Episode 7.5

Rita chides Lavinia for the way she treated Nico at the Zoni launch. She tells Lavinia she has changed, has become hardened. She pleads with Lavinia to go back to the way she used to be: simple, compassionate, incapable of hurting anyone. Lavinia says she's the way she is now because that's the only way she can survive the fight. Now that she's on top, she will not accept being anything less.

Rosamia negotiates with a potential buyer of her videoke business, but the best offer she gets is P800,000 even though she includes her Mercedes Benz in the deal.

Dorina learns from Nico that many advertisers and event producers will be sponsoring her upcoming concert. Dorina assures him that the band is rehearsing daily. Nico tells her Zossimo is also hard at work sourcing materials for the band's new album. He says they might also include some of the band's original work and asks where the rest of the band is. Dorina is embarrassed and reveals that she doesn't know.

Libby informs Larry, Lavinia, and Barbara that one of Lavinia's bookings in Cebu was canceled, and that Dorina now has the booking. Barbara tells Larry to fix the situation. Lavinia tells them she knows what needs to be done.

Dorina asks the band why they weren't at the meeting earlier since Nico was looking for them. Jay says why bother since she's the only one they're interested in. Chris says if they work on an album, it will have Dorina's picture on the cover with the rest of them just being behind her -- as always. In the ensuing argument, Jay quits the band and Chris follows him out.

Nico is still working at his desk when Lavinia arrives. She tries to seduce him into dropping Dorina and working instead with Larry so they can be together. Nico sees through her ploy and tells her he won't break his word to Dorina. He tells her he's not stupid and that she can drop the act, and shouldn't cheapen herself. Lavinia slaps him in response and vows to fight him and Dorina all the way to the end.

Zossimo is pleased to learn that Lavinia and Larry are worried. Nico gets a call from Dorina and learns the band has walked out. Nico meets with Dorina, Gary, and Jack and reveals that Zoni really only wanted Dorina and that she was the one who asked to include them. Nico tells them they have to find a replacement for Jay and Chris. Jack knows just who to call.

Jack calls Rita and asks if she wants to join the band. Barbara overhears and asks about the call. Rita explains that she's got an offer to be a guitarist on a one-shot-deal, and Barbara gives her permission. Jack and Rita arrange to meet.

Rosamia learns that the buyer her estate agent previously found has already purchased a different property. Left with no choice, Rosamia calls the man who offered P800,000 for her videoke.

Nico gives Jay and Chris until the end of the week to return or else they're out. Rita arrives and gets thanks from Jack for being a lifesaver. She tells him she's worried because the venue is so much larger than what she expected. She is even more worried when she learns that the singer of the band is Dorina Pineda.

Dorina greets Rita and Jack is surprised that the two women know each other. Nico recognizes Rita but says nothing. At Rita's request, Dorina agrees not to say a word about Rita playing on the band to anyone, even Lavinia.

For the rest of the day, Jack and Rita rehearse together. Jack's interest in her is obvious. Gary and Dorina also spend time together. Nico arrives with food only to find Gary already giving Dorina something to eat. Gary also produces his cough elixir when Dorina starts having trouble with her throat.

At home, Lavinia tells Barbara and Larry that she was unable to convince Nico to drop Dorina. Larry says they having nothing to worry about -- Nico is just an amateur in this industry and Dorina is just a fan. And Nico is too straight, he won't make any under the table deals just to win.

Just then, Rita rushes in with a guitar. Barbara asks her where the performance of her band will be. Rita says she's just a substitute and that Barbara shouldn't waste her time by going. She escapes by saying goodnight and rushing upstairs.

Rosamia turns over ownership of the videoke and the keys to her Benz for P800,000. The new owner drives away in her Benz, leaving Rosamia standing alone in front of her videoke, which now has a new sign "under new management"

The band's rehearsals go well. While they take a break, Zossimo brings an ipod and asks them to listen to the songs and choose which ones they'd like to include on their upcoming album. They pick one in particular -- "Sana'y Maghintay ang Walang Hanggan" -- and learn that it is the last song that Rosamia composed, and which Larry never bothered to listen to. Zossimo tells them he'll visit Rosamia at her videoke later to get her permission to use the song. Dorina asks if she can go with him and he says yes.

As they listen to the rest of the song, Rosamia has left the videoke and is walking along the waterfront by herself.

Episode 7.4

Jay and Chris do not want to sign with Zoni Records because they think Dorina is the main focus. Gary and Jack vote that they go ahead. Gary reminds them that as a member of the band, Dorina gets a vote too... and they all know what she would want.

The mallshows of "Dorina and The Halo" are wildly successful. Lavinia's album hits triple platinum and she starts endorsing "Diva," a new fragrance.

Rosamia's employees finally leave her because she is no longer able to pay them.

Adora tells her friend Minda that Nico is always watching out for Dorina, and that she won't be touching a cent of Dorina's income. They reminisce about the old days when they had to work so hard just to make a little money.

Emilio continues his quest to find Adora and visits the warden's friend, who tells him to try checking the Madame Rosa Flower Shop because it was open back in 1989.

Zossimo informs Nico and Dorina that the mall wants to book them again because their mallshows have been so successful. Nico says all this is good publicity for Zoni, before they even launch.

Larry informs Barbara and Lavinia that Zossimo and Nico have opened a new company to compete against LaCalma. He tells Lavinia they've contracted Dorina to compete against her. She tells him not to worry. Larry shows Lavinia the invitation to the launch and asks if she's attending.

Emilio convinces a flower shop clerk to let him look through their old employee records, but since he is looking for "Doris" he misses Adora's employment file.

Dorina sings "Nasaan Ka Man" at the launch of Zoni Records. Rosamia is alone at her now-closed bar, drinking and crying. Lavinia arrives towards the end of Dorina's song and makes a show of toasting Dorina and Zoni Records.

Rita avoids the crowd at the Zoni Records launch by practicing her guitar outside. Jack joins her, and repairs the bad impression he made by teaching Rita a few tricks on the guitar. Jack even borrows Jay's acoustic guitar so he can rehearse a song with Rita outside. When he offers to refer her to a band, Rita gives him her cellphone number.

Rita returns to the launch venue in time to see Nico tell Lavinia that she's the one he loves. Before Lavinia can respond, they are interrupted by Barbara, who indicates that it's time to leave.

Nico introduces Dorina to a Mr. Go, who asks her if she's already endorsing a product. He tells Nico that Dorina is a goldmine. The rest of the band overhears and Jay tells them here's proof that they're only interested in Dorina and the band isn't needed. Jay, Chris, and Jack leave the event, and Gary eventually follows.

Episode 7.3

Zossimo agrees with Nico that Dorina is the perfect choice.

Dorina tells Gary he should be more patient and listen more to what other people are saying.

Rosamia takes a long slow look at her videoke before she shuts the lights and locks up the door.

Rosamia, Dorina, and Emilio arrive at the church separately and sit on separate pews, unaware of each other's presence. They finish their prayers and leave without noticing one another.

Larry instructs Lavinia to befriend all the reporters by inviting them to a party at her home. Lavinia asks Larry if he fired Zossimo because of Nico, who had caused a commotion when he came to confront Larry. When Lavinia asks if Nico had come to fight for her, Larry dismisses Nico's actions as that of a child who is frustrated because he cannot have what he wants.

Larry asks for and gets Lavinia's commitment to her career, because he's going to invest everything he has in it. She says she's serious about her career, and that there's no turning back now.

The next day, Nico is plagued with doubts about their plan. Zossimo meets with Dorina and offers her a Zoni contract. She accepts with two conditions: the contract includes the band, and that she not be pitted against Lavinia.

Lavinia's revised contract with Larry states she can't marry for five years nor have children in that time. She also cannot turn down any project he assigns her.

Nico calls during Lavinia's press party, and overhears Barbara telling the reporters that he no longer stands a chance because Lavinia's new contract prevents her from marrying. Lavinia takes the phone to talk to him, but Nico hangs up. At his office, Nico throws Lavinia's photo into the trash.

When Zossimo returns from his meeting with Dorina, Nico says he's "all-in" with their plan to topple Lavinia through Dorina. Zossimo tells Nico about Dorina's reluctance to go up against Lavinia. Nico instructs him to simply not tell Dorina of their intent.

Lavinia tells Rita about Nico's phone call and says it might be that he wants to get back together with her. Rita asks if that's true, then why he did he just hang up?

