Primetime TV's love team returns in 'My Beloved'

GMA Network continues its nationwide domination this 2012 as it produces another high-calibre and optimum primetime offering with the launch of its newest drama series, My Beloved. It will replace Survivor Philippines beginning February 13 on GMA Telebabad.

Leading the blockbuster ensemble of cast is no less than Philippine Television's most popular love team and one of today's hottest couples in the entertainment arena, Metro Manila Filmfest 2011 Best Actor Dingdong Dantes as Benjie/Arlan, an angel of death commonly known as "sundo" who takes on a human form to save the life of his beloved woman, and Primetime Queen Marian Rivera as Sharina, the beautiful mortal who falls in love with a fallen angel.

My Beloved is the very first original primetime soap opera of both stars who underwent not just major makeovers with their looks but also in the characters they portray, something new and fresh their avid fans and supporters should look forward to.

This is likewise Dingdong and Marian's fifth collaboration with the network after starring in Marimar, Dyesebel, Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang and Endless Love.

Adding star power to this high-budgeted program is the special participation of one of Philippine Cinema's highly-commended veteran actresses, Ms. Nova Villa. Following her stint in the network's afternoon prime soaps, Ms. Nova lends her acting chops in her very first primetime program as she plays an offbeat role as Lola Inggay, Benjie's drunkard grandmother.

She lost her faith in God after experiencing countless misfortunes throughout her life. As Lola Inggay, she earns a living by deceiving people as a jueteng collector.

Joining Dingdong and Marian are some of today's biggest names in drama headlined by Paolo Contis as Gimo, Benjie's childhood friend who is the leader of their gang. This latest project reunites Paolo with his long-time friend Dingdong after playing the latter's villain in Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang.

Meanwhile, Katrina Halili joins the cast of My Beloved as Emmie, Benjie's loyal girlfriend. Katrina once again stars alongside Dingdong and Marian after playing the famed kontrabida role of Rebecca Santiba¤ez in the high-rating telenovela, Marimar; Marky Lopez as Tikyo, Benjie's most trusted ally; and playing an equally vital role is respected dramatic actress, Ms. Chanda Romero as she breathes life to the character of Elsa, Sharina and Monica's authoritarian aunt who will make their lives a living hell.

Making this primetime spectacle even grander are two of today's most sought-after love teams: the desirable tandem of Jennica Garcia as Monica, Sharina's protective sister, and Carl Guevarra as Junic, Monica's boyfriend; and the lovable pairing of Tween stars Louise delos Reyes as Grace, a poor girl who pretends to be well-off, and Alden Richards as Rico, Benjie's younger brother.

Playing the coveted role of Sharina's ardent suitor is one of GMA's hottest and most desired properties, Mikael Daez as Nelson. Mikael is all set to showcase a new breadth to his acting skills and make more hearts swoon to his striking good looks.

My Beloved also introduces the glittering roster of fast-rising Kapuso stars including Ynna Asistio as Lizette, Emmie's spoiled sister; Saab Magalona as Ginella, Elsa's arrogant daughter; Djanin Cruz as Lucy, Monica's tomboyish friend; and Andrea Torres as Dessa, Sharina's bestfriend.

Completing the star-studded cast are the characters known as "Sundo" who will join Arlan in his mission: Jon Hall as Joryl, Fabio Ide as Rowan, and Jay Gonzaga as Mikal.

The story of My Beloved begins when Sharina's happy life turns upside down with the death of her father, Romeo. Left all alone with nothing and no one to care for them after her mother eloped with another man, Sharina and her younger sister Monica must now live and work under the strict rules of their aunt Elsa and her daughter Ginella.

Life has been unbearable for the two sisters, but Sharina does not give up in despair, and instead strive to get an education through the help of Lily, played by Rio Locsin in a special guest role, a kind-hearted teacher who treats Sharina like her own daughter.

Tragedy strikes Sharina's world once again when Lily passes away. Much to her surprise, Lily entrusted her small business including her house to Sharina. So, together with her sister Monica, Sharina decides to move in to Lily's house and start a new life.

One day, Sharina sees Lily's old painting of a man inside her ancestral house. She also gets hold of Lily's diary and learns of her encounter with a man who saved her from an accident. Lily fell in love with this mysterious person and waited to be reunited with him until her last breath.

Completely intrigued with the identity of the good-looking man on the canvas, Sharina could not get the face of the man out of her mind and it repeatedly haunts her dreams every night. Until she meets an accident and Sharina finally comes face to face with the mystifying being in the painting. The man saves her from death and Sharina kisses him before he disappears.

In the divine realm of angels, one strict rule applies to every "sundo": that no angel of death can fall in love with a human being. In such case, Arlan has freely chosen to give up his immortal state when he genuinely kissed Sharina back.

Don't miss the unconditional story of never-ending love with the much awaited premiere of My Beloved, starting February 13 on GMA Telebabad.