Jolina Magdangal (MNS photo)
It’s official: One of the most popular love teams of the ‘90s returns as Marvin Agustin and Jolina Magdangal are back with ABS-CBN as the lead stars of a drama series.
On Monday, Magdangal reported to her first shooting day for “Flordeliza,” confirming weeks of speculation that she will reunite with Agustin nearly two decades after they were launched as a tandem via “Gimik” in 1996.
Agustin earlier announced in his return to ABS-CBN with the lead role in “Flordeliza,” but could not confirm if Magdangal had officially signed up as his leading lady in the project.
The new series is under the direction of Wenn Deramas, who was also behind Magdangal and Agustin’s last film together as ABS-CBN stars, “Kung Ikaw Ay Isang Panaginip,” in 2002.
Magdangal transferred to GMA-7 that year. Agustin followed suit in 2006.
Without giving details about her role in “Flordeliza,” Magdangal said she has never done a similar character in her career. She added, in jest, that whatever limitations she had as a wholesome actress, Deramas will completely disregard in this new project.
Marvin Agustin (MNS photo)
“Lahat nung mga ‘di ko nagagawa dati, parang ipagagawa sa akin ni direk dito, eh!” she said. “First time ko talaga siya gagawin. Hinanda ko talaga sarili ko. Nakailang beses ako ng basa ng script!”
Asked why she agreed to take up the role, Magdangal said: “Kung pare-pareho ‘yung gagawin, ano pang excitement ang mabibigay sa’yo sa showbiz, ‘di ba? Dapat iba nang iba ‘yung ginagawa mo at pinapakita mo sa mga tao.”
“Kaya ako na-e-excite sa project na ‘to kasi alam ko na iba ‘yung mapapakita ko sa mga tao sa huli nila akong makita dito sa Kapamilya network.”
While “Flordeliza” is a drama series, Deramas assured long-time fans of Magdangal and Agustin that they will see light moments between the two, which they were known for in the late ‘90s.
Unlike their contemporaries at the time, Magdangal and Agustin rarely had dramatic roles as a love team. “Labs Ko Si Babe,” their first primetime series together, was billed as a romantic-comedy.
“Dahil nga sa Marvin-Jolina ‘to, hindi puwedeng basta kakawalain na lang natin ang nakasanayan at kung saan sila gustong panoorin,” Deramas said. “Magkaka-light moments, siyempre. Marvin-Jolina ‘yan, eh. Kahit magkatalikod ‘yan, alam na nila kung ano ang gagawin nila.”
Deramas added that “Flordeliza,” which revolves around two children, is a timely project for both Magdangal and Agustin, who are now parents. Agustin is a proud father to twins, while Magdangal welcomed her first child with Rivermaya drummer Mark Escueta in February.
Asked how her husband reacted to her reunion with Agustin, Magdangal said: “Si Mark ay fan ng Marvin-Jolina. Nung sinabi ko sa kanya ‘yung storya na ‘to, na-excite siya para sa akin dahil alam niya na bago ‘to sa lahat ng mga ginawa ko noon pa.” (MNS)