Dorina informs her bandmates about their new contract with Zoni Records.

Lavinia calls Nico's cellphone but he rejects the call. When Barbara asks who she's calling, she admits that she tried to call Nico, but made light of it and changed the subject by asking about her next booking.

Zossimo informs the band that they shall now be known as Dorina and The Halo. He also reveals that they will be presented as Zoni talents when the new record company launches officially next month. Nico arrives and is introduced to the members of the band.

Episode 7.2

Upon his release from prison, Emilio visits Club 100 and remembers the events that led to the loss of his baby daughter, Emilia Rose.

Dorina overhears the band speculating that internal politics blocked her contract with LaCalma.

Zossimo visits Nico and learns that Lavinia has turned down Nico's marriage proposal. He tells Nico about Larry's sudden change of heart about Dorina's contract. The two men put the two events together and realize that Larry only used Dorina to frighten Lavinia into turning down Nico's proposal.

Lavinia appears disinterested as Barbara enumerates all her upcoming bookings in tv shows and movies. The singer retreats to her bedroom, where Rita finds her sobbing.

A furious Nico punches Larry in the face when Larry confirms that he did use Dorina to make Lavinia feel threatened about her career. Larry fires Zossimo for his lack of loyalty.

Rosamia tries to conceptualize a contest of some kind for the videoke to bring in more customers. When cash is stolen from her office by a former employee, she wrongly accuses another man for the theft.

Emilio looks for Tiyang Letty, the aunt of his cellmate Bombi. She graciously gives him a place to stay while he looks for a job to start his new life. She eventually finds him a job as a taxi driver.

Adora gives Dorina a new cellphone as a gift. They arrange to meet at the church later in the day.

Jack meets Rita and is immediately smitten. He also makes a really bad first impression.

While driving the taxi, Emilio learns that Dorina is performing at a bar, but he is unable to go in to watch because a new taxi passenger enters his cab.

Nico decides to ruin Lavinia's career by starting a new recording company and launching a rival singer that will outshine Lavinia. He believes doing so will eliminate the only thing that's stopping Lavinia from marrying him. Zossimo agrees to be his partner. Nico picks Dorina as the talent that they will nurture.

Episode 7.1

Larry says he has to look for a replacement for Lavinia since she is planning to marry Nico. Barbara gives Lavinia the silent treatment.

Dorina tries but fails to extend her contract to include the band.

Rosamia's videoke bar is not earning enough and she has to lay off three of her employees.

Emilio prepares for his coming release from jail.

Lavinia turns down Nico's marriage proposal. At this news, Larry withdraws his contract offer to Dorina.

Zossimo tries but fails to get an explanation from Larry for his change of heart.

Lavinia returns home and vows to Barbara and Larry that she will focus on nothing but her career.

Adora and Dorina are crushed by the loss of Dorina's new contract.

Episode 6.5

Lavinia goes on a date with Nico, and turns off her cellphone so they are not disturbed. When she returns home, Barbara is furious with her, but is shocked into silence when Lavinia reveals that Nico has proposed marriage.

Barbara connives with Larry to convince Lavinia that marrying Nico will mean the end of her career. Larry reverses his earlier decision and tells Zossimo and Dorina he would be happy to have Dorina as an artist with LaCalma.

Dorina misses band practice and the band members criticize Gary for his actions. They go see Dorina and Gary makes amends.

Lavinia visits Larry's office and is threatened to learn that Dorina will be signing a contract with LaCalma.

Episode 6.4

Gary professes his feelings to Dorina publicly. Dorina is upset at being put on the spot.

Lavinia, Barbara, and Rita are at the mall and Lavinia is being mobbed by fans. They see Rosamia, and Lavinia cannot resist the urge to talk to her former mentor. Rosamia sees through Lavinia's sugary attempts at friendship, and rebuffs her former student. Lavinia's fans are upset and come to her defense.

Episode 6.3

Zossimo approaches Dorina to ask if she would be interested in becoming a singer with LaCalma Recording. The band members are dismayed because they think she'll decide to go solo. Nico pays a surprise visit to Lavinia and is unhappy when she can't go out with him that night.

Episode 6.2

Dorina is proclaimed the Grand Champion of the Star In A Million search.

Lavinia makes a show of congratulating her. Larry compliments her on her ability to navigate the world of showbiz.

Lavinia finally gets to her date with Nico. He asks her to go away with him on vacation -- an idea that Barbara immediately shoots down the next day.

Episode 6.1

Dorina is missing at band rehearsals and when Gary defends her, his bandmates start questioning Gary's double standards.

Rosamia recovers from her depression and starts a videoke bar called Emilia Rose.

Episode 4.5

[ continuing from yesterday's episode...]

In the bedroom, Dorina stands beside the window, looking outside, crying. She is unable to sleep. Just then, Adora enters and without speaking, the two of them hug each other tightly. They apologize to each other. Dorina apologizes again, saying she knows she needed to be punished because she really did something wrong. But she assures Adora that she has not in any way lost respect for Adora, that she can't think of anyone she admires more than Adora.

Adora asks her if she's truly Dorina's idol, and Dorina says yes. Adora half-crying, half-joking asks Dorina if she's a bigger idol for Dorina than Lavinia. Dorina giggles and says of course. The two of them hug each other again.

Nico and Lavinia are still on their date and Lavinia asks Nico if he's sure about what he feels. He says he is experienced enough to know the difference.

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a pendant. He says it has been in his family for a very long time and that his grandmother instructed him to give it to the woman he grows to most love. He tells her he wants her to have it, because in his eyes, she's the brightest star there is.

Lavinia is crying as Nico steps behind her and fastens the pendant. Concerned, he asks her why she's crying. She says it's nothing. He assures her that he's not pressuring her in any way. Haltingly, she tells him she knew it was wrong to mix business with pleasure, but it's her own fault because she broke her own rule. Nico asks her if she regrets doing so, and she says yes, because she broke the most important rule: she fell in love as well. With a tender smile, she tells him she loves him too. He wipes away her tears and kisses her gently. Nico smiles broadly as the two of them hug.

-- commercial --

Oman and Dorina are chatting and Oman remarks that all must be well with Adora because they are all smiles. Dorina says yes. Oman asks her if she will resume going to Lavinia's tapings, and Dorina says yes, but she plans to cut back on her visits. No more daily trips for her, especially since she's now able to get news through tabloids.

She shows him the most recent article on Lavinia, which states that she and Nico are dating frequently. There is a photo of the couple together. She is thrilled and says she hopes the two of them end up together.

Oman seizes the opening and asks if she has ever felt kilig because a guy. She says yes, and Oman is immediately interested, until Dorina shares that this was way back in kindergarten, with one of the handsome security guards at the school because they were always so helpful. She said she had not realized that it was their job to help the kids!

Oman says that's not what he meant. He asks her if she has a crush right now and she says no. He asks what she'll do if someone were to court her. She says -- that's easy. I turn him down. He asks why, and she says she's too young to have a boyfriend. He says you'll do that even if he's a great guy and really loves you? Dorina replies -- I'll just tell him, thanks, but maybe next time...

Oman is dejected. Dorina notices and tells him that just because she's not interested in getting a boyfriend it doesn't mean the girl that he's interested in is uninterested as well. She tells him she's sure the girl will accept him. He says maybe it's better if it's "next time" because he's sure to be rejected.

Dorina tells him no girl will turn him down and that he needs to take action. If he really likes his crush, then he should give her things that she likes. It doesn't have to be expensive, just things that will make her happy -- like softdrinks! Especially if she's thirsty! She tells him again to make his move.

Oman has lined up to get an audience pass for a live performance that night where Lavinia will be performing. When he finally claims his two tickets, he is thrilled at the thought of presenting them to Dorina.

Dorina is at church rehearsing with the choir. After a song, they take a break while the music pieces for the next song are being prepared. Dorina sits at one corner of the church and starts leafing through the pieces in her folder.

Emilio notices the prisoners distributing knives and weapons and whispers to his friend that the jailbreak will be happening soon. His friend asks him if he intends to join the plotters. Emilio doesn't answer. He is obviously torn.

Dorina starts rehearsing on her own, and as she sings, her voice echoes throughout the nearly empty church. Unknown to her, Rosamia is at the altar wearing dark glasses and a bandana around her head. As the singer finishes her prayer and prepares to leave, she hears Dorina. Rosamia is moved by Dorina's singing, and she approaches Dorina from behind.

