Twilight Angels

Angel Locsin in Vantage

2011-03-07T04:03:00.002+08:00

Left to right: Bea Alonzo, Anne Curtis, KC Concepcion, and Angel Locsin

Eight years into celebrity photography excelling in doing magazine covers and star portrait, the talented and passionate Mark Nicdao has earned respect from peers and love of big stars from local entertainment industry.

Four months ago, ABS-CBN Publishing approached Mark Nicdao for a 180-pages celebrity photo book, a compilation of his chosen celebrity photos from 2003 to present. Vantage photography magazine featuring Mark Nicdao is born.

When asked for any favorites?

"It’s hard to pick a favorite but the cover was amazing. I made it for this book, exclusively. I picked the four top celebrities right now. I grew up with these four, professionally. When I was starting, they were also starting. I think that’s my favorite photograph. But nevertheless, most of the photographs in the book are my favorites."

There are 8 covers of selected celebrities (including the group photo of Angel Locsin with Anne Curtis, Bea Alonzo, and KC Concepcion) of Vantage, collector's edition, that will be sold exclusively in Fully Booked from today, 7th of March. Only 150 pieces will be available for each cover and is priced at P280.

Regular edition of Vantage in newsstands will carry the cover of photo below and will be available by 20th of March. There will be 6,000 pieces of regular edition and is priced at P180.

Vantage Launch

The Vantage Magazine was launch last night at Fashionwalk, Greenbelt 5, Makati. The event was well attended by top celebrities as well as people from fashion and photography industry.

Photos for auction with proceeds to charity /via RC23STAR's Twitter

Feedback from Twitter disclosed that Angel Locsin stood out in the event. Most of the attendees were in black whilst Angel looks stunningly captivating and girly in green dress. Angels (fans of Angel) all cheered when the event's host, Tim Yap, acknowledged Angel's presence. When the event organizer was asked in Twitter (CherryPineda) about Angel's weight, she tweeted, "I think Angel has all the right curves. And judging by all the men at the event, they didn't think she was fat at all :)"

Angel arrived in the event in her black H2 Hummer with fashion designer Martin Bautista. At Angel's departure, security had to escort her to her car since people were crowding around her for a photo op. Angel opened the window for her fans as her car left the venue.

Two photos below were shared in martinbautista9's twitter with second photo a bit blurred because all photographers and media went crazy in taking Angel's photo. Expect to see more photos later from various news portal and blogs.

Angel Locsin with Martin Bautista

credit to mescasa's twitter

credit to TimSansano's twitter

According to PEP through scoopbox in Twitter, Angel said in the interview that she is still in the "getting-to-know stage" with Phil Younghusband of Azkals. She describes the football player by saying that he is "very nice and he's a gentleman." When asked regarding the controversial Twitter exchange between Angelica Panganiban and a "fan" of Phil, the Imortal actress pointed out: "Wala ako sa posisyon to comment. I respect Angelica and I understand her. We're good friends."

Angel Locsin and Solenn Heussaff, credit to niceoneeunice's twitter

Copies of Vantage with Angel, Anne, Bea and KC at the venue were all sold. I heard only Angel's old photo from Rogue and Maxim magazine have been included in Vantage.

Behind the scenes

video credit: 21niwde

credit: seashellvs

*thanks to Philippine Star and various Twitter accounts acknowledged above as well as to Twitter of MarkNicdao, Kysleee and 143ehraldvamp.

VOTE for Angel Locsin in "The Year's Best Actress on Twitter"

2011-01-28T16:42:00.001+08:00

Hollywood has the Oscars. Broadway has the Tonys. Television has the Emmys. Twitter has the "Shorty Awards"

Angel Locsin is again a global nominee, this time for "The Year's Best Actress on Twitter" at the 3rd Annual Shorty Awards. Like in the 37th iEmmy awards, we can possibly watch again a stunning Angel Locsin walking in a red carpet with international celebrities. Let's make this a reality by voting for Angel.

How do you vote?

To vote, send a tweet like this: I nominate @143redangel for a Shorty Award in #actress category because [add reason here]. For example: I nominate @143redangel for a Shorty Award in #actress category because she is a talented actress.

You can also send shorter votes like this: #shortyawards @143redangel #actress [add reason here]. For example: #shortyawards @143redangel #actress because she is a talented actress.

You can vote from Shorty website, from Twitter itself, or from any Twitter client.

Important: A tweet that ends in "because..." will not be counted. You should put a reason after because. For the voting rules, click here.

Voting ends on January 31, 2011. Twitter will be holding an awards ceremony in New York City to honor the winners.

Please note that the real Twitter account of Angel Locsin is @143redangel

Current results of votes:

/via Shorty Awards

Imortal teaser for Wednesday

2011-01-26T04:34:00.000+08:00

credit: Imortal Official Fan Page in Facebook

Imortal: review of episode 82

2011-01-26T04:29:00.000+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

It's still wedding preparation time with Lucas getting bad. Did I miss his actual telling to Lucille about Mateo? okay he already did and in front of Lia and Mateo it's as if he didn't say a word to anyone. As usual he keeps insulting Mateo and telling Lia not to proceed with the wedding. But he doesn't need to as he already did Lucille a favor by making her do it for him, to stop the wedding ceremonies. That's actually what we will be seeing and how it actually happens in the next episode.

While this entire episode 81 we are still on the preparation side, the nice part of course would be when Lia is being made up for the wedding and in the actual event as she walks down the aisle looking very stunning in her wedding face wise look. Like I said the wedding dress is not exactly a favorite for me nevertheless Angel's able to carry it fine.

Some scenes with Nanay Tabs crying and BFF Miriam sharing the scene with her. Both are actually happy for Lia. The problem is Lucas of course. Abraham has a word with Mateo about making sure he tells everything to them and of course the nice scene of Mateo and Lia under the moon although kind of bitter sweet. Nice one for them there John Lloyd Cruz (Mateo) and Angel Locsin (Lia).

The guests are ready for the wedding with Dara, Olive, and uncle? and Jethro and dad Tikboy also present aside from the Lobos and Wayas, also the Waya elite force. Surprise how Clarisse slips in and able to get a seat at that and make way for Lucille's grand entrance later.

In between least I forget, we have Lydia's vampire community and Sam and a now getting stronger Roman. Sooner he will really be back as Sam keeps on poisoning him with ideas about Mateo and Lia, they should not be married.

Next episode. The teaser we see Lucille's grand announcement about Mateo. Both Mateo and Lia are imprisoned. The vampire group of Magnus with Sam try their rescue mission since Mateo will be executed in public. But it's Lia who gets ahead of them to be by Mateo's side as she herself breaks free from her prison chains.

My thoughts. We've seen these scenes more times in previous teasers so here's hoping there's more to it to make everything still very exciting. It's as if we almost know there will be no more wedding, at least for now. Perhaps saving this one if it happens for the ending??

We also need more of well thought of scenes than just redundant ones we've seen before. It would be nice if Mateo and Lia starts talking of topics like what plans they have if ever. It's as if they don't discuss plans so much. We need more creative minds especially when Mateo and Lia share their sweet moments and converse.

There are just so many topics Mateo and Lia can tackle and talk about. It would be added spice if they did talk a lot about a lot of things to convince us also about their connection since it's not enough that they just look good together.

Make them look smart by making them discuss plans. Sometimes it's as if they don't even make plans especially. So there's all this belief surrounding them about the prophesy. The conversations also make it look like it's Lia who is more like the guy and Mateo seems like this spineless guy needing assurance all the time from his girl. It's not exactly a good idea for me. I think writers should also give Lia her worth since it's always as if Mateo just needs her.

When you look at it, it seems both Mateo and Lia are both weak characters. To think they're both the itinakda. Lia always on the giving end and Mateo acting like a spineless guy? What's with these writers anyway. Yeah and you mentioned even Magnus is becoming a joke with his trying to decipher the prophesy all the times. We need a better written presentation frankly.

We need smarter characters. It's a joke these writers. Angel exudes a lot of strength acting wise since she's so good. Even if effectively she makes those scenes, her character Lia is not exactly a strong character. We wish they write better written characters not only for Angel's Lia but also for JL's Mateo. Take care of your leads writers!.

What the heck also making a scene there where Clarisse conveniently gets into her chair. Aren't there guards there? I wonder how writers would allow these. Nicks maybe that's the reason you prefer watching those Korean TV flicks. Sometimes we are subjected to all these. I dunno where they picked writers? Intentional?

Imortal: review of episode 81

2011-01-26T03:58:00.000+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

Imortal episode 81. The preparations before the wedding starts with a bridal shower as BFF Miriam makes things special for Lia. Then another scene where we see a glimpse of Lia in white with Miriam and Nanay Tabs around and Mateo coming in but prevented by Miriam, as is folk talk not to let the groom see the bride in her wedding dress.

But it's when Lucas appears for the stag party? at Dara's place of course. Everyone was there, Olive and Jethro, when Lucas who was invited drops by too. But after finding out through holding Olive about what Mateo was keeping from them secret about the Vampires "kidnapping" of Olive, Jethro confronts Mateo just when Lucas was right behind Mateo.

We know of course previous to this event, Mateo overhears Jethro and Abraham's orders for him to spy on Mateo and Lucas opening the Lobo website courtesy of the password Lia gave him. I dunno if Lia even considered that the wedding news would be the first Lucas will see in their website? So when finally Jethro confronts Mateo about him keeping secrets from the Lobos and not to be trusted, again Mateo is in this emotional state where his itinakdang vampira sign on his nape lights up which Lucas sees.

Just when Lia is around to meet up with Mateo, Lucas gives her the warning about Mateo. Only to find out she actually knows about Mateo's being the itinakdang vampira which in the website says will kill her. Now I'm thinking it would be so careless of Lia the Punong Bantay to just give the password to the site knowing Lucas is not yet properly oriented to the ways of the Lobos and she did really trust him? Knowing he's still not exactly in this agreeable terms with Mateo and how he's become since knowing about them being a couple? So careless how the writers make the lobos look to have less better judgement and easily fooled and outwitted by the vamps.

I dunno. Are the Lobos meant to be less thinking just becoz they're supposed to be half wolf? or the bad ones are always smarter? It seems this is where the writers want Lia's character going just to move the story. Am I complaining? Guess?

Anyway I would have been fine at least with the progression but it always seems Lia starts getting herself into trouble. Well, at least she finds out next time Lucas is not somebody to be trusted so stop being too nice to the extent of risking both her and Mateo? Lucas is just waiting for an opportunity to stop the marriage. Can't she figure this out?

Okay, Lia was written as someone too trusting. She wouldn't exactly fall for Mateo after all if she were not like this. Nevertheless, we won't get the drama imprisoned scenes had this not happened and Lia didn't have to leave the Lobo orientation by just giving the password to Lucas. [writers are getting lazy i guess and thus created too many convenient scenes ...or are they insulting their viewers treating us like non-critical thinkers -nicky]

Well, we can postpone the wedding can't we? At least we get to see Mateo and Lia donned in those special clothes especially Lia who we hardly see in glam clothes. So this is a nice insert to get her to wear a wedding dress and be well made up. Yeah the red lipstick I thought for a wedding even at night? nevertheless.

There are actually Lia scenes saving lives by fighting the bad vampires but it's too fast. Sometimes I don't know why they can't even take good camera angles of the Lia saves the people scenes.

So before the wedding, Lucas already tells Lucille about this little secret of Lia. Why he chose to tell Lucille instead of let's say Abraham first only means one thing. He needs his revenge too. He is after all a trouble half lobo still harboring ill feelings about Mateo and being the one chosen by Lia instead of him. Wrong judgment too and carelessness on the part of Lia is the part I question about in terms of the writing of Lia's character.

Next episode. Teasers we see Lucille now making her grand entrance at the wedding. The events are moving so it's a good reason to follow the coming episodes but hopefully to what brings the events about. Let's hope the writers are more careful in how events transpire.

My thoughts. The writers show those Lia saves the day scenes and yet so carelessly gives Lucas this information about the lobo website and as soon as he sees the itinakdang vampira sign on Mateo's nape, It was so easy. This secret was meant for just her most trusted. She never thought this might happen? We know how Lia was made to look dumb and a slow head just being an E.A. but as Punong Bantay at least give her more street smart savy than always being careless.

I always have something to complain about because Angel is a lead protagonist here and this is a heroine role supposedly being emulated now as Punong Bantay. But as usual the writers always have something for Lia to do to make her less. Viewers will not be liking this character Lia if she keeps on making herself less and it's the writers doing it.

It's sometimes insulting here. If they want Angel to play a dumb character then make it an all out dumb one. Not like she's now the Punong Bantay and they're still at it writing her character this way. What's your take on this character flaw for Lia Nicks? You think it's because I'm a fan or is my complaint valid? Remember Lia's now a Punong Bantay. I think too the lobos should eventually find out by themselves about Mateo's sign because it actually lights up when in a highly emotional state. You mean they haven't figured it out yet. [i dunno if the head writer for Imortal is paying close attention to his pool of writers ..looks like they don't have a solid character description of lia as 'punong bantay' ..like you, i hope they would not make lia like all 'brawn' and no brains -nicky]

The lobos will find out about Mateo just the same when they kiss when the one officiating the wedding presumably a priest let's them kiss after they say their "I dos." Oh yeah, they can make Mateo wear something to hide his nape. Not even Abraham thought of that or even Mateo???? why not???

You can wear a scarf or something I dunno. Anything to hide that sign but not be suspicious. I was just figuring out. The writers should have made more thought about this perhaps? How about you Nicks? This is a progression passing episode. Now waiting for the highlight episodes. [what can i say about our writers? we got too many issues with them already and yeah it's kinda frustrating aish ..they even missed even the obvious details -nicky]

Usually if you watch some foreign made show they would make this an issue how to hide the sign otherwise any lobo will see Mateo's sign since it just lights up and Abraham knows it from when he first saw it.

Writers should take care of details also ...

Imortal teaser for this week

2011-01-24T03:54:00.000+08:00

Credit: Imortal Official Fan Page in Facebook

Note: For those who cannot watch the Imortal webisodes from ABS-CBN's Imortal website, click here to watch "Darla" webisode.

Imortal: review of episode 80

2011-01-24T03:34:00.000+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

Okay, it's another weekend. At least the last episode for this week I'm satisfied with it. They had substantially enough Angel Locsin (Lia) scenes this time to end the week.

For episode 80, we like that scene where Lia is talking to Nanay Tabs about her feelings about the wedding and BFF Miriam is looking in. I really found it amusing and cute at first. I found myself a bit laughing as Lia was talking to Nanay Tabs about getting married to Mateo and all the while Miriam was listening to them. The look in her face while the two, Lia and Nanay Tabs looking very supportive and happy. The feeling is there whenever they have scenes together. Nanay Tabs and Lia and, I found it amusing, Miriam was her usual against Mateo but finally cannot resist Lia.

Nice sequence for the three Then the sequence of Lia and Mateo at the engagement party where Lia looks so beautiful in her purple dress.Actually prior to that I liked the expression and face of Lia as she was talking to Lucas. All Angel's scenes for this episode you really appreciate how beautiful Angel is especially at the engagement party.

I dunno your score today Jhun as I guess you're off for the weekend by now It's not exactly an "acting" episode but a light one since it's the engagement although the schemers are all over, from the Vampires to Lucille's camp, even the two women in love with Mateo, Sam and Clarisse had to take their peak as well as Lucas. All three can't just be happy for Lia and Mateo.

Magnus at it again, thinks this time it's Sam who should bite Mateo to turn him into a full vampire. Although not an assurance to whom he sides, this courtesy of undercover work for a Gael hypnotized Olive who finds this out from Jethro. By now, I can't figure out how careless this Gabay is when giving info to Olive who was acting suspiciously at that time. [compared to Lobo, looks like we have young writers here in Imortal so some scenes are not well thought of I would say, perhaps due to lack of enough experience? i guess that will account also the inconsistent character development -nicky]

There's Sam too conferring with Lydia and the urgency they feel that Mateo should lead them since misguided Vampires are getting killed following Magnus who wants an all out war against the Lobos.

Yeah I should say the four as a family, it's so real and heartfelt. This is a good ensemble cast family for Angel's Lia. hehe I really found that particular scene where the three ladies shared the scene a bit amusing and funny at first while Nanay Tabs and Lia were at it and Miriam just listening out but unable to resist her friend. Same as Abraham at the engagement you can see how protective he is of Lia but nevertheless had to tell the Wayas that yes the wedding should be a big event for all Lobos.

You know what I realized? As long as they don't maltreat Angel and she gets substantial and well executed scenes I really don't mind if other build up newbies have their share of the limelight. As Olive now did. I just didn't mind it as much since I don't really like her anyway but less sour graping as long as the show has lots of Angel watching. So I hope the writers don't forget that.

Maybe that's why I like Lia's adoptive family because they support her aside from being good competent actors. More please of that kind of scene for the three ladies. The nice spice there was when Miriam was well you know she was in disagreement over Mateo but finally joins in as Nanay Tabs was very supportive of Lia's happiness. I liked that look in her face while Lia and Nanay Tabs were oh so happy while she finally learning to be just happy for her dear friend and "sister."

Lucas finds out too Simon has some dealings with the wanted Zaragozas as he sees him talking to Clarisse, all this at the engagement.

The Magnus plan now is to bring back his daughter and make her "bite" Mateo. Will this be another futile attempt? Of course "Wagas na Pag-ibig" could also be the bite of Roman actually since it was actually his own battle for the vampires to finally live in peace not through war but through diplomacy and peaceful means he initiated with Lyka then. [I dunno about Roman because I remember he let his beloved wife die than letting her live as a vampire and he was adamant also about protecting Mateo. Back to Magnus, it's now like a dark comedy for me. He is like a bumbling idiot with all those off plans and failed attempts hehe -nicky]

Next episode. But in the teasers we have a bad looser Lucas seeing Mateo's signature itinakda on his nape light up, tells Lucille right away. Scenes we find both Mateo and Lia in chains while the Vamps carry out freeing Mateo, eventually Lia is able to free herself to join Mateo in front of the Lobos.

Of course before this is the wedding. Both Lia and Mateo looking very dashing there. Again Angel so particularly beautiful and perfect there with her matching red lipstick, for a wedding? But is this going to actually happen or this will not materialize? [perhaps because it's an evening wedding so they thought a darker shade like red lipstick would be acceptable -nicky]

The teasers are plentiful. I guess it's going to take the entire next week to show all of it. Hopefully, we get the Angel scenes we want of course.

My thoughts. So okay overall this week was good but because of episode 79 and I really wanted more creative camera shots and angles particularly for that episode 79 then its 8/10 although there were episodes I'd give a 9/10. I would have given it a 9/10 but episode 79 pushed it down to 8/10. The earlier episodes for the week were the "acting' episodes but the lighter episode 80 guess would be good to prepare viewers for the next week's episodes.

Lia and Mateo will carry out what Lyka and Roman left unfinished but not without Roman having his say since this is a plan he actually initiated and Lyka who was willing to hear him out in spite the usual lobo's not to trusting feelings when it comes to vampires. Imortal is about the kind of love of Lia and Mateo shared but its also the Imortal peace they seek and the love of Mateo and Lia having a great part in fulfilling that peace.

But then will the writers choose an all out battle? There's already a war but the itinakdas here on both sides are in love so this will change everything. I guess, "Kagat ng Wagas na Pagibig ang Babago sa Lahat"??? Well the biting thing has been a Magnus preoccupation? Like he likes testing everyone who could possibly finally transform Mateo into a full vampire.

Imortal: review of episode 79

2011-01-24T02:47:00.000+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

Recap. Abraham seeks Lia talks to her and for now will stand by Lia until proven otherwise. If Mateo ever becomes a full vampire to fulfill the prophesy. Abraham remains loyal to his adoptive daughter and his loyalty also to Lyka at all cost since there's this obvious risk of him being branded a traitor also like Lia.

Mateo seeks Sam again to find out since he's been bothered in his dreams seeing his father trying to tell him about this vampire group who seek peace, the one where Lydia belongs to. This is when Mateo finds out about Magnus being weakened by Mateo's blood from sucking it. Some disagreement between the two as Sam learns from Mateo he plans to marry Lia and Sam doesn't want Mateo with Lia. Telling Mateo with his strength he should lead the vampires to the peaceful way of life being the itinakda. He can make the vampires follow him and leave Lia as she poses only danger to him by being in the company of the Lobos who will not accept him even if he marries their Punong Bantay.

The fight battle scene ensues. So ok that's it. I have done my bashing already. [posted after recap hehe -nicky].

We move on to Lia at the Waya Council trying to exonerate her mother from the wrong traitor accusation by bringing in Julio to testify before them.   Vivian always challenging Lia of course and I thought the two were really fierce and deserved the better camera angles. Angel did the right thing in tempering her Lia who is still relatively new in calling these meetings.

I thought this would have been a good exchange for the two but it was not as long. They downplayed this when there could have been more drama. Well, I guess Lia is still pretty much not a fighter but rather more of in defense of just what is right. It's obvious in Lia's lines that Vivian should be thankful she's still in the Waya Council when she's been suspect since Lucille's escape. I just thought to highlight they should have given both better camera angles. That would have made the subtle but fierce more dramatic. I really thought the close-ups should have been closer.

Then we see Mateo and Lia together in a room where Mateo made his engagement ring promise. Looking good there the two. Everyone by now knows of the engagement and the wedding. Clarisse hates it. Lucille plans to make her move at the wedding. What was Simon thinking upon knowing of Mateo getting married to Lia? Right after he makes a "forced deal" with Lucille to use his money to get back at Lia. Since for now Mateo has chosen to stay with Lia and lets see if any marriage will happen before they get themselves behind bars. Will Lucille then return to power?

Before I forget, Magnus is getting better but he rejects Sam seeing her considering her a traitor many times over. This Imelda is not happy about and Sam is expected to return to her new mentor Lydia were she's convincing Mateo to join. Magnus is back making plans again this time make Gael do undercover work on Olive again to spy on Jethro.

Next episode. The teasers we see Lucas finding out Mateo is the itinakda and proceeds to tell Lucille. A beautiful bride as Lia prepares to get married to Mateo. We see both of them about to get married but whether this pushes through after Lucille finds out about Mateo lets see.

Another teaser scene we find both Mateo and Lia captured and chained in separate prison cells. Now if the strength of the itinakdas is as it should be, they're supposed to make their escape but we don't see that. We just see Lia in tears chained and so is Mateo.

Kissing scenes. Yeah I think there's been a lot of kissing and frankly kissing would have been fine especially if it's used only at appropriate times. But when it's suspect excuse for lack of anything else to write about especially concerning Mateo-Lia scenes then it's not a good thing. Overuse with not much purpose, to the effect that sometimes just a kiss on the forehead may seem more touching.

I dunno there were episodes not this week where I thought Angel was really reduced to not so well choreographed action scenes and just kissing scenes with not good angles anyway.A way of downplaying Angel? It's as if that's all to her?   It's a good thing this week at least the writers made an effort to "bring back" Lia.

Like I always have this suspect feeling they have to downgrade Lia just to make other build up talents shine. This episode once more makes my point have strong evidence. When they have to make other talents shine all they let Angel do is kiss JL and have shortened scenes cut short to accommodate those talents needing exposure. Why they need unnecessarily longer scenes than the lead whenever they make their appearance is beyond me. It makes me sick already having to tolerate the obvious I see. Look, like I said I don't mind some support actor who has not proven anything get their exposure time but it's becoming too obvious that every time, they have to cut short Angel scenes which we at home and most of those I know look out more for Angel.

So okay we were expecting more Angel scenes and good substantial ones, 'cmon if kissing is all Lia will be doing then I smell downgrading once again. Look, Angel shines so well in those better scenes for this week why the heck not continue with it?

There was a real instance in the past when this happened and the wannabee actor which Nicky knows has likewise not proven anything. So it's sickening to watch somebody who has not proven anything and Angel's role then was reduced to just his leading lady whenever they had scenes in that TV show.

My thoughts. For the first episode for this week, the writers appeased Angel fans like me by giving Angel highlight scenes and the result of course can't be any better. Sure we understand why Monday had to accommodate Angel again, that was the peak episode. Then came the next day and up to episode 78 with Tito Abraham they were giving Angel substantial scenes and enough airtime.

