Love & Lies is a 2013 Philippine television drama action thriller series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Mark A. Reyes, it stars Richard Gutierrez, Bela Padilla and Michelle Madrigal. It premiered on April 8, 2013 on the network's Telebabad line up replacing Temptation of Wife. The series concluded on June 7, 2013 with a total of 44 episodes. It was replaced by My Husband's Lover in its timeslot.

Love & Lies
An image with red and black lines. The series title is displayed on the center of the image. The logo of GMA Network is displayed on the upper right side of the image.
Title card
Genre
Developed by
Written by
  • Jules Dan Katanyag
  • Christine Novicio
  • Luningning Ribay
Directed byMark Reyes
Creative directorJun Lana
Starring
Theme music composerVehnee Saturno
Opening theme"Ngayo'y Naririto" by Jay R
Country of originPhilippines
Original languageTagalog
No. of episodes44 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
  • Leilani Feliciano-Sandoval
  • Rebya Upalda
Production locations
CinematographyJay Linao
Camera setupMultiple-camera setup
Running time30–45 minutes
Production companyGMA Entertainment TV
Original release
NetworkGMA Network
ReleaseApril 8 (2013-04-08) –
June 7, 2013 (2013-06-07)

Premise

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Edward Galvez, a Philippine Navy officer gets tangled in a web of lies and conspiracies when an organization kidnaps his wife. As the protagonist discovers the truth behind the crime, he uncovers a treacherous plot that threatens to turn his world upside-down. The true perpetrators of the crime may be closer to home than he dare think. As he thread to the maze of lies, blackmails, double-dealings, and betrayals, everyone becomes a suspect.[1]

Cast and characters

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Cast
Richard Gutierrez
Bela Padilla
Michelle Madrigal
Lead cast
Supporting cast
Guest cast
  • Jade Lopez as Roxanne Salvador
  • Neil Ryan Sese as Ricardo Salvador
  • Gerard Pizarras as Ka Fredo
  • Ian de Leon as Gardo Mendoza
  • Shyr Valdez as Rosanna Rivero-Mendoza
  • Aicelle Santos as Ligaya Salvador

Development

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The series—a fast-paced suspense-action drama, also dubbed as "suspenserye was conceptualized by RJ Nuevas and developed by Richard Cruz. The two began developing the show under the title Notorious in January and February 2013.[8] The title was changed to Love & Lies during the early stage of production.

 
In the pilot episode, the series features BRP Emilio Jacinto PS-35, one of the two warships of Philippine Navy.[9]

The production team picked the Philippine Navy as a major setting for the series. On March 13, 2013, the show's main cast Richard Gutierrez, Paolo Contis together with series' director Mark Reyes visited the Headquarters Philippine Navy (HPN) and paid a courtesy call on the Navy Chief, Vice Admiral Jose Luis M. Alano AFP.[10] Aside from that, Gutierrez and Contis also signed up as Philippine Navy Reservists. On the other hand, Vice Admiral Alano assured the network that the Navy will provide its full support and assistance to the series and said "We look forward to this project in which we can show and highlight what the Philippine Navy is all about." He likewise briefed Gutierrez and Contis about the rigid training and life of a Navy Seal.[11]

The series' director described the show as his "dream project".[12] Regarding the amount of action and drama being laced in the series, Reyes said that "The nearest thing that you can compare it to is Taken. There's a lot of suspense. But at the same time, there's drama that is interwoven with it. The pacing is reminiscent of 24".[13]

Casting

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Richard Gutierrez was cast as the series' main protagonist, Edward Galvez. Director Mark Reyes revealed that the actor came first before the concept of the show. Gutierrez had to undergo tactical shooting training [in preparation for the role] ahead of the other cast members. He also immersed himself the Philippine Navy way.[12]

Michelle Madrigal, Sid Lucero and Paolo Contis were cast to play three equally important roles. Madrigal felt pressured, her character Cathy Galvez was the lynchpin of the series, said that "My goal for this role is to showcase my capabilities as an actor rather than show more skin."[14]

