La Vida Lena
La Vida Lena (transl. The Life of Lena) is a Philippine television drama revenge series broadcast by Kapamilya Channel. Directed by Jerry Lopez Sineneng, Jojo Saguin and Andoy Ranay, it stars Erich Gonzales in the title role. The fast-cut version was released on iWantTFC from November 14, 2020 to January 16, 2021. The full series premiered on the network's Primetime Bida evening block, A2Z and TV5, and worldwide via TFC on June 28, 2021.[3]
| La Vida Lena | |
|---|---|
 Official title card | |
| Genre | |
| Created by | Reggie Amigo |
| Written by |
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| Directed by |
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| Starring | Erich Gonzales |
| Music by |
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| Opening theme |
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| Country of origin | Philippines |
| Original languages |
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| No. of seasons | 3 |
| No. of episodes |
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| Production | |
| Executive producers |
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| Producer | Jemila M. Jimenez |
| Production locations | |
| Editor | Ray Ann Kristelle Endaya |
| Running time | 30-50 minutes |
| Production companies | |
| Distributor | ABS-CBN Entertainment |
| Release | |
| Original network | iWantTFC (2020-2021) Kapamilya Channel/A2Z/TV5 (2021-present) |
| Picture format | 1080i (HDTV) 480i (SDTV) |
| Original release | iWantTFC November 14, 2020 – January 16, 2021 Kapamilya Channel/A2Z/TV5 June 28, 2021 – present |
| External links | |
| Website | |
Plot
Despite being the subject of bullying and discrimination because of the big scar on her face, Magda refuses to let criticisms get to her and strives hard to secure a comfortable life for her family. Using her skills and intelligence, she hits the jackpot when the soap she created quickly gains popularity in the town of Salvacion. The young lady's success, however, does not sit well with the Narciso family, the owners of Royal Wellness, the biggest surgical and cosmetic company in the country. When Magda refuses to sell her formula to the Narcisos due to their contrasting views, a string of bad luck comes her way. Losing everything dear to her, Magda returns with a new face, armed with determination to retaliate against the powerful clan who ruined her life.[4]
Cast and characters
- Main cast
- Erich Gonzales as Magdalena "Magda / Lena" Mendoza / Magdalena M. Narciso[5]
- Carlo Aquino as Jordan A. Cabrera[5]
- JC de Vera as Adrian R. Narciso / Adrian R. Suarez[5]
- Kit Thompson as Miguel R. Villarica[5]
- Supporting cast
- Sofia Andres as Rachel Suarez-Villarica[5]
- Janice de Belen as Dr. Ramona Joaquin[5]
- Agot Isidro as Vanessa Rubio-Narciso[5]
- Raymond Bagatsing as Dr. Lukas Narciso [5]
- Christian Vasquez as Commissioner Conrad Suarez[5]
- Pen Medina as Francisco "Kiko" Cabrera[5]
- Ruby Ruiz as Digna Abuel-Cabrera[5]
- Josh Ivan Morales as Brian Rubio[5]
- Malou Crisologo as Dr. Martina Ramirez[5]
- Hasna Cabral as Bettina "Betchay" Buenafe[5]
- Renshi de Guzman as Rambo Lumba[5]
- Danica Ontengco as Allison Suarez / Alice Garcia[5]
- Guest cast
- Soliman Cruz as Diosdado "Dado" Mendoza
- Isay Alvarez as Helen Mendoza
- Miguel Faustmann as Don Luis Narciso
Production
Casting
Ivana Alawi was originally asked to take on the titular role with a working title Lihim Ni Ligaya. The pre-production had started and the cast was already introduced during a presscon back in February 2020. But due to COVID-19 pandemic and enhanced community quarantine in Luzon in March, Alawi backed out of the project. Her main reason was to avoid risking the health of her family as she will be exposed during lock-in tapings.[6] In August, Deo Endrinal, the head of Dreamscape Entertainment approached Erich Gonzales to take on the role of Ligaya. The title of the series eventually became La Vida Lena inspired by Jojo Saguin, one of the directors of the serye who is known to her colleagues as Lena. From Ligaya, the main character's name, it was changed to Magdalena Mendoza. There were a lot of recasting and revisions in the script to suit the new theme and new cast. La Vida Lena serves as Gonzales' comeback to television two years after her last major serye The Blood Sisters.[7]
Taping duration
The pre-production started in September 2020. The entire cast and crew underwent rigorous procedures and COVID-19 protocols before heading down to their location at Antipolo. The first cycle of locked-in taping started on October 1, 2020 and ended October 17, 2020. The second cycle of taping resumed on November 15, 2020, and ended on December 4, 2020. The third cycle of taping started on January 10, 2021, and wrapped up on January 30, 2021. The fourth and final cycle of taping was finished in February 2021.
See also
References
- Dreamscape Entertainment. "LA VIDA LENA by JMKO". Facebook. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
- Dreamscape Entertainment. "KAILANGAN KITA by REGINE VELASQUEZ". Instagram. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
- Dumaual, Miguel (June 25, 2021). "With 'La Vida Lena,' ABS-CBN to offer all-current, all-original primetime lineup starting June 28". ABS-CBN News.
- "'Malalagot kayo!' Teaser of 'La Vida Lena' starring Erich Gonzales released". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
- "Erich Gonzales topbills new ABS-CBN series 'La Vida Lena'". ABS-CBN News. October 7, 2020. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
- Anarcon, James Patrick (September 9, 2021). "Stars who got replaced in teleseryes: 2021 edition". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
- "'Together as One in 2021': Here are ABS-CBN's upcoming shows, offerings". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved December 21, 2020.