GMA’s own version of “Lupang Hinirang” premieres Sunday on “Party Pilipinas” with an all-star cast playing national heroes. Leading the pack is Richard Gutierrez, cast in the role of Pres. Manuel L. Quezon, looking elegant and every inch a gentleman of the old school, while Dingdong Dantes plays Gen. Gregorio del Pilar, strong and mighty on horseback.
Playing other important roles are the network’s equally important actors, including: Dennis Trillo as Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, Aljur Abrenica as Lapu-Lapu, Mark Anthony Fernandez as Andres Bonifacio, Marvin Agustin as Jose Rizal.
The roster of Kapuso stars playing icons in Philippine history includes, in alphabetical order: Victor Aliwalas, Alvin Aragon, Bea Binene, Iza Calzado, Bodie Cruz, Gabby and Geoff Eigenmann, Carlo Gonzalez, Carl Guevarra, Dion Ignacio, Paolo Paraiso, Enzo Pineda, Rhian Ramos, Marian Rivera, Arthur Solinap, Mike Tan, JC Tiuseco, Dennis Trillo, and TJ Trinidad.
They are joined by Ogie Alcasid, Heart Evangelista, Eddie Garcia, Jaya, Zoren Legaspi, German Moreno, Regine Velasquez, Carmina Villaroel, Jillian Ward. Not to be left behind are the stars of News and Public Affairs: Arnold Clavio, Mike Enriquez, Vicky Morales, Howie Severino, Jessica Soho, and Mel Tiangco.
Shot wholly in high-definition (HD) digital video technology, the national anthem is scheduled to roll soon on the big screens of SM across the country. It will also be part of GMA’s sign-on and sign-off messages marking the beginning and end of each day’s broadcast.
“Lupang Hinirang,” which runs for two and a half minutes, is directed by Paul Ticzon, who says it took his team 10 months of meticulous research and preparation to shoot the vignettes.
