Zanjoe Marudo topbills the 15th installment of Precious Hearts Romances Series titled "Hiyas."

Zanjoe will play the role of “Silang”, a man searching for a precious gem but instead finds his true love.

For his character in “Hiyas”, Zanjoe sports a tribal look with matching ethnic tatoos on his back. Just like Aljur Abrenica in Machete, he has scenes where he is half-naked in “Hiyas.” As Aljur got rid of the long hair look in Machete, Zanjoe, on the other hand will don it in Hiyas. But will Zanjoe wear loin cloth or “bahag”, too?

Also starring in PHR “Hiyas” is young actress/host Megan Young as Zanjoes leading lady. Other members of its cast include Joross Gamboa, John Arcilla, Edward Mendez, Nonie Buencamino, Kristel Moreno, and Neri Naig.

This next PHR is being helmed by acclaimed Indie director Adolf Alix, Jr.

So is it going to be a battle of dark hunks on primetime television? Will Hiyas go head to head against Machete? But since Machete is nearing its end, “Hiyas” just might vie with another tribal-themed teleserye on GMA–Amaya–starring Marian Rivera if the Kapamilya network will line it up under its Primetime Bida block.

Images courtesy of Adolfo Alix Jr.