Vice Ganda Guests in Juan dela Cruz as Santana, the Tikbalang Queen
I can’t wait for Monday, July the 8th, when Vice Ganda’s character is introduced in the top-rating primetime fantasy series Juan de la Cruz. Vice will be playing the role of Santana, ang Reyna ng mga Tikbalang.I am curious to know what sort of twist the writers have given the series and how Vice will treat the character Santana. Fans of the series know that recent episodes have become more intense and dramatic.
This has not always been the case; and, in fact, the show has always had its light comedic moments. Lately, however, all the comedy seems to have been consigned to the afternoon ‘pre-quel’ series ‘My Little Juan.’
So, Vice coming into Juan dela Cruz when it is at its most intense in terms of drama, that’s a curious one to say the least. After all, it is for comedy that Vice made his name.
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Others, like Shaina Magdayao and Eddie Garcia, came in to play roles integrated into the story proper and became regulars. My understanding based on last night’s TV Patrol report by Marie Lozano is that Vice-Ganda’s stint as Santana will be a mere guest role, probably for a few episodes.
Although it remains to be seen if humour will be restored to the fantasy series using the character of Santana, Vice’s responses to the media in a press conference called to generate interest in his role was quite naturally witty.
He told the media that the moment he got word that he was to be invited to play a role in Juan dela Cruz, instinct told him that the role would be that of a tikbalang. It is no secret that Vice frequently likens his own elongated face to that of a horse.
“At least rumeyna naman kahit papa’no,” Vice quipped.
The same make-up technology was used to transform Vice into Santana, although he joked with the make-up artists, “Bakit kasi kinocostuman n’yo pa ako, pwede namang as is lang...”
It must be hilarious in the dressing rooms.
Because of Vice Ganda’s popularity, I suppose his guesting at Juan dela Cruz is bound to restore the ratings to the heights it used to enjoy. The ratings peaked on 21 February with a whopping 42.6% share of the viewership.
Ratings have only dropped once below 30% but have hovered in the lower 30’s in recent weeks. This is still high considering the amount of TV fare available to viewers; but I am still curious to know if Vice’s brief stay with the series will restore the earlier atmospheric ratings.
Santana will be crucial to the appearance of the third weapon of the bakal na cruz, following the ‘espada ng katapangan’ and the ‘pana ng karunungan.’
And the name of the third weapon?
“Ang latigo ng kabaklaan,” Vice quipped again. Having drawn the laughter, he corrected himself, “Ang latigo ng katarungan.”
In fact Martin, Vice continued, frequently cautions him about his ‘boys.’ “Hindi ka naman seseryosohin ng mga ‘yan!” the former likes to say.
Vice would not say if Santana is to be Juan dela Cruz’s friend or foe. That only means one thing. We all have to watch to find out.
Acknowledgment: Photos captured from video on http://www.iwantv.com.ph/
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