Just because we again have this combo I suppose of two supports who're supposed to be look-alikes according to some pexers, will have the same disgust now with these two forced on us. They had to shorten Angel scenes with less focus yet again on the camera angles unlike the previous episodes of this week. Look, it's Angel we want to see.

Just watch Shaina Magdayao (Gabby) in Lobo, where she was supposed to be the other woman there. Of course compared to this supposedly major support and her supposed look alike, Shaina is definitely way prettier so accusations of jealousy? Oh 'cmon the older one almost looks gay with the long face and the other geeky one is yuck with no talent to save her weird looks. I will continue disparaging co-stars because Angel's being maltreated every time they are around. The writers clearly favoring them having longer scenes and how many times do I have to say that Olive character is not even needed here unlike Sam although her role has been written to really make Lia the bit player instead of star. Why oh why whenever these two are back in the scenes, Angel's Lia have to have shorter exposures and less substantial appearances is beyond me. Just to make sure they hog the scenes? Frankly I prefer to watch the way prettier Kristel R. than these two freaky looking characters, long faced and the other geeky and annoying.

Look, even if Gael and Olive look more of the same age compared to the younger looking Jethro there's nothing exciting about them. I suggest they quit with this subplot. This is a repetitious subplot already needing to be resolved and finished. It's enough already that Abraham's asking Jethro to spy on Mateo but to get sidetracked again by Olive Oil who gets a makeover, well doesn't change much actually. I dunno sometimes they have nothing else for these recurring characters. We really wish they just put those younger prettier ABS-CBN talents instead. But really the role is repetitious already. We don't need another rewind of this subplot. So my request just quit this redundant crap.

Sorry that's Kristel M. or Severina, who by the way is much better too with her fight scenes unlike the lame action moves of Maricar. Too obvious there her fight scene with JL. I thought she was trained, excuse me. Shaina did her fight scene with Piolo in Lobo way better although I think that's when her accident happened. We all know Shaina dances in ASAP so we're not fed with reports how good she can be. Of course too Shaina doesn't need to use some other artist to get her break in a show. That's the good thing. She has her own afternoon show. Like I said just give these two wannabee supports their own show and not downgrade our Angel just so they can be watched on primetime. My goodness, if they don't trust these two to carry a show then please don't make Angel's Lia lesser whenever they are around. It's already annoying us at home particularly my mom who's easily in a foul mood whenever it happens.

We were made to believe Angel's Lia was back and now another accommodation yet again!!!   These people with backers we're just so sick of them and why Angel has always have to be the victim of these people? Tell us why Angel's been so over-abused whenever these kind of people having backers need their exposures.

Really now? Does Angel really have a manager? We feel her career was made to accommodate all those who needed breaks and doesn't focus on her. That's been the case and what a pity for somebody who has the ability and versatility to shine even abroad, ick of this sick Pinoy power brokers habit. Like we already know Angel's been always used to prop up those kinds of people who somehow can't do it on their own and always at the expense of Angel. Like she was paid to be the one to prop them up.

Maybe I wouldn't complain as much if these power brokers forever using Angel would give her better career treatment she deserves. But no, they're even stalling that huge potential. Like they don't want it happening least some favored royalty. We see the tactics already. So what now? Using just freaky supports to annoy us fans once again? Yeah we know that tactic already.

Like we still remember the low budget of Darna then and why Asian Treasures was better. If it's only Angel as main star, they really scrimp but look at Majika where they did better because some wannabee was there. So now they have to reduce Angel's Lia just to accommodate wannabees yet again? Perhaps if Angel's career were treated like JL's you wouldn't catch us complaining. But up to now what kind of manager does anything for Angel? Why do we feel her manager's are only in name but not doing anything to protect Angel?

We want consistency in treating Angel scenes ok? Don't make us suspect that great Angel scenes were there just to bring back viewers and then show those irritants again in prolonged lame scenes. Look I couldn't be sorrier for JL in that fight action scene with MR. Too lame was MR there. It looked that bad and yet they kept on with it extensively. Bad scenes shouldn't be prolonged okay? Her manner of speech is too distractingly annoying too whether speaking in English or Filipino it doesn't help, it's just as lame. Quit this crap because we the real fans don't like the maltreatment extending too much off screen. Look it's not only a case of Lia maltreatment. My litany of complaints is enough and we know Angel allows it. Sorry girl if you do, your fans are here to complain about the injustice if you're just okay by it.

I can't figure out to why they added a really qualified actor in Mark Gil but now he's just a bit player. Oh well, that's similar to Angel able to really shine brilliantly acting wise being reduced to bit player in previous episodes which up to now we can't forget any time these wannabees are getting their overextended lame exposures.

I am just waiting too when they have those better choreographies Angel did for Asian Treasures and there were good ones too in Lobo artistic wise which we have yet to see for Lia. When oh when? Or this might be reserved for Sam I suppose and won't be surprised now if Olive will be having some later? Only it will look lame or slow-mo yet again to hide the inadequacies.

Complaints complaints, but I guarantee until the ABS-CBN people tolerates me here I will continue because Angel deserves better treatment than what she's getting. This week at the start told me Angel's really gearing up the higher acting level and we know too how good her action moves are. We need writers to impress us more with Angel's versatility.

But here we again, accommodating yet again as if we haven't seen the wares. If that's all there is then better let Angel just take over and quit the crap. Yeah, one nice scene for Angel when Mateo offered the "ring" but promised to get the real one later.

Okay I'm done for today. I'm hoping for a better end to this week. They started nicely so hope at least everything's compensated for in the last episode for this week.

Imortal: review of episode 78

2011-01-24T01:33:00.000+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

This is Jaime Fabregas' (Abraham) moment I think although still guilty of watching Angel Locsin (Lia) more but we have to give it to Tito Abraham as this is his episode and of course with Lia. Yeah Julio was sidelined by the writers. Mark Gil (Julio) is one of our underrated fine actors but I guess the story developing is more focused right now on how Tito Abraham takes his "discovery." Its hard to give a 10, I always feel there's still something lacking. It's still not there because I feel there can still be more. That's me. It's actually nice from last episode to see Angel and John Lloyd (Mateo) with tested veterans Mark Gil and Jaime Fabregas, the latter we noted does roles matter of factly never drawing attention to himself but more of doing his roles as naturally as possible.

But for episode 78, lets say it's about time Tito Abraham gets his limelight moment and engages Lia in a sort of disagreement struggle in the process hurting each other, more of emotionally I would suspect than physically. They do some physical clash as Abraham attempts to hurt Mateo. This gives Lia little choice but to ward of Abraham, yes her beloved lifelong protector and her almost recognized father. She does give her the claw on his back. It looks like a bad claw wound actually but you sense it's still just enough to warn Abraham not to go any further in "hurting" Mateo.

Mateo himself hurls Abraham in self defense. What did I make out of some of pexers remarks about Abraham's fight action scenes? Actually I thought it looked very appropriate for an elderly Waya. Abraham was never pictured as a menacing type of warrior and is more of the thinker council man. So his action moves were actually appropriate. It helps his foreign looking features looks appropriately menacing for his attack attempt at Mateo. As usual Jaime Fabregas does his acting chores as natural as can be. He's never striked me as a fancy actor unlike lets say Pilar Pilapil in Lobo, but is effective being natural. Nice one too for them Angel and Jaime F.

Angel's consistency for these past few episodes, I think she's inspired being back in the natural flow of the Imortal story after being sidelined for some few episodes. Angel's so focused for this week's episodes so far. Highly emotional scenes but very well controlled and putting to very good use her expressive eyes deep in emotions. You can feel it so clearly projected on screen.

Sorry for being bias but I really love Angel's show of emotions once again here in this episode. It's really gone a notch level higher for this week including this episode. Better I think than even her best episodes from the entire series. Am I right or just getting carried away from not seeing Angel too long in the last few weeks episodes?

Noticeably the action fight scenes for Angel are much shorter especially if compared to some longer sequences of before. They're focusing more on the acting and showing of emotions for this week's episodes. Still a very happy viewer. There are shortened action moves of course. Actually noticeable was the different approach for the Lia-Abraham action fight sequence. There seems to be holding off. We actually find Mateo too hurling Abraham. The old guy is getting just enough claws or blows from the two itinakdas needing to defend themselves.

Mateo's poisoned blood. We now know what happened to Magnus. His bite actually of Mateo's blood turns out to be poison as Lia and Abraham witnesses how strong the itinakdang vampire is. All the while the writers forgot a bit about Julio. He did attempt to stop Magnus. This was earlier of course while Magnus was biting Mateo but he was quickly repulsed and pretty much was not in the scene after that.

Vampires were able to take Magnus away as Abraham was more concerned with his discovery about Mateo and Lia concerned too after getting the bite. Sam is informed about dad Magnus very weak condition and she comes to visit seemingly more concerned if Mateo's hurt.

Abraham's dilemma. Abraham calls an emergency meeting with the Waya Council to inform them of his discovery but we don't see it but it's obvious he changes his mind. He loves Lyka and her family too much to see Lia live the life once again of being branded a traitor. He just can't do that to Lia. While Mateo and Lia run away to escape Abraham's attempts to turn over Mateo to the Wayas.

Meanwhile thoughts enter Mateo and Lia's minds. We see this scene of them together figuring out everything that's been said, from Lydia to Abraham's contrasting views and similar beliefs about the prophesy. In fact, everybody believes the Prophesy except for Lia and Mateo who now also believes like Lia their love can both fight the destiny that is the Prophesy.

Is Lia being selfish because she really believes and feels this will change everything? The trust she gives Mateo to protect him from even her. It seems though as long as Lia stays with Mateo, then Mateo will stay with Lia. How can he not, if Lia protects him then he owes it to her to protect her also and what Lia wants is for them not to be apart. In short, "you and me against the world" including the Prophesy.

Of course the last sequence with Mateo and Lia together both in deep thought when Abraham gives Lia a call. He just couldn't give Lia away. Nice little talk at Lyka's tomb for Abraham. Finally he will accept Mateo all because of Lyka and of course his adopted daughter Lia. Like a real parent will do for his child and of course his loyalty and dedication to Lyka.

Next episode. Teasers. Sam alarms Lydia about the latest developments who in turn convinces Sam to try again at Mateo, to convince him again that being with the Lobos is not the safest place for him to be with. Meanwhile Lia is still convincing Mateo to just be with her as she will do everything including fight her own people if they hurt Mateo to which Mateo is in disagreement as he believes Lia should do her duties as Punong Bantay. As Sam attempts to get Mateo only to discover he's now more powerful and it would be impossible for her to forcibly get Mateo back to Lydia's fold.

My thoughts. It looks like the wedding is coming next week since Mateo stays with Lia. It will be Abraham's secret for the moment. You think he's telling his daughter Miriam? ;) maybe Nanay Tabs :) The problem now since Abraham knows already and he's going to keep it a secret too is being branded a traitor too. Something I dunno how Miriam will take. It might be too much for her although eventually we suspect her love for her "sister" Lia will prevail just like her father eventually gave in to Lia.

Lets see how things happen. Then of course Simon being used against his wishes by Lucille. Will they actually join forces with Lucille's promise if she regains her Punong Bantay position for Simon to finally get into Waya Inc.? The Zaragozas are just around to prove to the Lobos once again about the daughter now too being a traitor like her mother Lyka. Haha did you see Clarisse reaction to the wedding? now that one got a good beating from mom Lucille :P

Rico Blanco's improvement. BTW in the case of Rico Blanco (Lucas), the one with Angel is the scene where he's improved. I noticed though that he's still finding his way because you can feel in those scenes he has to draw his emotions from within himself to be able to focus well. By contrast, observing Angel, you notice Angel is very comfortable with her acting and interacting with her coactor in the scene. Of course she's the more experienced. I dunno but I guess it's part of Lucas self centered character. It's because he still needs to get more experience I guess to show off those emotions more. I guess that's the reason you can't still relate with his improvement in acting.

Of course, part of getting the response from viewers I suspect comes from having this charm as an actor too. When we don't like how an actor looks like on screen it's hard to appreciate the actor. I think a not so good looking actor has to be that good to be liked too. Rico B. is not exactly a charmer as far as I'm concerned. He gives me the impression of being somebody kind of full of himself I dunno. It's not a good character for an actor I guess. Actors have to be giving to generate that certain response from the audience.

Imortal: review of episode 77

2011-01-19T05:14:00.001+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

Episode 77 is another well acted continuation of episode 76. It's just a continuation because the main turn of events after the proposal and acceptance would be the Wayas and Tito Abraham finding out about Mateo being the Itinakda. Well, aside from hearing out what Julio has to say about the truth about Lyka and her connection with the vampires.

Recap. While Nanay Tabs is surprised, she wishes Lia all the happiness and of course Mateo too but it's Miriam with the opposing violent reaction which is very understandable from a true friend. We can even point out times when Mateo was prioritizing his own search for his identity and actually setting aside Lia but perhaps something like knowing a different part of you. We know also from several episodes where Mateo wasn't exactly the ideal BF although you somehow know Lia is his true love. Still there were times even his love seemed wanting, based on the way writers presented it.

From the start, when Lia finally fell in love with Mateo, which at the start we know she was not. She was the more dedicated. of course. Lia has known what being an underdog martyr ever since her mother died. She's known suffering too much and it seems has helped her understand Mateo who needs all the understanding.

Miriam knows all about Lia's suffering so her reaction to Lia marrying Mateo means being blinded and adds up to her long suffering life. Nice one for Miriam acting wise for Ericka Padilla. Of course, Mateo and Lia so in love looks for real too. Let's say they're really in for more opposition especially when the Lobos including Lia's well loved protector Tito Abraham finds out about Mateo.

Mateo visits Lucas, they grew up as brothers, and he wants to be the one to tell Lucas of him marrying Lia, which of course we know is not at all a positive reaction from Lucas. Just when he was sending his text apology to Lia for his rude behaviour and wanting to know about his Lobo identitiy.

Finally, Lia with Mateo and Abraham visit Julio and it's this meeting where Abraham learns what Lyka told Julio about meeting a group of peace living vampires, which of course Abraham believes were all meant to fool the lobos. Vamps are not to be trusted is Abraham's firm belief and the result is the death of Lyka. This is when Mateo seemed to have this "natural" reaction protective of his race when Abraham uttered that all Vampires are bad and out to destroy the Lobos. [this gap is my fave scene ...from the meeting with Julio where i can see how good mark gil is to angel, abraham and mateo ..love the build up of emotion there among those four characters ...there might been improvement on lucas but i didn't feel any connection to his character i dunno -nicky]

He looked mad at Abraham's pronouncements. Lia had to hold him by her hand to appease the growing anger as she noted his itinakda sign on his nape glow. You think it does Nicks when Mateo has this deep emotions like when he embraces and kisses Lia it also glows. Any intense emotion makes it glow. [a good observation angeladik :) -nicky]

Now I dunno why they had to stay long there at Julio's hideout when they knew the Vampires know about this particular place. They could have left right away?? why? As expected, it didn't take long for Magnus to be there and make his move on Mateo once again, believing he is the one to make Mateo a full Vampire. He knows it's still a risk whether Mateo joins them or not? From the looks of it from the teaser, bad choice. This only made Mateo more angry at this Vampire group all the more.

So the vampire attack kills one of the lobo guards. Lia runs after the Vampire and leaves Mateo behind. This is when Magnus bites Mateo from behind. Lia tries to save Mateo from the bite but is too late.

Next episode. Based on the teasers, seems like as before Mateo is not a bit affected by the Magnus bite. But it's Abraham who sees the itinakda sign of Mateo glow and finds out he is the one they were looking for. His immediate reaction is to attack Mateo and finds Lia defending Mateo against him. We'll have to wait for two things for the coming episodes even before the wedding. [i love that pained look at lia's face while fighting against her beloved lifelong protector, Abraham - nicky]

What exactly happens yet again after another Vampire bite for Mateo. By now as Mateo reveals to Lia, Mateo feels he's stronger than ever. So let's say the Magnus bite is just another of their futile attempts. Besides you see Mateo still siding with Lia from the teasers. Yup its a "you and me against the world" scenario as Lia is left with no choice too but to defend Mateo from Abraham's attempt to harm him.

My thoughts. I just love it that the story is really back on track with the leads and less of extended subplots. They still show Lucas here and his story but it's not as if he is all over the place hogging the entire episodes for weeks. I think had they chosen this approach for Sam's own subplot story then the real story we were following would have been there. Being side tracked too much is never exactly a good thing. You do a spin off for that but not within the story for too long.

Least they forget, if they want to build up stars that way give them a show like Bianca Manalo has hers in Juanita Banana. Not force fans like us to wait too long for the one we wanted to watch. Bad move I think. If they think the build up talent is not yet ripe for her own show then don't attempt to kill a show by making people just watch her.

They have a better approach for Rico for this week's episodes because he's getting his scenes but the leads are now "present". People can take that and any improvement he's made is better appreciated. Of course not to be outdone, Lucille is back too with daughter Clarisse. This time giving the limelight more to her mother and gives Simon a surprise visit. What are they up to now? We know Simon of course made his peace offering to Lia.

Before I forget too one other scene is the first Waya Council meeting for Lia as the Punong Bantay where the agenda was to find and kill the itinakda. A very awkward situation for Lia looking at the itinakda sign shown to her. Of course later Abraham will find out about Mateo.

So what happens next is makes Imortal pace wise getting there and us viewers wanting to know what happens next. The next few episodes not to be missed. Well if not for spoilers that there will be a wedding. So let's see how all this happens. Perhaps too Julio will help convince Abraham about Mateo. After all he's known him for quite some time. Lets just see how it all happens

Imortal: review of episode 76

2011-01-18T04:05:00.002+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

I think the actors for this episode were all natural. I like it also that the proposal I thought was very heartfelt and it's nice to see those real emotions from both our actors. I thought this was an exceptionally outstanding episode for Angel Locsin (Lia). Everything about it just showed how far she's become as an actress. Despite the good showing from John Lloyd Cruz (Mateo) and Mark Gil (Julio) and of course not to forget Rico Blanco (Lucas) here, probably one of his best dramatic moment where Angel was just as good being quiet there. Everything right on target.

I have to be very happy for this episode particularly for Angel. This episode was written to focus on Mateo's change of heart and Lucas' angst and turmoil over everything about his life. These two men who once considered themselves "brothers" but as fate would have it, Lucas hatred for Mateo knows no bounds and we know who is the cause, Lia.

Episode recap: Episode 76 starts with Mateo's own struggle as he leaves Lia to "find himself" but finds Julio instead who he later discovers to be the gardener of Lyka from Lia's childhood who saw Lia grow up as a child. Of course, Mateo knows something about Julio since Lia always tells him what Julio knows about why Lyka was mistakenly branded a traitor.

Mateo and Julio were not even able to discuss this but all the while Mateo suddenly finds himself responding to a woman's scream for help and almost kills the three road side guys Imelda hypnotized to pose as trying to hurt her.

In another attempt to let Mateo join the evil vampire side, Imelda entices Mateo to kill the three guys and feel his power and even try drinking their blood. But Mateo is able to control his urge and instead threatens Imelda, lets her go to tell the rest of them on Magnus' side that he will be their enemy and will use his power against them.

A scene very conveniently for the writer for Julio to see, which later convinces him in spite him knowing little about Mateo that he could turn around the fate of the prophesy. Even more convincing Mateo when he sees the moonstone necklace worn by Mateo from Lia, to remind him of a childhood wish he shared with Lia then at the forest.

A memory romanticized but nevertheless it still works becoz suddenly in this one episode, everything seemed to fall into place even if so easily and conveniently. The writers didn't bother much to put more substantial reason for Mateo and Lia's being drawn to each other in spite not liking each other at the start, which all too sudden they became so in love with each other.

Each time we were not allowed to see what else they shared except that they had a connection by fate it seems from the start. This is why there are pexers who were complaining that the story development seemed inclined to link Sam and Mateo, more character development wise especially they had similar experiences too coming from more similar backgrounds.

But you can't argue with fate and the writers, can't you, if they just want you to take it or leave it. Nevertheless, it's the acting of Angel and John Lloyd which make you believe they are truly in love with only fate and a memory as the connection between them from the writers' contribution to their characters being in love.

This is probably one of Angel and John Lloyd's best acting moment too on the romantic point of view. It helps a lot when the lines are so appropriate and touching. The acting of both JL and Angel for the proposal scene cant be as real. So it's one of those scenes and Angel was particularly outstanding there. I might be biased but I think her scenes in this episode had all the variety and a bit the subtle approach but the emotions she showed overall for this entire episode. I think she shined the most overall for her scene where Rico Blanco was really good too I thought.

Lia went there to try find out where Mateo could possibly be. Of course kind of another blow to Lucas but nevertheless when it comes to Mateo, Lia seems all out. Nevertheless if she gets some nasty little lecture from Sam and even if it's not exactly a good idea to come to Lucas knowing his hatred for Mateo and here she comes, the reason for it seeking his help concerning Mateo. He's had enough of Lia choosing Mateo over him.

Aside from him once again hurt by his father's low opinion of him, it's a self esteem kind of blow on all sides for Lucas. He tells her he knows she's a taong lobo and he a half lobo with no powers and a disappointment to his father.

Lia tries to be of help but is rejected. Actually this scene was meant for Rico B. but Angel giving the nice support there in the subtle way. Well, the director could have made Angel do more but clearly it was a scene meant to make Rico B. shine. Nevertheless all Angel scenes overall it was a great acting Angel watch. Perhaps no need also to over dramatize it.

I mean if the writer made Angel's Lia do more for Rico's Lucas in that scene, it would be a TH (trying hard) kind of scene. Something they employ so much with Sam-Tom scenes then, which turned out overly dramatized and TH. So this is actually a good decision for the director and writer, when less is more. Thus getting the desired effect too of highlighting Rico while Angel shines too by not trying to ride with Rico's emotions as Lia too. That was the reaction meant for Lucas from where their relationship now stands.

The emotions would soon come but again less is more. We see finally the last important scene for this episode when Mateo finally comes back. The writer makes it like a tiring long day for Lia and calling Nanay Tabs to get her wish upon the moon come true as Mateo finally comes home to her.

I almost forgot the Lia wish upon the moon once again. I also liked that scene. What Angel was able to project. A wish even if she seemed tired. It's the subtleties that Angel projects being tired but always full of hope that Mateo will return. The scenes actually required her to show those deep emotions and for this episode I thought she showed them best in spite also outstanding showing from her co stars.

Next episode. For teasers, Miriam is definitely not approving of the marriage and so is daddy Abraham. It's Julio playing Mateo and Lia's approving guardian this time. Of course, he can lay claim to having seen Lia grow as a child and knowing a part of Lyka the other lobos don't. hehe most pexers find the yet another Mateo biting, this time Magnus doing it, as absurd considering their bite could not possibly change somebody who's already one from birth and destined to be more powerful than any of them [i believe Jethro implied in his conversation with Mateo about human transformation into vampire ..perhaps Mateo needs this process too in order for him to become a full pledge vampire -nicky]

Let's see what the writers were really thinking but definitely it drove Lia nuts running to save Mateo yet again. hehe we can't help commenting together at home, Mateo really is the leading lady here especially when you see how Lia swiftly moves. Yeah that scene I think Angel's really lost considerable weight. Very good for her

Oh there's another scene too where Sam entices Mateo yet again to be with her and Mateo like the leading lady here rejects her

My thoughts: hehe this is a big turnaround too from all my frustrations with previous episodes. I like it too that Rico B. is doing his role. This scene came naturally for him but I really thought the subtle acting of Angel in this particular scene was just overall outstanding and as well for the entire episode.

Sam has always been up with her tricks. By now it seems the writers want to redeem Lia because all the while they made Sam this selfless saviour for Mateo. But again what would make her really believe she can be the better companion cum protector of Mateo considering Lia is more powerful than her? She can't really change the way Magnus thinks either.