-- commercial break --

Just as Rosamia reaches Dorina, Dorina turns around and Rosamia quickly slips through one of the church's many exists. Dorina tries to follow her.

In jail, the warden enters one of the common rooms and leader of the plotters signals to his men. The warden and his guards are outnumbered and are almost immediately held at knifepoint.

Dorina follows the mysterious lady but Rosamia has vanished. Outside the church, Dorina asks Oman if he saw a lady wearing a bandana leave the church, and Oman after some thought says no. When Oman asks her why, she changes the topic and asks him where he's been all day.

With a broad smile, Oman presents the two tickets, telling Dorina she has a special occassion to go to tonight. Excited, Dorina asks if those are tickets to the live performance that night, and Oman confirms it, saying a lot of singers will be present, and Lavinia will top-bill the show. Dorina is thrilled and says he's truly her best friend. Oman smiles as he watches her being so happy.

More guards in the jail rush into the room, firing guns into the air. Emilio makes his choice, and attacks the leader of the plotters, pulling his knife away from the warden. In the ensuing scuffle, punches are thrown, people are knocked around, and Emilio is stabbed in the chest and in his side. He collapses to the floor just as the guards regain control of the room. The warden notices his lying bloodied and unconscious on the floor, and immediately calls for an ambulance. He shakes Emilio but our injured hero does not respond.

-- commercial break --


Emilio is wheeled into the emergency room and the warden tells the doctor on duty that he must do everything to help Emilio because the prisoner saved his life and prevented a jailbreak.

Dorina and Oman are looking for the correct studio for the night's show. Oman tells Dorina to wait while he gets directions. Alone, Dorina wanders into a nearby empty stage and in her mind's eye, she imagines the stage lit up just for her as she stands in front of a cheering crowd. She says to herself, someday.

Her reverie is interrupted by a security guard who asks her what she's doing there. He tells her she's too early if she wants to line up for another of the network's shows. She apologizes and smiles to herself as she takes one last look around and eventually leaves the soundstage.

The warden wakes Emilio, and even though Emilio is still in a daze, the warden tells him he's at the hospital and that Emilio should focus on getting well, because he will do everything in his power to convince the parole board that he deserves a second chance. He promises Emilio that he will soon be free.

At the concert that night, an unknown band is playing and the crowd claps along to their performance. [Loyal fans of the show will recognize the drummer of the group as Gary]. Nico and Zossimo are seated at the front row and when Zossimo says they sound good, Nico agrees and comments that the audience is responding well to the band.

In the bleacher section, Dorina remarks to Oman that the band members all look young, like they're just the same age. Oman says they all probably come from wealthy families.

Just then, Nico walks over to their section of the audience and calls Dorina. She waves hi and he asks what they're doing seated so far back. She says since the seats are first-come-first-served this was the best they could do. Nico invites them to sit with him, saying he still has four empty seats on the front row. They excitedly move to the front of the audience.

Backstage, Larry enters Lavinia's dressing room and asks her if she's ready, and she confidently replies that she's always ready. Larry tells her that Rosamia is gone, and that she's now the queen of the industry. He tells her that when she gets out on stage, she should show everyone that she's the one on top and that no one else is better than her. She says okay and Larry wishes her luck.

The announcer introduces her as "the new sensational star" and the crowd applauds as she comes out and starts singing her signature single, Miss Na Miss Kita. Dorina is on her feet right away applauding.

Halfway through the song, Lavinia leaves the stage and moves along the front row of the audience. She asks members of the audience to sing parts of the song for her. She eventually reaches Dorina, and Dorina gamely stands up and takes the microphone. She belts out the chorus of the song, much to the delight of the crowd. Lavinia becomes uneasy as she looks at the audience and sees the way they are applauding Dorina's performance. Nico and Zossimo are smiling while Oman and Dorina's friends cheer Dorina on, with the rest of the audience.

Lavinia finally reclaims her microphone and says, "Thank you, Dorina". She climbs back up on stage and resumes singing, but the crowd starts chanting "Do-ri-na! Do-ri-na!" Lavinia is shaken by this turn of events, but she manages to finish her song and smile at the crowd, before saying thank you.

-- commercial break --

Adora, her friend, and Bencho are at home watching the live show and they see Dorina singing during Lavinia's performance.

Adora excitedly yells out the window at all the neighbors to watch TV because her daughter is on, and she misses the news flash that comes on TV just then, which shows Emilio being wheeled out on a gurney. By the time she turns back to the TV, the newsflash is over and Bencho says with admiration that Lavinia can't hold a candle to Dorina when it comes to singing!

The Arguelles family are gathered backstage in Lavinia's dressing room. She is utterly furious at the way Dorina upstaged her during her performance earlier. Barbara is just as upset, saying she felt like cutting off Dorina's tongue for the way she behaved.

Rita says that, in fairness, Dorina sang beautifully, and that she even managed to reach high notes that Lavinia has trouble with. Angered, Lavinia throws a box of tissue at Rita and tells her to shut up.

Rita becomes angry as well, because the box of tissue almost hits her. Lavinia tells her it should already be obvious that she's upset to start with, there's no need to needle her and make things worse. Rita tells her with mock courtesy that she's merely commenting. She asks -- am I not allowed to say what I think simply because someone's a better singer than you? Even the audience preferred Dorina's performance to yours!

Barbara interjects and tells Rita that's enough and that she's going too far. Rita is still angry but she shuts up. A tense silence follows.

Just then Nico enters and asks Lavinia if he can bring someone in to see her, and when Lavinia says yes, Dorina appears with Oman in tow. Lavinia is forced to put on a smile (however false) at the sight of Dorina entering the dressing room.

Episode 4.4

[ continuing from the previous episode...]

Adora tells Dorina she's old enough to think for herself. It's now up to her what she wants to do. Adora will no longer do anything to stop her.

Later, Dorina and Bencho are in bed but Adora has not yet turned in for the night. Dorina goes to the living room and finds Adora sleeping on the couch. She tries to wake Adora and convince her to return to the bedroom. She tries to ask for forgiveness. But Adora feigns sleep and refuses to acknowledge even hearing Dorina.

After Dorina leaves, Adora opens her eyes and cries quietly.

-- commercial break --

Rosamia is at a restaurant consulting a lawyer to see if a loophole can be found in her contract. She also asks if it's possible to file a complaint against Larry through the Manager's Guild.

The lawyer tells her it's possible, but that Larry is currently on the board of the guild, so he's got a lot of clout with his fellow managers.

Just then, there is a commotion at the entrance of the restaurant, and Lavinia and Rosamia enter. They see Rosamia right away. The two stars exchange glances before the two new arrivals proceed to their table.

Barbara remarks that Rosamia looks pathetic. She looks like she's not had any sleep and that she probably has nothing to eat anymore these days. She laughs. Lavinia tells her there's no need to gloat, it's enough that Rosamia's concert was a flop.

Barbara disagrees. She says there's no need to feel sorry for her, that there's still retribution to be made because of the way Rosamia slapped Lavinia and humiliated her in front of others. There's still a debt to be repaid and that the concert is not enough.

Barbara reminds her that she's going to be even more famous, and will surpass Rosamia. She'll be unstoppable. She's not just the shining star -- she's the "super" shining star. And the world will revolve around her. This is music to Lavinia's ears, and she smiles.

Rosamia is in the restroom washing her hands when Lavinia enters and asks Rosamia if she has nothing to say. Rosamia says she's said all there is to say.

Lavinia smiles and asks if Rosamia is not even going to congratulate her for her successful concert? When Rosamia does not respond, Lavinia calls her a sore loser. Rosamia tells her she has not lost yet. She warns Lavinia not to pick a fight with her because she's not the type to retreat.

Lavinia tells her she's not afraid of Rosamia. It may be true that she's younger but she's more powerful now. Now, she's the one that people look up to, she's the one that is adored and worshipped by the public.

Rosamia tells her she's starting to believe too much in her own publicity. She offers a bit of unsolicited advice to Lavinia -- Don't put yourself up on too high a pedestal. You're only human, you have no wings. And the day will come when you will fall back to the muddy ground from which you came.

Lavinia is enraged and slaps Rosamia soundly.

-- commercial break --

Right after slapping Rosamia, Lavinia appears to be surprised by her own actions. She starts backing away slowly.

Rosamia tries to slap her back in response, but Barbara arrives just in time to grab Rosamia's wrist in mid-air. She challenges Rosamia, and the singer leaves the restroom without a word.

