1984 was the year that the original “Working Girls” movie was released. It became a box-office hit back then as well as an iconic piece of work from the late great Director Ishmael Bernal. The seven ladies who played the title roles were Hilda Koronel, Rio Locsin, Chanda Romero, Gina Pareno, Carmi Martin, Maria Isabel Lopez and Baby Delgado. I remember watching the movie twice in the cinema and enjoying it over and over again on TV. It was a fun chick flick that spawned a sequel that unfortunately flopped.

This year, exactly 26 years after, a remake of “Working Girls” is set for release this coming April 21. And boy, am I hyped for it. Director Jose Javier Reyes wants to pay homage to Ishmael Bernal via this movie and I really hope he lives up to expectations. Viva Films – which produced the original – is also behind the same together with GMA Films and Unitel Productions. The seven ladies in the cast are Ruffa Gutierrez, Eugene Domingo, Iza Calzado, Cristine Reyes, Jennylyn Mercado, Bianca King and Eula Valdez who take on new roles quite different from their predecessors in order to keep up with the times. I must admit, though, that some of them are likely patterned after the first. Take for example Eugene Domingo. She is obviously filling in the comedic part of Gina Pareno (who played an alajera and is now featured in the remake with her) but this time, the former is a seller of fake handbags. On the other hand, Jennylyn Mercado’s character reminds me of Rio Locsin’s role and surprise, they play mother-and-daughter in the movie. Anyways, two other original cast members are part of the new ensemble. Carmi Martin (who popularized the line “Sabel, this must be love!”) is back as a patient of Eula Valdes’ Vicki Belo-reminiscent part, while Maria Isabel Lopez is returning as an activist type who fights against malpractices in cosmetic surgery.

Here is the full trailer of the movie:

video courtesy of YouTube/PinayScandal2009

I’m sure this is going to be fun to watch.

Mark the date – April 21! 😉