I dunno because each time Sam has to look good here at the expense of not only Lia but also Mateo's character. So let's see if the writers will still stick with their writing orders or let the flow of the story favor the leads as it should be. You know it can be confusing watching a TV series where here we have leads supposedly. Yet they're made to look lame by writers wanting to favor another supposedly a main support but nevertheless a support. The series can go hay wire especially so that most viewers were actually expecting this one to be a JL-Angel starrer.

Nevertheless for this one episode, in spite it supposedly more of the two men in her life, of course Lia being in the middle of their turmoil, Angel I believe really made us proud. We just want more of this for the next episodes. Angel is proving she can know shine the most in a lot of great scenes from co actors.

As a fan we're just very happy becuse for many previous forgettable episodes, the writers and directors reduced Angel to bit player status just to make some co star shine. It had to be that way because watching Angel particularly in this episode we have to say how she can really shine. Thanks you gave it back to her. Noticeably no wanting actors for this episode. To add Imelda just did enough for her short appearance nothing exactly special but not meant to catch attention and failing to.

We just wish the writers stick to more of Angel of course and really those outstanding scenes all in one episode. It's more reason you give Angel the scenes. Happy too not showing those redundant actors from the Dara neighborhood.

Return of Julio. Julio played by Mark Gil is just there for the supporting role but Mark Gil is always a cool actor. He can be very outstanding had the script made him do more. But their scenes of course were meant for John Lloyd's Mateo and he, just a tool for Mateo to realize why he and Lia were meant to be together. Not only for their love but to fight the evil that is the prophesy.

Sometimes I wonder because we've watched some of Mark Gil in Magkaribal where he had a much bigger role. We know how he is doing roles. He's not one of those actors who's always lauded but actually has the real talent.

I think he just might have a bigger role later as Julio since it will come to a point where the Waya family Lia learned to love, Abraham, Miriam and even Nanay Tabs? will not take her marrying Mateo so favorably. Let's see how Julio figures to help ease this problem for Lia and Mateo.

Mark Gil is still very new to the series and we are sort of feeling his presence but we look forward to him because particularly in Magkaribal where he's really good We want ABS-CBN to inject those veteran actors we need in Imortal. They have a lot of those in the other TV series and we don't see much of them here stamping their class in Imortal. [perhaps ABS-CBN felt Angel and JLC can carry their own show without a powerhouse cast hehe -nicky]

Support of Veteran actors. There are not very well known actors in Imortal doing very well but sometimes you want to see also those veterans more familiar to you like how Pilar Pilapil was fun to watch in Lobo. BTW the pexers keep on mentioning Angel Aquino coming too. They did play lovers in Magkaribal, I mean Mark Gil, husband and wife actually later.

For my part, if they stick with this kind of story flow where Lia is on the list of main actors playing and as long as they keep on improving the scenes of Lia and her character development, this episode at least tells me, Angel's doing just fine with John Lloyd and Rico B. That scene of the two might be one of my favorites. At last if Rico keeps up with this then perhaps no more sour graping. But please no more romantic undertones and he's fine with me.

So okay, Imortal's not meant for Angel to do more action scenes. After all she can't do all the fighting by herself. That's when you miss somebody like Lyndon or Severina who looks like worthier action packed opponents for Lia. [i may sound redundant but i want to say it again, i miss Lyndon -nicky]

Too much slo mo is just tiresome to watch especially now. The last teaser with a much slimmer Angel running swiftly to save JL's Mateo. Well it's about time for more action. So that's when you start asking why did they kill Lyndon and Severina for?

Imortal webisode: Superhero

2011-01-16T01:23:00.000+08:00

credit: 1chronicles49

Imortal webisode: Hikers

2011-01-16T01:22:00.000+08:00

credit: 1chronicles49

Imortal webisode: The salesman

2011-01-16T01:20:00.000+08:00

credit: 1chronicles49

Imortal teaser for next week

2011-01-16T00:40:00.003+08:00

Mateo proposes marriage to Lia ...
Sam discovers Roman's body ...
Magnus bites Mateo ...

credit: Imortal Official fan page in Facebook

NOTICE: All future episodes of Imortal will no longer be posted in this blog. Please check out latest episodes of Imortal at Twilight Angel's video blog at http://twilightangelstube.blogspot.com/

Imortal: review of episode 75

2011-01-16T00:11:00.000+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

Episode recap: Mateo leaves Lia right on inauguration day. Lia looking desperately for Mateo, decides to look for him from Sam (is she some mistress or something?). Meanwhile Mateo is following Julian, the "lost" former gardener of Lyka who knows all about what really happened on that eve Lyka died and what Lyka's real intentions were.

It's nice to see Mark Gil (Julio) here but I feel his appearance might be a short one, to enlighten Mateo about what really happened. The pact of Lyka and Roman, Mateo's dad, for Lobos and Vampires to live in peace which Magnus won't even hear of.

This I think leads Mateo to return to Lia and ask her to marry him as we see it in the teasers. Then we see another fight trouble scene where Magnus bites Mateo himself, perhaps having heard of their engagement.

My thoughts. We know of course a bite doesn't mean Mateo joins Magnus as his father Roman was never ever convinced to drink human blood. By now, Lia was properly informed by Sam and it's actually a good little lecture. The girl needs to be taught everything. Okay, from the start we find a weak character but lets just say there's still time to make her a worthy Punong Bantay. I think it's about time too Lia takes care of Lucille and even Clarisse who seems nothing else but just to get away and escape.

Support characters. So I guess the writers aren't not into more for spoiled brat Clarisse. Oh let's not forget what Lucas is going to do. He's not happy at all. What happens to him? Well you know there's still another one, Olive but where is her direction going or they just want to give her some acting experience here. Yup more workshops for her very much needed and without glasses yup she looks too old for Jethro. The other vampire they're linking him too, Gael, looks more her age though. But really I'm not fond of this side character and a more interesting young talent could have been in her role.

Lia's character not well taken care of. Part of the success of a good team up for both lookers is for both to actually be at their best looking on screen. It's still the writers' preference. We really notice it's as if the writers were told to make sure Maricar Reyes (Sam) really stands out here even at the expense of the leads. Besides John Lloyd Cruz (Mateo) fans need not bother so much considering the care ABS-CBN has done for him. This one little hitch to favor a usually support co-star to really stand out should be no problem, since he's been so blessed.

But what about Angel Locsin (Lia)? Right now fans still can't get over how it looks like Angel seems a once a year far and in between actress with ABS-CBN not lining her up as is usual for their active talents. Every project Angel appears in, fans become too expectant is not a surprising reaction considering the kind of patience ABS-CBN seems to want to impose on Angel fans and die hards. To make a usually support who has not even made some name for herself in the right direction is not exactly what Angel's fans were expecting.

This is slightly what happens in episode 75 of Imortal, meaning near the end of this episode when Sam and Lia had a confrontation with Sam giving Lia a "lecture" and Lia appearing as if she was what there? intensely furious about the "little lecture."

It looks like every time, it's Lia getting the low blows and making to appear dumb and awkward? We do remember that scene where Lia was going to "burn" Magnus by the touch of her palm only to get this nice little kick from Sam. Before Lia sees Mateo needing more attention than her taking her revenge on Magnus who she instantly recognized as her mother's killer.

How about those scenes where Mateo chose Lia after Sam's "prophesy driven pronouncements." The Sam highly dramatic reactions and the near that coconut tree crying outburst complete with dramatic histrionics. As usual she needs to have this high impact scenes or scenes where Lia gets the receiving end actually and as always seem to have no say about it.

While episode 74 is Lia's moment as Punong Bantay, it's as if the new lobo leader is not getting any least respect with that "little lecture" from Sam when just when was it she was getting a more understanding and milder lecture from the "nicer" Lydia. Nope with Lydia it was never a lecture but something more motherly while with Sam, Lia was made to look like some dumb waya not able to be as broad minded when we do remember before Lydia being patient guiding her to their own vampire way of life version.

Sometimes you start to wonder, this treatment of Angel's career to make her wait this long is it another way of showing through the way Lia's getting this treatment character wise. After showing Lia in a love scene with Mateo, he decides to leave her. The Punong Bantay doesn't even get enough respect? An effort to make her character look cheap and dumb? For allowing herself to be treated this way? This after the way Lucille's escape happened makes you think the lobos are incompetent and Lia's sentimental inauguration is just that. She's still a weak leader easily thrown around? Still treated shabbily even with her new Title.

That scene which made Lia just look furiously intense. Yes Angel was on target alright but the writers nevertheless made her look dumb in front of a talking and lecturing Sam like some immature lobo not capable of broad minded thinking so she (Sam) better be the one to take control since she's the capable one, ouch! So alright Maricar looked like she was just mouthing her piece there and I didn't like it also that all the director made Angel do there was just to look like someone mad by the touchy little lecture.

To make things worse it's Lia asking for the meeting. Another of those clear intentions to make her character look lame too. Lia the new Punong Bantay is just some insecure immature neophyte? So Lucille believes she's never worth the Title which only belongs to her. There really is an effort to make Lia so low. Not sure if some fans don't see it as much as we do. When will her character ever get some upper hand? After all she's now the new Punong Bantay. This underdog really can't seem to get any upper hand, just when you thought she did, she's back to being back where she belongs.

How about JL's Mateo? Pretty much looks like they conveniently made him not hear what else Lia had to say that she will eventually use her position to make the other lobos believe in spite who he is. He is not danger to the lobos but has a good heart. True, there was this nice bittersweet moment and yet it also meant he just left her right after he got her into that bed. Well that's enough reason to make Miriam really mad, he could have chosen a better time to leave her. At a time when she would get her dream to lead her lobo race. But it usually happens too right? Do we need to complain all the time? Yeah scripts have done that kind of thing. It happens in real life and yeah Lia is what? Miriam has a lot of reason to tell her to just forget him. It might even give some viewers enough reason not to like a Mateo-Lia loveteam here.

Lack of solid development. Remember even pex posters are looking for more connection between Mateo and Lia because as they say it seems the way the characters were established, it seems Mateo and Sam's characters were given more attention connection wise. It's then no surprise that even with the trust established between Mateo and Lia, for some viewers even that is not too clear considering there's a certain lack the way their connection were established.

So the writers making a pitch for that actually when they make Lia call Sam as if she actually knows him better than Lia does. Should this be necessarily the case the writers want viewers to have? It's been slightly suggested many times especially the more subtle scenes between Mateo and Sam when together which are highly suggestive and sometimes it's like less is more.

I notice it when Mateo just puts his forehead over Lia's as sometimes more meaningful to his passionate kisses which sometimes looks like it's Lia more in love with him. There are those looks after their LS (love scene), Lia looks to be the more happy and in love.

Of course we know it's exactly the way the writing was done. Make no mistake. The writers are made to write something where viewers won't exactly be hooked to a Mateo-Lia loveteam. These subconscious intentions can actually be very powerful.

How about scenes where they look so good together? We have a lot of these too right? But if you look at it the viewers where still looking for how their character development should have had more of those scenes that establishes this real connection, which writers are obviously not really making it as engaging character and story development wise.

We all know how much they can make them look good together. There's nothing like their character development making this real connection which as pex posters say more care has been made to connect Mateo and Sam. So you mean the Mateo-Lia love story is lame and needs to be better established?

Of course there are many questions that needs answers Nicks? You know I always pose them to you? re your take about pex poster observations and mine too. [the fact that i'm not that really kilig with mateo-lia love story means the story fails to convince me of their great love, which was different in lobo ..we asked the writer about that before but i guess earlier scenes were already done when they started getting our feedback so i hope they'll make an effort to address that shortcoming in later episodes - nicky]

So the need to go on and establish more the characters and their love for each other is not enough on the scenes but more on their characters. To think that the new Punong Bantay is now sexier and more fashionista..hehe Well it seems she still needs lessons from Sam there for this last episode

Lesson on connection development from Mulawin. If you've seen Mulawin especially the earlier parts they were kind of persistent in establishing the connection between Alwina and Aguiluz. Something they couldn't recapture in the movie which focused more on the wars and action stuff.

While Mulawin is supposed to be a love story fantasy and action series, we think it's really the love story of Aguiluz and Alwina which caught the fancy of viewers. Aside from the heartthrob presentation of Angel's Alwina especially for the earlier episodes and Aguiluz too was a very nice romantic character there when he played the unwinged "mortal" who forgot about his identity. [i agree with you angeladik that part plays a big part in making a story very engaging because it's similar to the feedback i got from malaysian viewers for lobo ..the focus on the story was secondary and primarily more on the love story of lyka and noah -nicky]

That part was actually the most romantic. All juvenile stuff but nevertheless the connection made especially for young and young at heart fans connected, which later they couldn't sustain unfortunately as the story tried to do everything else like the battles between warring winged creatures.

Imortal Episode 75 [14.1.11]

2011-01-15T00:07:00.000+08:00

credit: freezeboth14

Imortal: review of episode 74

2011-01-14T21:57:00.000+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

Lets move on to Imortal episode 74 which is about Lia finally accepting her new challenge, as the new Punong Bantay. Her natural birth right now restored after she proves herself strong as the itinakdang lobo. Of course it was necessary with all the latest developments, the vampire attacks, the imminent prophesy of the itinakdang lobo and vampira, coupled with Lucille's escape.

As expected, in spite being her childhood dream to take over from her mother Lyka, Lia is worried because of Mateo and feels being the Punong Bantay is a bigger responsibility to the Lobo race and she can't keep to herself Mateo's secret. This is the reason for her worry.

This episode is also a transformation fashion taste wise for Lia. As the Punong Bantay she can't be seen dressed up in unfashionable clothes, no more since as leader she needs to show strength, power someone dressed to lead a proud Lobo race.

Otherwise, like real life Angel Locsin's (Lia) fans, the Lobos might criticize their Punong Bantay for ill advised fashion. Also, the timing seems right since it's getting more obvious Angel's finally loosing the weight she needs to.

This episode actually is an Angel watching episode, acting wise we know it's her rise and on target for what's required by the writers. Angel is the unassuming Lia now thrust to lead her race. Angel always does this ingenue's turn very well who transforms.

It's a kind of bittersweet episode too as Mateo realizes for Lia and himself, they need to separate for the meantime. To both find themselves as they need to have separate journeys but very hopeful that one day they will meet again more mature and ready to accept everything as future mature itinakdas. They need to mature first to deserve each other.

Mateo wants Lia to understand, through his letter. Of course it's not Lia's idea but she needs to be strong. It will actually help her too become a strong leader because she still is very soft and needs to be stronger not only for herself but for the entire Lobo race she needs to lead. Stronger for herself and yes for Mateo even if they need to separate to be what they need to be for each other and for those they were destined to lead.

Before I get too redundant and boring. I think we have the viewing pleasure fans want to get. Some might want them together all the time but this might be a turning point hopefully their characters will be well developed further, it seems getting there.

Lia as Punong Bantay. The Lia becomes the Punong Bantay has just the right amount of touch for me. It could have been more dramatic but the writers decided to be low profile style which is how Lia's character is. Although it can't be helped, the physical transformation with fashion getting one gear higher.

There were several looks for Lia in this episode but my fave would have to be the last dark pink dress for the inauguration as Punong Bantay and the letter for Lia from Mateo as he leaves her but not in spirit is very touching. As we see in the teasers, the pain and heartache Lia needs to endure but still with the thought of how he cares and this is for their best [so love that scene too ..got teary eyed watching it ..i felt so proud for lia hehe - nicky]

Mateo leaves but where he's going is mysterious and Mark Gil is there and did I see Imelda too with him? Okay, so Imortal promises to have more surprises in the coming episodes.

Mark Gil, a much welcome addition. One good thing I found is the addition of Mark Gil to the cast. Hopefully, a well written character will add competent interesting acting to the support group. That's for Mateo who's getting him in his scenes.

What about Lia? Lets see where this will take her? The mother-daughter team Zaragozas of course are back so lets see what's more in store. Do we need another new character? It's a wait and see actually.

But thanks writers, seems the story is really back with the leads. Now we want their roles getting meatier and if possible also lets make sure in what direction the supports are getting. We actually wanted newer more competent actors in the cast. So let's say the addition of Mark Gil. We were heard right?

Goodbye unfashionable Lia, hello fashionistang Punong Bantay. Finally too the old unfashionable Lia will be a thing of the past. It seems as Angel actually looses weight for the "new role" as Punong Bantay and did she really gain weight to make this sharp contrast? Just an after thought now? hmmm Well it's up to you nicks if you have a word with my after thought like could it be? hehe [it's possible coz i know star cinema is fond of dramatic transformation like in magkaribal :) - nicky]

Angel then really earns everything and deserves good writers and directors as well as co-stars. More veteran actors with her please all the time. Just give it to Angel and fans who really want only the best of Angel. Love Angel here so thanks. We want more

Cogie as 2nd male lead: About the second male lead for Angel, just visited the pex and a few there are still rooting for Cogie Domingo. You know what, the only reason I did root for him too was I saw him with Angel then in Darna and they really do have this strong exciting kind of chemistry which is instant. The way I first saw Angel then with Richard Gutierrez in Mulawin on TV.

I dunno I think mestizo fair type guys look good with Angel. Of course, we already know how Cogie never really took his career more seriously. I have to take note also of another suggestion. Although he looks more mature and sophisticated is Tom Rodriguez since we saw them with Angel's MMK with Jake Cuenca. The appearance was too short though but can be considered. Unlike Cogie then, we have to say it's really there and he has a way of looking at Angel so it adds up too.

Imortal: review of episode 73

2011-01-14T20:57:00.000+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

Now we move on to episode 73. First there's something been noticing with ABS prime time soaps recently. It can't be helped since we wait for Imortal and we are sometimes able to catch Noah and the more usual Mara Clara and once in a while Kristine. I dunno but it's becoming noticeable the redundancy of the scenes and the way its been presented. Sorry I'm so fond of complaining. I dunno perhaps I like more dynamics in presentation. After a while, Mara Clara has become a repetition of sorts and this is becoming boring for me. Now I realize this is the culprit and not because Angel's back in Imortal making for the shift back too of the interest level. This episode 73 is thus crucial for a viewer like me, and as you know Nicks I speak my mind when I'm not fully satisfied.

While Mateo and Lia are so back in each other's arms, it looks like they're so far away from each other, isn.t it? and its purposely done too by the writers. Is this a good thing for later episodes? Of course, some don't want those overly sweet moments for the Mateo-Lia couple. Yeah too much of anything is not good.

Hot love scene. I was trying to figure out why it looked to me that the interesting part of episode 72 was only the nice hot scene which thank God they didn't overdo it and went for the more tastefully done but nevertheless still hot scene., referring to their LS (love scene). Good enough for the loveteam fans of course. I dunno with the other obssessed with both stars sexiness especially Angel Locsin (Lia). Perhaps some guys wanting more, nope I don't think so. I still want Angel to keep that certain level of image which is more only what's required of the actress.

Keeping secrets. Perhaps it's because the writers are actually writing their love story as if they're so far from each other in spite being together. Yet again Mateo seems to like to do things and not telling Lia while Lia always makes it known to Mateo her whereabouts. This kind of mood where Lia always seems the last to know what's in Mateo's mind is kind of redundant too and everything really looks hard for Lia. She's always on the sacrificial end of everything. You feel the kind of ordeal she's been going through.

Perhaps it's the reason why I feel the distance sometimes. This is a love story so we want to feel the love too. Although again we notice the writers also want to concentrate on Mateo's preoccupation with his own predicament. Not knowing yet if indeed there's truth to what the Vampires keep telling him about who he will become.

Somebody also is out to destroy and kill his love Lia. His actuation I feel for whatever is required by the director for John Lloyd Cruz (Mateo) to project onscreen, it seems is not too much concern for his love for Lia but more his concern about himself, the way at least I see it. Aloof? Sometimes that's how I see it? By any chance do you share the same observation Nicks? Is this also intentional or do we need more passion from JL about his love for Lia also? Because while Lia looks serious about her love and about everything about her concern for the Lobos and the eventual demand to become a Punong Bantay,it seems the role of Mateo is still neither here or there. [yeah, an indecisive Mateo is becoming old for me and looks boring already ...i guess that's why i don't get any kilig from them anymore ..they look like an old married couple hehe -nicky]

I hope its the role. After all, the Mr Rodriguez of old was an unfeeling executive then. Well, what about the time when Mateo found out about Lia and still accepted her? He looked more in love during that time. Have things really changed for Mateo because of his discovery about himself?

Wayas easily duped. So okay the two characters are actually becoming a complicated set of feelings for both, worse Lia now needs to deal with another problem as if it's not enough the Vampires are on constant attack. Lucille's escape through the kidnapping of a guard's daughter. I dunno why the writers were trying to make it appear as if the wayas couldn't figure out when it's the daughter of a guard at Lucille's cell kidnapped. Surely they can figure out it could be Lucille, keeping watch over Lucille more. Where's the intelligence there? It looks like the Vampires are always knowing more and getting the upper hand in terms of strategies or in the case of Lucille's camp.

Well as a fan sometimes it can't be helped when we feel we want to see more of the heroine in Lia and less of being always on the loosing end. Although they managed to imply Lia was suspecting about the guard's daughter and Clarisse, too slow and Vergara too late as Lucille made her escape.

Comeback of Clarisse. Since Clarisse just came back, we see less of her fireworks here just a short but felt reunion between mother and daughter. Of course, the best moments then were the underdog E.A.(executive assistant) and the spoiled Bit** Clarisse. The tables have been turned so let's see what the next Lia Clarisse-encounters will be. Well, their encounters before were all entertaining but of course we know they need to top those and not just be another rewind of what's been seen before especially that this time around it's not the same.

Since the writers have no qualms about Clarisse being all out, it's still interesting what they have in store when she meets Lia once again. Yeah SURPRISES is actually what we want. Meantime, we want something else also for Mateo and Lia because it's been that Mateo keeps his secrets while Lia tells all to Mateo. Will they keep up with this?

Other characters. About the other characters, the ones we see here aside from Clarisse-Lucille and short ones with Vergara and lady elite force companion, Mateo and Jethro of course the very significant conversation they share. Mateo is aware and Jethro encouraging him to stay far and away from Lia when he starts to feel that indeed the prophesy will happen and he will eventually kill Lia.

This episode also devotes time for Olive. Oh I see she was once a Ms. Teen Philippines? Well she looks tall, sometimes taller than Jethro so that's more reason why they look like an odd couple aside from her looking older too. When was she a Ms. Teen Philippines, is it some part of the prize she becomes a Starmagic? Not so familiar with her and looks wise I really thought she looks older and not one of those young recruit talents of ABS like Lauren Young in Lobo, so we were expecting a younger looking actress for this role. It's actually a meaty role here but her portrayal is so amateurish and TH I dunno and this role is better for a real young actress because she's really awkward pretending to be a teen and looking much older. [i guess we can give an allowance since she's still new hehe ..perhaps she'll undergo more workshop if she doesn't improve -nicky]

I dunno why I don't like certain characters. This carpenter guy at Dara's, not liking him too. You think it's bothersome Nicks I'm not liking too many characters here when i didn't have much of that with Lobo? Well, I actually found Nessa or Agot Isidro tiring to watch and her dramas but once Elle of Pilar Pilapil entered the picture we actually enjoyed all Lyka-Lady Elle scenes.

I dunno we really preferred more of those in the Lobo cast although the likes of Nina Dolino (Clarisse) in particular we were easily interested. We still want more for John Lloyd because we know there's more in store for him and Angel yet so we need to see them all the time in those "surprise" us scenes.

Variety needed and less melodrama. The emotions of Lia here is written all over. She's at a stage of her life she needs to choose and now the lobos want her to be the Punong Bantay while she still doesn't know how long she is able to protect Mateo's secret from the lobos who now want her to be their leader.

Yeah you have a point. It's becoming too heavy for viewers while Angel is on target showing us her ordeal, it's not exactly for viewing pleasure seeing just all difficult emotions. It can be too much to just watch a troubled person. Thus we want those Angel action moves and it better be nice choreography.

In the same manner, we don't want Mateo always in that difficult troubled look all the time. Even after the LS, he's looking like that because of his worries. Too much worries enough for the real lives of viewers. We want some variety but not dismissing those difficult emotions our two lovers are both facing.