Barbara is so proud of Lavinia and asks her how she feels. Lavinia is still shaken, but she says she's okay.

Emilio is at the prison altar praying for guidance. He tells God he is losing hope of ever leaving the prison, but that he's desperate to search for his daughter.

He says he is willing to do practically anything, even taking part in a jailbreak, but he knows it's not right and he has no wish to endanger his daughter. He asks for help in making the right decision.

The Pineda family is having a very quiet meal together. Dorina tries to strike a conversation and asks Adora what new recipe she used for their dinner, but Adora ignores her. Bencho asks the same question and Adora responds with a smile saying it's not a new recipe, that she just copied it from a restaurant she ate at previously.

Dorina says it's wonderful, but Adora ignores her. Dorina tries to ask Adora for forgiveness, saying she never meant any disrespect towards Adora. Adora looks at her briefly then says to Bencho that she's heading back to the lugawan. Adora gets up and leaves without saying anything to Dorina.

-- commercial --

Adora and her friend are sitting at one of the lugawan tables, and her friend asks Adora how much longer she will give Dorina the silent treatment.

Adora says she doesn't know. She says Dorina is turning into a disobedient child. Her friend tells her to just be understanding. After all, Lavinia gives Dorina special treatment so it's only natural that she becomes a fanatic. Adora tells her it's not the case of being a fan. The real issue is that Dorina no longer listens to her.

Her friend says the problem is that Dorina has been a great daughter all her life, so Adora has difficulty accepting that she's just human and also makes mistakes.

Adora says she can accept that. But what she doesn't understand why Dorina has to change now?

Her friend says it's probably all part of going through the rebellious teenage years. Adora says she hopes that's all it is, and that it's not because Dorina has lost respect for her as a mother now that she knows she's not Adora's biological child.

Her friend ecourages her to cheer up because it's so unlike her to be like this.

Rosamia learns from her lawyer that there are no loopholes in her contract. Rosamia is still tied for the next 6 years to Larry Calma. Rosamia tells him he's not giving her any work. She says it's not about money. It's about her singing, her craft. She will die if she can't pursue it. The lawyer tells her they can't do anything, that it's all up to Larry.

Oman asks Dorina outside the church if she has no choir practice, and she says it's not until later. Oman tells her to cheer up and that Adora will soon lift her punishment.

Dorina sadly tells him that she's no longer grounded, that she's now free to do whatever she wants. But it's as if Adora no longer cares about her. Oman tells her that's not true. But Dorina says Adora does not even acknowledge her existence anymore and that she refuses to accept Dorina's apology. She won't even sleep in the same bed with her, and whenever they're in the same room, Adora doesn't speak to her or even look at her. It's as if she doesn't exist. She says it really hurts so much to be ignored that she would have preferred being hit than getting the silent treatment.

Rosamia is waiting to talk to Larry at his office when two people approach her. One of them introduces himself as Mr. Ocampo, an organizer for provincial fiestas and events.

He asks her if she'd be interested as a guest at the Fiesta of San Roque. When Rosamia turns him down, he gives her his business card and asks her to think about it, before leaving.

Larry and Libby enter, with Larry talking on his cellphone. Rosamia calls him but he ignores her and continues walking into his office. Rosamia has no choice but to sit and wait.

Later, Adora is still sleeping on the couch. Dorina comes out of the bedroom and places a blanket over her sleeping mother. She kisses her mother on the forehead and returns to bed, believing her mother to be asleep. As soon as Dorina returns to the bedroom, Adora opens her eyes and sighs.

In the bedroom, Dorina stands beside the window, looking outside, crying. She is unable to sleep.

Just then, Adora enters and without speaking, the two of them hug each other tightly. They apologize to each other.

Nico and Lavinia are out stargazing. Nico points out the star Venus and says it's named after the most beautiful Roman goddess. She agrees that it's quite beautiful. Nico then says that lately his mind has been on a different star, as he looks at her. Lavinia laughs and says he's being corny.

Nico tells her he may be corny, but he says he must get that way because he's in love. Lavinia looks surprised but she seems touched by his confession.

Nico tells her that he's been out with a lot of women, but that she's nothing at all like them, that she's different.

-- commercial break --

The working day has ended at LaCalma, and Rosamia is finally called in to see Larry.

Once in his office, she pleads with him to give her a chance. She says that as someone who has been with LaCalma for more than 15 years, surely she doesn't deserve to be discarded like garbage.

He tells her that she's passe and that she's no longer needed. She asks him to give her another chance. She tells him her career is all she has left. She says she doesn't know what she would do without her career.

Larry says no. Rosamia literally goes down on her knees and says she'll do anything, even change her style, even if she were to just become Lavinia's front-act. She says she just wants to sing again. One more chance is all she needs.

Larry asks her if she will really do all that, and she says yes, thinking he is finally giving her a chance. In response, Larry tells her there's no need for her to do any of that, because she has truly hit rock bottom. He walks out of the room, leaving her sobbing on the floor.

Episode 4.3

[ Continuing from the previous episode...]

Dorina and Oman are arguing. Dorina tells him he's acting like a child. Oman replies by saying she's the one who's acting like a child, because she's totally unaware of what's going on around her, and she's totally unaware of his feelings.

Dorina demands an explanation but just then Adora and Bencho arrive from Rosamia's concert and Oman quickly leaves.

At the breakfast table, Barbara is gloating at the tabloid cover stories talking about Rosamia's concert being a flop. She tells Lavinia she did a great job at her own concert. She concludes that Lavinia doesn't need Rosamia at all.

Rita interjects, saying that Lavinia still got her start from Rosamia. Barbara disagrees.

Lavinia listens attentively as Barbara says she's been in showbiz for a long time and that it was just strategy on Rosamia's part that made her invite Lavinia to participate in her shows, because she knew Lavinia would bring in droves of young fans to prop up Rosamia's "ailing" career.

Rita obviously disagrees, but she cannot say anything. Lavinia begins to believe Barbara, even remarking that Barbara is probably right, because once she stopped working with Rosamia, the other singer's career started to decline. Rita becomes even more distressed by what she is hearing.

Barbara agrees with Lavinia's observation, and concludes that Rosamia was just using her. Once again Barbara says that Lavinia owes Rosamia nothing, and that Lavinia is obviously the best performer.

As Rita watches, Lavinia smiles; she is starting to believe that she achieved everything on her own.

Adora complains about Oscar's write-up in the tabloids about Rosamia's concert, saying he really has it in for her idol. Dorina asks if it's true that only a few people watched. Adora says what more can you expect when there's another concert that's free that same night? It's not a fair fight.

Dorina says to not worry, after all Adora really enjoyed. Adora says she truly did and remarks that Rosamia was so professional, that she performed as if she had an SRO audience.

Dorina says Lavinia's concert was also good, and Adora asks her how she could possibly know. Dorina is at a loss for a good explanation, and Bencho says it's only natural for Lavinia to have a good concert since she's the "Shining Star".

Oman is putting away his laundry when Dorina enters his room. Oman tells her she shouldn't just barge in unannounced. Dorina tells him she's been doing that all her life! She sits down and says she feels guilty about deceiving Adora about Lavinia's concert. She doesn't want Adora to be angry again. Oman tells her it's only right that she be guilty since she did something wrong.

Dorina demands to know what's going on, since he seems to still be mad at her. Oman says he's not mad at her, he's mad at himself because he can't say what he feels. Dorina thinks for a moment, then says she thinks she understands. She asks if this is about love? That he's afraid to admit his love?

Almost hopeful, Oman asks her if she can see how he feels.

-- commercial --

Dorina climbs up on Oman's bunk bed and starts teasing him about being in love. Oman is uneasy and says nothing. Dorina says it's no wonder he's been so crabby lately, if he can't make progress with his crush. She tells him he should have told her about this. She could have helped him with the girl! She wants to know who she is and how he met her.

Oman tells her he doesn't want to tell her now because it's not the right time and the girl in question isn't ready yet anyway.

Oman shakes himself out of his depression and jumps out of bed and tells Dorina it's time they go.

Nico visits Lavinia at home and congratulates her on her successful concert. He presents her with a large bouquet of flowers. She asks him where he disappeared to in the middle of the concert last night.

Nico explains that one of the fans, Dorina, fainted and he brought her to the infirmary. Lavinia conceals her dismay and asks how Dorina is doing. Nico tells her she's okay now and that he took her back to her home. Lavinia tells him she'll make a point of sending Dorina flowers to help make her feel better.

