i saw article by chance and seems a waste not to post it especially to angels like me who is not familiar with the story and cast of Mulawin ...Credit: Manila Bulletin
A grand launch for ‘Mulawin’The recent press launch of “Mulawin,” GMA-7’s “telefantasya” was, as they say in showbiz lingo, “bonggang-bonga.” Studio 3 where the launch was held was transformed into a forest setting befitting a story about half-birds and half-humans called “Mulawins.” It was truly grand, indeed a very impressive motif for a press launch.
“Mulawin” is another milestone production we could tell. Just seeing the trailer gives anyone this impression. We have yet to find someone who does not agree with us that the trailer is interesting, and that “Mulawin” is worth watching out for. By the way, the “telefantasya” starts airing on Aug. 2, from Monday to Friday, in GMA’s primetime Telebabad block.
Said Felipe Gozon, president and CEO of GMA Network: “This is our biggest-budgeted production. At ibinuhos lahat dito ang aming entertainment and creative group. So if I could be bold to say, ‘Mulawin’ would be another hit among televiewers...”
Gualberto R. Duavit, Jr., EVP/COO, on the other hand, said “When the concept was presented to us, we were really excited. We expect it to be another successful show...”
Wilma Galvante, who is charge of programming, said that for “Mulawin” they used cutting-edged visual technology which boasts of computer-generated images and special effects and breathtaking locations. “We did everything to make ‘Mulawin’ really exciting for televiewers...”
The story goes: Amidst the mythical world of winged creatures — the Mulawins or half-bird, half-human beings who protect both their tribe and the human race from the wrath of the Ravenas or the subversive group of Mulawins who seek revenge against humans — rises Aguiluz, a noble young Mulawin who is willing to sacrifice his life and future for his undying love for Alwina.
Playing the lead role of Aguiluz is handsome and promising Richard Gutierrez, with Angel Locsin as his love interest in her role as Alwina.
Alwina is the daughter of Mulawin Bagwis (Zoren Legaspi) and the human Veronica (Ara Mina). Aguiluz has always been Alwina’s guardian and protector since they were young but he has to face countless battles to save his beloved Alwina as the Ravenas struggle to bring about mankind’s downfall.
Also in the cast is Richard’s father Eddie Gutierrez who used to be a leading man himself but is now relegated to supporting roles. As to being just a support to his son in “Mulawin,” Eddie said he doesn’t mind at all.
“I had my time and now it’s Richard’s; he earned it, he deserves it and I’m very proud of him.”In “Mulawin,” Eddie plays the role of Dakila, the old Mulawin sage to whom everyone turns to for guidance.
Richard and Angel have worked together in the past, in particular in “Click,” “Kuya,” and “Sigaw” and they say they are both comfortable working together again. But there is no romantic thing between them. Richard revealed he has no girlfriend at the moment. “I am deeply focused in my career right now and it won’t be fair to any girl if I won’t be able to give her time...”
The others in the cast of “Mulawin” are Gary Estrada (as Rasmus, the wicked leader of the Ravenas), Dennis Trillo who used to be with ABS-CBN, as Gabriel, the lone heir to the Montenegro riches who will fall in love with Alwina; Romnick Sarmenta as Habagat, brother of Bagwis but a traitor to their tribe; Amy Austria as Lourdes, Veronica’s friend who will raise Alwina’s her own child; and Karen delos Reyes as Savana, the scheming social climber who perennially makes Alwina’s life miserable.Completing “Mulawin’s” powerhouse cast are Pia Pilapil, Bearwin Meilly, Marissa Sanchez, Kiel Rodriguez, Bianca King, Jaja Bolivar and Lloyd Samartino.
Comebacking Lloyd is excited about his role in “Mulawin” “Kakaiba talaga ang soap na ito. They made me into a kontrabida, my first villain role because in the past I’ve always played a gentleman, one with a soft heart and all that...”
He hopes that “Mulawin” will just be the beginning of his comeback to showbiz. “I’ve always loved acting and now that naayos ko na ang buhay ko and my business concerns, I’m ready to get active in my acting career once more,” Lloyd said.
He finds his role in “Mulawin” challenging. “I’m very happy to be part of this tele-fantasya, dahil kakaiba ito, very advanced in the technology used. It’s indeed an honor to be part of ‘Mulawin.’”
“Mulawin,” by the way, is directed by Lore Reyes and Dominic Zapata, who’re both creative genuises, according to GMA executives.
Watch out for “Mulawin:” Aug. 2 on primetime Telebabad Block.
August 1, 2004, 8:00am