GMA takes pride in its boldest and grandest offering — the family drama series “Legal Wives.” The revolutionary series features a casting coup top-billed by no less than Dennis Trillo as Ismael Makadatu, an honorable man from a well-off Mranaw family who will love three women out of obligation, dedication, and compassion; Alice Dixson as Amirah Alonte, the pious daughter of a sultan and Ismael’s first wife; Andrea Torres as Diane San Luis, Isamel’s second wife who is a feisty modern Catholic woman who will go to great lengths to fight for herself; Bianca Umali as the smart Farrah Valeandong, who becomes Ismael’s third wife in hopes of saving her family’s reputation.
Dennis, who considers this series as his comeback, expresses his enthusiasm for what’s in store for the viewers. “Napakalaki ng project na ito para palampasin. Maganda ang latag ng kuwento, magagaling din ang lahat ng kasama ko na artista. Manghihinayang ako kung hindi ito napunta sa akin. Gusto kong ibahagi at iparating sa mga manonood na bukod sa makulay na kultura ng mga Mranaw, kagigiliwan nila ang bawat characters na siguradong kapupulutan nila ng aral.”
Alice, in turn, hopes that their series would bridge Filipinos and shed some light on the culture of Muslim people. “They’re actually very loving, God-fearing people. They have the same goals and desires. They have strong family bonds. Magandang paraan itong TV show na ito para ipakita kung ano ‘yung differences at kung ano din ‘yung likenesses natin as Filipinos.”
Andrea, on the other hand, reveals how different and challenging her role is in the series and how she works her way into channeling the character. “I think ang pinaka-challenge is to find that balance kasi there are so many layers to her character, napakadami niyang pagdadaanan dito. So binantayan po namin ni Direk Zig na you’ll always understand where she’s coming from and why she’s doing those things. Love is her weakness but that’s also where she’ll get strength to fight back.”
Bianca shares her gratitude for landing the role of Farrah and looks forward to learning more as an actress through the show, “I am very honored na ako po ay pinagkatiwalaan na mapasama sa cast ng proyektong ito. Nakakakaba po ang makipagsabayan sa mga beteranong aktor but at the same time, natutuwa po ako na makatrabaho silang lahat.”
Making this series even grander is the stellar roster of cast headlined by internationally-acclaimed actress Miss Cherie Gil as Zaina Guimba, Ismael’s doting mother and Hasheeb’s second wife who will serve as a guiding light to Ismael’s three wives; Al Tantay as Hasheeb Makadatu, a respected Imam and Ismael’s father who comes from a clan of sultan and datu in Marawi; Juan Rodrigo as Cesar San Luis, Diane’s father who forbids her marriage with Ismael; Irma Adlawan as Nuriya Baunto, Hasheeb’s first wife and Nasser’s mother who will hold a grudge against Ismael following the tragedy involving her son; Tommy Abuel as Asad Ampang Alonte, Amirah’s father who will do everything to uphold his daughter’s dignity; Maricar De Mesa as Zobaida Almahdi, Farrah’s loving mother and Abdul Malik’s wife; Bernard Palanca as Abdul Malik Valeandong, Farrah’s protective father and Ismael’s good friend.
The original series also features the special participation of Derrick Monasterio as Edgar Delos Reyos, a Christian who falls in love with Farrah; Alfred Vargas as Nasser Makadatu, Amirah’s loyal husband and Ismael’s protective brother who will meet an unfortunate end during a rido or clan feud; Mon Confiado as Mayor Usman Pabil, Marriam’s wealthy father and the Mayor of Lanao Del Sur.
“Legal Wives” introduces two of the Network’s rising artists Shayne Sava as Jamilah Makadatu, Amirah’s kind daughter and Ismael’s niece and stepdaughter and Abdul Rahman as Hammad, an impoverished yet persevering boy who will pursue Jamilah.
Kevin Santos, Ashley Ortega, Jay Arcilla, Divine Aucina, Raquel Pareno, Melbelline Caluag, Chanel Latorre and Brent Valdez are also in the cast.
Set in Lanao Del Sur, the story begins with Ismael (Dennis) from the noble family of Makadatu. Although a devout Muslim and a muezzin (sever of the mosque), Ismael falls for Diane (Andrea), a dentist who is part of the Catholic minority in their province.
In a sudden turn of events, Ismael gets entangled in a clan feud which leads to his marriage with his brother’s widow, Amirah (Alice). Ismael follows the disheartened Diane to Manila and tries to woo her unbeknownst to his parents. Just when the two are starting to build a happy marriage, Ismael is met with another conflict. Upon his return to their province, his friend — who he is greatly indebted to — seeks his help in saving their family’s reputation by marrying Farrah (Bianca), her daughter who is involved in a scandal.
“Legal Wives” is under the supervision of the GMA Entertainment Group headed by SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, FVP for Drama Redgie A. Magno, SAVP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Senior Program Manager Helen Rose S. Sese, and Executive Producer Shielyn Atienza.
The series was made under the guidance of Muslim consultants Sohaimen Agal, Imam Mohammad Miphantao, Imam Abu amen Abdullah, and Ustadh Alinor Pansar; Islamic script editor Salem Guimba; and Costume and Muslim language consultant Princess Nurfathma Egypa Balindong.
“Legal Wives” is under the helm of esteemed director Zig Dulay and starts airing this Monday, July 26 after “The World Between Us” on GMA.