Rosamia is at home, telling Zossimo that her savings were wiped out because she lost so much money in the concert. She asks for his help. He suggests that she go talk to Larry and ask for his forgiveness. He assures her that Larry is a good guy... that he's only doing what he thinks is best for her career. Besides, she has no choice anymore. It's time to swallow her pride and talk to Larry.

At the Pineda home, it's time for dinner, and Adora flips over her dinner plate to find a Rosamia CD. She thanks Dorina, saying Dorina is so sweet to give her a CD even though Adora had grounded her.

Rosamia sees Larry and asks to be allowed to come back to La Calma Recording. Larry curtly asks her if that's all she has to say. Rosamia apologizes to him also. Larry says okay and that she can leave. Rosamia says what about my career? Larry says I made my decision about you long ago and nothing has changed. Especially since your concert was a flop. Whether you're sorry or not, I don't care. Your career is still frozen.

Rosamia is at a loss for words, and she leaves quietly. Larry can't help but smile.

Nico appears at Dorina's home just as she's preparing vegetables and singing "Miss Na Miss Kita" at the top of her lungs. He approaches from behind her carrying a basket of fruit, and startles her when he compliments her singing.

She asks him what he's doing at her home, and he says that Lavinia's music video taping is nearby and he wanted to give her a basket of fruit to make sure she doesn't faint again. Dorina thanks him for his kindness, and Nico asks if she has also received the flowers from Lavinia. Dorina hesitates then says she hasn't received any. Nico says it was probably just delayed. He tells her that Lavinia intends to send her flowers because she's concerned.

Dorina is thrilled that Lavinia would be so sweet, and she goes on to tell Nico that he and Lavinia make such a perfect couple. Nico tells her she's a tease. Dorina asks him to wait while she gets him a drink. While she's inside her home, Nico gets on his cellphone, and instructs his assistant to have six dozen white roses delivered to Dorina Pineda but to make it look like they came from Lavinia.

-- commercial break --

Dorina is hard at work selling her sampaguita at church. She's eager to finish off the day's quota and tells Oman that Nico mentioned that Lavinia's music video taping is nearby.

Oman wants to know when she talked to Nico (feeling threatened?) and finally offers to finish selling the rest of Dorina's sampaguita so she can go to the shoot already. Dorina is thrilled and says her BF is really such a good guy. Oman is momentarilly hopeful when he says -- BF? Boyfriend? Dorina laughs and says -- Best Friend!

At the music video shoot, the fans have gathered behind a security line, but they're too far to see Lavinia. When a fan mentions that he's hungry, Dorina shows them the biscuits that she has brought along.

One of the video crew starts wrapping up the shoot and she agrees to give Dorina the address of the next location. The fans are at a loss as to how to go to the next location, and Dorina tells them she thinks she knows how.

In the next scene, we see all the fans on a jeepney. There's not enough room for all of them, so Dorina and one of her fellow fans clings to the back of the jeep. When one of her friends asks if she's okay, Dorina says she's fine and that it's no problem for her to do this because it's for her idol. "Lavinia, here I come!" she screams.

-- commercial break --

Oman is still selling Dorina's quota of sampaguita when Bencho runs up and tells him that Adora is right behind her. Bencho asks after Dorina because Adora is looking for her. Oman is unable to answer.

Dorina and her fellow fans have gathered at the next location but they still haven't seen Lavinia. They chant for her but she still doesn't appear.

Lavinia is getting ready to leave with Barbara and is unhappy to learn that the fans are still waiting for her outside.

Dorina is tired and sits down at the sidewalk to rest for a moment. She falls asleep.

Lavinia asks the video crew to not let the fans know that she's done, because she doesn't want them following her to her home -- it would be a loss of privacy. The crew member tells her to use the rear exit so she can sneak out.

Dorina wakes up to find that all the other fans have left and that it is quite late. When she gets home, Oman is there waiting for her. He tells her Adora knows she wasn't at the church.

Dorina enters the house and tries to greet Adora but Adora is angry and won't let Dorina greet her.

-- commercial break --

Dorina tells Adora that she was at Lavinia's shooting, but that she wasn't alone. Adora reminds her that she's still grounded. She asks Dorina what's going on with her, if she has a problem with Adora.

In tears, Dorina says she can't explain herself, but when she's with Lavinia, she's so happy and she enjoys herself so much when she's with her idol. She also confesses that she attended Lavinia's concert.

Adora tells her she's disappointed because Dorina doesn't appear to respect her as her mother. Adora tells her she's old enough to make her own decisions, that Adora cannot watch her 24 hours a day. Adora tells her it's up to Dorina what she wants to do.

Episode 4.2

The guards at the prison make an unannounced inspection of all the prison cells, saying that they received a tip. Emilio and the warden appear to exchange looks, prompting one of the plotters to conclude that Emilio has snitched on them.

Adora comes home all excited and shows off three tickets to Rosamia's concert. Dorina reluctantly reveals that she had been hoping to watch Lavinia's concert, which was on the same night. After some hesitation, Adora tells her to go ahead and watch Lavinia's concert. She will just invite someone else to use Dorina's ticket.

Emilio is cleaning up at the prison when three of the plotters approach him. They are about to beat him up but a prison guard is nearby and warns them against starting a fight. Just before they part ways, the plotters threaten Emilio.

At the World of Fun amusement center, Dorina and Oman are enjoying themselves. We see a montage of scenes of the two teenagers driving cars, shooting hoops, hitting gophers, and just having an all around good time together. Oman even wins a stuffed bear with a ring tied around its neck, and he goes to the trouble of dropping down on one knee and placing the ring on Dorina's finger. She is oblivious to his intentions and gamely lets him slip the ring on, without realizing that it meant more to Oman.

-- commercial break --

Rosamia learns that ticket sales to her concert are okay, but not good. She decides to appear on more promotions and do more guestings to get more people interested.

Larry learns from Libby that Lavinia's concert ticket sales are behind Rosamia's. He instructs her to do something about it.

Oman and Dorina are winding down their day of fun together at a bench, eating sandwiches. Oman is finally ready to confess the depth of his feelings to her, but Dorina is suddenly distracted by the sound of Lavinia's "Miss Na Miss Kita" playing on a nearby radio.

Oman becomes increasingly frustrated at Dorina's lack of attention since she is still half-listening to Lavinia's song. All hope of confessing his feelings are lost when Dorina hears on the radio that Lavinia's concert will be free. Dorina is excited at the news, causing Oman to finally lose his temper and walk out on Dorina.

The next day, Dorina tries to strike a friendly conversation with Oman outside the church, but he is still unhappy with her. She doesn't understand why and becomes exasperated with him when he doesn't want to talk to her and even calls her names. Finally, she loses her temper and she's the one who walks out on him, leaving Oman to feel even worse.

Dorina is outside the residential subdivision where Lavinia lives and the guards won't let her in because they've received written orders. A taxi pulls up at the gate, and it is Rita who is in the cab, returning from school. She invites Dorina to join her and they ride into the subdivision together.

Dorina is at first hesitant, but she accepts Rita's invitation to come into the house. She is drawn immediately to a large poster of Lavinia hanging in the living room. Dorina gazes at the poster with admiration... prompting Rita to remark that it looks like an altar. Dorina agrees.

Rita asks Dorina if she intends to wait until Lavinia returns from her rehearsals, but Dorina says no and shows the sampaguita that she has brought along for her idol. Rita accepts it and promises to make sure that Lavinia gets it.

Dorina hesitantly asks about the incident the other night with the maid, Brenda, and Rita tells her not to worry, and that she had become upset with Brenda when she had heard what happened. Dorina asks about Lavinia's reaction, and Rita hesitates before finally saying that Lavinia was also upset with their maid (apparently a lie -- Rita didn't want to hurt Dorina's feelings).

Dorina is relieved at this (mis)information, then out of curiousity asks Rita what it's like to be the sister of Lavinia. Dorina remarks that Rita is so lucky.

Rita replies -- you might say that I'm the moon and she's the sun. I only have light when she's around. She pauses and then says quietly, That's how lucky I am. Rita forces a smile, and Dorina smiles back hesitantly -- she doesn't seem to know quite what to make of Rita's statement.

Dorina is trying to sneak into her home but Adora is still waiting up for her. Dorina explains her tardiness by saying that Rita invited her into the Arguelles home and she had not been able to resist.