As the story moves, we hope to see that variety, suspense drama and love story unfolds with some action moves too. Let's see how the writers incorporate the good story telling and balance the variety

Angel as fashionista. I actually like it when Angel plays fashionista characters. She has done it before even at GMA although that was earlier in her career. Later they pretty much made her the usual poor girl heroine since their belief perhaps it's more appealing to the masses? But the fashionista is more akin to Angel too when she plays the young neophyte type also. Although she was younger then, Angel shows a lot of variety so she still has this youthful vibe going for her even now.

Next episode. The teasers we'll be looking forward too. Mateo saves Olive from Magnus, how does he do it considering he's not yet supposed to be fully transformed and powerful? That's the reason a younger more cute looking young actress would be believable to save. Not this tall Olive Oil type who has this irritating voice and TH manner of speaking. A young competent actress from ABS-CBN, the real young talents they I have I mean. If I look at it, this Olive actress looks too big to be saved, nothing fragile looking about her and besides JL doesn't look all buff to save this big supposedly teen unlike saving a young looking Lauren Young then. Should I be sorry for forever disparaging co-stars? [perhaps Olive will turn vampire in later episodes to give Jethro a dilemma ..she can look fierce I think :) - nicky]

Then finally Lia under the shadow of keeping Mateo's secret is not exactly happy to become the Punong Bantay and that's exactly why. Not to mention the added pressure knowing Lucille's escape and what this means because of her 'secret", the next "traitor" as Lucille has conveniently branded her mother before for her own selfish reasons blaming Lyka too of her husband's death. Now this is what's facing Lia as Lucille and Clarisse are back making life harder than it already is.

Imortal Episode 74 [13.1.11]

2011-01-14T17:35:00.000+08:00

credit: mOuRningd0ve2

Imortal Episode 73 [12.1.11]

2011-01-14T17:15:00.001+08:00

credit: BubblymMdD

Imortal: review of episode 72

2011-01-12T03:53:00.002+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

After finally the acceptance of Lia, we find our couple finally consummating their love. This is probably the main attraction for this episode.

So my take about the LS (love scene)? This time the camera angles were on target. Gentle but passionate. The facial shots and preference to stick to the upper body parts was a good choice as focus was more on acting and visuals which was very clean and both looking good particularly Angel Locsin (Lia) for most of the scenes here. Angel is looking very good actually and matching very nicely with John Lloyd Cruz (Mateo) so the effect is, the more you root for the couple.

But what happens to the rest of the episode? The danger and risks now in particular for Lia who all her life seems to be forever an underdog. Still reluctant to take on this aspired job of the Punong Bantay. Now she has to face wrath once more once it spreads that Mateo is the itinakdang vampira.

This is another ordeal and do viewers really want this kind of stuff considering Lia has always been an underdog? In past Angel soaps we've seen her at her heroics best playing the underdog later victorious heroine.

How to make this an interesting heroine's journey where viewers will root for Lia is all in the hands of the writers. If they want her back and of course we know there's this other journey too of Mateo. He is the cause of Lia's worries of being treated a Traitor once again while for Mateo he is being whooed by the Vampires. It's not at all alike.

Jethro already knows Lia is keeping Mateo's identity as the itinakdang vampira a secret. Soon he might make this big mistake if he really shares everything he knows to Olive, who's the subject of Vampire undercover work. Yup the actress playing Olive not heard or seen her before is getting a meaty role here.

As per Lia's request, Jethro's keeping it to himself for now but how long? Lia is attempting to tell Abraham and not at all helping her cause hearing from him the itinakdang vampira has to be killed, even if he has not transformed fullly yet since he presents a danger to the lobo race according to the prophesy.

So Mateo and Lia's journey doesn't end in their LS at all. More rough sailing is coming since Mateo might just finally think it best if they separate for the good of everyone. Yup and for the meantime we will be getting an impregnated lobo by a vampire scenario? and itinakdang vampira not knowing about it? when he leaves her?

Since more events are expected to happen, we trust better character development and scenes for Angel. Hopefully they still have scenes with John Lloyd and Angel too in spite the impending "separation" hopefully too it will be on and off. Still, whatever course or journey the writers choose it has all the potential to make the interest level high. So let's hope the writers and directors deliver. We want the suspense building up but we hope Mateo and Lia will remain how we hope eventually they find a way. Well that's the fan in me.

Now if I ask you Nicks where do you think should be for the mean time? Added pressure is also in the teaser. [frankly, i want to be surprised because i love good stories. i want the writers to make it unpredictable with unexpected twists. since i'm not into melodrama, i want to see more action scenes with angel in future episodes. hopefully, writers would not focus too much into that you-and-me-against-the-world theme coz that have been done countless times already -nicky]

Next episode. Aside from Clarisse planning a Lucille escape, she's fine with getting her mom to leave for abroad but how about Lucille? Also added pressure is the Lobo masses demand to make Lia the official Punong Bantay which you can see in Lia's face is not at all welcome news.

Abraham et al already know Lia's not comfortable with this, something supposedly she's aspired for but still very reluctant about considering she's not yet ready to kill. Although she does it when for a loved one, as is the case when she kept Mateo's secret from Vergara and the girl elite force companion.

Cause of fans' concerns. The reason we kept on complaining is so simple. We watch because of Angel and when we don't get what we wanted to watch, we're like this spoiled brat not getting what we wanted. Yeah, after a hard day's work and being patient with ABS-CBN for making us wait so long of Angel. Did they really expect real Angel's fans to be patient with them? It can be bad you know, so there.

I dunno, since we feel we are still a voice out there of a real fan we knew we had to be heard. Isn't it we make it easy for them too instead of making blind surveys about what fans feel about what they're doing?

So okay, they always point out the bigger picture thing but hey didn't they think too that for busy people like us, a daily primetime show like this is meant to be watched on an everyday basis for us and meant to be enjoyed because our bigger picture is our busy lives and personal lives which is our real world.

Besides, if they wanted us to look at the series on a wider bigger picture then we will surely take them more seriously if we feel the level of the writing and all is near really that good. Perhaps we will look at it that way.

But when polishing is still an issue then viewers just watch this one for its entertainment value more than anything. We don't exactly like the idea of pretense when to begin with since we've been hearing from some Twilight fans they made direct copy paste scenes out of their fave movie series. It's a good thing I've never been a fan of Twilight so I don't bother to ask everything that's been copied since I don't care a bit about Twilight anyway [haven't watch any Twilight movie in the cinema too -nicky]

We just want the best possible entertainment so we can enjoy watching and mainly it's Angel which makes that happen for us. So the heck about the whole picture when we just watch mainly because of Angel. Of course you know I don't really watch Pinoy teleseryes much before Angel and I have to admit I'm getting a bit tired now of Mara Clara perhaps because Angel's back in Imortal so our attention's back with Imortal and seeing what's next in store for Angel.

Distracting body movements. I was focusing on Angel's face during the confrontation scenes so I didn't really have time to catch that camera angle you mentioned nicks re: Angel repressing her hands although I have a word with this issue.

Generally I've noticed this to be a common mannerism among local artists especially from the past. Every now and then we watch those old drama movies with mom who's the more addicted with Pinoy fare including movies. If I remember right even Nora Aunor, I think I noticed her do it. I can't remember which one since I don't really finish watching I just join mom momentarily.

Angel likes doing it a lot I noticed from some past projects. Her way of controlling herself perhaps when she becomes very intense in scenes, she usually likes to give her all.

I dunno, it's perhaps the way you control yourself in a highly charged emotional scene. For one in that dramatic confrontation, Angel was assigned the most highly charged and she needed to be highly intense there. The facial expression I thought though was on target. Only the manner of technique had me more distracted more than anything.

I think perhaps if there's no technique to avoid doing that, the screen media can actually use a different camera angle and concentrate on perhaps Angel's facial expression or just the upper body to avoid exposing the repressed hands or the repressing hands showing.. It's usually something you'll find more in actresses who can be more emotional and a bit not so much in control with emotions. Women can usually be all out hysterical too you know although for entertainment visuals this can actually distract.

So these are pointers depending on the school of thought a director adheres too. Sometimes our local directors favor hysterics and body movements like hand movements. They like to actually highlight although yes for some tastes we don't usually like that. I'm actually one of them.

Actually in Sam's month long her role bigger than anyone else. Direk abused the use of hand movements to the max with matching flailing of arms for Sam. That's the reason my viewmates here were finding her style overly dramatic and corny. Actually her manner of speaking was not helping her cause any for us at least here.

They could have put a really competent veteran actor to fill the void of Joe Marie (Roman) I think because in spite the best efforts to write her role even better than the leads, Maricar is still someone very much in development.

Writing her role very well and giving her the stage that long actually exposed what she doesn't have yet. Actually we don't buy that nicks. I think she actually has some other purpose, and backers made sure she got a bigger role here than usual because clearly if you look at it, there's an attempt to make her look the best here in Imortal.

You just know in this country and even the notoriety I don't like to bring it up here is enough reason to make her role this big. It's happened with other people before but you just know in ABS-CBN you know backers do it for you.

Thoughts for Angel. Now since our Angel's back and you pointed it out [re: hands repressed at some intense dramatic scenes -nicky] we want Direck to use less of that technique. We've seen Angel too do drama better when there's less of those body movements. Angel's facial expressions are the best and we don't want them become less because of these other distractions.

Angel is still at her best when subdued because it highlights how natural and intense at the same time she is with her facial expressions. The thing with Angel's facial expressions when at her best is how strongly she projects on screen so the better to find a technique minimizing distracting body movements.

Underplay some story lines. I think too re: storyline some of the characters now need to be underplayed especially if nothing more is done about how their characters are developed. Best example is Dara who we think recently has had no more substantial character development. She's supposedly the much better veteran actress here let's say compared to Olive. But there's really nothing more to her role and we feel that if she can do more because her character lately has been too superficial, lacking character and depth and I'm talking about the role not the actress.

Not very familiar if she's one of those really impressive veterans but isn't the Olive actress getting a lot of this kind of special attention considering she looks new to me and very neophyte too acting wise? Is this one another one of those with backers. Here being paired with Dino Imperial (Jethro), a somehow familiar young ABS talent, makes me wonder since there are more familiar looking young ABS talents around and she doesn't look Dino's age. [if i remember correctly, the girl playing Olive's character is a former ms. teen philippines. perhaps she's also with star magic? -nicky]

Recent storyline suits Rico Blanco. As a rocker musician, I guess a role with this kind of angst suits Rico B. (Lucas) more than some romantic lead type of guy. I think it comes out more natural for him too and likes the role better so the result is more natural to watch. It makes more sense to do casting well. I think Rico also likes this role better. It's more him and he's more comfortable with it so the result translates on screen.

In the same manner, Maricar Reyes (Sam) is being pushed too much and it becomes too much for her. I dunno I guess more of her just can't sustain enough interest too for my viewmates. Well, I guess others don't really bother much if they are just more into watching the story.

It can actually be the same with Rico. They can overextend his role and people who like to watch the story more will still want to watch as long as his role is written very well the way they've done for Sam more than the two leads so far.

My thoughts. At this point, we have become less expectant so we just want a nice ride especially for Angel's Lia and we feel too somehow Lia's been deprived of Mateo in spite the LS, bittersweet since we know they just might separate and Mateo making this move truly hurts for Lia eventually?

Writing is I guess moving forward now since for our Lia, she's back. There are more events going to happen. What we wish for is the character development of our two to watch here, Lia and Mateo. Nicely executed scenes for them too and more Angel Angel fans want Angel We still want Mateo and Lia scenes too so still hoping for that too Something very interesting for them.

Let's hope the writers now make this extra effort to write their roles much better since at least for this week so far looks like they're back with the two main leads. Let's go back to our real leads relegated as the secondary leads.

Imortal Episode 72 [11.1.11]

2011-01-12T02:22:00.000+08:00

credit: freezeboth14

Imortal: review of episode 71

2011-01-11T04:11:00.001+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

For episode 71 we have better character distribution. More appropriate since finally Mateo gets his scenes and Lia does too with less of Sam although she's still very much in the scenes but as is only appropriate and not exaggeratedly looking as if Imortal is about her story as it looked in previous episodes, or from her POV (point of view).

This is the big revelation episode as Lia finds out about Mateo's being the "itinakdang vampira". We know finally she's willing to stand by him at the expense of being branded a "traitor." A sort of antilimax too considering Sam's "been there, done that" for Mateo and there you see Sam in the scenes wanting you to feel sorry for her. While Lia in that scene is just thankful that Mateo finally might be willing to carry on their "you and me against the world", again anticlimactic since you see Mateo looks worried too about Sam not because of romantic love but because of his kinship and "care" for her too. So it's not really just about the two leads once again. Always they need to share and a lot of times because of the way Sam is presented, the bigger role to her especially the way the past weeks have been. [is it perhaps of roman's possibility of not being able to come back so the writers feel they need to make sam's role bigger to fill in that void -nicky]

The thing though I don't like about the way the dramatics were chosen, a bit too predictable and the presentation reminding me of a stage play. Somehow, the past few drama scenes of Angel in the last week were, if my memory serves me right, comes out more natural because of less predictable stage playish like dramatics. You watch and you notice even the way Sam makes those insert dialogues in between those of Mateo and Lia and you get that effect. [it's like anytime you expect someone will start singing an opera hehe -nicky]

Had the director chosen the more natural approach then the intensity of Angel in particular would have made for better appreciation because intense she really was for that dramatic confrontation with Mateo and Sam in the sidelines. [i dunno i got sidetrack also with the camera angle of Angel's back like she's repressing her hands ...the camera should have focused on Mateo if that was the intention -nicky].

I dunno also why the director likes inserting those scenes like while the three where having their dramatics, suddenly you see Olive and Dara just pop up...It happens so often in important drama scenes I can't figure out anymore where the director's going.

Somehow I appreciated more the last week's less drama and less drama play technique by the director. It's kind of a pity because this is the highlight of the two leads with Sam along with them. I dunno the PEX is full of appreciation and I could see why but I didn't really like the director's choice of technique. So okay it's my preference, the stage play technique is for the stage and not for TV, that's me.

For me this is still a wanting development. Director has to use a better technique more suited for TV. He has done this in previous JL-Angel scenes so we were looking forward to seeing the better executed ones. We understand they have different sets of directors so the lack of consistency is something that has to suffer because of this fact.

Simon-Lucas dramatic scenes, more natural, . Actually the dramatics I thought which came out more naturally was the Simon-Lucas encounter. Despite PEX notices that Johnny Revilla (who plays the role of Simon) has this certain poem reading style as they say manner of speaking, he makes it look natural for some reason. I wouldn't even say his style will make him look like some great drama actor but let's say it's natural and just simple straightforward, again it's just me. [i dunno i don't mind and it's not affecting his simon's character since he is playing a rich role so it's like part of simon's personality - nicky]

In contrast to the similar poem reading style manner of speaking of Maricar, who clearly makes it look like a kindergarten play so many times and awkward too, even her acting is obviously studied which can be bothersome. I think the scenes of John Lloyd Cruz (Mateo), Angel Locsin (Lia) and Maricar Reyes (Sam) there, JL was trying to keep it tight, Angel was being intense and Maricar was like waiting when she will deliver her lines. I dunno, somehow it looked too staged for comfort. [in fairness to Sam, looks like average viewers don't mind how she is attacking her role because people here like her along with lia -nicky].

Improvement on Rico Blanco's role. For all my Rico B.'s (Lucas) bashing, for his two important scenes in this episode, the one with JL and then with Simon in particular. Now these are the scenes I think which is up his sleeve. He actually looks good in those particular kind of character roles. The character development he's getting now more akin to his personality, perhaps of portaying a troubled spirit. So I guess, I'll give this episode to Rico B., not that I want to see more of him. Nope sorry, I guess we have our faves but he comes out the best for this one.

Less Olive scenes. I will plead once again for less Olive because her character really gets to my nerves from the first scene she had and never even once did I like her in any scene. Please this is just me so let's not be accused of disparaging co-actors again. Look if called for, I will give my appreciation like Rico B. not happens to be a fave but I think is doing well now. As I have been saying there are roles fitting him so if they stick with that, he's alright. [i saw that comment from mico and i don't agree with him coz he can't force viewers what to like and he should be more receptive of comments to improve the show. about olive, is this her first tv assignment? -nicky]

Change of director. I also want to know if there indeed is a another director change because it's evident from the last time JL and Angel shared those dramatics pre Sam month long episodes? They had more natural drama highlights between them then. Let's not overly stage scenes which became prevalent during the Sam month long series. Let's see the directing technique next. Hopefully JL and Angel will share some more, this time just between the two of them and see the effect. It's a pity because they had good ones before especially now that this is a crucial time for their "you and me against the world" stance of love.

Next episode. For teasers, we see the fate of Lia following her mother's as she will almost getting there be branded a "traitor." I could not make out why the script is so hard on Lia not because of this but because of Jethro's line, "that Lia are you being a traitor?" while before with Mateo he actually didn't tell Lia what he saw about him? Do the writers have short memory? or they are so hard on Lia?

We see a very worried Lia more in trying to protect Mateo, she's really risking being branded a "traitor." Suffering the fate of her mother, becomes the ultimate underdog in the process from start to finish from the way her character was written and favoring Sam.

Mateo will stay on with Lia but sooner it's Jethro who finds out his being the itinakda. Strange he was not much in panic knowing about Mateo's being a vampire. So ok the itinakda is more dangerous, of course we understand that Jethro stand.

Mateo and Lia finally consummates their intimacy and love. With the "traitor" tag hanging on now, guess who gets back to make life miserable once more for Lia,the straight antagonist Clarisse to provide the battle sparks hanging or just waiting to happen.

My views. In the past, Angel plays the underdog later victorious heroine and is always at her best in victory. Will this happen here? Will the Imortal writers from now on make her character better developed henceforth?

Also we want the more natural drama approach. Lia is an underdog quiet heroine, unassuming while intensity is not a problem especially in many Angel drama scenes, we want the kind of presentation along the lines of natural made for TV drama because the best scenes Angel owned those episodes and we want them again of course.

With Angel back and ceasing to be a bit player for this episode, I think I'm back making clearer reviews.

Angel's slimming down. The happy note here for an Angel's fan is the signs are clear now that Angel's loosing weight. We understand it's not to be an issue upon request but we can't help it. But all the while we knew she'll be able to do it.

Now we hope she'll stay with it since her "My Amnesia Girl" stint doesn't lie. She looks awesome there and much better with JL in that kind of weight. They actually look perfect if Angel could have maintained that level.

Anyway Angel's back getting there. Now we don't need to pressure her. She's still very pretty anyway even with the added weight. But at her right weight level, you can't help but really be more appreciative of how great she really looks at her best, she's simply the best.

We do remember of course that first Imortal teaser, Angel was still at that weight level until nonstop taping and shooting for a movie perhaps took its toll.

Thanks to Angel too. We know it's not easy to loose weight at a time when you have such a busy schedule but you're doing it for the fans. Of course we know it's for yourself too. We just want you to stay healthy all the time. We always look out for you watching your projects. So excited also for "Huling Sayaw", actually that's a better title than "Embrace Me" which sounds kinda weird.

Imortal Episode 71 [10.1.11]

2011-01-11T02:44:00.000+08:00

credit: freezeboth14

Imortal: review of episode 45

2010-12-04T19:44:00.002+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

Episode 45, last few Mateo-Lia sweet moments as Lia after discovering from her web mail that Abraham and Nanay Tabs were held captives by Lucille decides she has to return to face their captors as she's the one they're really after.

But Mateo has other ideas when he and Lia make their return, to contact Sam and endorse Lia's safety to her thinking she's not under scrutiny by the Wayas. Sometimes I wonder here because if you look at the script, it's not as if Mateo really knows her that well, and her mysterious ways is such an easy give away. So what if they share those same half-Vampire like coming of age symptoms which frankly for Mateo they conveniently set aside. [perhaps they'll mysteriously have that illness come back when they decide it's time for Mateo's full transformation into Vampire lol -nicky ]

We know how initially Mateo felt suspicious of Sam but they conveniently showed us that because of those symptoms he felt this kinship with Sam which later developed into "friendship" for Mateo and for Sam into "deeper romantic feelings" for Mateo. It seems like just as Lia taught Mateo about being in love, he being naturally drawn to her as the trigger.in the case of Mateo and Sam. Mateo needed Sam to understand those symptoms which Sam conveniently used to play her "game", much like Clarisse wanting Mateo for herself, only her baiting style is more cunning and sly unlike the extremely bratty Clarisse.

True to naive form, Lia just follows Mateo's wishes to get Sam to know their plans and be part of the inner circle, which really the way Sam operates I wouldn't even entrust my secrets to her. Does she have this sort of hypnotic effect and why do I have this feeling Lobos are supposed to know the "smell" of a vampire particularly BFF Miriam who's unlike Lia who just transformed recently. Okay, Sam's using that concealant perfume again? so she's not detected? but how about her actuation? she really acts very suspiciously for comfort if you ask me

At the Waya Council, Lucille is again making it appear Lia, Abraham and Nanay Tabs are all traitors although there are dissenting thinkers there. Still Lucille will have her way and has hatched already a plan to get rid of them, Lia and Abraham all of them.

Lia and Sam meet up for the first time as we find Sam joining the group and finally meeting Lia and knowing straight away from BFF Miriam she's Lyka's daughter. For me that was too careless for a BFF. She really had to give away everything so easily to a person she hardly knows??? Writers?? why do you really make it look so stupid? can't they write something where Sam finds out but not that way?

The scorn of a jealous woman making her hate more the "itnakdang Lobo". Sam wouldn't oblige Lia to a handshake that puts her in a compromising situation. She's too smart for that where the rest of them including Mateo's clueless. She wouldn't want to check out if she gets burned but soon in their fight scene.

Next episode. Sam will find out she's not the itinakdang vampira after all as she gets burned by Lia in that confrontation. So Lia's the confirmed itinakdang lobo and only Sam knows this to tell the other vampires and the unknowing Lia, Mateo and all where she's making her moves too with Mateo.   By the way, these are the teasers since the Lia-Sam didn't happen this week. For this episode, it was just their first formal introduction from Mateo. I meant the Lia-Sam fight scene which again on Sam's favor since she's conveniently covered Ninja wear style yet again so she keeps her identity. While working her way with Mateo under Lia's nose, there's that attempted Kiss.

For the teasers we see Sam and Lia in that fight scene. I hope we get good shots from Angel since based on the teasers we see yet again why she really has the action heroine moves no question about that. She engages the Ninja covered Sam in an exciting battle and you know Angel's made to do all the hard work action wise since she's not covered, so it's her doing most of her stunts. Hopefully, it's just the fair treatment we want for Angel.

Character development and story plot. I dunno I think writers here are not into details much, much like the huge leap in transforming Mateo's character. Suddenly he cracks jokes routinely which remember up until the comfy sofa scene he was just romantic there. Suddenly he is a cracker of a joker. Okay Pinoy fans just love watching the rom-com genre so it won't harm if suddenly Mateo's character seems straight out from his rom-com movies? Okay so we all enjoyed them no question but I think it went off character. [i forgot who is the supposed head writer of Imortal since apart from character's inconsistencies or abrupt change of personality, contrived scenes too is starting to get plenty -nicky]

Serious naive Lia really changed him that much to the point of learning to trust Sam where before we knew how much he didn't trust Sam. It's as if the many years he was trained by Simon to be guarded with people he suddenly forgot about. Okay around Lia he does seem to forget because he's in love but with Sam unless he's subconsciously attracted as well to her whereas before he avoided these feelings. With Lia's help suddenly he's been less guarded and actually a willing learning to be a Playboy?

Getting to be interested in Sam, started with those similar symptoms and we know how Sam used this to get him to be closer to her. On the other hand, Mateo found out things about Sam having this kinship now, that he too had, like him being reared to be unfeeling, she too having this sort of upbringing from Magnus, suddenly Mateo thinks he can also teach her to explore her feelings.

But this only nurtures more Sam's "hidden desire" for Mateo hehe and this turns to jealousy for the woman Mateo chooses to love, having Clarisse feelings too but knowing how to play it smart with her Vampire cunning ways.

