In a primetime schedule dominated by out-of-this-world fantaseryes and surreal dramaseryes, GMA-7 fielded a different kind of series — one that highlights young love. The gamble is paying off for the Kapuso network because “First Time” has earned good ratings against “Tanging Yaman” — its formidable opponent on ABS-CBN. In Mega Manila, where most of the TV viewers are concentrated, First Time has consistently beaten its rival show since its debut on its timeslot last week.
What’s even amazing for this GMA-7 teenserye, its casts are all relative unknowns. But that will all change because Joshua Dionisio, Jhake Vargas, Mark Castillo and Lucho Ayala — the cuties of the show and future heartthrob materials — will become household names soon, just as Richard Gutierrez and Dingdong Dantes started in Pinoy showbiz via youth-oriented shows like TGIS, Click and Growing Up.
Here are some more stuff about the cuties of “First Time” from a GMA-7 release:
In the tradition of boy-next-door Joaquin (Bobby), Iñaki (Dingdong) and Enzo (Richard), tweenies and teenagers will adore Lukas played by Joshua Dionisio and Baste (Jhake Vargas). The teen actors were first seen as rivals over Barbie Forteza in Stairway to Heaven as young Cholo and Tristan, respectively. The onscreen love triangle of Joshua, Jhake and Barbie started in My Christmas List episode of Dear Friend. They didn’t only prove that they were cuties but they could also act. Given more acting chores in the future, Joshua and Jhake can perform better than those who have had their primetime foray.
“I’m happy that we are finally given our biggest break,” reports Jhake. “I’m more excited than pressured.”
“I’m also happy to have this project and nervous at the same on how people will react on our show,” says Joshua.
Also thrilled on the latest development in their careers are newcomers Mark Castillo and Lucho Ayala.
“I will do my best and work hard,” says Mark on how he values the opportunity to work full-time on TV. “I have been waiting this for years.”
“I really want to go into acting,” answers Lucho when asked about his reason of joining show business.
Mark is a third year high school student at San Beda College-Alabang. He has appeared on the small screen before. It’s only now that the chinito young star will go full blast. He says his classmates know about his participation in First Time and perhaps are as excited as he is. His showbiz connection is cousin Atom Araullo, a former 5 and Up member and now a reporter.
Lucho, on the other hand, is taking up Theater Arts at the University of the Philippines-Diliman. Aside from schooling, Lucho went to Manila from Tuguegarao to test showbiz waters. A fellow student told him to audition for First Time and Lucho was lucky to be chosen among the many wannabes.
In the story, Mark plays the homophobic school jock named Daniel, while Lucho is the domineering campus heartthrob Jimbo.
“We’re totally opposite,” Mark compares himself to his character. “He is a bully and siga.”
How do they see their future as entertainers?
“I don’t know what the future holds for me,” replies Lucho. “I’m happy that I’m now here. As an actor I want to be diverse in my acting.”
“I’m open to (any possibilities),” says Mark. “I will try to be good in every task and challenge they will give me. And I want to be known on my own.”
Hopefully, this is not just the first time we will see these young heartthrobs gracing the small screen.
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:48 pm
_-+morning jhake,,uztahh kna nga pla ,,lge kang ma_iingat ha;;gud lock sa career mohhh,,..
_—mis u jejejeje..
July 1st, 2010 at 4:27 am
..hi to jhake.. im your ultimate fun..and your my ultimate crush..since the day you came onto showbiz..i know that someday you will become a next superstar in gma..
..hope to see you soon..
chelle^_^ jhaelle
May 25th, 2010 at 6:17 am
hi jhake vargas.. u so cute.. sna nmn pumunta kau d2 sa sm southmall.. para nmn makita kta
jessica pla ph aq
May 13th, 2010 at 4:37 am
Guyz’…!
wag n kau mag-tal0.!ualang mgandang mang-ya2ri kung magta2l0-tl0 kau..mx maige p ang magkaxund0…!
and…
gnda ng first tym..! I l0ve it.!super nka2kilig..and xna 2mgal p ang frxt tym..!
wish u ol d bxt.! And g0d blexx.!^_^
May 13th, 2010 at 4:37 am
Guyz’…!
wag n kau mag-tal0.!ualang mgandang mang-ya2ri kung magta2l0 kau..mx maige p ang magkaxund0…!
and…
gnda ng first tym..! I l0ve it.!super nka2kilig..and xna 2mgal p ang frxt tym..!
wish u ol d bxt.! And g0d blexx.!^_^
May 5th, 2010 at 4:05 am
:p..jan sa mga kapamilya na puro paninira ung cnasbi sa kapuso..ndi nyo lng accept na maganda tlga show ng gma nOh isa na ung first time.tingnan nyo naman pinast0p nga ung grandfans day kz grabe na ung ta0.see mean maraming gus2 sa show nila …accept nyo na…na capital ‘L’ kau as in looser..nyahahaha…
May 5th, 2010 at 12:32 am
_^_lahat nman ng mga pinapalabas sa telebisyon na may kasamang mga magagandang-aral ay maganda,.
the only problem is that some people or viewer dnt know how to apprec8 8,.,
nsted na pahalagahan,look what their doing?they keep on making some stupid,delirious,suffocating war.,..
hay naku!!!!
May 4th, 2010 at 2:26 am
ang cute ng 1st time. .di gaya ng ibang mga teleserye puro patayan. .gantihan. .at saka masa2bi q lang sa mga mka kapamilya. .bkit pag may mgandang nasu2lat sa mga artista at mga show ng kapuso nanggigil na agad kayo at napaka mapanglait nyo? ? ? ayaw nyo na nauungusan kayo. .wag kayong ganyan na parang kayo lang may karapatan. .madam0t kayo. .ang sasama pa ng mga pananalita nyo againts kapuso at mga fans nila..ganyan ba talaga ang mga kapamilya masasama ugali? pag dumating ang araw na bumagsak at malaos ang istasyon nyo. .mapapahiya kayo at mapagtatawanan. . .dahil sa ugali niong yan.
May 1st, 2010 at 12:01 am
ang ganda ng first time and it’s the best among the rest jejejeje,,,, in the other hand
ang ganda ng pinoy big brother……
ang ganda ng diva sa gma and ang ganda ng showtime sa abs-cbn……
ang ganda ng party pilipinas, jessica soho,, mel and joey, eat bulaga and kap’s amazing stories sa gma!!!
ang ganda ng rated k,rubi…pbb….
ANG GANDA PAREHO… HAHAHHAAHAH!!!!!
April 30th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
jarene’s correct. is that how you react just because of the tv shows and the networks? goodness, try being so respective of each other’s opinions. besides, we have our own tastes in terms of stuff like this, so why fight? you’re just being shallow. if you love the show, then watch it, if you don’t love the show then don’t watch it. DUH. you’re only frustrating your lives. a lot of things can be done than wasting your time fighting over this stuff.
THE END.