Adora becomes upset when she learns that Dorina had gone by herself. Given how late it was and how dangerous it is to be alone on the streets, Adora has every right to be upset. Dorina tries to defend herself, which further angers Adora. She grounds Dorina as punishment for her behavior -- she's only allowed to go to school and church. Dorina tries to plead with Adora, asking about Lavinia's concert, which is scheduled for the next evening. Adora tells her she's still grounded and that the discussion is over.

-- commercial break --

The next day, Adora's friend and neighbor is excited at the thought of attending Rosamia's concert that night, but Adora is not in good spirits. She shares with her friend that she had to punish Dorina by grounding her the night before.

Her friend commiserates, but says it's only right for parents to discipline their children. It's too bad though that Dorina will have to miss Lavinia's concert. Adora says she'll make it up to Dorina by buying a front-row ticket to Lavinia's next concert, no matter how expensive it may be.

Dorina is walking home from school when her classmates and fellow Lavinia fans ask her where she thinks she's going. They've all changed out of their school uniforms to go to Lavinia's concert, and they do not take Dorina's no for an answer.

Rosamia tells one of the stage hands that it's time to start the concert, prompting him to ask if she's sure it's time? He pulls back part of the curtain and shows her the more than half-empty concert venue. She is taken aback, but she manages to tell the stage hand to ask all the people in the audience to move to the vacant front seats and to tell the audience that the show will start in 10 minutes.

Rosamia retreats to her dressing room backstage, and cannot stop herself from bursting into tears.

-- commercial break --

Rosamia's audience have moved to the front rows of the concert venue. Adora is excited to now have such great seats, but her friend comments that it's not good for Rosamia.

At Lavinia's concert, the very large crowd and much younger crowd is waiting impatiently. Dorina is guilt-stricken at the thought of having violated her mother's direct orders, but her classmates keep trying to talk her into staying.

Rosamia manages to compose herself, retouch her make-up, and make her way out to the stage. She opens her concert with her classic "Nasaan Ka Man" much to the delight and applause of the fans at the concert.

Dorina finally tells her friends that she can't stay anymore and she gives them the sampaguita lei that she was holding, just as an announcer introduces Lavinia. Dorina is unable to resist the temptation to stay.

-- commercial break --

Lavinia's concert starts with a disco remix of "Miss Na Miss Kita" complete with flashing lights and backup dancers. Her concert has a much younger, more hip feel than Rosamia's concert.

As Rosamia's concert continues, we see Oscar, the entertainment reporter, in the audience, taking photos of the many rows of empty seats at the concert venue.

Dorina's friends return the sampaguita to her and signal to her that it's time for her to go up on stage and present the flowers to Lavinia. Just as she climbs up the side steps of the stage, she feels ill, and faints. Thankfully, Nico is standing right there and he is able to catch her.

Emilio tells his friend in jail that he overheard an escape plot, and that he's thinking of joining the plotters in their escape. His friend is shocked.

Dorina awakens and finds herself at an infirmary, with Nico sitting beside her cot waiting for her to wake up. He tells her what happened, and insists that she get a bite to eat before she leaves. He says he suspects she hasn't had dinner yet, which contributed to her fainting.

When Dorina keeps trying to leave, Nico makes a deal with her -- if she eats the sandwich he's provided, he'll drive her home so she can get home more quickly. At his insistence, Dorina gives in.

Emilio's friend tells him there's no need to take that kind of risk, especially since his parole is coming up. Emilio tells him there's no hope of parole anytime soon for him, according to the warden. And he cannot wait any longer to get out of jail and look for his daughter.

Nico and Dorina arrive outside her home in his red convertible. Oman is there waiting and he is upset to see Dorina arrive not only late but with an unknown man. Oman demands to know who he is. Dorina tries to shush him and tells him that "Sir Nico" is Lavinia's producer. She thanks Nico again for giving her a ride home and he leaves.

Oman is still upset and he follows Dorina into her house all the while reprimanding her for being out so late and coming home with a total stranger, even if he is Lavinia's producer. Dorina tells him this wouldn't have happened if Oman had gone with her to the concert, because if he had, then he would have been the one to catch her when she fainted.

Oman is worried when he hears that she fainted, but Dorina tells him it was just because the venue was so hot and she hadn't had anything to eat. Oman tells her since they're fighting there was no reason for him to have accompanied her to the concert.

Dorina becomes upset and says she doesn't even know why they are fighting. Oman says he's not going to tell her if she doesn't even know why. Dorina tells him he's acting like a child. Oman replies by saying she's the one who's acting like a child, because she's totally unaware of what's going on around her, and she's totally unaware of his feelings.

Tag: Episode, Summary

Episode 4.1

(Continuing from last week...)

Dorina is still waiting when the maid comes out to throw out the trash, and also throws away the sampaguita flowers that Dorina had just given. Dorina is upset when the maid tells her that Lavinia ordered her to dispose of the flowers. Dorina defends Lavinia, saying she'd never do that.

The maid tells Dorina disdainfully that she really has no clue. She reveals it all: that Lavinia doesn't like Dorina at all, and that she's doing everything she can to avoid Dorina. They're not friends at all, because Dorina is just a fan and Lavinia is already sick of dealing with her. Dorina is shocked, but she still comes to Lavinia's defense.

She is still arguing with the maid when the village security personnel come along, and the maid tells them that Dorina is causing trouble. The security guards tell her to leave.

Emilio overhears other prisoners planning a jailbreak. One of them reports that they've already smuggled in knives. Emilio hides until the coast is clear, but just as he leaves, one of the plotters sees him heading away.

Lavinia and Barbara are backstage at Lavinia's last-minute booking when a staffer comes in and asks for her minus one. Lavinia is shocked that they will proceed without a rehearsal or even a soundcheck. The staffer says the audience has been waiting for quite a while so there's not enough time.

Barbara reminds the staffer of the payment, and a check for P200,000 is provided by the staffer. Barbara signs the contract, and is shocked when the staffer tells her she is welcome to go around the hotel shops and charge everything to the account of their mysterious customer. Predictably, Barbara cannot resist, and she goes off to do her shopping spree, leaving Lavinia alone in the dressing room.

Lavinia performs her three songs, and the room is darkened and she can't see the audience. When she finishes her set, the lights come on and she sees Nico standing alone in the room applauding her performance. She comes down from the stage and Nico tells her "I told you I wouldn't stop until we go out on a date". Lavinia is angry at the thought of having been paid P200K to go on a date. She tells him she's never been so insulted in her life, slaps him, then runs out of the room with Nico chasing after her.

-- commercial break --

Nico catches up with her and asks for a chance to explain. She's in tears when she tells him his actions make her believe he thinks she can be bought. Nico confesses that he did this only because he's insecure, that he has done everything he could think of to win her affection and this was the only thing he could think of, since he knew her career was important to her. He asks for another chance.

Lavinia is touched by his confession of insecurity, and she surprises him when she suddenly asks if he has prepared any food, since she hasn't had anything to eat yet.

Dorina sneaks into her home to find Adora and Bencho already asleep. She climbs into bed without waking either of them. Just then, Adora wakes and sees that she's home. She calls Dorina's name, but Dorina does not respond. Adora assumes that she's already asleep and goes back to sleep herself.

During breakfast the next morning, Adora asks how late she got back, and Dorina lies and says she didn't get in too late. Adora apologizes for not waiting up for her, saying she had a lot of customers at her lugawan the day before, and had fallen asleep before Dorina returned. Dorina feels guilty.

Lavinia is in a good mood when she sees Barbara that morning, prompting Barbara to ask if she and Nico are now a couple. Lavinia says no, saying she would seem cheap if she had been that easy. Lavinia says she had a good time with Nico, that he was fun to be with. Barbara tells her "I told you so" and reminds Lavinia that she should have listened to her advice in the first place.

Lavinia asks Barbara if they should return Nico's money, because she doesn't want Nico to think that she could be bought as a date for P200,000. Barbara becomes upset and informs Lavinia that she has already encashed the check, and that only a lunatic would think of returning the money. In tears, Barbara tells Lavinia that it had taken her three years cleaning toilets to earn that kind of money just to support her daughters. Lavinia apologizes and the two of them make up.

-- commercial break --

Dorina is in school, sitting alone looking worried when two of her classmates join her. Dorina says she feels guilty for lying to her mother about coming home late the night before. Her friends downplay her lie, saying it's nothing -- after all, there were no drugs, liquor, or boys involved.