So all this actually exposes Lia to more danger, the exact opposite of what Mateo wanted. He's not really careful if you ask me. We remember him being trained to be independent. Sure re his symptoms he would ask Sam but with Lia's concerns? and why do we see BFF Miriam to trust Sam right away just because Sam's supposed to be Mateo's "friend." [i wonder here why Mateo did not call the tomahawk stalker since waya doesn't know about them too ...logic be damn just to get sam meets lia -nicky]

Whereas Sam seems to "know" everything, Mateo and Miriam seems to be the opposite. Okay, so Lia's made to be so naive although I would contest this since lately she's been getting training from Abraham, did they omit intelligence training? These are the kinds of questions you often find yourself asking when watching Pinoy soaps. They don't give much thought to sense, just make things convenient.

Viewers as critical thinker. Perhaps it's the state of mentality we have. Remember the country has reached this sort of state where people are systematically brainwashed successfully because Pinoys are "less into analytical thinking?" sometimes it's actually simple thinking but ages of brainwashing have really made Pinoys passive. [perhaps it's the writers who assume their viewers are non critical thinker and it's an insult to viewers' intelligence if you ask me - nicky]

Pinoy soaps do this so automatically and systematically you'd think Pinoys are a less thinking people, the dragging disorganized soaps to the more compact plot driven direction we see from Koreanovelas and why they are more successful than us.

Okay the tension is there but for me the mere fact that it's not as respectful that viewers are also thinkers, somehow for me it looses the impact. But anyway, made a survey among other Pinoys including the lower social classes, some agree they also detect the lapses but as passive as Pinoys have become they say it's okay because they think the story has picked up anyway.

ABS-CBN not taking good care of Angel in Imortal. I just noticed in the scenes where Mateo, Lia, Sam and BFF Miriam who previously has been fashionista. It's strange why Sam is all made up as if going to some party when she joins the group    This time all the rest are in rugged wear.

You can almost say Sam where are you going? Yeah we know she's always fully made up and being fashionista but the red dress to pick up in hiding people kinda making yourself too conspicuous if you ask me.

So okay they really have to make her look uber gorgeous to contrast Lia's simple almost no make up style hehe to set the tone for the competition for Mateo (of course we know Angel Locsin gets away wearing simple clothes and little or no makeup as she's way prettier than the other ladies here. Too much confidence to the point she's made to wear those unflattering tight fitting jeans) too conspired if you ask me

Of course, we remember them doing that too in Lia's scenes with Clarisse but with her she's still wearing those office clothes. Here they really made her not only wear those unflattering jeans and she actually looks bigger here compared to earlier shots too, while BFF Miriam suddenly becomes so rugged looking too...hehe beefing up Maricar Reyes there I guess. [isn't it stereotyping that simply because Lia came from the province she has to look like a barrio lass but she stayed there for only a few days and even people from provinces are also fashionistas actually especially the younger crowd like lia ...mateo's shirt looks better than lia's outfit by the way -nicky]

Sometimes I have this feeling they're uber promoting Maricar here and even with Nina Dolino who's almost made to be such a scene stealer acting wise, it seems it's all meant to make less of Angel? conspiracy theory there?

I dunno as a fan you tend to be watchful what ABS-CBN is doing to Angel right? Those noticeable shots of body part flaws from previous episodes. Or it can have the underdog effect too? since we know the subtle acting of Angel here is engaging and even in simple clothes and gain weight and all, she's still the prettiest girl in the series, no thanks to unflattering shots and clothes. [message to stylist: isn't from Lia's transformation into Lobo should be the start to make her start dressing smarter? she should be a sharp dresser from then on ..Lia can still wear simple outfit but make it a bit fashionable, not sloppy -nicky]

Remember these are just supports not exactly considered important stars at ABS, not the usual young stars Angel's being pitted against. Anyway, whatever the purpose of ABS-CBN but if that's to make it glaringly noticeable that Angel's lost touch?

If you watch the other present ABS-CBN soaps I sometimes feel the plots too are more compact because sometimes I need to watch them before Imortal. The supports there too have big time veterans like Gina Pareno for Mara Clara and there's Cherry Pie Picache for Noah and Joem Basco doing very well the anti hero role.

I dunno and all this talk about high ratings for Imortal. Well, we believe them but when a lot of viewers really watch please make an effort too to make the female lead look good. That's where my mom's lines come in, ABS-CBN not really taking care of Angel.

So okay my whining is well known by now to those who read me but I will go on. Even Angel just has an old looking Rico Blanco as other leading man where even if presented in the most fashionista clothes and making Angel look bad in their scenes together. Still can't forget what Angel was made to wear in that forgettable scene where RB was fashionista and all and Angel was wearing rag home wear. How can I forget the unfair treatment for Angel, yeah fans know when they see it.

Angel and JL loveteam not encouraged to be popular. Let's see if the writers will make John Lloyd Cruz look bad or rather if they [Sam and Mateo] develop an actual romantic angle there. Then we know JL was partnered with Angel alright but no, there's not any intention to make them a popular loveteam.   Proof would have to be their "off screen" publicities which you know by now Nicks are purposeful and you know the things I believe in and don't by now too .

In fact, if they make Lia wear those uber probinsyana look for the most part here in stark contrast to the uber party girl fashions of Sam, then it's confirmed they dont want a JL-Angel loveteam developing and Imortal was made to expose JL to this genre to see if he fits in. While JL is a good actor sometimes you feel the action suspense genre is not exactly his comfort zone yet mainly because he doesn't look and action moves wise is not exactly a fit.

Fair treatment needed. There are even talks the movie Huling Sayaw is postponed because of a little bit more of weight gain for both Aga Muhlach and Angel?   To begin with, I think giving Angel this everyday schedule of shooting both movie and TV series at the same time. I dunno because we know Angel doesn't seek the wonders of science help when loosing weight so it takes a while. Or is it just an excuse to postpone Angel's second movie at ABS-CBN I dunno.

We believe those financiers are pouring their capitals on their kids more and just using Angel to beef up future leading men for that daughter. All the more reason we like Angel to give up her comfort zone and regular job at just pleasing her bosses and unmindful of her own career. S ure we know she's uber well paid for all this by these people but really she's a real talent just to be used to up the lot of their kids.

Sometimes we really hope Angel would really consider her chances at an international career because really local showbizdom is so political and those who have the money and influence dictate everything. Angel's a real talent and star, has all the makings of an uber superstar that's the reason they keep on putting her career on hold and she's just given work mostly to exploit only her talents and services to give add that spice.

Angel and other talents like her are in fact routinely used to up mostly leading men so eventually they can pair with the daughter...oh the trend is too obvious not to notice...Angel paves the way for her eventual pairing with those leading men...tell me you dont know who I'm referring to and you still dont know me nicks [yeah the princess hehe - nicky]

So okay, let's just hope things pick up for Angel in Imortal and enough of this conspiracy for now. Just give us viewers what we want. To add, sometimes these conspiring intentions are backfiring on them because if you notice daughter's still finding her niche and in spite uber build up she's far from being a real star. Yeah lack of talent and these motives sometimes gives a bad taste also even for passive viewers, uber promotions can backfire actually [i guess they wonder if the machinery worked for the mum why not working for the daughter -nicky]

Even passive viewers don't feel it when the uber promotions of the family become too obvious and self selling for comfort. Well, don't tell them I didn't tell you. For instance, what makes the present presidential sister more successful at self selling. Of course, it helps if you have Tita Cory as mom as they say won't elaborate on that deal, their family striked with them. For the daughter, what really went wrong because compared to her harder to sell cousins she has more looks while they can just console themselves with having the money and influence to have those publicities.

Well good luck because we know JL is another likely candidate for her next leading man and for us rooting for Angel. Well, if Angel were a guy surely she would be given more importance because Angel would then be paired with her but since Angel's a gal and in direct competition then we know the only way for fans to see more of Angel rise is if she really gives herself that chance to go international unless Angel has a contract with them. Oh well, then we will see more of this treatment of Angel I guess

What's a fan to do Nicks? I ask you? We are here to do what we can for Angel but when she's cooperating and works for them? Rest my case, we still can hope can we. fans forever. [sadness, i'm still waiting for angel to get paired with sam milby to be helmed by cga - nicky]

Imortal: review of episode 44

2010-12-04T18:16:00.001+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

Episode 44. We can't just get enough of all those Mateo and Lia moments can't we? After making us wait like this long, it's not really hard to figure out why we gals in particular still want more of this sweet moments between the two and even our indoctrinated guys here are excited about all those sweet scenes hehe. Everyone's full of smiles around here I dunno your feedback over there. So we find Mateo and Lia happily sharing the bed but yeah kids can watch this one and everyone likes it here so at least you writers finally doing viewers' choice a favor. [the bed and breakfast scenes like jethro's blog reminded me again of kim hyun joong's 2nd drama, "playful kiss" ..i wonder if the writers get to watch it hehe -nicky]

Meantime, let's get to know the new character, what's her name again? Yeah talking about her love to Sam and Magnus, actually being one of them. Of course, he needed her help perhaps because Sam needed a mother figure? or he can't seem to know how to handle those daughter concerns that only a mother knows how to.

Meantime too, we have Abraham and Nanay Tabs captive to force Lia to surrender or show up. This time we know the characters have really settled down especially on the part of Vivian Velez who's doing her Lucille a big turnaround from where she initially started, getting better now. So it's a relief since we needed those veterans for the show too.

hehe Clarisse getting her break time as it's Lucille and Sam getting their turn this time as main antagonists with the new character. Let's see how her presence spices up the series from just Magnus and Tom to share those Vampire scenes, now we get a different take.

We see a lot of scenes now for Sam as clearly her role becomes more significant this time as Lia's other main antagonist, the tone will be set for that. While as before she did scenes but somehow I just couldn't get much of those especially when lengthy because it had nothing much to do with direct contact with Lia. Okay, that's the Angel Locsin's fan in me, characters are more interesting when in direct contact with Angel.

There's that scene where she was sleuthing around again getting information from Dara and niece, getting to know more about Lia and telling the two, who are excited about Mateo and Lia together, that Lia's not good for Mateo. Oh now she's become sort of another Clarisse. Actually both have this snobbish similarity about them, Sam and Clarisse, although all out brat Clarisse is way all out hyper mode.

Meanwhile BFF Miriam tries to contact Lia through the net to tell her what happened to her dad and Nanay Tabs, telling Lia not to show up but when Lia's finally able to check out her web messages she feels the need to do the opposite and eventually decides to return home. Of course Mateo doesn't approve of this but Lia's determined so he has no choice but to support her decision.

Next episode. That's the teasers there, Mateo and Lia return and are spotted at a Cubao terminal by Lucille's people. From a previous teaser we know she'll be presented at the Waya Council to answer "charges." Lucille having this conversations with Clarisse, yup getting better now, and with Albert making plans.

It's unfortunate that most of them including Mateo and even BFF Miriam don't know Sam is a vampire and she's able to be with all of them getting infoormation anytime about Lia who she now hates more knowing she's not only the "itinakdang" lobo but also Mateo's love. Mateo even endorses Lia's safety to Sam and she took it as an opportune time to attack Lia and that's the last frame, nice one Angel in those contacts, very beautiful there in the last frame.

Oh before I forget we had one scene here for Lucas and Simon just to remind us they're still part of the series and Simon still looking for Mateo while Lucas is insistently presenting himself all of a sudden to his father. Yeah kinda late for a lazy bum thinking he can still be responsible but really all he does is go against Mateo because of Lia. That's all there is to his actions, plain selfish. Suddenly he wants to prove his worth and does everything to discredit Mateo just because Lia chose him over you. Well, from the start even without Mateo you're just like an older brother that's all there really was.

More endearing scenes for Mateo and Lia. We really like that one when Mateo fixes Lia's cap, concern there and Lia looking so pretty

-end-

Koreanovelas. The thing about Koreanovelas yeah, but in those countries it's all really purposeful and systematic and they know exactly like a well studied project, they have their objectives clearly set out. So we know why they've really made those strides in exporting their productions. Although with TFC and so many overseas Pinoys and mixed marriages between us and foreigners, kinda we've exported ours also and pretty much doing well but its not yet their focus I guess to go mainstream international.

We pretty much do it the way we know how even if in Imortal there are so many attempts at just copying scenes. Still its the plot developments I'm concerned here. Sometimes and even for episode 43 we get a lot of those quotable liners which really helps establish more the charm of the characters but really both Angel and John Lloyd are such naturally charming actors. JL has been given so many opportunities to showcase this in the projects he gets from ABS.

Angel's talent underutilized. We know Angel's projects at ABS-CBN has come in trickles so when we see the writers give Angel scenes where you know the writers made that effort to come up with those quotable liners, it gives you that feeling of oh at last they're giving some to Angel because we know the extent of Angel's natural charm as an actress and quite frankly real watchers know its mostly been underutilized.

Perhaps one of many reasons why we want Angel to get an acting break abroad because it's clear Angel's not exactly on the top priority list. What we understand is she's still given these projects once in a while because one, Angel brings another dimension and variety whenever she's made to pair with a new leading man.

Angel's unique among our young actresses by virtue of her versatiliity at doing mostly all genres. She can fit in and it's a matter of giving her the right script that can bring out the best of her. Angel's a charming actress too who has really continued improving her craft and I know what else she's capable of if she continues improving. It's already there.

Angel being able to fit into any role and get into many different types of moods you know she's that type of actress who can be as diverse and versatile but at the same time she's this kind of charming popular actress people would automatically love and adore, not because I'm a fan. That's why I keep on saying her full potential has been mostly underutilized because of projects that come far apart for our local standards.

You just know that eventually when Angel gets it all right what she's capable of because she's not just a good actress, she brings this kind of charm that people that draws people to her. Only because it's been underutilized it's mostly there are those who've discovered her late because her projects are not that often many times lacking the usual promotions other ABS-CBN projects get.

The rise to stardom. Maybe it's my mom who's the real addict when it comes to local soaps to thank for because even as a newbie actress, she already cited Angel when I didn't even hear anything about her, have to forgive me for not being too familiar with GMA talents then. If my memory serves me right, they were promoting Mulawin that time so mom would check out some koreanovelas at GMA and then started watching Angel and Mulawin and that's how it all started. Every time Angel's on TV, then mom would surely be watching.

Around that time I was still busy with school so I didn't watch as much as she did and my fanship was not much yet because I was more into school not watching TV hehe like a good student of course but I would of course always hear classmates and everybody else fall in love with Alwina so that was a fact.

You know most people watch ABS-CBN but slowly but surely Angel was drawing attention away from ABS-CBN talents because she's just so different from most of the young talents they regularly churn out, like a new darling and popular with young fans and old alike, including a lot of guys too. That was unique for a matinee idol young actress.

Even now that we hear comments from guys old fans that Angel's put on that weight, I guess they still adore her it won't fade anymore. So we just need real good scripts for Angel and well developed plots and they will continue to watch Angel like the gal fans would always do.

Even for episodes like these 43 and 44, usually it's kinda cheesy but I still think they've executed the light scenes well that guy fans are still watching of course with us gals. Yeah 'cmon catching Angel is still an addicting habit esecially its free TV anyway and the gals want to watch, they can always give in right? hehe. well they've got no choice anyway. Well, the guys here at least have all been indoctrinated although they want some action too from Angel. Well. there's another one coming based on the teasers when Sam and Lia finally meet and match up.

Imortal Episode 45 [3.12.10]

2010-12-04T17:17:00.001+08:00

credit: DMylbbub

Imortal Episode 44 [2.12.10]

2010-12-04T17:10:00.000+08:00

credit: tristantroy2

Imortal 4th webisode: The Dream

2010-12-04T16:57:00.001+08:00

credit: 1chronicles49

source: ABS-CBN's official website of Imortal

Imortal 3rd webisode: a conversation with Rizal

2010-12-04T16:57:00.000+08:00

credit: 1chronicles49

source: ABS-CBN's official website of Imortal

4th webisode teaser: Imortal Scandal

2010-12-02T22:27:00.003+08:00

Check out tonight at the strike of midnight the release of 3rd webisode at ABS-CBN's official Imortal website.

credit: djsa01

Imortal: review of episode 43

2010-12-02T13:11:00.004+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

Pacing and episode 43 is an example of a compact, simple, focused script and when our main actors do it so well then the effect is so contagious. For episode 43, they focused more on Mateo and Lia, the Waya sect of Lucille after Lia, and Sam's turn as Lia's new adversary all because of Mateo. Now it's Sam's turn as Clarisse is momentarily set aside. So here we're not tackling them all in just this 30 minutes or so episode.

Episode's recap:

Lia finally tells all to Mateo and the reaction, he runs away again. It's a repetitious reaction actually, he runs but when he remembers all those happy moments with Lia, the confusion turns into something that draws him back to Lia. It's really love so that's easy and why can't the writers do these more often as viewers always enjoy that.

Run he does riding a jeep only to catch another jeep to get back. Meanwhile we saw Lia so hurt and just as we thought she left the rented house, she was just walking around the area hurting but trying to draw strength from within herself. As she finds Mateo, running back to embrace her, and finally they have several kisses and after the drama, which I like the way the directors handled the scenes, it looked so real and everyone here could feel it.

Then a very Pinoy light moment for the two reconciled lovers when Mateo concerned over Lia being undressed when she transforms back to human form. That was one of his questions when he asked Lia to help him understand about those transformations and he loves Lia more than anything else.

In the meantime, Lucille has Abraham and Nanay Tabs arrested and just misses BFF Miriam while Magnus engages Sam in a dad reprimand when she admits to him she's in love with Mateo. Sam does her own sleuthing finding out about Lia being Mateo's companion in hiding. Now she's really brewing suspicion and jealousy.

While the new character makes her introduction, what gives you the right what's her role here is effect, trying to be motherly there? when she hugs Sam? Of course after having a father daughter argument, this new woman of Magnus, she looks to have had something with him in the past?

So now, we have Mateo and Lia officially so back in each others arms.

Next episode. Moving on with the teasers, kinda fast but we see more lighter Mateo and Lia moments. Now they're really hamming it up. Okay hopefully we get the right light mood, let's not make this a romcom yet, even if the writers look tempted already to explore that. Bearing in mind that would alter Imortal's genre.

Remember they just got the right romantic mood for episode 43 so let's do it right without loosing touch that still this is not one of those romcom movies of John Lloyd Cruz. Although I will see first how the writers treat the light mood. That's next.

Back at Dara's, her niece is excited about Mateo and Lia but Sam who's around isn't at all. Then Lucille orders her men to make sure to capture Lia, a scene of Miriam in an argument in defense of Lia and Mateo and Lia spotted by Lucille's men while Sam sees Lia in the last frame.

Thoughts. The best parts for me are the show of emotions of Lia and Mateo and the last part when they reconcile has to be my favorite, and the best part of the entire episode not only for me but all of us viewers here, the best for romantic kilig, drama or light.

Do you remember that sofa scene episode as the one I enjoyed the most? Then add episode 43 to that. Now if the writers can do it twice, why not do it on a more regular basis? [how can i forget that sofa scene? angel locsin looks so adorable there ...i think i used those scenes in my two latest fanvids hehe -nicky]

Episode 43 is just the right mix, even scenes of the other characters like Lucille even a constant with Albert and this time Magnus and a rebellious Sam, they just got the right mix there and exposure time. It was really moving this time. Less of the drag I tend to feel as the series wore on and yeah Clarisse isn't even shown here and thank God no more Lucas since clearly we can do away with him for now. It's not like we have to know all the time what's happened to him at the expense of the Mateo-Lia romance arc.

As in the case of Clarisse then, this time its Sam who will go between Mateo and Lia. But the thing which is different from Sam's previous episodes is her character now looks to be in the mix of our two leads and for this episode the fact that they established the relationship of the leads so well, we appreciate more what Sam's role is.

Side stories. Sometimes I feel the writers focus on too many characters per episode and giving their side stories extensive exposure that the story sometimes lacks focus on the leads, it kinda lessens the impact.

When you do that routinely each episode, it can sometimes appear like a direction less made TV series, you can't make up your mind who you're trying to focus and it looses impact big time. So okay let's just say I'm an Angel's fan but the writers have to realize she and JL are the leads here.

Sometimes they really have to focus more on them rather than creating so many side stories that tend to have that scattered effect. That's when it sometimes looks like they are direction less, lacking in focus with story development

Okay, we've heard of the so-called ensemble cast, yes but as far as I have observed ensemble productions you usually find the actors interacting a lot together. It's not like I noticed with Imortal that they put in those side stories of each character giving a bit of too much exposure wise and unnecessarily.

If they really wanted exposures then the webisodes are there for that. In the meantime, we want writers to know how to focus on a certain theme and we know Imortal mainly revolves on the love story of Mateo and Lia and the obstacles including those people aside from the war between the Vampires and Lobos which happen to be where they are a part but on different sides.

Their journey is intertwined so we want the presentation going a more compact direction.

Central focus. The heart of Imortal belongs to Mateo and Lia and now for a change, the writers decide to show it's loyal viewers that Imortal is not just a passing presentation. But we want to see the heart of Imortal and by obliging and really giving it the right time exposure this time, compared to past episodes when they hurry too much because they need to show the side stories of other characters. This time they gave more attention to the heart and soul of Imortal which is to make the audience feel why Mateo and Lia have this undying love.

Okay, this is something Koreanovelas do so consistently with more thought of plots, yet simple, but because they know where and how to focus on the stories of the main characters they have this more lasting, unforgettable effect. [so true, i can immerse in a drama only when characters became real like for me and you can have that sense of connection with characters with good plot development ...i want writers to make me watch Imortal because of Lia and Mateo and not because of Angel -nicky]

You can't just hurry important scenes to make way for the important scenes given to all the rest of the cast. It's like watching a buy 2 take 12 for free thing and you can imagine it will look so disoraganized and lacking the focus and direction. We just really want to tackle plots one at a time and the writers better decide if they want to focus on the leads because cmon you loose a lot of momentum for the main leads every time you decide to show a side story for a character extensively.

It's like a romance novel, you were to describe the two lovers and then you start describing the other characters in their lives and when you go back to the two lovers, you only have just a few lines to write about them, nothing much.

We want these writers to give these two more exposure time together. Viewers don't need to know for a short 30 minute episode what's happened to the entire cast at the expense of what they should be doing, establish Mateo and Lia.

So I hope we have more focused presentation and not too many prolonged distractions that moves a bit too far from where the focus should be. Episode 43 was such a happy well received episode even here. Suddenly Imortal is alive again thank goodness.

Angel and John Lloyd tandem. Episode 43 shows us why Angel and JL rightfully belong to one of the best loveteams they combined and why their combination should be given more exposure. Please stop this reluctant attitude of the writers. They interact so well as actors.

Besides both Angel and JL really make a charming, lovable pair to watch showing us all the emotions. It's a blockbuster episode for sure gauging from viewers reactions here I tell you. Suddenly Imortal's really so alive again.

Angel is so adorable and charming aside from really pretty and JL makes charming look as natural as can be as well. Both are a charming pair of actors.

-end-

Nicky's note to Angeladik: you mentioned koreanovelas, have you noticed that their dramas have good variety of OST and even released OST albums in the mid-airing of a popular drama. It's a good marketing strategy too because apart from the extra earnings, people will be reminded of memorable scenes while listening to those songs outside the drama and can make them miss their fave characters more. I dunno why Imortal seems to know only one song.

Imortal Episode 43 [1.12.10]

2010-12-02T11:15:00.000+08:00

credit: adythzky

Imortal: review of episode 42

2010-12-01T05:13:00.000+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

Episode 42...Lia wasn't able to tell Mateo about her being a Lobo. Instead, she would tell him they meet later in the woods, she has something important to tell him.

In the meantime, after those careless friends of Dara got bugged by Albert's men, Lucille orders them to get Lia and dispose Mateo if necessary since he's not of any use anymore which Clarisse overhears and follows them. Clarisse had every intention of saving Mateo from Lucille's get rid of him orders, while Sam who's been looking out for Mateo also and finds out by "hypnotizing" Dara follows Albert's men sensing the danger they present to Mateo.

Sam isn't able to follow Albert since instead of getting rid of them she's hit by a Vampire silver bullet although she's able to remove it later and heal. As Magnus, same old scene where he overhears Sam overly concerned about Mateo, that's when he contacts somebody to take care of this problem of his ward into this Mateo obsession.

