GMA Network heats up afternoon viewing experience via newest drama series ‘Nagbabagang Luha’

Beginning August 2, the hottest rivalry between two sisters ignites on GMA Network’s Afternoon Prime block with the highly-anticipated TV adaptation of the 1988 blockbuster film ‘Nagbabagang Luha.’

The Kapuso Station proudly brings back the classic movie of renowned filmmaker Ishmael Bernal with the remake featuring the country’s highly-talented stable of stars: award-winning actress Glaiza de Castro as Maita Montaire, responsible sister of Cielo and faithful wife of Alex who has a burning love for her family; versatile actor Rayver Cruz as Alex Montaire, Maita’s husband and the general manager at Montaire Group of Farms and Resorts who has a burning desire to succeed; dramatic actor Mike Tan as Bien de Dios, Maita’s longtime friend who protects her at all costs despite his unrequited love for her; and seasoned actress Ms. Gina Alajar as Mrs. Calida Montaire, Alex’s overprotective and conniving mother who dislikes Maita believing that she steals her son’s attention.

Featuring in this series is GMA’s newest promising star Claire Castro as Cielo Ignacio, Maita’s narcissistic and seductive sister who has an insatiable hunger for attention.

Completing the powerhouse cast are Allan Paule as Paeng Ignacio, Maita and Cielo’s doting father who goes to great lengths just to protect them; Archie Adamos as Levi de Dios, Bien’s father who is the policeman in charge of Cielo and Paeng’s case; Myrtle Sarrosa as Judy Enriquez, Alex’s sultry ex-girlfriend who is suspicious of Cielo’s true intentions; Royce Cabrera as Sherwin, notorious drug dealer and Cielo’s abductor; Ralph Noriega as Joryl, pool boy in the resort who also fancies Cielo; Karenina Haniel as Monina de Castro, Cielo’s confidante who gets her to see reason and knows all her secrets; Bryan Benedict as Javy, Sherwin’s accomplice in abducting Cielo.

Set to make her teleserye comeback, Glaiza reveals her utmost admiration towards the original actress who played the role of Maita, “I feel honored to be chosen to reprise the role of Ms. Lorna Tolentino because she is one of the veteran actors I really look up to. She gives every role not only justice but truth and that’s always been my objective ever since. I’m looking forward to working with my co-actors especially Ms. Gina Alajar who was my first mentor in acting.”

Rayver, in turn, shares that he has genuinely enjoyed the camaraderie of everyone on set during their lock-in taping, “Masaya ‘yung experience, first time ko na ganito katagal ‘yung lock-in taping. After a long time, ngayon lang ulit kasi ako sumabak sa teleserye tapos sakto na lock-in taping. Hindi ko na-feel na matagal kasi masaya ‘yung samahan namin, para talagang isang pamilya kami.”

Meanwhile, Claire admits feeling pressured after landing the role of Cielo but is beyond grateful for the support of her co-stars, “I didn’t expect it. Who would have thought na sa isang baguhang tulad ko ipagkakatiwala ‘yung malaking role. I am honored and pressured at the same time. Thankfully, my co-stars are approachable, very professional, and very kind. They helped me a lot. They are also very supportive to a newbie like me.”

Despite struggling to make ends meet and having been deserted by their mother, sisters Maita (Glaiza) and Cielo (Claire) have formed an inseparable bond since childhood. Maita has always been protective of her younger sister Cielo but as the latter gets older, she starts to crave for freedom and exhibits rebellious behavior. Their ordinary life takes an unexpected turn when Cielo gets abducted leading to an irrevocable tragedy. During her grieving times, Maita’s boyfriend Alex (Rayver) becomes her source of strength and peace. Just when Maita is about to start a new life with Alex, Cielo resurfaces, much to Maita’s surprise and happiness.

Will this reunion strengthen Maita and Cielo’s relationship or is this the beginning of a fierce rivalry backed by suppressed jealousy, pretensions, deceits, and secrets? In the end, can love for family be strong enough to forgive even the biggest of heartbreaks?

Nagbabagang Luha is under the supervision of the award-winning GMA Entertainment Group headed by SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, FVP for Drama Redgie A. Magno, SAVP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Senior Program Manager Redgynn S. Alba, and Senior Executive Producer Winnie Hollis-Reyes.

The TV adaptation is a product of the visionary minds of GMA’s highly-talented creative team: Creative Director Aloy Adlawan; Creative Head RJ Nuevas; Creative Consultant Des Garbes-Severino; Headwriter Onay Sales; writers Renato Custodio Jr., Ma. Zita Garganera, and Kenneth Angelo Enriquez; and brainstormers Liberty Trinidad and Loi Argel Nova.

Catch the world premiere of Nagbabagang Luha – under the helm of esteemed director Ricky Davao – beginning August 2, Mondays to Saturdays, after Eat Bulaga on GMA Afternoon Prime.

Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV. It will also be available for streaming via iQiyi International or IQ.com for subscribers in the Philippines.

For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit www.GMANetwork.com.