‘92 hit film ‘Sinungaling Mong Puso’ now a TV drama

CEBU, Philippines - In love, what will you choose: the love that is right or the love that is real?

Beginning Monday, GMA Afternoon Prime offers the TV adaptation of the 1992 blockbuster movie, “Sinungaling Mong Puso.”

Now considered a classic, the Maryo J. Delos Reyes masterpiece makes a big comeback with a modernized version that shows a woman’s discovery of her self-worth and the sacrifices she makes in her relentless pursuit of true love.

Notably portrayed in the film by Vilma Santos, Gabby Concepcion, Aga Muhlach and Aiko Melendez, the television remake of “Sinungaling Mong Puso” has been given a compelling cast led by Rhian Ramos, Rafael Rosell, Kiko Estrada and Jazz Ocampo.

The story revolves around Clara (Rhian), the abused wife of the womanizer Roman Aguirre (Rafael) who comes from an influential political clan. Instead of giving in to the agony of her plight, she chooses to hope and remain resilient for the sake of her family. Until she accidentally meets Jason (Kiko), a man who will love her for real. However, he is ten years younger than her. He, like Clara, is unhappily married to Hannah (Jazz) who is pregnant with their child.

In spite their efforts to keep their rapport amicable, friendship draws them closer together resulting into a romance that turns into a passionate love affair. But when their secret is discovered, it becomes the greatest threat to their lives.

Rhian, who will portray the challenging role of Clara first played by the Star for All Seasons, said she feels challenged to portray the iconic actress’ former character.

“I’m pressured because it’s Ms. Vilma, but the advice given to me is to do it on my own way and hopefully people will appreciate the kind of labor I’ll be doing,” says Rhian.

On the other hand, Rafael said playing the role of Roman, originally played by Gabby, makes him anxious and thrilled at the same time. “I am very excited and nervous because I don’t know what my take will be, since Roman is sort of a sociopath.”

Portraying his most mature role to date as Jason, Kiko admits feeling the pressure for his latest TV assignment. “I watched clips but I don’t want to copy Sir Aga’s performance because I want to bring myself into it. Like me, my character here wants to prove something. He’s at that age where he’s eager to prove something,” Kiko shared.

For Jazz, she looks at playing the role of Hannah as an eye-opener for her career growth. “I’m happy that this show made me improve a lot. I learned how to open myself to my co-actors because I need to be all oit here,” the young actress remarked.

Completing the cast of “Sinungaling Mong Puso” are Michael de Mesa as Mayor Moises Aguirre, Roman’s corrupt father who wants him to keep his political power within their family; Glydel Mercado as Raquel, the perfect trophy wife of Mayor Moises; Cheska Diaz as Helen, Jason’s understanding mother; Sherilyn Reyes as Liza, Hannah’s controlling mother; Stephanie Sol as Camilla, Roman’s mistress; Gee Canlas as Jillian, Clara’s confidante and best friend; JC Tiuseco as Jolo who does everything to please Roman; and Gab de Leon as Vin, the right hand man of Roman.

“Sinungaling Mong Puso,” under the helm of acclaimed actor-director Ricky Davao, premieres July 18 and will air Mondays to Fridays after “Magkaibang Mundo” on GMA Afternoon Prime. It will replace “Hanggang Makita Kang Muli,” which concludes today.   (FREEMAN)