Brace yourselves for scorching afternoons and witness a love story like no other as the newest GMA Afternoon Prime series Return to Paradise marks its world premiere on GMA-7 tomorrow, August 1.

The program is topbilled by sought-after Kapuso leading man Derrick Monasterio as Red.

Introducing in the cast is Sparkle artist Elle Villanueva as Eden in her first lead role. Making her much awaited comeback on GMA is versatile and award-winning actress Ms. Eula Valdes as Amanda.

Derrick shares that he and Elle really worked on building their chemistry and rapport to pull off steamy scenes in the series.

“May process kami as actors and individuals. Ginawa namin ang intimate scenes professionally kaya hindi na kami naiilang. It’s also very important for me to ask her what’s her limitation kasi ayaw kong maka-disrespect ng co-actor,” he says.

Elle admits that she experienced a lot of firsts in Return to Paradise, “Whenever opportunities come, tinatanggap ko and I’m very open with other roles. Bago sa akin ang daring at kissing scenes, I was so scared.

Ang daming challenges sa serye na ito and I’m grateful to be part of it. Nakakapanibago pero masaya.” Eula, on the other hand, is happy to be back in the Kapuso Network after eight years, “Grateful ako na nakabalik ako ng GMA. Masayang katrabaho pati ang mga crew. Kapag nagte-taping, pantay-pantay kaming lahat. Naniniwala rin ako na walang maliit at paulit-ulit na role kaya nacha-challenge pa rin ako na gawin siyang kakaiba this time.”

The story revolves around Eden (Elle) and Red (Derrick), college students and athletes who are marooned on an island after a plane crash.

While surviving the perils of life in the wild, they fall deeply in love with each other.

When the two are rescued, they find out that their parents have an irreconcilable feud which will tear them apart.

Will true love conquer all for Eden and Red? Is there a chance for their families to heal from the past and start anew?
Joining them is a powerhouse cast of some of the country’s most respected artists in film and television: Liezel Lopez as Sabina, the scheming ex-girlfriend of Red; Teresa Loyzaga as Rita, the absentee mother of Red; Ricardo Cepeda as Victor, the strict father of Red; Karel Marquez as Dindi, the caring sister of Amanda; Kiray Celis as Raichu, the amusing best friend of Elle; Paolo

Paraiso as Zandro, Rita’s accomplice in making Amanda’s life miserable; Mia Pangyarihan as Miss Vinluan, Eden’s coach; and Allen Dizon as Lucho, the man who will try to save Amanda from all her sufferings.

Director Don Michael Perez reveals that there were a lot of struggles during their taping but the lead stars remained committed and professional, “This is one of the most challenging shoots because it’s a very physically demanding show. I admire Derrick and Elle kasi kahit nabibilad sa initan at nauulanan sila, walang reklamo and they did everything beyond what is expected of them.”

The series also showcases the majestic and pristine island of Jomalig in Quezon as one of its taping locations.

Catch the sultry and one-of-a-kind story of Return to Paradise beginning tomorrow, August 1, every Monday to Friday, 3:25 p.m., on GMA Afternoon Prime.
Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV.

SINGING CAPTAIN OPENS NEW BUSINESS

New recording artist, a.k.a. The Singing Captain, Pitz Beriña recently opened a new business in Lipa City, Batangas.

Beriña, who also released his first-ever single, Kita Ay Mahal, recently had an album launch with songs composed and arranged by Vehnee Saturno.

In photo with Beriña are Miss Teen Batangas 2021 Tania Endoro, his wife Aleny Beriña (and their kids) cutting the ceremonial ribbon during the opening of his new business.