ABS-CBN & Electric Entertainment’s ‘Almost Paradise’ is brimming with Filipino pride

ABS-CBN and Electric Entertainment’s historic crime drama series “Almost Paradise” overflows with Pinoy pride as it continues to champion Filipino talent in its last two weeks on Kapamilya Channel and A2Z.  

“Ito ay malaking pagkakataon para maipagmalaki at ipayakap sa mundo ang ating talento at ating kakayahan,” said the ABS-CBN International Production and Co-Production Division Head Ruel Bayani.

All artists that played a role in the show underwent stringent auditions, including the main Filipino cast of Nonie Buencamino, Art Acuña, Samantha Richelle, Ces Quesada, and Angeli Bayani, and guest stars like ZsaZsa Padilla, Sophia Reola, Richard Yap, Raymond Bagatsing, Noel Trinidad, Lotlot de Leon, Ryan Eigenmann, and Ketchup Eusebio, among many others.

Ces Quesada, who stars in the show as Cory Santos, said, “I think isa sa pinaka-naappreciate ko is ‘yung process of audition. Kasi sa audition you make sure that the right people get the roles. So pagdating sa shooting, you’re confident na they can do their roles.”

While a newcomer in the industry, Samantha was well-praised by her co-actors and producers in her portrayal of Kai Mendoza. For her, the project was a blessing and a joy to do, “I had the time of my life just being able to learn from the veteran actors and just the quality of the people’s talents. I was just very fortunate to work with them.”

“Almost Paradise” showrunner Dean Devlin, the CEO of Electric Entertainment and famous Hollywood producer of films like “Independence Day,” “Godzilla,” and “The Patriot” also worked with a Filipino staff and crew including four Filipino directors in Dan Villegas (Episode 4), Francis Dela Torre (Episode 3 and 7), Hannah Espia (Episode 6 and 9), and Irene Villamor (Episode 8). 

“We are getting so many heartfelt letters and DMs from Filipinos here and around the world who are saying that they feel seen. To have this show where we are really changing minds and hearts, it adds a sense of pride in the show not just for the Filipinos in the Philippines but for Filipinos everywhere. It captures the heart of why Filipinos are such wonderful and special people,” Devlin said. 

Meanwhile, the show’s protagonist, Alex Walker who was portrayed by Hollywood actor Christian Kane, was overwhelmed by the love he received from the Filipino cast and crew of Almost Paradise, “I was treated more like family there than I have ever been my entire life. It just felt like home. I have some of the best people around me. They welcomed me in and so I got to concentrate on the character and not being away from home.”

Don’t miss the last two episodes of “Almost Paradise” every Sunday, 8:45 pm on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, iWantTFC, and Kapamilya Online Live (KOL) on Facebook and YouTube.  Viewers in the Philippines can re-watch the latest episode for seven days after it streamed on KOL. They can also watch all previous episodes, in English or Filipino, on iWantTFC. Follow @AlmostParadiseTV at @AlmostParadisePH on Facebook. Follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

RELATED: ABS-CBN teases possible projects for Almost Paradise breakout star, Samantha Richelle

Almost Paradise MediaCon ft. Filipino Casts and Crew:

Almost Paradise MediaCon ft. Christian Kane and Dean Devlin: