ABS-CBN exec: ‘Margarita’ not pitted against ‘Marimar’

Deo Endrinal, ABS-CBN vice president for entertainment, says the network decided to strike while the iron was hot, and made the controversial “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate Wendy Valdez the star of her own teleserye.

Wendy is Margarita in ABS-CBN’s newest prime time show that premieres tomorrow at 6 p.m.

“Whether or not people like her, we cannot ignore

the fact that Wendy is being talked about,” Endrinal told entertainment writers in a gathering on Tuesday. “The show was conceived with her in mind.”

Wendy incurred the ire of PBB viewers due to her tiffs with two female housemates, Ge-Ann Abraham and Bea Saw.

Saw became the grand champion.

A model and former beauty queen, Wendy landed third place, behind Filipino-Swiss Mickey Perz. Abraham was declared fourth Big Winner.

Endrinal insisted that “Margarita” was not created to compete with GMA 7’s new series, “Marimar,” starring Marian Rivera.

“Margarita is a bittersweet drink—we patterned the character after it,” said Endrinal. “It doesn’t seem right to call [her] daiquiri or tequila.”

He confirmed that changes were made in the time slots of its “Primetime Bida” block to accommodate “Margarita,” but he noted that “Marimar” was set to premiere in August, in a different time slot.

For Wendy, being controversial is actually a plus factor. “Viewers will be curious to know what I’ve got to offer... that I can really act,” she said.

The 24-year-old belied reports that her rude behavior inside the House was intentional, in preparation for the TV series.

“To be honest, I really didn’t know they were cooking up a show for me. I was actually shocked to hear about it,” she said. “Whatever it was that transpired inside the Big Brother house happened because of different circumstances. Tapos na po ’yun.”

Playing opposite Wendy is real-life boyfriend and “PBB” housemate Bruce Quebral. Also in the cast are Elizabeth Oropesa, Diether Ocampo, Keana Reeves, Dick Israel, Rio Locsin, Joseph Bitangcol, John Manalo and Sharlene San Pedro.
Marinel Cruz
Inquirer