, pagkahaba-haba man daw ng prusisyon, sa simbahan din ang tuloy.

The Star Cinema movie, to be shown starting on Aug. 27 this year as agreed upon (and not during the Metro Filmfest in December), is a light romance to be filmed partly in Greece. Shooting starts on May 28.

The GMA movie, with Regal Films as co-producer, will reel off in September and, also as agreed upon, will be shown as a Valentine offering next. It’s titled When I Met You (inspired by the APO song), with Joey Javier Reyes as director.

The two “warring” networks have started nodding “Peace be with you!” to each other.

Nice to, as the ’70s Flower Power battle cry went, “Make love, not war,” isn’t it?

What’s up?

• A clarification: The final title of Roxanne Guinoo’s new ABS-CBN soap starrer is Ligaw na Bulaklak, discussed in the “body talk” series on Page E-1. The first title was Wild Orchid and then it became Cattleya (because Roxanne’s character loves to wear it on her hair), then Ligaw and finally Ligaw na Bulaklak (an original story and a televised series of the ’70s Alma Moreno starrer directed by Ishmael Bernal).

• Concepto 8, a production outfit whose objective is to discover new faces and talents for the local modeling industry, is launching the 1st Philippine Model Quest 2008. It’s open to aspiring male and female models, 16 to 23 years old, minimum height 5’7” for males and 5’5” for females, with parents’ consent, at least a high school graduate, with good moral character and extra-pleasing personality. First screening is set for tomorrow, May 24 and 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Concepto 8 office (Room 508, West Plaza Building, #66 West Ave., Quezon City). Those interested may call landline 448-9900 for more information. Those in the provinces may e-mail applications or inquiries at [email protected].

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