They ask about her visit to Lavinia, and Dorina says she wasn't able to see her. She also asks her friends if they're going overboard with their fanaticism, and they say no. She tells them that she thinks Lavinia may be getting irritated with her because of what her maid said. They tell her the maid is probably just jealous because Dorina and Lavinia are friends. Dorina says she hopes so.

Oman tells his two love advisors (the old chessmaster and his wife) that he now has a plan for "Pinto" -- his code for DOOR-ina. He says he plans to bring her someplace where no one knows them so he can have uninterrupted time alone with her, and finally have a chance to confess his feelings for her.

Nico is visiting Lavinia at her home and notices right away that she's not happy. She excuses it by saying she's just tired. He suggests that she take some time off, to just relax and not think about work for a while. He takes her hand and invites her to go out and have some fun, to go wherever the wind takes them and just enjoy themselves. Lavinia hesitates at first, causing Nico to conclude that she will say no. Lavinia surprises him by smiling and saying, "Let's go."

The scenes that follow are a montage of Nico and Lavinia's. They obviously enjoy each other's company and the attraction between them is obvious. (Note: Pogi points to Nico for his red convertible).

-- commercial break --

Oman learns that Dorina doesn't plan to visit Lavinia that day because she's not sure if the guards will let her in after her behavior the other day. He says it's no wonder she looks sad. But he's got an idea that will cheer her up -- they'll go out together tomorrow and it will be his treat.

Dorina asks him why he's treating and he counters by asking why a reason is needed? He testily tells her to stop asking questions and to just go with him tomorrow. Dorina tells him there's no need to be crabby, and agrees to go with him. After Dorina enters her home, Oman can't resist dancing around in anticipation, much to the amusement of one of his neighbors.

Emilio is told that his application for parole will be denied, because they won't be able to keep everyone quiet about the scuffle he was involved in a few weeks ago.

Oman breaks open his piggy bank in preparation for his big date with Dorina. He smiles in anticipation.

-- commercial break --

Rosamia is busy preparing for her concert when Nico arrives. Apparently, she has invited him to discuss the possibility of Nico helping her to produce her concert, because she cannot handle it on her own anymore.

Nico appears uncomfortable at this news, and he reluctantly reveals that he won't be able to help her, because he is producing Lavinia's concert, which Larry has scheduled for the exact same night as Rosamia's own concert.

Rosamia is surprised, but she gamely wishes him luck, and Nico wishes her luck as well. When Nico leaves, Rosamia gives into worry and sits down at her piano.

Larry stresses to Lavinia that this is a make-or-break concert. Lavinia promises to do her best, and Larry says that's not enough. Her career and his reputation rests on the success of her concert. He demands her promise that she will end Rosamia's career that night.

____

Side note: the lyrics of the song playing during their Nico and Lavinia's date:

Wait Forever
Composed by Jude Thaddeus Gitamondoc,
as performed by Gary Valenciano
From the album "Relevance"

Standing on a great divide
I feel the sudden need to fly
Underneath the open sky
and the river down below

I can keep on runnin' now
I can keep on cheating death and yet somehow
It all ends up the same
And I don't want to be the one who's blamed

And you see that I don't really have a choice at all
If only for the taste of flight
I'd gladly take the fall

So I say... I love you
I don't wanna wait forever
just to say... I need you
Doesn't really have to matter
If it really matters anything to you.

Full lyrics of the song are currently available at Gary V's official site.

Tag: Episode, Summary, Lyrics

BWN's Music Museum Launch in S Mag

Bituing Walang Ningning's Launch at Music Museum is featured in S Magazine, June 2006 issue.

Will add more info when available.

New Timeslot

Bituing Walang Ningning changes its timeslot beginning Monday, June 5.

The Primetime Bida line-up is now as follows:

• Calla Lily
• TV Patrol World
• Kapamilya Deal or No Deal? (old BWN timeslot)
• Bituing Walang Ningning (old SPM timeslot)
• My Girl
• Wonderful Life

PBB Teen Edition ends this week.

Episode 3.5

Rosamia tells Zossimo of her plans to contact an old friend in Cebu to get work. She believes Larry won't know about it since it's so far away.

The old chessplayer / lawyer tells Oman that confessing his feelings for Dorina won't be easy. That's really the way it is. They are in church and Dorina is just a few feet away. She overhears just the last part of their conversation and asks Oman what they're talking about. Oman is caught off guard and rudely tells Dorina to mind her own business.

Dorina's Cebu contact assures her he can get her gigs in Cebu without Larry finding out.

Dorina, Bencho, and Oman are in front of LaCalma's offices waiting to catch a glimpse of Lavinia. Dorina says her day is not complete if she doesn't see Lavinia. Bencho says she'd rather wait inside and as the guard's attention is elsewhere, she slips in and decides to wait on the stairwell.

Just then Lavinia and Libby are coming down the stairs and Libby warns Lavinia that Dorina is outside waiting for her. Lavinia says being with Dorina is the last thing she wants right now when she's so tired. Libby suggests that Lavinia slip out the back door of the building. Bencho overhears their entire conversation.

-- commercial break --

Emilio tries to enter an area of the jail and is warned off by another prisoner. There appears to be something going on with a few other prisoners and Emilio backs off even though he doesn't understand.

Dorina is singing along to Lavinia's songs when Bencho asks her to change the song because she no longer likes Lavinia. Bencho explains that Lavinia told her "thin friend" that she doesn't like Dorina and that she's just pretending to be her friend. Dorina and Adora don't quite believe it, and speculate that Bencho must have just misunderstood.

Lavinia turns down Nico again when he asks her out, but Nico tells her he will not take no for an answer and that he's prepared to wait. Barbara reprimands her and tells her that she should run after Nico now and tell him she'll go out with him.

Lavinia doesn't want to, and just when it looks like Barbara is about to get upset, Rita jumps in and says to their mother that Lavinia is just playing hard-to-get. Lavinia seizes the excuse and agrees that it's just all part of her plan. The reasoning appeases Barbara.

-- commercial break --

Rosamia is preparing to leave for Cebu when Libby arrives and asks her where she's going. Libby tells her if she's going to Cebu, she shouldn't bother because her show has already been canceled.

Emilio gets strange looks from other cellmates as he wanders into the common area. He tells his friend that some of the other prisoners seem to be planning something and his friend suggests that he stay away from trouble because he might put his possible parole at risk.

Libby reveals that Larry's contacts have told LaCalma about Rosamia's gig in Cebu. She says it's a good thing Rosamia has a nice home because she'll need it to pay damages in the lawsuit that she's going to lose. Rosamia tells her she's not being given any choice. Libby tells her that if she flies to Cebu and sets foot onstage, she can be guaranteed that Larry will file a suit for breach of contract.

Rosamia meets with another potential producer, and he tells her no one dares to produce a show for her because Larry will sue. Rosamia says she's willing to produce her own show and that doing so would not be a violation of her contract. The producer says it's dangerous to be risking her own money, but Rosamia says she intends to prove to Larry that she's still a bankable artist and that she needs to reclaim her position as queen of LaCalma from Lavinia.

-- commercial break --

Dorina is at church, and someone comes up and wants to talk to her. He says he heard her sing in a contest and he'd like her to invite her to join the choir as their soloist because their former soloist is on vacation. She is flattered and unsure, but says if her mom agrees she'll do it.

Zossimo and Nico are in front of LaCalma and Lavinia's fans are there waiting for her, complete with banners. Zossimo asks Nico how his courtship is going, and Nico says it is harder than he thought it would be because she's really focused on her career. Zossimo asks what he sees in Lavinia, and Nico says she's beautiful, talented, hardworking, cares about her family, and above all, she doesn't seem to be impressed by his money or his family background. Zossimo says that makes it harder for Nico to win Lavinia. Nico says that makes winning Lavinia all the more enjoyable.

Larry pays Rosamia a visit to warn her that she should not accept any outside help in producing her concert because she would violate her contract if she does. Rosamia assures him she's using her own money, and that the concert will be a major success. Larry tells her he doesn't care one way or another. If the concert is a flop, she'll have proven him right. If the concert is a success, he still gets his 30% of the profits since he's her manager. Either way, he can't lose.

-- commercial break --

Dorina and Oman are at a mallshow waiting for Lavinia's appearance. Dorina also tells Oman that Adora was overjoyed at the news that Dorina has been invited to join the choir. Oman tells her that he'll be happy to attend the church masses over and over again just to hear her sing because he's her number one fan.