So while Albert and his men are stalled by Sam, it's Clarisse who was following them getting the instructions from Albert to take over, with him not having any choice having to deal with Sam first. Mateo and Lia were supposed to meet up at the woods but instead, it's Clarisse Mateo finds there acting up again bratty and all pleading Mateo to go with her and leave Lia since Albert's men are after his head.

As expected, Mateo only makes Clarisse angry so finally she decides that if she doesn't have him then no one else will and proceeds to transform and gets a piece of Mateo's neck about to kill him. This time Clarisse tells Mateo, he might as well see who she really is before he goes, and transforms right in front of him. That's when Lia finds Mateo and at that point Mateo's more concerned about the danger Lia might be in until he sees her run to save him and then transforms also to free Mateo from the lobo form Clarisse.

Mateo just looked in awe there as running Lia from human form leaps and transforms into lobo form also to battle the lobo form Clarisse. We see Lia lobo form bitten at the arm but mostly Clarisse turns out more beaten to the still newbie at fighting as a lobo Lia, turns out she's stronger already.

Meanwhile, Mateo is just watching the two battling lobos looking wide eyed at what he's witnessing until Clarisse gets beaten and transforms back to human form. Lia meanwhile tired from the battle lies back and then transforms back to human form. At this point, Mateo's first instinct was to run away but then later decides to come back for Lia, maybe thinking she might be harmed if he just leaves them both as Clarisse will get back at Lia for sure.

He proceeds to remove his jacket to cover the naked body of a transformed back to human form Lia still looking hard to believe at what he saw and a bit hesitant but the concern for her safety finally overcomes whatever negative feelings. [so that's the reason why Mateo suddenly has to wear jacket out of the blue while Dara's relative and Lia are in shirts ...this kind of contrived scene sometimes lessen out the fun for me hehe -nicky]

Mateo brings Lia back to the house and when she wakes up finds him a bit distant to her, which of course hurts her and you can see the pain there. They flee as per revelation of Lia that Lucille's men are already looking for them, so off they move on and when finally Albert and men arrive as Clarisse wakes up, the two have left already although they were able to catch up with Albert and men but they missed the two.

Mateo and Lia are together but with the cold treatment from Mateo. They are so distant and we could feel the pain of Lia. Riding a jeep to get to a temporary hiding place, a house for rent, there Lia finally's able to open up about the lobos as not halimaws but just like people there are good ones and bad ones. But I think it was a mistake for her to tell Mateo as she almost killing him at the Bright Lives Foundation since she actually tried to save him from his Vampire attackers but tell that to Pinoy scriptwriters. So that's how the episode ends and lets see what's Mateo's reaction to all Lia told him. This time she's the one pleading for his understanding, poor Lia we can really feel for her.

Next episode. So moving on to teasers. hehe ok I had to review the teasers, too fast. Lucille orders the capture of Lia, Miriam holding an eavesdropping Sam by the neck, Magnus discovering Sam talking over the phone overly concerned for Mateo and the new character I guess, but the heart wrenching scene is when Mateo runs away from their rented house and Lia's crying. [the new character might be Francine Prieto? -nicky]

There's a scene too I think Lia's in front of Clarisse or is Lucille there too being interrogated? by the Waya Council? she surrendered herself?

About Mateo leaving Lia, not too sure about this because if my memory serves me right, Lia in that lavender shirt I think they had some KS there? Based on SNN that is, re the lavander shirt Lia's wearing. Not sure but the running away, I think Mateo would later return and see Lia crying and perhaps they'll make up. I dunno because from previous teasers at the start of the week looks like they reconciled but have to be separated for awhile he even fixed Lia's hair there she's wearing this hat. Well I guess this one's showing this week. [i believe that too angeladik, they will kiss and make up there since that's the same house and outfit where the uber passionate kissing scene, which was shown in e-live when they promoted the show before the pilot telecast, will happen ...check out the house and their outfits here and here for bts photos released prior to pilot telecast ...looks like Imortal hass still over two months shooting time ahead -nicky]

Thoughts. Okay before I go on with some of my complaints, a good dramatic scene for Mateo-Lia is their confrontation at the rented house. Lia's pleading for understanding and a cold and distant Mateo. The one I didn't like there is why the writers had to make Lia say she actually attacked Mateo at the Bright Lives when she actually protected him from his Vampire attackers. Sometimes our writers can't just make sense I dunno, better have an explanation for Lia there or else.

Imortal Episode 42 [30.11.10]

2010-12-01T03:57:00.000+08:00

credit: mOuRningd0ve2

Imortal: review of episode 41

2010-11-30T02:15:00.000+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

Episode 41 is here and did it meet my expectation? What the whole episode was about are people looking for Mateo and Lia, and Mateo and Lia still coming to terms with each other.

Okay so the kiss somehow made things easier. Lia can't just resist Mateo and tells him she still loves him but she needs more time and he needs to know those other things about her he doesn't know. Of course Mateo doesn't care, he left even his adoptive father for Lia and nothing and no one is to stop him from being with Lia. That was romantic yup but I didn't like the idea of always interspersed with the Mateo-Lia scenes are those scenes of Clarisse, Sam and Lucas all looking for Mateo and Lia. I thought their scenes were unnecessarily prolonged when more viewing time could have been focused on Mateo and Lia to establish their relationship more.

After all, we didn't watch this episode to watch what's the latest about those other people looking for them. For instance the buggers of Albert were shown quickly and we thought some of those searchers particularly the three - Clarisse, Sam and Lucas had prolonged scenes when the focus here should have been already on the two. There's a real need to establish more the two lovers in conflict and less necessary is those repetitious Sam prolonged scene hypnotizing Dara because we know that already, perhaps to establish more the Sam-Clarisse conflict, them having this tension over the Mateo they want. That was alright.

Sometimes there are scenes which should be short and we don't know why they need to prolong them when we can establish more events at the province with Mateo and Lia. Well, we had Lia and Mateo kiss but Lia's still undecided and needs time. Mateo not getting what he wants, follows Lia to the woods where he climbs a tree, pretends to fall, and gets to hug a very worried Lia.

Then this little girl again who likes watching scary things. Mateo tells her to be careful about taong lobos and we don't know why this in particular because really he actually saw Vampires in that encounter. Okay this is all intentional so Lia gets hurt and she's about to tell Mateo, but they hold this one for the next episode.....bitin

All the while we get scenes of the three in the cast and Albert's men, all looking for Mateo and Lia, of course Simon in his sick bed also looking for Mateo.

Next episode. Teasers and we finally see once again the teasers supposedly for this week's episodes, the lobo fight in the woods between Lia and Clarisse where Mateo sees Lia transform and then an encounter between Sam and Albert's men. So we still need to wait what happens when Mateo finally see Lia transform. For me, that's the most interesting part so far. Lia forever of course

Thoughts. Oh before I forget, one of the fave scenes here is when Lia just leans her head on Mateo's shoulders and they're just hugging each other under the moon light. Somehow Dara spices things up for the searchers but I still thought that was to drag the episode instead of more events with Mateo and Lia in the province, the scenes of Mateo and Lia still bitin for us

Imortal Episode 41 [29.11.10]

2010-11-30T01:13:00.000+08:00

For those who missed this episode ...

credit: DMylbbub

Imortal teaser

2010-11-27T22:37:00.002+08:00

Looks like Mateo will soon discover that Lia is a taong lobo. I wonder when will Mateo transform into vampire ...

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Credit: Imortal official fan page in Facebook. If you haven't like the this fan page yet, please do.

[Fan Video] Imortal Virus - Angel Locsin and John Lloyd Cruz

2010-11-27T20:04:00.003+08:00

I'd been wanting to create a fan video for Imortal but I could not find a song that I like. As always, I got inspired with a fan video for Kim Hyun Joong. My version may not be as good as my model but I love them both. If you want to check out the fanvid that inspires me, click here.

Posted at my youtube channel: NlCKl

For those who are asking about creating a video, click here for the tip. As mentioned before, I'm using Windows Movie Maker. Have fun creating your own!

Imortal: review of episode 40

2010-11-27T19:45:00.000+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

Episode 40 and we find Mateo and Lia together but not exactly. Well, Lia is still so hurt about Mateo's "plans" not to include her. Yeah, they just started as a couple and yet Mateo is acting on his own, making plans without Lia...hmmm.

So everyone is looking for Mateo and Lia, and for a change we don't actually see Clarisse or Lucille in this episode and it's Rico Blanco's Lucas getting more scenes once more. This time with Simon who had a mild stroke but intubated? and talking while intubated? okay if they showed this abroad and foreign viewers saw it...hmmm [i asked the writer if they have a researcher for Imortal to double check this kind of details, but looks like they don't have -nicky

Still without Clarisse we know how engaging John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin are, they've become such an acting pair they really look for real, although I'm not fond of LQ scenes but I'll take it as necessary at the moment.

Lia gets an intermission visit to her home to check on her adoptive family since she's also worried for them and when she returns this little girl daughter seems she's mute bacause she just pointed at Lia all dirty after returning from her transformation in the woods. The girl saw Lia as a lobo entering the back portion of the house and when she comes out, it's her human form.

So for now, Mateo won't know yet about this "secret" and also it's implied this is another reason why Lia thinks it's not exactly a good thing to continue her relationship with Mateo aside from putting him in danger, then what, when he discovers she's a taong lobo.

Next week's teaser. The teasers are actually very exciting, as Lia and Mateo return from hiding and I think or hope they made up already. We see the much awaited kiss and let's see if it turns out well for them.

But Mateo makes this wrong decision to entrust his "secret" about Lia to Sam who finally "sees" Lia and discovers she's the girl of Mateo, "of all people". Now we can add Sam to the list of scorned women of Mateo officially? When Mateo doesn't even know yet Sam's hidden feelings for him, thinking she's just a caring friend. [Mateo's harem hehe - nicky]

Then the fight scene of Lia and Sam but it's Sam who knows about Lia. Will Lia soon find out about Sam? Since she's wearing that Ninja like wear, will Lia be able to remove her mask and see her face?

There are cute shots of Angel and JL where Mateo is fixing Lia's hair and they look sweet and caring, concerned about each other's safety. That's when Mateo seeks the help of Sam to help protect Lia, big mistake.

Thoughts. Although the story plots are moving, for instance it's just Mateo and Lia in hiding and Mateo doing all he can to convince Lia they can be a couple once again and of course, Lucille calling the merger off and Simon getting that mild stroke, only that for the last episode of the week. Then showing all those exciting teasers which we don't know how long they finish it for the entire week.

Sure it's enough reason to watch Imortal because of Angel and we can patiently wait for how long they move the story plots. It's funny, I've been hearing feedbacks from viewers we know. They're really mad at Clarisse for what's happening now to Mateo and Lia. Well, the viewers will have to endure Mateo still trying to win back Lia unsuccessfully. Viewers are so waiting for when Lia finally kisses and makes up with Mateo.

Imagine. it's been one entire episode for viewers to endure Lia still hurting over what Mateo's done so I guess everybody's really into it and hating Clarisse for all the waiting when Lia makes up with Mateo ordeal hehe and conveniently they didn't show Clarisse for this episode.

And by the way, I love the teasers of Angel in action mode again and the one with JL fixing her hair hope to see them soon, 'cmon writers just make us fans happy be nice.

Imortal Episode 40 [26.11.10]

2010-11-26T22:49:00.000+08:00

For those who missed this episode ...

credit: freezeboth14

Angel Locsin & other prominent Filipinos support Pro-RH bill

2010-11-26T18:11:00.003+08:00

credit: PINASWATCHERS

On Friday 12th November 2010, @143redangel said:

Pro☺ Ang RH bill kasi, hindi lang ito issue tungkol sa promotion ng contraceptives at ng population control. Tungkol din ito sa health services at education para sa mga kababaihan na mas mahalaga. Yun ang nilalaman ng tunay na reproductive health bill. Ang kalusugan ng ina at ng bata ang pinaka-importante sa lahat. I standby responsible relationship. Planado pero hindi nakakapinsala ng buhay :)

RT @FemaleNetwork: @143redangel Hi, Angel! Female Network, Summit Media’s umbrella website for women, would like to know: do you support the RH Bill? If so, why? FN would love to quote you. Thanks for your time! :)

credit: Angel Locsin's twitter

Imortal: review of episode 39

2010-11-26T17:44:00.000+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

Episode 39 is the exciting aftermath of episode 38. They complete episode 38's action scenes with Lia on the run chased by Albert but not after subduing his henchmen. That was way short if you ask me Nicks but nevertheless a well executed and a visual threat to see Angel Locsin do her action moves. And it's a big added attraction that they make her look chic for this one fight scene in above the knees skirt and heels and the blue blouse more for office wear was also nice for that fight scene. Now that's what I meant by wearing something that looks nice on Angel. But of course, it's the moves and the look that complete the package and why Angel's the real deal action heroine.

Lia's little "bugging" device gets discovered so Lucille orders Albert to arrest Lia. Since she was able to avoid getting caught by Albert, the plan's to get Mateo which Lia hears about and so as she usually does, looks for Mateo to warn him. We know Mateo just called the wedding off so thinking they'll be after Lia as was the threat, tells Lia they need to be together to run away from their captors.

Meanwhile everyone's anxious and tense not only Mateo and Lia, Abraham and family were immediately informed by Lia.

Abraham approves Lia to be with Mateo first who has unfortunately chosen Dara's neighbor friends' relatives place in the province as hideaway.

Unfortunate because everyone knows already about Dara's neighborhood, Simon, Clarisse and Sam have all been there. That's exactly what happens for the teaser as Sam uses her hypnotic abilities to make Dara tell her Mateo's whereabouts although we don't see Sam yet in the teasers getting there. In the meantime at home with the Zaragozas, mother and daughter engage in another altercation.

Nina Dolino a revelation as Clarisse. Some scene every time Clarisse is around, it's always a high strung show but yeah this local actress is always in control. Really Nicks, do you remember a local actress who does this high strung drama this way but still come out not OA? I dunno Clarisse is OA right? but Nina is actually smooth and it's just the right level there. [were you referring to my comment at epi36? ...i was referring to Nina's good control of voice, not all out high pitch loud which i prefer actually -nicky]

I think Nina is really a revelation in her role as Clarisse, she's all over the place when she does this caricaturish role . Really I can't recall a local actress who can do this high strung acting with no OA tendencies. Would you remember a local actress doing it just the right way at this high strung level? Maybe I've not watched enough local movies/ TV dramas but when we know she's still new doing what she's made to do in an otherwise repressed characterization of roles by a lot of the characters of Imortal.

We know eventually Mateo, Lia and Sam were assigned roles where somehow they have been repressed. Mateo and Sam are still discovering emotions and Lia's character has been under scrutiny since her mom died. She needs to suppress and not show a lot of herself to others particularly the present Waya hierarchy responsible for her present belittling position among the Wayas.

It's this contrasting roles which defines more why Clarisse role is free to be as open as and as uninhibited unlike the repressed characters of the other threesome main actors of Imortal. In a way, Nina is tasked to spice up Imortal. While we have 'kilig' romantic scenes from Mateo and Lia, we notice also being suppressed like now.

More spice. I think it will help spice up Imortal more if the other main characters' roles get as spiced up too. Otherwise, writers, unknowingly you are leaving all the spice to the character Clarisse. She owns the meaty role here it seems because the writers are all out with her, no holding back, which cannot be said of our other main characters.

The good thing though is Nina D. is really delivering. You cannot help notice her because her character always has scenes where there's no avoiding her to be noticed and indeed she does and if the writers keep up with this she might as well steal the show from the entire cast, 'afraid to say it.

I mean John Lloyd Cruz, Angel and some of the supports are doing well in their roles but when you have a well written role like this one who attracts attention and the actor doing it is delivering really well then that's the effect you get especially if you're just an interested viewer and not exactly a fan.

Pay attention to right pacing. Imortal's plot is moving alright and in this episode they've actually done enough to increase the suspense and tension with that nice running action scene from Angel but writers have to play close attention now to the pacing they are achieving.

They kinda slow down when Mateo and Lia are all alone in the room and Lia's still in a foul mood. Then there's the scenes at Lia's home with family and visitor Lucas. Okay, let's just say not every character has to be written in hi-fi. But when it's always 'bitin' which you can say is, we're not getting the flow momentum we want then. It's like the hot water writers are using to avoid dosing off especially with all the commercials in between.

We need scenes that are constantly moving the story and not scenes where okay, we just want to kill the TV air time. Like the Lia on the run was actually nice and we find her talking to "family" using her cell phone riding a taxi to meet up with Mateo, chase scenes sure add momentum and suspense.

Pacing writers, when the tension build up is created, keep the momentum going.

Next episode. The last scenes we have, the one inside the room with Mateo and Lia and then teasers. The little girl daughter of the owner of the house apparently saw a lobo around and points at Lia. We don't know what's it about but trying to imply something. And then on the run is Sam in that Ninja inspired getup being chased by Albert and henchmen.

Thoughts. Let's see how the plot moves because we know Lia knows there's something wrong with the Wayas and why she's being arrested and they're using Mateo to get her. Of course what Mateo believes in is just about him needing to marry Clarisse to protect Lia from harm.

In the meantime, the stage is set not only for a Lia-Lucille Waya faction battle as well as Sam and surely Clarisse also are after Lia's head. While Mateo believes Lia's capture has only got to do with the wedding being called off and clueless yet about the other real reason why all of them are after Lia.

There are a lot of reasons why this can be explosive. We just need the right mix so it's up to the writers. Are we sticking with our comfort zone that has become of Clarisse or are we moving on and using well planned pacing to move the story plots which for now seems not much.

Just to establish conflict, I don't think we really need to make Lia always in that foul mood over Mateo. Of course we understand why but the story plots have also to make an effort to make things build up more interest. So moving on I think is a better idea unless they have a good battle coming up of Mateo and Lia. Then let's see what the writers have in store.

It better be than the Mateo-Lia romance angle because viewers want to be entertained, prolonging scenes viewers don't usually like is not the way to go. Writers have to be reminded this is entertainment.

Okay, let's see what's next. Both Mateo and Lia are in danger but also it seems Mateo might just find out about Lia being a taong lobo and where will that lead to? If somehow because their story plot now has to be everyone in conflict.

I mean writers we know you want viewers so definitely you can't just rely on caricaturish emotes from Clarisse all the time and please if Clarisse can be amusing, to watch, the other supposedly main character here Rico Blanco is not achieving the same viewer pleasure so kindly be reminded less of him will do viewing pleasure a big favor. You people just showed Simon in the teaser getting an attack with Lucas around, 'cmon we don't need Lucas drama here so viewers wont get the Mateo-Lia developments right away.

Stalling is so off and a bad idea. Writers need to establish momentum and know when to fast pace and slow pace. When Mateo and Lia are so 'kilig' then I guess give it to the fans to slow the pace otherwise quarrel scenes between Mateo and Lia, 'cmon I don't particularly go for that unless they do some nice nifty action scenes that would be interesting.

Okay, that's it. Let's keep Imortal interesting all the time writers.

Imortal Webisode 3 teaser: Rizal

2010-11-26T13:09:00.002+08:00

Imortal's 3rd webisode has now been released. Check it out at Imortal website. Heard the site reached 3 millions hits as of yesterday. Congratulations Angel Locsin and team Imortal!

credit: bicbicmo3

Imortal Episode 39 [25.11.10]

2010-11-26T03:43:00.000+08:00

For those who missed this episode ...

credit: DMylbbub

Imortal teasers yet to come out this week

2010-11-25T06:07:00.002+08:00

Compilation from Imortal teasers of scenes yet to come out this week in episodes 39 and 40

*thanks to all video uploaders

Imortal: review of episode 38

2010-11-25T04:56:00.000+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

Episode 38 continues the scenes at the house of Dara with Mateo making it appear Sam is the "other" girl but of course Clarisse knows better than that. Sam was just there looking out the window while Clarisse engages Mateo in another argument. Strange she would not mention the name Lia just referring to her as the girl Mateo's obsessed with.

Again, attempts by Sam to extract information from Mateo who should be kept guarded all the time and good thing when it comes to Lia. So far, no slip of the tongue yet, the way Sam's persistently finding out who this "girl" might be. I dunno but I think she almost knows it already.

In the meantime, Lia continues with her meeting with Jethro. It seems Lia easily earns the trust of Jethro and even seems to believe that if Mateo and Lia become a couple, he will have a better time with his future telling abilities. Lia of course reveals her being a taong Lobo and tells Jethro his being a Gabay comes from a family line, although his dad doesn't want to hear any of it.

The writers wanting Lia and Jethro to have this nice light conversation while obvious stalker Tomahawk hairdo guy follows Lia all the way home and then gets heard again while parked just outside Abraham's, which Lia considers home. Tomahawk foreign looking guy seems to be a cartoonish character if you ask me. I dunno if you like it that way so it kinda looks like Lia's heroine in her scenes with Jethro and this stalker is kinda for the kiddie fans for the overall effect to the show I dunno. But nevertheless, Angel makes it look easy with her heroine charm always an advantage. Well, they went already to begin with, starting off with Clarisse' character being caricaturish.

In the next scene, we have Clarisse fitting her wedding dress with Mateo trying on his tux as well while Lia's around as per Clarisse' wishes for her to "get her opinion" about the choice of wedding dress/suit. Of course, we all know she's been at it trying to make Lia jealous for the nth time. Mateo seems not to know again of Lia being there and another eye to eye look at each other, Mateo and Lia, follows. Good acting chemistry always helps but I'm fine with them Nicks. They look at each other and it always looks for real.

Lia excuses herself but Mateo runs to follow Lia instead of staying with Clarisse, making her so indignant for the nth time and in front of her friends who were around also for the look at the wedding dress but also to flaunt and embarrass Lia further or rather she invited friends to embarrass Lia yet again in front of her friends,as always bitching around but turns out its the other way around. Another dramatic confrontation ensues outside when Mateo and Lia see eye to eye again this time just outside the shop with Clarisse made to look bad as Lia leaves Mateo with her.

In the meantime at Lucille's office, she and Albert (that's the name of her right hand guy) make plans to locate Magnus as they're able to sight a group of Vamps. Unknowingly at first her desk has a "bugging" device underneath but she eventually discovers it and her secretary tells her it's only Lia who's been around her room lately.

So that's what we will be expecting as the hanging continuation for the next episode. We have starters as Albert is ready to arrest Lia once more but this time Lia shows why she's not the same Lia anymore as she looks good dismantling the hench men and soon to follow is Albert.

Next episode. Teaser time. Lia's able to run away from them, talking to Abraham and Miriam and Nanay Tabs but this time Abraham advices her not to return home as it's dangerous to do so.

So I guess Lia's only recourse and how it's going to happen coincidentally because as Mateo returns to the shop with Clarisse he actually tells her the wedding's off. With these recent developments, Lia on the run and Mateo the run away groom, they will once again need to be together. But of course it's always the case that they are always brought together. As Jethro says it's like destined to be together.

The teasers we'll see Lia and Mateo in that remote hide away and a girl actually seeing a Lobo and points to Lia being the taong lobo? but we know there's been a teaser also showing Clarisse transforming into a lobo right before Mateo.

So lets see if in the coming episodes, Mateo finds out about Lia being a taong lobo and of course that teaser earlier in the week where Lia is sensing danger as Clarisse transforms into a lobo, in the woods, looks like it's Lia to the rescue there.

Thoughts. The last scene for episode 38 will be continued for the next episode and it's an exciting action scene for Angel who always executes them well and looks great doing them.

I hope some of these action suspense filled scenes aren't cut short because it looses the full effect or impact when they do it and Angel can do action sequences, unless ABS-CBN is reserving more for the drama rather than the action. In that case, make the drama more compelling and engaging always. We can't rely on just the dramatic realistic scenes executed by Angel and JL. We need the story driven plots as well. That's why we need also the right pacing so there's always this momentum going.

So it happens here that about half of the fight scene they show in this episode and half for the next or is it a cut short action scene we have? lets see next because later Lia is on a taxi already calling Abraham asking him what to do next.

There are enough scenes for this episode actually but the real events are still up next. We needed to wait for the 3rd episode of the week before moving on to the more exciting events. I dunno if that's a lot of slow mo pacing or what?

