Musical telenovela, Daldalita, has Jillian Ward in title role

A musical telenovela set initially in a livestock farm will bring to GMA Network’s Kapuso viewers the heartwarming story of young Lolita, who, though mute at first, develops the ability to communicate with her animal friends, and later on, with other people. Played by child star Jillian Ward, Lolita earns the nickname Daldalita from her adoptive mother, Carmela. Lolita got separated from her father but they later meet again after a series of twists and turns of fate. Their relationship grows and they meet the rest of the colorful cast as their story unfolds. Heading the ensemble cast is veteran singer-actor Ogie Alcasid, who plays Lolita’s father, Mateo. The show also features Donna Cruz as Daldalita’s mother. Playing the women in Mateo’s life are actresses Manilyn Reynes and Rufa Mae Quinto, while Isabel Oli, Marc Abaya, Julie Ann San Jose, Elmo Magalona, Spanky Manikan, Arnold Reyes, and Joey Paras complete the cast as the characters from Manila. Lending their voices to Daldalita’s animal friends are Candy Pangilinan as Daisy the duck, Wally Bayola as Bobby the pig. and Mike ‘Pekto’ Nacua as Kirat the mouse. Daldalita is the brainchild of head writer Denoy Navarro-Punio and director Don Michael Perez. Perez shares his excitement in presenting the new show, and expresses his delight over his youngest star, who according to him, “has become TV’s biggest little sensation." Just as excited is lead actor Ogie Alcasid, who shares, “I think we have a winner in Daldalita…baka hanggang 2015 pa kami…" Daldalita premieres on Oct. 17, and will air from Monday to Friday before 24 Oras on GMA Telebabad. — Amanda Lago/ELR, GMA News