A NEW female superhero is coming to Philippine TV. From the producers of blockbuster hits “BuyBust” and “Maria,” “Bella Bandida,” starring Ryza Cenon, is a superhero based on Francisco V. Coching’s comic book. The new icon promotes women empowerment as she battles with all sorts of injustices upon acquiring superpowers.
The story revolves around Annabelle “Bella” Suarez (Cenon), a medical doctor who seeks to improve the welfare of the people in her hometown. She finds out something the mayor is about to do that could have a bad effect on the town and confronts him.
Threatened by what she knows, the mayor rapes and tries to dispose of her with the help of the town chief of police and a highly skilled assassin. She is on the verge of death. But then May’ari, the goddess of moon and night, gives Bella a second life and endows her with superpowers. She is later saved by a rebel named Chris (AJ Muhlach). She rises as Bella Bandida and battles not just the bad elements but all sorts of injustices in her hometown as well.
This will be Cenon’s first-ever title role after her remarkable portrayal of characters such as Georgia Ferrer on “Ika-6 na Utos,” Aubrey Hidalgo on “Ang Probinsyano” and Jessie de Leon-del Fierro on “The General’s Daughter.”
At a media conference, Ryza revealed that she did not know she was already pregnant during the early months of taping. Despite now being a mother, she said she is still open to future action roles.
Her role as Bella Bandida gave her wider experiences as an actress as she delves more into action scenes and strenuous training. Some of the veteran artists joining her in this series are Sarah Jane Abad, Ara Mina, Lito Pementel, Efren Reyes Jr., Rafa Siguion-Reyna and many more.
“Bella Bandida” will start showing on Nov. 23 on TV5.