Playing Dyesebel dream come true for Anne

MANILA, Philippines - Anne Curtis is swimming her way into the new year as the new Dyesebel in the ABS-CBN revival of the Mars Ravelo classic komiks character. This was announced Thursday at the ABS-CBN’s 14th floor where many presscons and story conferences have been held.

“It’s another dream come true,” said the Viva and ABS-CBN talent. “I’m just speechless. It’s a big project (which) will make me part of that circle (of actresses) who played Dyesebel. At one point of my previous interviews (with you) when you asked me about my dream role, I had said Dyesebel. It is a great way to start the year 2014, having a dream (project) come true.”

For Anne, snagging a fantaserye project is indeed a way to ward off some negativity and to welcome good vibes in the Year of the Wood  Horse.  

“For those who believe that I can portray Dyesebel, thank you for keeping that kind of faith in me, na hindi nakalimutan na dahil lang sa isang bagay na hindi magandang nangyari,” said Anne in tears. “It’s my first time to face (members of the press) after everything. Maraming, maraming salamat for having that kind of faith in me. Sa mga hindi naman, God bless you na lang po. Everyone will always have something to say.  I’m just happy that this year I’ll have another dream come true and it’s an all-time classic. Dyesebel is part of Philippine (literature) and I’m so happy to be one of them.”

In fact, the bar incident with movie-like lines seemed not to affect the public’s view on Anne because when the ABS-CBN management ran a marketing research survey, Anne topped the list — all levels and all multi-platforms of the survey. This was perhaps the basis for the Kapamilya network to “confer” the rights of playing Dyesebel to Anne.

That’s why Anne is inspired to work and to excel this year. “I just want to give my best,” she said. The actress-host has officially joined the likes of Vilma Santos, Charlene Gonzalez, Alice Dixson and Marian Rivera for donning that iconic fish tail and embracing that charm of Dyesebel. “I will do everything, like to learn fin swimming and to get sexier,” added Anne.

Dyesebel is not the first fantaserye of Anne. She was part of the top-rating Dyosa where she played Josephine in three different personas, one of which was that of a mermaid. Vying for Anne’s attention in the primetime show for children are Sam Milby, the merman Liro, and Gerald Anderson, the human Fredo. Sam had already worked with Anne on the set of Dyosa. Her enthusiasm to work with Sam again remains. Anne and Sam will rekindle that team-up that turned into a real-life romance. With Gerald, Anne is looking forward to what they can offer to the televiewers and thinks that “it’s gonna be a fun experience shooting” for the teleserye. It’s a new combination that fans will watch for the first time. It’s also a breather to see the Kapamilya leading men in a different light — away from the action-drama genre. 

Anne learned the good news only last Wednesday after a trip to Canada. “I was surprised because agad-agad ang presscon and the announcement… it’s overwhelming (because) 2013 was a tough year and ended really tough.” For Anne, it’s like beginning the year on a clean slate knowing that “something good is going to happen.”

After the story conference held Thursday, Anne and the cast will prepare for rehearsals, swimming lessons, screen tests, shoots and costume fittings.” Given the characters’ physical descriptions and their costumes, the lead stars should be in tip-top shape.

Whether Dyesebel will premiere soon or this summer, televiewers, especially children, will enjoy it as fantaserye has become their staple TV entertainment.