LESSON & INSPIRATION – The morning drama anthology on GMA hosted by Congressman Lito Atienza is now on its 19th year…and still going strong. Viewer never tire of the lesson and inspiration taught by “Maynila” every Saturday. It premiered on Nov. 23, 1998.
“Maynila” saw the changes in Atienza’s government stint – from mayor of Manila to secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to incumbent congressman, representing the Party List Buhay.
Each episode sees Lito dishing out pieces of advice on love and life, family relationship. There are also “hugot” lines millennials go for.
But “Maynila” also caters to the more mature crowd. In fact one of its topraters is a May-December romance topbilled by Ynez Veneracion and Martin del Rosario.
•
BLOCKTIMER – Lito’s daughter, Angela Lei, said being a blocktimer has its advantages. One of them is it can guest stars from GMA’s competing channel, ABS-CBN. The likes of Coco Martin, Iza Calzado, Enrique Gil, Angel Locsin, Erich Gonzalez have appeared in the show.
Of course, it also featured GMA stars like Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes, Dennis Trillo, Tom Rodriguez, Richard Gutierrez (now an ABS-CBN artists).
Lei was initially reluctant to act as producer (along with Mary Ann Rivera), saying, “Ano ang alam ko dyan?” But she was assured “kaya mo,” as she was once in showbiz (Star Magic artist). True enough she did well. Lei promises more feel-good episodes of “Maynila” every 9:40 a.m. on Saturday.
Directed by Phil Noble, with Abet Pagdagdagan Raz as headwriter.
•
SPEEDY NOTES – Congrats to Sharon Cuneta for a successful movie comeback via “Unexpectedly Yours.” As of this writing it grossed over RP100 million – and still counting… What is John Lloyd’s next project, either film or TV? Make one soon Lloydie before the public forgets you. What a pity if it happens…Before “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” topbilled by Paulo Avelino, Jose Padilla, and Romnick Sarmenta starred in the hero’s filmbio…Kris Aquino: from queen of all media to queen of social media… Marvin Agustin is one of the country’s richest actors, co-owner of a chain of high-end restaurants.