Imortal Episode 38 [24.11.10]

2010-11-25T00:12:00.000+08:00

For those who missed this episode ...

credit: freezeboth14

Imortal: review of episode 37

2010-11-24T04:42:00.004+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

I have to start with episode 37 first, so here goes. Mateo is now at home in Dara (his secretary)'s neighborhood with newfound "buddies", the ordinary "kanto" boys who drink but who some also are into carpentry, a common passion.

Sam is more than ever "hooked" and follows Mateo once again in the neighborhood. Initially, she seems not to like, but with Dara's niece idolizing her fashion sense and style, it's not too difficult to integrate. At first you'd think Mateo is beginning to trust Sam but do we sense the old Mateo schemer when he actually "pits" Sam and Clarisse when she gets her turn to check out the area? Of course, this happens later.

Clarisse on the other hand is restless with still unanswered text messages to Mateo and Lucas for a change has just this scene with Clarisse for this episode (liking that very much). Lucas is actually still around the Waya Inc. office trying to be close to Lia when Clarisse finds him there asking where Mateo is. Clarisse finds out from Lucas that Mateo has resigned from Simon Landholdings so she threatens Mateo thru txt again about the bad that can happen to Lia, as usual. Mateo is forced to answer her messages and that's when he drops over to pick up Clarisse for dinner.

While all these Mateo, Clarisse, Sam events are happening, Lia is busy with her laptop trying to contact Jethro thru his blog and getting a response. Lia's still very much at the Waya Inc. office, actually waiting for Clarisse to leave. It's getting late but Clarisse is still on her cell phone getting an answer from Mateo. Finally, Clarisse leaves the office when Mateo picks her up.

This gives time for Lia to finally put the bugging device under mom Lucille's table when an overstaying restless Clarisse finally leaves the building. As Clarisse leaves to join a pent up Mateo for dinner, Lia is finished with her "bugging" task and off to meet Jethro who agrees to finally meet her.

Yah the "big" foreign looking guy with the tomahawk? hair do?, Mateo's undercover guy to watch over Lia, follows Lia all the way to where she and Jethro were meeting, some outdoor baywalk? hangout? There they talk about each other's dilemma and how they can help each other. Lia also reveals to Jethro, she's a taong Lobo but not one he should be afraid of. Of course he should know she's a safe, harmless character since he "sees" what's happening with her and Mateo and now Clarisse, been seeing vampires and taong lobos as well. Lia, lobo senses sharpened perhaps or the smell of durian as they mentioned, and notices "tomahawk hairdo" guy. [for a stalking job, can't they find a nondescript guy? ..he is too distinctive hehe but they can transform him into vampire since he can look fierce ..haist i miss lyndon ...they should have killed tom instead of him so that there's someone to rattle Sam to spice up the lives at the world of team sangre ..it's too bland at present -nicky]

Before we forget, even before Clarisse would later join Mateo to visit his newfound hang out place, Simon finds him there and we know by now how his company is in very bad shape without Mateo. Yet again the issue to threaten Mateo, Lia has to be dragged as a blackmail, unknowing to all of them, Lia has become a more powerful Lobo still to unleash more powers.

Finally, after a not so interesting, bargaining dinner, Mateo brings Clarisse to the "neighborhood" telling her this is his new-found hang out place and she doesn't like it at all. Now going to Dara's house (Mateo now you're putting Dara in danger of loosing her job), we see Sam there and conveniently Mateo holds Sam's hands in front of Clarisse, yet to build another tension between the two. Gauging at how Mateo intentionally meant it that way, most likely in getting both pitted against each other might help spare Lia even if in some sort of way.

You know Sam was kinda getting too nosy about Mateo possibly having another girl other than Clarisse. So in a way, Mateo might be trying to make Sam perhaps believe she's that other girl. Nice one Mateo to keep Lia safe from more dangerous would be attackers.

Next episode. Moving on to the teaser, it's action packed Lia with Lucille's main guy (what's his name?) Lucille's right hand sort of guy. Lia's bugging device under Lucille's desk table is discovered and immediately it's Lia being the one and only suspect. We find nice action moves and a "running" Lia. That's pretty exciting to watch out for.

Then when do we see the other teaser where Mateo meets up with Lia in some remote place and Clarisse too around? transforming into a Lobo in front of Mateo? are we seeing all these this week?

Thoughts on Lia-Jethro tandem. Like I said, one of Angel's natural charms is she looks even cuter the younger her co-actor in the scene is. Perhaps it also helps Dino Imperial (Jethro) has this wide eyed young, fresh vibe about him so they actually look cute in their scenes...if you've watched more Angel tv series back at GMA she regularly interacts with child actors and its a big reason actually why Angel's well loved by kids not only becoz of the fantasy characters she's played

Angel is so versatile, perhaps because still we see she has this young, fresh spirit so anytime you make her interact with child actors or actors like Dino I. who's probably in his late teens or early 20s just guessing but who still has this very young, fresh vibe about him.

Angel Locsin and her leading men. Sam Milby if you notice is like a kid also a lot so they were really cute together in Only You. I think the fans notice it. Both Sam and Angel can look hot and oozing with that sexy appeal but at the same time have this kinda kid in them, much like cute young lovers. It's a charming mix actually. I've always seen it, something they shared. That's why the chemistry is so ripe for a romcom with light drama. A good story driven script can mix romance with light fun stuff and they can actually do a charming romantic movie as well, not exactly romcom, but still they can do that.

With Sam it was easy to be convinced, and yes Richard Gutierrez too particularly in "Mulawin - the TV series" where their chemistry was at their best and later in the movie LTLB (Let the love begin) to my mind the freshest of all their romantic movies. I thought GMA could have done better and taken the cue from that one to make even better romantic movies. The chemistry was physically instant and I always thought even if I liked the physical dynamics of Richard Angel more, but the personalities of Sam and Angel had that fun cute vibe as an added attraction that was so effortless and alike.

With Piolo Pascual, I thought the physical part was really there, but there's something stiff or perhaps with an older leading man, it takes some fun away really because it's so evident too with Diether Ocampo. I dunno because perhaps Angel has this young, cute vibe about her and when paired with an older actor, it's kind of dampened a bit so we don't see the sparks we see when she's with a younger actor.

I hope with Aga this doesn't happen. I've seen enough Aga old movies on cable I think and although he really looks older now compared to his younger years, he's got this forever young charming persona and as long as he doesn't loose it, he will still be fine pairing with younger leading ladies, well I hope.

The thing with John Lloyd Cruz here in Imortal is he plays a kind of serious guy, unlike his recent romcom movies, so its a test for him but as far as I'm concerned I think Angel and JL were able to pull of their romantic scenes perhaps one of those memorable would have to be the sofa scene. We have to agree they are both a great acting team. Angel brings out something else from JL and vice versa.

But honestly from a fan, the easiest and most effortless to watch for me was Sam and Angel. It could have been Richard and Angel of course, looks wise, they were still very young, so Angel was at her prime particularly in Mulawin on TV and LTLB if only Richard had more as an actor.

But acting wise Angel has to be at her best here with JL although with Dennis Trillo. Angel has actually been good too. Well, Dennis lacked that builit and height so it's been a disadvantage for a leading man. Sometimes they just look cute together but it looks less of the romantic thing.

I dunno I'm just observing. Angel has those fine features so her best looking pairings so far are with actors who have the same. JL is kinda not in the mold of Richard, Sam and Piolo not that he is less attractive but lets say the former ones really have more of the model looks? But their acting I think is what drives Angel and JL's chemistry on screen and its a very good combination actually. Would you agree? [character wise in the story i don't have an issue ...but in terms of 'kilig' i don't get much of it perhaps because JL has this old soul aura or if he was a girl i would call it spinsterish vibe ..marian rivera used to have that pre-marimar days but she was able to reinvent herself ...JL has tried doing the same and at some degree there is an improvement compared to his "tabing ilog" days but a hint of it is still there ..i still see him largely as a dramatic actor i guess -nicky].

Imortal Episode 37 [23.11.10]

2010-11-24T01:28:00.000+08:00

For those who missed this episode ...

credit: DMylbbub

Imortal: review of episode 36

2010-11-23T04:55:00.000+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

It's nice to see them showing the teaser more often but for episode 36 we don't actually see even one scene from the teaser. Episode 36, lets see the events. Abraham is now confident about the "new" powers of Lia and is using her as undercover to eventually expose Lucille, the real "traitor" who conveniently kept the "existence" of the vampires to suit her ambitions and rule as Punong Bantay. Lia puts a bugging device under Clarisse's office table and then under Lucille's too.

Lia is back and in touch with Jethro's blog to save the day for Mateo, who is running after a delivery truck where his chair masterpiece with Lia's name on it is and would bring the chair to some customer. So it happens that Jethro's warning that Mateo would fall into a manhole running after an important something (the chair dedicated to Lia). Lia saves Mateo from this happening as she's just in time to barricade the open manhole and they meet once again although very abrupt as Lia still isn't ready to even listen to Mateo. [the chair is considered a masterpiece and i'm sure it will appear again in later episode but why the carving of lia's name crude? tsk tsk ...looks like they are a bit careless with details like not combing lia's hair or showing unflattering body parts in some scenes as you pointed out in previous reviews - nicky]

In the meantime while all this is happening to our two poor leads, the antagonists are still at it. Clarisse-Lia scenes are becoming an amusing staple sometimes as Clarisse is forever trying to make Lia "jealous"? she's so insecure and that's when she gives Lia that opportunity to bug her office. Clarisse obviously is getting crazier with unanswered text messages to Mateo who's so preoccupied with his furniture carpentry sharpening skills, discovering his father's skills in pouring out his love for Lia.

There's a love connection there. His longing for a father who rejected him in his mind and now Lia who he hopes will eventually understand and forgive him when he comes back for her, which is what every fan is waiting for of course. But as we know, the bad guys won't be complete with a more evil, scheming Lucas now all of a sudden wanting to prove to his father his worth, but it's all for his craziness and his unrequited love for Lia. Now he's even lying so we know it's all selfish love and not a true one when he hides the fact that Mateo left Simon Landholdings already.

Of course Rico Blanco (Lucas) still gets exposure galore. Who cares if he looks bad on screen and it doesn't help that he's now a scheming evil selfish brat. He doesn't even have to act. Just a look at his face and you don't want to see his face anymore unlike the other villain who we enjoy watching especially when Clarisse clashes with Lia, like everybody wants to see their scenes.

Are Lia-Clarisse scenes overused? Well, we love watching Angel all the time except with RB and guess everyone here does too. No more unnecessary RB hate dwelling this time as we move on to the other villainess who want a piece of Mateo. Would you believe in that red outfit of hers teaser time? Suddenly I thought hey Sam looked like Lucas female version? I dunno they looked similar in that clip so they better make sure Maricar's angles are taken cared of less she might remind me of RB. Oh I don't like hating too many people watching Angel's show. It becomes an ordeal. It's as if RB is not enough. Okay I'm dwelling again. [i got a cure for my Lucas allergy ..i stopped watching imortal in TFC and just viewed it now in youtube so i can fast forward any scenes with Lucas even if he was with Angel ...i'll just read your review to check out if i missed anything interesting hehe -nicky]

So where are the rest of the cast? Simon pretty much has that prolonged scene with RB Mr. Exposure and a shorter one would you believe with JL. His scenes were prolonged with his drinking neighborhood newfound "buddies", then Lia, and Sam who unknowingly he's beginning to trust. Yup much like Lia is to Lucas, a feature of local soaps to trust glaringly unworthy characters.

It's not like poor all out antagonist Clarisse who's actually a pathetic fun character to watch and her hyper caricaturish mode. I feel still she's able to control it. Yeah, some people say it's easy but she's the show off villainess with no pretensions. No pretensions and for real... in your face...an assessment of villains. How about you Nicky. Which kind of villain do you prefer to watch? All out or trying to convince you they are actually good but against your fave character? Which will it be? [hmm, i would prefer a story driven one and not a contrived antagonist ...i'm tired of the usual demonic villain who needs to make the protagonist suffer a lot first ..i guess that's the reason why i enjoy k-dramas more ...i asked mico del rosario about that old formula actually but he said it's needed to make people appreciate more the goodness of the protagonist which i don't necessarily agree ...i prefer real life characters ...what i like about clarisse is her consistency as a bratty and high tempered antagonist although i don't like the scene where she gave herself a pep talk that mateo loves her coz she may be spoiled but not delusional ...she maybe caricaturish but not an all out loud contravida as compared to those in old pinoy films -nicky]

Next episode. The last teaser has to be a "new" favorite for the moment. Yeah perhaps because I hate those RB - Angel Locsin scenes. I'm really liking the cute scenes of Dino Imperial (Jethro) with Angel. These two can make some cracker of a team in the future, like Angel's sidekick in some young geneneration now project perhaps? mystery suspense with light touch perhaps? I dunno. It occured to me they have some sort of chemistry not necessarily romantic by the way. Dino I. is young and playful although his acting style is sort of young and fresh. It's not exactly the drama Angel can share with John Lloyd Cruz but there's something in it I see.

I dunno, better help me here Nicks or I'm just looking for an outlet? But really I think Angel has this young vibe going when she shares scenes with him. I remember enjoying Angel's scenes with child actors then. It's fun and brings out the child at heart in me I guess - matinee idol. Yeah Angel's still loved by kids and scenes with a young actor like Dino I. brings out that Angel charm. Those are scenes I want them to add spice to the show but no overdose please unless Dino I. is that good because I'm not familiar yet with his acting chops. [what i noticed is Gel tends to be cuter when interacting with younger cast but i was referring mainly to her lead like sam in "only you" compared to piolo in lobo ...to be honest, i'm not that kilig yet with jlc but he's good that i admit ...got to see more scenes of Angel with jethro first - nicky]

I actually like to see Angel doing mystery detective type of stories and another actor this time. A veteran she's worked with is Dante Rivero. Of course Pilar Pilapil has great chemistry with Angel too. Yeah to name a few.

Derek in Imortal. You like my little character description for a possible role Derek might take up if he joins Imortal nicks? [am i that obvious hehe ...i'm pretty sure you already know what my answer is ...but since mateo will eventually discover that he is the "itinakda", perhaps we could me derek a powerful waya to make mateo more insecure, what do you think? ...yeah, it's like a mirror of geoff's previous character in lobo, scratch that if it sounds redundant ...neweiz, i just want a strong character that can make mateo jealous - nicky]

Angeladik's personal message. Angel this is for you. We know you're a smart, sensible girl. Just continue being a prayerful person and you do a lot for fans like us. Thanks.

We love sharing your ride. I'd rather focus on your achievements. We hope these things bothering you like family concerns lately, we know because we also have those things but always we manage by being understanding...and as fans we will surely be to you.

Imortal 2nd webisode: Lia

2010-11-23T02:52:00.005+08:00

The 2nd webisode, "Lia", was released at Imortal website last Friday but viewers from certain parts of the world could not watch it. The story of "Lia" shows towards the end that she can transform into "Lobo" form even as a child making her unique among other Lobos.

For those who can't watch this webisode, check this video out. Please say your thanks at John-John Pacheco's page in Facebook for posting this video.

The "Lia" webisode stars Sajj Geronimo as "Lia" and Allyzon Lualhati as "Nanay Tabs".

If you missed the 1st webisode, "Maestro", check this video out. Again, say your thanks at John-John Pacheco's page in Facebook

Imortal Episode 36 [22.11.10]

2010-11-23T01:23:00.001+08:00

For those who missed this episode ...

credit: DMylbbub

[Fan Video] One More Time of Kim Hyun Joong feat. Angel Locsin

2010-11-22T04:15:00.001+08:00

Finally, I was able to create another fan video for Kim Hyun Joong and Angel Locsin as per request. It made me smile knowing that there are some also who likes this pairing. KHJ sings "One More Time" OST for Playful Kiss, the Korean version of ISWAK (It Started with a Kiss) with KHJ as the lead actor.

For those who missed my first fanvid for this couple, check this video out ...

Note: For those who requested a fanvid for artists other than Angel and KHJ, please bear with me because I am not familiar with their video clips so it would take sometime for me to collect the materials and I can't promise when would that be.

Derek Ramsay loves to join Imortal

2010-11-22T03:54:00.006+08:00

Derek Ramsay expresses interest to have Angel Locsin as her next leading lady. He also admits being a fan of Angel's current top-rated show, Imortal, and would really love to be part of the show even for just a cameo or guest role. To read the entire article of ABS-CBN, click here.

Angeladik's comment:

About Derek, that would actually be interesting if he did a cameo as a Vamp and he's "interested" in Lia.

Like we both agree, Mateo doesn't even have any form of competition here for Lia, like she really was a NBSB (no boyfriend since birth). Yeah, no real choices for suitors so Mateo rules like a god. How could Mateo feel even some jealousy from Lucas? He's been a looser his entire life.

It would be interesting if Derek played an intelligent,accomplished and very rich executive son or owner of another big company wanting to be in Waya Inc and happens to be a Vamp or he might be an ordinary mortal but "interested" in Lia and Sam makes him a Vamp to get to Lia..hmmmm.

Yeah pretty much that can definitely add excitement especially if Imortal's playing longer than the usual TV series. Derek could want to be in Waya Inc. too just like Simon. He's a go getter and successful at everything he does. This will be an acting challenge for Derek, exudes a lot of personality and appeal at the same time. Can he pull it off Nicks? [not sure coz i have not watched his dramas closely and the glimpses i've seen seemed he is an actor-still-in-progress but i would not mind looking at him so there's consolation hehe -nicky]

Of course, a still very much a sought after bachelor and very 'interested" in Lia Now that's a winner suitor for Lia, not a looser. While in Magkaribal Derek played a boxer, here in Imortal he can play the bright executive smart, educated abroad, better get him a great stylist to make sure he's dressed to kill.

Please do the same for Angel. Yeah I although saw on Facebook the teaser for next episode and running Lia in that blue blouse and skirt she looks chic so that's promising.

Imortal teaser for this week

2010-11-22T03:24:00.000+08:00

credit: Imortal official page in Facebook

*thanks angeladik for the tip

Imortal: review of episode 35

2010-11-20T19:41:00.000+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

In episode 35, we see Lia once more in training. Some nice action moves for Angel Locsin. It's well executed but I was hoping there were less people watching her training like Lady Elle before for Lyka. It was one on one. It gives more heart too to the training scenes where we want to hear more words of wisdom, which is more personal on a one on one level. Pilar Pilapil (Lady Elle in Lobo) can do it, Eddie Garcia, Dante Rivero and those other veteran actors who mentored Angel in her training roles.

I don't have any complaints about Angel as we know she executes action scenes "in training" very well. I feel they've done these "in training" scenes repeatedly so we need that variation, incorporate something more than just action moves, some heart. I'm sure Jaime Fabregas (Abraham) has it in him to impart that wisdom factor.

I remember how Lady Elle did it with Lyka (lead character in Lobo played also by Angel) and the matching hug after Lyka does well. Sure Jaime F.'s Abraham is more straightforward so sometimes we just need more of that heart.

This time it's Clarisse and Sam sharing those tense moments and as usual Nina Dolino (Nina) always bringing the best out of her co-actor in this one. Sure she's the caricature but still effective. Nice scenes for Nina D. and Maricar Reyes (Sam) there.

As usual, Rico Blanco's (Lucas) role now is reduced to annoying even with his scenes with John Llod Cruz (Mateo), he's become really desperate and unlike Nina who we think is having her thing working for her and her audience responding to her antics.

RB we find has reached his end point just because suddenly he's miscast and unfit for the role he's into now, too much too soon? Yup that's the thing. Perhaps it's not only his face annoying me because I was able to bear with him earlier in the series, guess as his role became more complicated, he really is not fit anymore for this role.

Jethro's back and it's so refreshing Lia's "bantay" is even younger than her although Angel looks cute with Dino Imperial (Jethro) hehe. So refreshing to see Jethro and dad once again. Yeah the actor playing Jethro's dad looks younger than RB so the miscast now is glaring and we know it when the blind date BFF got for Lia just had to be that old. Another miscast because he didn't look like the guy would even do Facebook? Afraid to get even a younger extra? The more we'd whine about getting another more suitable second leading man for Angel?

I mean BFF, Lia doesn't need another guy right now and Facebook c'mon, you can do better than that. Don't they have a real social life and aren't there good looking taong lobos? [perhaps that blind date was inserted \to address the request of some fans to put some light moments and personally i did not find it funny because it looks contrived and out of character for BFF to do - nicky]

Then there's Mateo making plans, Dara, his secretary's his confidante, knows everything....

Thoughts. Not much really except we know Mateo's making plans for himself and eventually Lia. Clarisse is agitated but still clueless? whenever Sam brings up the Ortegas and of course Jethro's latest - on the eve of the wedding a halimaw will kill who?

Once more Lia reads Jethro's blog to find out what happens next. Teaser time Mateo will be in danger? and Lia is there to save the day once more for him.

I hope I get my wish for the next episodes. Mateo and Lia having more scenes again, who I don't want to see here, more Jethro-Lia too, Sam-Lia, Clarisse-Lia, and more Lia but please not with Lucas, please spare us.

[Fan Video] After the end: Angel Locsin & Luis Manzano

2010-11-20T09:38:00.001+08:00

Wanna share this fan video I created for Angel Locsin and Luis Manzano. For the lyrics of "After the end" by KC Concepcion, click here.

Posted at NlCKl's channel

Trivia: I didn't realize that "After the end" is KC's song after I completed the fan video and came to discover only when I checked the actual lyrics. Yeah, I was more into melody than lyrics so I didn't bother checking it when I was compiling the video clips.

Imortal: review of episode 34

2010-11-20T09:25:00.001+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

Episode 34 is an episode where once again Nina Dolino (Clarisse) shows us why handling over the top acting works and she's getting better. She might be a caricature here but she's the one driving the story of Mateo and Lia, who respond very well with great subtle acting from both.

How many times can a woman not get the point? But indeed we perhaps have an idea there are really bratty people who are a lot like Clarisse. Yup Nina D. almost single-handedly provides the conflict of Mateo and Lia. To some extent we see side shows Sam getting her share of having developed feelings for Mateo while her Tom can't accept it.

And my now hated cast in the series, because first he thinks he's somebody why just look at his face and those deep holes. Maybe its hard especially when you're a fan especially that my co-viewers think oh wow this guy's face the nerve to even try to be Lia's. Annoying kinda disgusting so I tried solving my problem by avoiding looking at him. Congrats Imortal writers! Now I don't even like to look at the deep holes in his face and those haggard tired looking eyes.

Lia's scenes with BFF still is all about Mateo and how much she's still affected by all this. There's a scene where Lucas attempts again at Lia but she just rejects him by telling him she needs a friend not a guy. By the way, BFF if Lia is going to get another one especially that you're beautiful and sexy ,well don't get a reject looking guy otherwise it will appear you don't have good suitor choices right?

It doesn't make you qualified to be beautiful and sexy if you have limited choices right? Aside from a non-looker, Lucas is a bum and you don't get hooked up with a guy just because he has a rich father right? Bad looking, lazy and dumb.

How about Mateo, I liked John Lloyd Cruz's scenes here. Alone is better actually unless it's with Lia hehe. Although JL does very good scenes also with the other cast. Thanks he doesn't need to deal with a distracting annoying costar here. The longer you look at JL and Rico Blanco (Lucas) it's too obvious too why there's no competition at all and it's strange why they didn't get a younger actor to do Lucas or if older at least somebody who looks better enough to "challenge" Mateo.

I don't buy the fact they don't have another actor who can not only be better looking but can act better. The rooftop scene of RB is OA he should get tips from Clarisse how to handle over the top emotions. It diminished Angel Locsin (Lia) in that scene because he was so distracting and annoying. It's something of a Sam and Tom scene where repeatedly Maricar Reyes (Sam) is awkward because of the amateurish Rocky Salumbides (Tom).

It's not like Angel is at her best with JL, Nina D. and her other "family" costars. In fact like JL, I also want those Lia alone scenes just like a lot of JL's best scenes are when Mateo's just alone looking at Lia and when Lia's by herself or when they just look at each other. Because it can be said when they try to capture Lucas close-ups his face is distracting right from the start yeah the eyes, down to the moustache, his slight builit and short frame doesn't help.

