Twin start for Nadine as Kapatid 'Princess'

No, Seiko Films big boss Robbie Tan hasn’t filed (not did he ever intend to, contrary to a tab report) any TRO (Temporary Restraining Order) against TV5 which is launching Nadine Samonte, the newest Kapatid “princess,” as star of The Sisters, the first TV adaptation of the classic komiks novel by Rod Santiago.

“Who said so?” Robbie replied when Funfare asked him about the report. “I’m the last to know,” he added in jest.

The film version, produced by Seiko several years ago, starred Jackie Lou Blanco and Rita Avila as the sisters (not twins) Cristina and Bella whose lives and relationship are put to a test by circumstances not of their own making but by their vindictive aunt. It was directed by Emmanuel Borlaza.

The TV5 dramaserye, which premieres tonight after Bangis, is directed by Bb. Joyce Bernal who shot the first parts of the series amidst scenic spots in Taal and other Batangas places.

The difference between the Seiko film and the TV series is that in the plot of latter, the sisters are twins. The task of breathing life to them has fallen on Nadine’s shoulder who has been lured from being Kapuso to being Kapatid with a juicy exclusive three-year contract.

“It’s scary but I’ll do my best to live up to the expectations of my Kapatid bosses as well as that of the public,” said Nadine who was given a debutante-style “coming-out” party as a Kapatid last Tuesday night at C3 in Greenhills, San Juan City. According to reports, TV5 spent no less than half a million for the event. “It’s the first time I’ve experienced something like it,” added Nadine.

Except for US-based Leandro Muñoz (as Rafael, the childhood friend who gets involved in a love triangle with the twins) who came for the shoot but went back to attend to important matters (he’s arriving today to continue the shoot), Nadine’s co-stars were all accounted for at the event, including Rio Locsin (as the scheming aunt), newcomer Victor Silayan, Zoren Legaspi, Eddie Garcia, James Blanco, Wendell Ramos, Edgar Allan Guzman, Susan Africa, Alicia Alonzo, Rocky Gutierrez and Eula Caballero. Also in the cast are Lotlot de Leon and Alyana Asistio. Seen only last week in My Lover, My Wife (with Maxene Magalona, Luis Alandy and Marco Alcaraz).

No “bad blood” between Nadine and her former home network.

Playing the guy in a love triangle with the sisters is US-based Leandro Muñoz (far left), with Wendell Ramos among Nadine other leading men.

“My contract with GMA had expired when I accepted the TV5 offer,” clarified Nadine. “Yes, there was a counter offer from GMA but I got it only after I had signed up with TV5. I will forever be grateful to GMA for taking care of me and giving me the breaks.”

To celebrate her twin start as Kapatid, Nadine gifted herself with a brand-new Nitro (Dodge) — “My dream car,” which she bought (cash) with part of the hefty down payment she got from TV5.

As the story of The Sisters progresses, Nadine said she’d go “a bit sexy” in her Bella character (the “bad” sister).

The three exclusive photos on this page (taken by Xander Angeles, courtesy of TV5) should give you an idea how “sexy” Nadine will go.

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