Lavinia appears, thanks her fans, and then leaves the stage almost immediately. Oman complains they waited that long and she didn't even sing. Dorina is too much of a fan to complain and she says seeing Lavinia is enough of a reward.

Back in the Arguelles home, Larry explains to Barbara and Lavinia that someone has offered P200,000 for Lavinia to sing three songs that night, so he canceled her mallshow appearance. He doesn't know who the producer is, because everything is being done through a middleman. Lavinia expresses doubts about the situation, since everything is so mysterious and the offer is too generous. Larry says the offer is more than her usual fee because of the very short notice. Barbara accepts the offer despite Lavinia's worries.

Dorina visits the Arguelles home and the maid tells her Lavinia is not home. Dorina says the car is there so Lavinia must be home. She asks the maid to let Lavinia know she's there. The maid says she's not going to disturb Lavinia for a mere fan. Dorina replies that she's not just a fan, and that she and Lavinia are close. She gives sampaguita flowers to the maid to give to Lavinia.

The maid enters Lavinia's room just as the singer is frantically packing for her last-minute booking, with Rita looking on. Lavinia is irritated that Dorina is there again and says it's all because they encouraged her to befriend Dorina. Rita tells her that all Dorina wants is a smile or a wave, and that Lavinia should be thankful she has fans, and be especially thankful to Dorina, because she wouldn't have a career otherwise. Lavinia tells Rita that if she wants, she can go talk to Dorina; after all, nobody pays any attention to Rita since she's nobody. Rita is visibly hurt.

Dorina is still waiting when the maid comes out to throw out the trash, and also throws away the sampaguita flowers that Dorina had just given. Dorina is upset when the maid tells her that Lavinia ordered her to dispose of the flowers. Dorina defends Lavinia, saying she'd never do that.

The maid tells Dorina disdainfully that she really has no clue. She reveals it all: that Lavinia doesn't like Dorina at all, and that she's doing everything she can to avoid Dorina. They're not friends at all, because Dorina is just a fan and Lavinia is already sick of dealing with her. Dorina is shocked.

Episode 3.4

Lavinia, Barbara, Libby, and Oscar make an surprise visit at the Pineda home, much to Dorina's excitement. Lavinia assures Dorina that she's not just a fan, she's also a friend. The neighbors are all crowded into the living room of the Pineda home to see Lavinia. She gives Dorina an autographed poster while Barbara notes that someone in the household is a Rosamia fan.

At the prison, one of the cellmates reads the tabloid article about Rosamia and her encounter with Dorina. Emilio doesn't care and says he's just interested in getting out of jail to look for his daughter.

A cd player and a copy of Lavinia's CD has been delivered to the Pineda home and Dorina excitedly listens to the cd, saying she's hoping to one day sing as well as Lavinia.

Rosamia tries to convince a backer to produce one of her shows, but she is told Larry has issued a memo to all the players in the industry telling them Rosamia is exclusively LaCalma property until 2012, and that they risk being sued if they work with her to produce anything.

-- commercial break --

Libby fails to stop Rosamia from barging into Larry's office. She demands an explanation for the memo he has issued. He tells her that her career will stay frozen until she obeys orders. His first order is that she change her style, but Rosamia refuses, saying she has fans because of her style. He taunts her by saying Lavinia is now the biggest asset of LaCalma, that she's the new shining star.

Dorina arrives from school and excitedly tells Adora that she's now an official member of the Lavinia Arguelles Unlimited Fans Club, and that she's even been made the president of the fans club because she knows Lavinia personally. Adora tells her all this is fine as long as her studies do not suffer.

Dorina is in line to attend one of Lavinia's performances, but the long wait is worth it for her. Lavinia finally appears on stage and sings Miss na Miss Kita to the applause of her fans. Nico watches her admiringly from the sidelines.

Dorina gets up the courage to rush to the stage with her sampaguita flowers and in her excitement, she hugs and kisses Lavinia before placing the sampaguita lei around her idol's neck. Lavinia is taken aback but she forces a smile and continues to sing until the end of the song. She even blows a kiss towards Dorina at the end of her performance.

-- commercial break --

Barbara is upset at Lavinia for her poor performance. Lavinia blames Dorina for disrupting her singing, but she says this a little too loudly and other people may have heard her.

Rosamia consults her financial planner, who tells her she has enough savings to tide her over for a while, but that she can't go without income forever. Rosamia says she thinks Larry will come to his senses soon enough, and she can start working again.

Dorina is with Lavinia's many fans when Oman arrives to invite her to lunch. One of the fans sees Oman and asks Dorina to introduce her boyfriend to everyone. Dorina is quick to deny that Oman is her boyfriend. Dorina agrees to have lunch with Oman, but when Lavinia appears, she invites Dorina to have lunch with her. Dorina says yes and completely forgets about Oman.

Nico is in the LaCalma office waiting to see Lavinia. Zossimo tells him there's little chance of Lavinia entertaining Nico as a suitor since she's focused only on her career. Despite Zossimo's comment, Nico confidently predicts that Lavinia will soon be his.

Oman asks the old chessmaster/lawyer for advice on how to confess his feelings to Dorina. The old man says good-old-fashioned harana works.

Nico is waiting for Lavinia to leave the LaCalma office, hoping to invite her to dinner. He gives her flowers, saying he wants to show her how much he likes her. Lavinia turns him down, saying she doesn't want to mix business with pleasure, and since they'll be working a lot together she doesn't want to break that rule.

She thanks him for the flowers and makes her excuses saying she has to go pick out new clothes from her sponsor. Nico insists on giving her a ride, but Lavinia says she already has a ride. A large SUV pulls up and Larry alights and helps Lavinia into the car. Nico and Larry exchanges looks, apparently sizing each other up, before Larry gets into the SUV with Lavinia. They drive off.

-- commercial break --

Oman nervously sets up his tape player below Dorina's window, with the apparent intent to serenade her. He starts the song, only to be shocked when Dorina suddenly appears behind him. He quickly turns off the player just as a neighbor walks by and notices how much cologne Oman is wearing, and concludes that Oman must be preparing to court someone.

Oman denies any intent of courting anyone, and Dorina doesn't quite believe him, and excitedly wants to know who the girl is. Another neighbor appears and talks to Dorina, so Oman makes his escape, all the while calling himself torpe.

Oman is pulling sampaguita flowers off of a lei, mumbling "she loves me, she loves me not" while Dorina is selling flowers nearby. He is thrilled when the final flower on the lei reveals "she loves me."

Barbara is upset at Lavinia for turning down Nico. She says Lavinia has no sense, because she shouldn't have turned Nico down, after all, Nico will be good for her career. Lavinia defends herself saying that Larry may not like it. Barbara asks her if Larry is also interested in her, but Lavinia denies it. Barbara says that if Larry were to be in love with her, Lavinia should choose Larry over Nico, because her career would go further with Larry.

Dorina is still selling sampaguita while at the same time trying to study for an exam the next day. Oman arrives and almost confesses his feelings for her, but he is interrupted by the arrival of Adora and Bencho. Instead, he offers to sell the rest of Dorina's flowers for her so she can study, and quickly makes his escape. Adora asks Dorina if there's a budding relationship between Oman and Dorina.

-- commercial break --

Dorina is quick to deny any romantic relationship with Oman. She rationalizes his sweet behavior as just him being her best friend. Adora accepts the explanation, and says it's time to go home.

Dorina tells Adora that she wants to make a quick detour first, so Adora and Bencho head home. Dorina goes to Lavinia's home and waits for her idol. She greets Lavinia excitedly when her car arrives. Lavinia is unhappy to see Dorina there, but she goes through the motions of being gracious to her avid fan. They are surprised that Dorina knows where Lavinia lives, and Dorina confesses that she saw Lavinia's address once on a delivery package.

Dorina continues to gush with excitement, until Barbara starts hinting that it's time for Dorina to go. Dorina would rather stay, but she takes the hint and says her goodbyes, but not before giving Lavinia a kiss goodbye first.

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Tag: Episode

BWN in Inside Showbiz's June 2006 issue

Bituing Walang Ningning is featured in the June 2006 issue of Inside Showbiz Magazine.






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Tag: Magazine, Feature, Photos

BWN in Buzz Magasin, June 2006

There's a two-page write-up on Bituing Walang Ningning in the June 2006 issue of Buzz Magasin


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Tag: Magazine, Feature, Photos