‘Inday’ premieres, Cebu on display

INDAY Will Always Love You” premiered last night. It stars Barbie Forteza and Derrick Monasterio. But for Cebuanos, the highlights of the TV series are the Cebuano spots on display.

Forteza, Monasterio, Manilyn Reynes and Super Tekla were in Cebu over the weekend for a press conference about GMA 7’s latest offering.

The series was shot mainly in Cebu featuring the different tourist destinations of the province including Bantayan Island, Sirao Garden and the Temple of Leah.

It is the goal of GMA 7 to create shows that showcase the world outside Metro Manila. Last year, the network released “I Heart Davao,” starring Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez. The show enjoyed critical acclaim and high ratings. It showcased the beauty of Davao. GMA 7 hopes to reach the same kind of success with “Inday.”

Forteza plays Happylou Magtibay, a Manileña who went to Cebu in search of her father. Monasterio, on the other hand plays the role of Patrick, a rich, Cebuano bachelor. Reynes plays Happylou’s mother Marta. The series is also Super Tekla’s first TV series. He plays Happylou’s good friend Kimberlou.

Reynes, a Cebuana, has no problem saying her lines in Bisaya. She told reporters in a press conference that even when her lines are in Tagalog, she injected some Bisaya lines in them.

Monasterio, however, had to use Google Translate for some of his dialogues in Bisaya. He also asked some of his Cebuano friends to translate his lines for him.

The series also stars Ricky Davao, Nova Villa, Gladys Reyes, Tina Paner, Juancho Trivino and Kim Rodriguez.

Forteza hopes Cebuanos will support the show as it showcases the unique beauty and culture of Cebu. Viewers could also relate to the characters in the show.

The foursome also had a Kapuso Mall Show at the Gaisano Island Mall Mactan Saturday afternoon. (Ilveya Nava, CNU Intern)