(UPDATE 12/27/2008) News of Twilight Filipino Remake = False

Reports from Yehey!'s Edgar O. Cruz and Hollywood blogger Perez Hilton about a Filipino remake of Twilight by ABS-CBN has been proven false by ABS-CBN's Flowell Galindez.

Flowell said that posters and rumors circulating the internet are all made by fans. So nothing to worry about guys.

UPDATE 12/24/2008: ABS-CBN News has published a story about the Twilight remake and it seems Yehey and Perez Hilton were correct about the remake.

ABS-CBN bags rights for local 'Twilight' remake
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 12/24/2008 9:50 AM

Filipino fans of Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" series will soon have another reason to celebrate after broadcasting giant ABS-CBN bagged the exclusive rights to make a local television series based on the vampire novels.

Initial reports said ABS-CBN paid $1 million with co-producer Ignite Media for the rights to the Twilight series.

The new series, tentatively titled "Takipsilim", will reunite the onscreen tandem of Rayver Cruz and Shaina Magdayao.

Taping for the series will start February of next year. Some parts of the series will be shot abroad and the other locations include Tagaytay, Bukidnon and Baguio. The series will be directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina.

as of 12/24/2008 4:38 PM

UPDATE 12/27/2008: Flowell officially declared the news of the Filipino Twilight remake a hoax!

ABS-CBN REMAKE OF "TWILIGHT" A HOAX!

Last December 23, nilabas ni Edgar Cruz ang article about sa remake ng ABS-CBN ng movie na Twilight, and the same time Perez Hilton releases his version of the clamor where everyone were furious about the idea. This morning i received an email from Tito Ed Cruz of Yehey.com regarding the updates on the alleged remake/adaptation of Twilight, with the local title Takipsilip where Rayver Cruz and Shaina Magdayao will be the main cast.

Here is Tito Ed's email as posted on the Entertainment Section of Yehey.com

“Di ko alam ako pala magdi-direct ng ‘Twilight,’” director Cathy Garcia Molina curtly replied when Buzzbox asked her if she is opting for a localized version of the blockbuster vampire novel. The buzz is that ABS-CBN had acquired the rights to the novel for US$1 million and that Cathy has been selected to direct it with Rayver Cruz as Edward Cullen and Shaina Magdayao as Isabella Swan.

Cathy informed Buzzbox her schedule is heavy as she has to finish principal photography and post-production of the John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo starrer “A Very Special Love 2,” Star Cinema’s Valentine offering, before she could work on a new project.

This led Buzzbox to inquire from the talent managers of the actors in the unofficial cast if they have been casted for specific roles. Anjie Ureta, manager of Chin Chin Gutierrez who will do the role of Esme Cullen replied, “As of today we have not received information or inquiry regarding ‘Twilight’ remake for Dos.” Becky Aguila, the manager of Joross Gamboa as Jasper Hale and Empress Schuck as Angela Weber, texted, “Di ko alam. Wala pang sinasabi.” Veronique del Rosario, the manager of Nikki Bacolod as Victoria answered, “Wala pang offer.”

Could this don’t-know approach be a ruse? I got this idea when Carlo Orosa, the manager of Karylle as Rosalie Hale, originally answered “Wala pang official.” When asked for a clarification, replied, “Can’t be revealed yet.” Could it be the whole project is still a top secret and people in the know were asked not to talk about it. This may be similar to the information embargo ordered by ABS-CBN top management for “I Love Betty La Fea” as to the actor who would play the role of Armando. This turned to be John Lloyd Cruz which Buzzbox correctly second-guessed.

There are strong reactions from ‘Twilight” cult fans that a petition for ABS-CBN not to proceed with the project is on-going. The petition centers two issues: ABS-CBN’s lack of ability to do justice to the novel and Rayver not being fit to do the Edward Allen part. Before they do this, they have to find out first if the buzz is for real or a hoax?

Save the effort and hate words, guys! Buzzbox clarified with ABS-CBN Corporate Communication Head Bong Osorio and after checking with ABS-CBN Television Head Cory Vidanes categorically stated: “There is no plan for ABS-CBN to remake ‘Twilight.’”

The original article on abs-cbnNEWS.com has already been deleted and the guy who posted that probably got slapped real hard. Remember, they screwed up their official news website's URL on national TV. This is definitely a good addition to the list of ABS-CBN's boo boo online.


(Mark Bravo via Captain's Log)