The character Denise Salvador was initially offered to Lovi Poe.[4] Bela Padilla took over the role. Padilla finds her "kick-ass" character as "[...] very interesting. I would have auditioned for it if it weren't offered to me. Coming from the drama series Magdalena, it's refreshing to do a character who is strong, loud and bubbly."[4] In an interview, Padilla further stated that her character was pegged on a female version of Robin Padilla.[3]

Production

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Principal photography commenced on March 21, 2013.[15] Some of the scenes in the pilot episode were shot in Philippine Navy headquarters in Sangley Point in Cavite City and in BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS 35) Philippine Navy warship.[16][17] Series' director Reyes described the pilot ala-Crimson Tide.[18] Other locations have also been featured, such as Antipolo, Rizal, Tagaytay, Binondo and in some part of Metro Manila.

Reception

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Ratings

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According to AGB Nielsen Philippines' Mega Manila household television ratings, the pilot episode of Love & Lies earned a 22.8% rating.[19] While the final episode scored a 22.7% rating.[20]

Critical response

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The series has generated a generally positive response from critics. Mercy Lejarde, an entertainment writer from the tabloid Balita praised Bela Padilla's acting performances, said that "Lovi Poe's lose is Bela Padilla's gain."[21] Dinno Erece of Show and Tell described the series "Exciting" and "he won't be surprised if the network extends it."[22]

References

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  1. ^ "Love and Lies cast dishes out on the first suspenserye". GMA Network. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  2. ^ "Malaya Business News Online - Philippine Business News | Online News Philippines - Richard Gutierrez is a hero on the run in Love & Lies". Malaya. Archived from the original on June 16, 2013. Retrieved April 12, 2013.
  3. ^ a b "Bela Padilla about her role on Love and Lies: 'I get to be the girl Robin Padilla in this show'". GMA Network. April 2, 2013. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  4. ^ a b c Cruz, Marinel R. (April 7, 2013). "Bela Padilla doesn't mind being second fiddle". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  5. ^ "Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson experiencing "rough times" says PEP source". PEP.
  6. ^ Solis, Lolit. "Sid excited nang maging ama". The Philippine Star. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  7. ^ a b c "Teen stars, thrilled for their roles in Love and Lies". GMA Network. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  8. ^ Miralles, Nitz. "Bagong project ni Richard hanggang 8 weeks lang, mamadaliin bago mag-expire ang kontrata". The Philippine Star. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  9. ^ "Navy war ship ng bansa ipinagamit sa GMA". The Philippine Star. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  10. ^ "PEP.ph: The Number One Site for Philippine Showbiz". PEP. Archived from the original on May 13, 2016.
  11. ^ "Richard Gutierrez, Paolo Contis and Director Mark Reyes Visit Headquarters Philippine Navy". Philippine Navy. Archived from the original on June 26, 2015. Retrieved April 12, 2013.
  12. ^ a b "Manila Bulletin - The Nation's Leading Newspaper". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved May 24, 2023.
  13. ^ Donato, Jerry. "Giving serye a new twist". The Philippine Star. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  14. ^ Cruz, Marinel R. (April 11, 2013). "An ex on the set doesn't distract Michelle Madrigal". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  15. ^ "Richard Gutierrez, nagsimula nang mag-taping para sa Love and Lies". GMA Network. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  16. ^ "Set ng Love and Lies, handa na para sa taping ng bidang si Richard Guitierrez". GMA Network. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  17. ^ "Abante-Tonite Online". Abante. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  18. ^ "Richard Gutierrez' new series spotlights the Philippine Navy". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on April 16, 2013. Retrieved April 12, 2013.
  19. ^ Tuazon, Nikko (April 11, 2013). "AGB Nielsen Mega Manila Household Ratings (April 8 to 10): Love & Lies and The Ryzza Mae Show debut strongly". PEP. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  20. ^ Tuazon, Nikko (June 14, 2013). "AGB Nielsen Mega Manila Household Ratings (June 7 to 9, 2013): Eat Bulaga records 12.8 percent lead over rival program last Saturday". PEP. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  21. ^ "Balita - Tagalog Newspaper Tabloid". Balita. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  22. ^ "DotPH domains available portal". Show and Tell.
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