Glaiza de Castro is GMA Pinoy TV’s Grazilda

	Glaiza de Castro and Geoff Eigenmann

GMA Pinoy TV brings the magic of Cinderella’s story back to life with a modern twist of the untold story of the stepsister, Grazilda – a new fantasy-drama series that premiered on the Kapuso network this past September.

In the fairy tale, Grazilda was one of the evil stepsisters who maltreated Cinderella and condemned her to a life of drudgery. She was the stepsister who forced her feet into the glass slipper but failed to marry the Prince.

Glaiza de Castro, one of GMA Pinoy TV’s very talented young stars, takes on the title role of Grazilda. She will be seen in the first few episodes as the kontrabida (antagonist) and will eventually become the bida (protagonist) as the TV series progresses.

Playing Glaiza’s prince charming in the series is the very handsome Kapuso leading man, Geoff Eigenmann. He plays the role of Eric, the handsome mortal who will become Grazilda’s knight in shining armour in the story.

The story opens in a fairy tale land called Fantasia. Grazilda, along with her stepmom Matilda (ably portrayed by Rio Locsin) and stepsister Anatalia (Djanin Cruz), always makes Cinderella’s (Gwen Zamora) life miserable. She tries to disrupt Cinderella and Prince Charming’s (Benedict Campos) wedding but, through her sister’s kind-hearted Fairy Godmother (Jolina Magdangal), Grazilda will be banished to the mortal world.

Completing the cast are Bodie Cruz as Ben, Eric’s good friend; Dominic Roco as Vicente, Prince Charming’s right-hand man; and Angeli Nicole Sanoy as Jik Jik, Grazilda’s friend in the mortal world. At the helm of “Grazilda” is Director Dominic Zapata together with second unit director Ricky Davao.

Watch this enchanting modern interpretation of the beloved classic that captivated everyone’s hearts on GMA Pinoy TV.

GMA Pinoy TV’s newest canine hero is Bantatay

	Raymart Santiago & Bantay

TV’s newest canine hero – a lovable, frisky, and intelligent yellow Labrador – takes centre stage in GMA Pinoy TV’s newest original primetime drama series, Bantatay, about an extraordinary bond between a dog and his master.

Leading the dynamic pack of actors and actresses that make up the cast of Bantatay is action star-turned-comedian/celebrity dad Raymart Santiago as Bernard Razon, a loving and kind-hearted father who works as a veterinarian. Bernard will experience an early death in the story but by a startling twist of fate, returns to life after inhabiting the body of a Labrador retriever named Bantay.

In the beginning, Bantay serves as a guide dog to Joanna (Jennica Garcia),a spirited blind girl who lost her vision in an accident. Despite her handicap, Joanna is able to maintain a normal life with the help of Bantay and her Lolo Estong, who generously provide her with unconditional love and affection.

Sadly, their simple life turns devastatingly complicated after a fire burns down their house, killing Lolo Estong and injuring Joanna and Bantay. The rescuers are able to save Joanna, but accidentally left the poor dog behind. Bantay, determined to be reunited with his master, chases after the ambulance until it was no longer in sight.

Right at the same time, Bernard (Raymart Santiago), along with his wife Marcela (Gelli de Belen) and children Emily (Krystal Reyes), Junix(Renz Valerio), and Farrah(Sweet Ramos), is on his way home and finds Bantay in his weakened state. He brings the dog home, treats him in his small clinic, and eventually decides to keep Bantay until they find his real owner.

For months, Bantay faithfully returns to their old house hoping to see Joanna but after a while, he figures out that his new home is now with the Razons. Bantay grows particularly close to Bernard and becomes his constant and most trusted companion.

But their happy and peaceful life turns upside down after Marcela mysteriously disappears one evening – a scheme orchestrated by their evil relatives, Vangie (Eva Darren)and Daisy (Camille Prats), who insist on claiming Bernard’s ancestral house.

A devastating incident then follows when a group of masked men enters Bernard’s house and shoots him in front of his children. Bernard will have a difficult time accepting his death and will give anything to have his life back.

By an unexpected turn of events, Bernard surprisingly wakes up to find himself inside the body of his pet Labrador, alive and about to set forth on a new journey as Bantatay.

Will Bernard be able to complete his mission before his new lease on life expires? Will Joanna ever get her vision back, and in the event that she does, will she still come looking for Bantay?

Completing the cast are Gary Estrada as Simon, Marcela’s obsessive first boyfriend; Al Tantayas Rigo, Joanna’s uncle who owns a pet shop;Marissa Delgado as Clarita, Marcela’s materialistic mother;Carl Guevarraas Norbert, a pet shop employee who will later fall in love with Joanna; Elmo Magalonaas Artie, Joanna’s co-worker and ally; Sheena Halilias Ming-ming, Joanna’s funny and dependable friend; Jessie Corcueraas Frankie, Bernard’s assistant in his veterinary clinic; Kier Legaspias Baldo, Daisy’s unemployed husband; Jim Pebangcoas Bruno, Vangie’s alcoholic and lethargic son; Prince Steffanas Calvin, Joanna’s wealthy suitor; Maybeline Dela Cruzas Lilian, Artie’s abusive mother; and Isabel Nesreen Frial as Len-Len, Artie’s little sister. The lovable character of Bantay will be played by a two-year old Lab whose real name is Charlie.

Directed by Don Michael Perez and written by Des Severino, Bantatay is certain to appeal to anyone from any age bracket as it provides a touching and inspiring interpretation of a father’s undying love for his children, and his special relationship with “man’s best friend.”

The show, which is conceptualized by RJ Nuevas, also inculcates correct animal treatment among viewers, especially the young ones, by imparting useful information on proper pet care through a special segment shown at end of each episode in partnership with the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).