You can even say at least Rocky S. is a tall guy athletic built even if he acts like a dumb puppy. I would have wanted a classier actor doing Magnus oh these are the complaints I have of the cast.

The scenes at Dara's place are all good for JL. He had the best scenes for this episode I think. Then he confronts Simon and then another annoying Lucas the brat the opportunist finding a way to get Lia for himself.

Aside from Clarisse although still very typical of her while Lia is still very much in training and lets see more next time because most of these training scenes are always "Bitin" and we were expecting some more confrontation with an enemy that didn't happen. I would have much preferred it if Lia was alone in her roof top scene.

It seems Mateo is planning something and Dara is to help him. Meanwhile Lia yet again transforms into a Lobo, thanks to Mateo and the hurt and pain he's caused her. If Mateo succeeds in convincing Lia to run away with him, hat's always exciting for a fan if they need to postpone yet again the coming "battles." Well, it's the best reason why there seems to be not much real fights between Team Sangre and Team Lobo/Waya.

We are all waiting also how things turn out later when Mateo transforms himself. Will he turn away from Lia? Of course after yet again another getting together this time in a deeper relation.

Anyway, let's hope the writers just stick to what works and stop this favoritism. We know it's part of this country but hey lets give viewers a break after all advertisers are paying money to get viewers to buy their products so writers be nice and work harder and stop making Angel look bad especially to exploit her.

It's important also we get the right actors because you don't have that feeling of cmon lets get on with the next scene ike when both Angel and JL are with the competent actors of Imortal, it just flows naturally but when in comes these wanting or not the right choice of actors it can be distracting.

We know connections and favoritism is rampant but sometimes lets limit their exposure. We know Imortal could have been way better without these distractions. Less of them we do the series, the leads and especially the viewers a favor.

That's why its obvious why they overutilized Nina Dolino here because she's effective in her role but why try making a romantic role for somebody who looks like your ordinary janitor only he dresses well?

Why do that to the beautiful and talented Angel L. here? Where she's doing so brilliantly? Why even diminish her? Shabby treatment of Angel wont please a fan. Call me demanding and bratty and all but when I hear a lot of viewers saying who's this guy and why he's the other guy here, they're obviously wondering why Angel gets paired with a guy with his looks and he's not even one of those known good supporting actors.

Imortal: comments on episode 33

2010-11-20T08:41:00.000+08:00

Comments written by: Angeladik

Episode 33 is mostly about the actual engagement party. We have a heartwarming scene between Lia and Nanay Tabs. It's the day after Lia saw Mateo at the brawl getting himself hurt. Nanay Tabs advices Lia to move on and not spend too much time crying over a man. Yup and I will advice Lia to stay away from yet another guy named Lucas because being the son of Simon and "brother" to Mateo, it doesn't make sense unless the writer collaborators are giving RB all the exposure he needs here.

The engagement party actually went as we expected, with the most of the cast there including Lia, of course Mateo and Clarisse, Lucille and Simon, and yeah an aging, wasted Rico Blanco (Lucas) in spite the fashionable clothes can't hide the fact the waiter looks better than him. Oops sorry just saying the truth. No thanks to connections, he's not only annoying looks wise and disgusting whenever I see him I hate to say this but he really makes me puke whenever they give him lengthy scenes with Angel Locsin (Lia).

He looks bad in close ups, looks wilted, has kinda short stature, and the slight built. Nope the clothes are not helping his bad looks and the role now makes him disgusting because let's face it, he's ugly even Christian Bautista is too handsome and tall to be even compared to this aging wannabee actor.

Sorry but he didn't need to share that lengthy scene at the roof top with Angel. Even my mom says why Angel is being treated shabbily giving her a leading man like that. Why, we know it's because of connections and again Angel has no choice.

Just when we thought Sam and Magnus were about to look for Lia and we're going to have a suspenseful episode, what do we get, more disgusting exposure for this guy. Well dad Simon looks to have finer skin than the deep holes on RB's face evident when they give him close-ups. Cmon even Efren Peñaflorida's simple looks look more wholesome and nice than this guy.

This will surely turn off fans if the writers keep on giving this guy more scenes like that with Angel. He's ugly okay and not any where suitable to be trying to win Angel. It's not that we have to be particular about good looking guys but please not these shabby looking ones.

If they think RB was anywhere near cute at the roof top scene with Lia yeah she looked pretty and all there but hey I'd rather have that other guy Simon was going to replace Mateo with even if he didn't have no personality at all and an extra.

I dunno where all the better looking guys at ABS-CBN are. Why somebody looking like that Angel has to have as leading man. Only shows how shabby and exploited Angel is.

Yeah you gave her JL but why not put John P. there. That would have been more interesting huh? Why not? At least John will look handsome, not that pathetic TH aging wannabee actor. Yeah, you look so old and tired RB. Enough of this. Time to put a more credible 3rd wheel guy or none at all...cmon writers I challenge you to put John P. here, give him a break again. Yeah he's not a fave actor but he'll be way better even for the fans am sure. Why doesn't ABS trust him anymore? Look if shorter guys like RB with those looks get parts like that why wont John P. at least this will spice up the show. [isn't he shorter than Angel? he has the looks yeah but i dunno, hmm that i have to see first - nicky]

Sometimes it's unfair that Angel has to play godmother to these ugly ones right? Well it happened once before and we know he's just the son and we know RB is also connected to their family when he was linked to that daughter. Now we know, Angel used again and again, even if its puking us.

Sorry nicks, this is so far from a review. I warned you already I hate to see more of RB trying to have this romantic angle with Lia. Why do they really need to insist on giving exposure to these guys at the expense of Angel. You know I tried my best to be fair to RB? I dunno what his role is anyway to these people? Is he a relative or something? Are the Blancos rich? I don't buy Direk giving this guy a break. Yeah even the rock star image, it's all hype.

They better add better actors fast now it seems they dont trust Team Sangre to keep on inserting those RB scenes, so many delays already. When Jake Roxas glared at Sam I was already yeah cmon go look for Lia only to be thwarted by that wannabee yet again. That is the supposed to be the episode teaser, the Vamps after Lia. What happened? This is so disgusting, annoying and frustrating.

You write something, you show Lia in training, she's all pent up at Clarisse, the Vamps are coming, and what? that stupidid intermission that is RB? Oh before I forget, hurt at what Mateo did? Yeah all that boils down to the "event" which is the Vamps, not the aging brat.

Good looking 2nd lead actor wanted. It's obvious the writers are "buying" time for the Vamps but if they're beefing up some new actors for the Vamp ensemble, better add some nice looking leading man as well if they want to separate Lia and Mateo

Dont treat Lia like rag when there's BFF Miriam there for her anyway or even Abraham or Nanay Tabs. Like don't make Lia dumb by allowing her to stay with that guy when she has "family" waiting at home and btw why was BFF not there to support Lia when she needed a chaperone?

Okay that's it! I just watch now because of Angel. The writers are killing me now.

All my apologies Nicky. Sorry but unless I write it here now, we care about Angel and the best for her, hope you understand. The effort we put here is not easy, promise you that but I do it for Angel so I hate it when she's treated like rag.

Again I'm so upset. All of Angel's best scenes will have to be at the party with Clarisse, Mateo and yeah Sam. These are the main cast of Imortal and RB is the outcast that needs to be replaced now. Let Lia reject him again then he commits suicide. Nope he won't even do as Sam's leading man poor Maricar imagine after pairing with Gabby Concepcion. Again all my apologies but just warning the writers Imortal needs to pick up and RB is not a good choice for their intermission

When is Lia and Sam's face off anyway? We dont need another Lucas-Lia thingy? Are they really out of their mind? After all that talk about making Angel look good.

Sometimes I find it hard to believe how some power players can be so mean and such users. So okay you pay Angel money but that doesn't give you the right to treat her shabbily just because you pay her well. You cant even trust their teasers nowadays. We all thought the face off was happening. What we got is more yuck! ewwwwww. Sorrrrrrryyyyyyyyyy Nicks. Please if you have a way to contact those writers. Like okay the viewers over here thinks the same way. Poor Angel why doesn't she get a better leading man other than JL.

Nicky's note: To be honest, I fast forward that rooftop scene because of my Lucas allergy. Even Angel can't cure it. I hope it would not make me stop watching Imortal altogether but then I guess I can have FF button as BFF whenever Lucas appears on screen ^_^

Imortal: review of episode 32

2010-11-20T07:15:00.000+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

Episode 32 is the aftermath of the announcement of the Mateo Clarisse engagement so we see more Lia - Clarisse office coffee room "encounters." This time really had us like whooaa although what we thought was more, they showed half of it already in the teasers. Turns out Clarisse "still" thinks Lia just learned some self defense tricks. I meant Clarisse "still" thinks "nalaktawan" or Lia won't be transforming into a Lobo.

This episode actually like I said should have been all in the last episode but they stretched the scenes to make sure Rico Blanco gets a lot of scenes with either Angel Locsin or John Lloyd Cruz. It's pretty much becoming obvious since seriously we don't think RB can do a TV series with him being the star so they're maximazing all the exposure he can get in Imortal so many people will give him that "chance." It's becoming glaringly obvious they stretched what could have been 1 episode to 2 to give RB so many highlight scenes. The lame thing about this attempt though is first it makes this attempt futile. When you stretch too much, it becomes tiresome especilly if what you're watching out for is not RB.

Too many Rico Blanco scenes. Okay, so they've established his role here like the older brother adviser to the love newbies Mateo and Lia but getting into the frame. Too much focus already on his character is clearly making this thing boringly tiresome, like how many past episodes have they devoted to his persistence to get Lia's approval. Does the Lucas subplot really have to take too much of the pace of the series? Okay so why are we not complaining about Clarisse? becoz she's a brat? Then we know Lucas is another rebel brat?

Of course the scene of Lia arm twisting Clarisse in self defense we waited for that because part of the anticipation is when Lia really transforms, so part of her "encounters" with Clarisse is that anticipation. The Clarisse and Mateo "engagement" is the event that is driving the present state of emotions of Lia and Mateo, so again we don't mind.

But too many scenes for RB is unnecessary because Lucas concerns now is just still a side show to the "event" which is the engagement announcement. Looks like someone just wants to make sure RB gets maximum exposure here. I think Lucas is getting too much exposure when team Imortal should figure out a way to start making team Sangre more interesting.

Sam-Mateo love angle. We also have now Sam turns out being "attracted" as well to Mateo. Now it's not a good idea for Maricar's character development really. Just because her vampire crew can't make her any more interesting she needs JL now?

I've said it before poor cast choice for the vampire ensemble and Maricar's best efforts at looking the vamp is not helping her cause and we know great care was given to make her really look the Vamp part. Perhaps bringing her to the other ensemble will change things for her because as long as she stays isolated with the vampire ensemble cast, they all look like outsider liabilities to the series just because the head on conflicts has been centered recently more on Lia-Mateo and the bratty all over the place Clarisse.

I think that's the challenge of the writers now. I think the Imortal team is still so lucky particularly because in spite Angel's slight weight distractions whenever the camera decides not to highlight the weight flaws you're easily mesmerized by Angel's combination of acting and beauty here. In spite of again best efforts to make her the outsider when they let her appear in the simplest clothes compared to the entire cast.

JL also provides the drama here and how his character revolves around Lia makes their combination very interesting since they match well in dramatic highlights despite us knowing the writers can come up with better.

Next episode. Lets see, the teaser has Sam at the engagement party finally "sensing" the presence of the "One" mistook her for Lyka but Magnus was around to correct her, the daughter of Lyka.

Okay the last scene before the teaser we have Mateo just allowing him to get beaten up in another familiar brawl scene, somebody texting Lucas what was happening and yeah while he was visiting Lia so a worried Lia wanted to go with him after asking Lucas to leave.

The ending scene while Lia unknown to Lucas followed him at the brawl site inside instead of just waiting outside hears Mateo's speech when Lucas asks him why he's allowing himself to get beaten up by not fighting. Mateo saying he wants to feel all the pain of getting hurt that's when we see Lia's face too. Kinda cheesy and set up but nevertheless Angel and JL's very effective facial expressions makes it all work.

Imortal's winning formula. There's a lot to be said here that it's the acting of Angel and JL and for many their combination on screen which is holding Imortal although we can still count on some reliable cast support here and the strong support coming from Nina Dolino despite the overuse of the "conflict" she provides.

For many episodes now, it's clear the Clarisse conflict has provided the major conflict for Imortal with the rest of Vampire ensemble almost outsider non-factors just around watching the other two ensemble groups, the lobos and the humans.

Even Mateo's own transformation issues has somehow taken a backseat to Lia's very own transformation issues for now except for Mateo still needing Sam's assistance re those similar "changes" they share.

We hope somehow the Vampire ensemble can level up because next will be their discovery of Lia finally and that's when we expect their turn at Lia after Clarisse almost owning Lia's conflicts.

This time, Sam gets her very own turn at Lia and lets see who's the better villain, Clarisse or Sam? Hopefully too, while all this is surrounding Lia, that should be the perfect time for Mateo to get on with his own transformation as well.

Too many RB highlights, a liability. The events needs to come fast since lately the trying to insert and give RB highlight episodes is really dragging the pace of the series and that's a major culprit why Imortal could have been still interesting with just Mateo-Lia-Clarisse there. But whenever Lucas joins the fray it's bad for the series. Why? over highlights for him when his role should be just like Simon's.

To begin with Lia considers him just a friend and we'd rather see some background of Miriam BFF's relations with Lia or Nanay Tabs with Lia than to Lucas with Lia.

For me its not just RB being unfit already for the role but exaggerated attention to his role when he is just a side show here. Clearly from the story development, it's Clarisse and Sam who should be getting into more scenes with Lia, that's what viewers are waiting for.

Instead of getting on with that, the writers have to say, hey let's give RB more scenes first before getting on with the Sam-Lia conflict and how about Lucille too we know her conflict was left off to Clarisse.

Good supporting cast. Vivian Velez (Lucille) looks more comfortable now in her role although I feel Simon is actually making a better deal as villain to Lia based on story development and his execution of his role in spite of what some pexers say is his difficulty with Tagalog lines still fine that he makes a mean villain to Lia.

For me Johnny Revilla (Simon) apart from Nina Dolino is the other effective villain here and making those demands on Mateo he's being to the point, is still on target.

Samantha's character. I think the writers are still not on target on what to do with Maricar here. While they really want RB all the major exposure he needs here by really building him up as a credible romantic interest even if unnecessary and dragging the pace of the story.

Looks like weakness of team Sangre has not helped Maricar. The writers look reluctant now about her anti-heroine stance here and looks to us like writers are going for the romantic interest to Mateo thing instead of being a worthy anti-heroine to Lia. [have you seen the RPG Pangil, Samantha's Quest at http://imortal.abs-cbn.com/pangil.aspx ...Sam appears to be more like a heroine there than antagonist -nicky]

Lets see, we know they might want that again as part of the Sam-Lia conflict, really it always has to drag some romantic interest for Mateo like all the girls are crazy about him? Sometimes we don't need exaggerations like these. I dunno Sam's character was not at all developed like that and those looks she gives whenever her co-vampires notice it, looks like hey look you notice I like Mateo.

Happening next is the awaited Sam-Lia conflict, will they pursue it right away? or stick with the proven effectiveness of bratty Clarisse. That's the problem with the writers in writing a character that's not exactly a villain who might even turn out to be a second heroine for Imortal, the writers are now having difficulty I think in making Sam's integration in the story interesting.

Aside from acting adjustments Maricar seems to have to encounter it's still happening because of her can't decide where my role is. Sometimes she's become awkward in the process and all the glam up looks wise is not as fierce whenever these awkward acting happens.

The writers better make a good account of themselves here because we noticed they just gave up on V.V. and left it all to Nina D. to take over. Same thing's happening to Maricar. They have delayed her encounters with Lia perhaps not sure if it will work out since she's still adjusting to her role? Hopefully it doesn't turn out that way.

It's already a fact the writers attempts to make that romantic interest in Mateo is pushing that awkward thing more loosing steam yet again with what I said could have been a very good acting challenge for Maricar.

Lets see what the writers come up for us when the conflicts start.

Emotionless Magnus. How about Magnus? Well this actor actually I have no expectation at all so never mind. Well at least you can say he's a real vampire because he looks cold and emotionless. If I were Sam I wouldn't even be afraid of his weak personality. Okay he's more powerful but no, the actor obviously has such a weak personality it's affecting his ability to make any impact to his role.

C'mon if Team Sangre is ever going to make a strong impact here, we need a real character actor/actress beefing up the team badly because that's part of the conflict of Imortal and with the present team Sangre it's not there at all.

Yeah like we heard like RB, the actor Jake Roxas was also brought in by Direk Chito, his wards as the news have it...tsk tsk

Lets then wait what's next for the team.

Overall the main interesting points are still Angel and JL and Nina extending her effective bratty caricaturish role. But really writers I think viewers are expecting more.

Imortal: review of episode 31

2010-11-20T05:37:00.000+08:00

Review written by: Angeladik

Episode 31 is actually another "bitin" episode and a bit what the? in spite of many good dramatic scenes for Angel Locsin so maybe that was the part where at least I'm satisfied. Otherwise, I thought the next episode's teaser should have been in this one rather than extending to two episodes what should have been one. So finally, we see a much slicker Lia in training. Nice moves there for Angel and some "clumsy" falling ones since she's still "learning."

Of course, Rico Blanco is back in this episode. As much as we want him out he's just there as per connection's advice and really loosing his more favorable initial response from viewers like me particularly because he's just good for a best friend role but not the romantic third wheel, they so desperately want for him and that's how he looked like - desperate and old.

Angel shares home scenes with her adoptive family, talks about training and then training and what they think about the whole Mateo issue and how Clarisse wont like it. While all this is happening, all the while Mateo has been blackmailed about Lia being arrested again on orders of Clarisse' people. Yes, it's been said they have connections, can just order you to be arrested without enough evidence?

To avoid that harm again happening to Lia, Mateo "agrees" to the engagement but all the while he has other plans. Lucille we know has to deal with her daughter's wishes since she too has been blackmailed by Clarisse for hiding the fact that the vampires are still around. So the Zaragosa women and Simon agree to their deal in exchange for Mateo who's doing this under the threat that if he doesn't, Lia will be harmed.

Scenes at the office coffee room with Clarisse "bitching" around again would just backfire as Lia tells Clarisse she's making a fool of herself by marrying somebody who everybody knows doesn't love her as at the Vampire household of Magnus, both he and Tom agree the marriage is perfect so they can use Mateo to spy the Lobos and the Punong Bantay which its clear now, part of the story is Sam seemingly getting to like Mateo for herself? She looks like falling for him taking a drink after reading about the engagement splashed in the papers.

A dramatic encounter between Mateo almost not able to say anything to a highly emotional Lia surprised at the sudden "change of plans." Then of course RB has to be there which that's when his attempts at Lia is so not good for the show or maybe his lack of looks make him look really bad. No one will root for this guy. He's actually a brat who's suddenly become selfish wanting to grab the opportunity to get Lia for himself.

Why would I even fall for a supposedly rich kid who's a bum and thinks he can fall for a girl and make her happy when he's still irresponsible. What right does he even have after being rejected? At least the writers are still there when they had those Lia rejection lines. Hopefully it doesn't change because it's clear what his intentions are and besides what makes him any better anyway because he just realized he's fallen in love and yet is still an irresponsible bum. Talk about being selfish!

Then we have a scene important for this episode where secretary of Mateo nags him why he would choose to be Vice President (VP) over his happiness and that's when Mateo reveals to her his plans after of course that consultation with a lawyer. Plan will be to get the contract deal signed so Simon can buy 30% of Waya Inc. since the contract doesn't say anything about the engagement deal which is not on paper but we know the threat of Lia being in danger there.

Mateo promises himself he wil protect Lia not after secretary warns him he better do this quickly since Lia is hurting and she might be too angry at Mateo and that would be too late. That's when RB makes his scene at Mateo. Really the role was wasted. Why can't there be a better looking other guy here?

Next episode. So on with the teaser for the next episodes. We find Lia in that arm twisting encounter with Clarisse, hoping this will finally show in next episode and of course that very emotional scene while Mateo was being hurt at a brawl. Was Lia watching it or something? As Mateo was saying something like he was also hurting, Lia was crying all the while. Nice last shoot of Angel there. Like I said many good dramatic scenes for Angel Locsin but we wished less of RB he really got a lot of scenes here.

But the enjoyable antagonist has to be Clarisse. Her role is all out with no pretensions. Just plain fun antagonizing of the protagonist heroine and hero as well, blackmailing Mateo to marry her. She sets up the tone for that arm twisitng scene and perhaps more she'll be getting from Lia next and how about Lia I think her "encounter" with Sam will happen at the Mateo brawl scene?

Heartthrob Mateo. Here the writers are trying to put in yet another love angle twist as Sam "falls" for Mateo. If that happens I think Lia should also get another better looking leading man since Lia has only 2 leading men to Mateo's 3 so that's unfair for an Angel's fan especially so that both Nina Dolino and Maricar Reyes are better compared to the bad deal Angel's getting yet again. [can they get Derek Ramsay hehe ..heard he's interested to work with Angel and would welcome even a cameo role in Imortal -nicky]

Well at least in Lobo, Angel got the Eigenmann brothers, Geoff and Angel were cute and surprisingly the nerd scientist role for Ryan E. although he later had an OA role was suitable to him more than this trying hard, desperation of RB.

Okay Angel got John Lloyd Cruz but RB? Are they joking? He's just an older brother friend. That's the role he should confine himself to. His attempts at being a romantic third wheel is so pathetic they really need to put another one here or just remove his role.

Angel will be fine with just JL. No need to have as many leading men since Angel doesn't need more if they're just a liability. I guess have to take back my words. JL can have all the leading ladies and Angel can just have JL but please enough of RB. Just remove him if the writers insist on this nonsense.

Although I'm not inclined to Sam falling for Mateo here but it might be needed to move her conflict with Lia since nice girl Lia usually isn't fierce enough unless it's Mateo at stake.

Remember how she tolerated Clarisse until Mateo came into the picture. That's when she'll have enough of it and perhaps this will be needed as well if Sam makes her "moves" on Mateo. Of course, her approach will be more smooth and sly compared to the loud Clarisse.

I hope this will get to the writers to be fair to Angel. Like it's enough that they have to show those unnecessary camera angles showing body parts of Angel when close ups of the face are beautiful.

There's something too about RB's skin that makes him look old. It just adds up to a fan getting disgusted with this unfair treatment for Angel when its supposed to be her long awaited series with JL and she has to serve yet another wannabee actor like again?

Enough is enough. I hope this is the last episode we'll see Lucas bothering Lia again. Just confine him to scenes with the other cast okay.

Imortal Episode 35 [19.11.10]

2010-11-20T02:49:00.000+08:00

For those who missed this episode ....

credit: DMylbbub

Imortal webisodes

2010-11-19T20:37:00.002+08:00

Visit http://imortal.abs-cbn.com to watch exclusive webisodes from Imortal. Untold stories not shown on Imortal TV-series.

credit: ABSCBNOnline

Imortal Pangil

2010-11-19T20:27:00.001+08:00

Be a part of the 1st teleserye-based Role Playing Game (RPG), "Pangil", which premiered on 15th of this month. Have another Imortal experience and join Samantha's Quest in defeating the enemies and conquer different worlds at http://imortal.abs-cbn.com.

credit: ABSCBNOnline

Imortal Episode 34 [18.11.10]

2010-11-19T20:02:00.000+08:00

For those who missed this episode ...

credit: DMylbbub

Imortal Episode 33 [17.11.10]

2010-11-19T19:48:00.000+08:00

For those who missed this episode ...

credit: mOuRningd0ve2

Imortal Episode 32 [16.11.10]

2010-11-19T19:35:00.001+08:00

For those who missed this episode ...

credit: mOuRningd0ve2

Imortal Episode 31 [15.11.10]

2010-11-16T04:45:00.000+08:00

For those who missed this episode ...

credit: mOuRningd0ve2