Mas Sabe el Diablo stars meet their fans

More than 3,000 fans showed up to the Gurnee Mills Outlet Mall in Gurnee to show their affection for the stars of Telemundo’s successful Spanish soap opera, Mas Sabe el Diablo.

In partnership with State Farm, Telemundo’s cross-country tour made stops in Los Angeles and Chicago to celebrate the success run of the soap opera and to promote the film “El Primer Golpe,” or “The First Heist,” a prequel to the love story in the soap opera that is now out on DVD.

“We picked Chicago because every time we’ve done events here, we’ve always had a good response,” said Andres Chaparro, sale manager at Telemundo.

“This is an amazing turn-out,” said Michelle Rice, director of mall marketing and business development at Gurnee Mills.

Although the mall opened at 10 a.m., people began to line up at 8 a.m. in hopes to meet and take pictures with the soap opera’s three stars: Gaby Espino, Jencarlos Canela and Miguel Varoni.

The first 200 people were given wristbands so they could go on stage with the actors after their presentation and take pictures with them.

“I was here really early; I didn’t think I was going to get one [wristband], but I did!” said Rosi Cruz of Round Lake. “I loved the soap opera!”

The event’s emcee, Penelope Menchaca, host of Telemundo’s 12 Corazones, talked about her show’s switch to HD and warmed up the crowd for the actors.

“It’s good to be where you can feel the love of the people,” Menchaca told the fans.

And when she announced that the stars had finally arrived, a concert-like wave of screams began.

The stars greeted the crowd, and thanked them for all of the love and support that helped make the soap opera one of Telemundo’s most successful shows.

“It’s so wonderful to see all of you today, on this day, the day of love and friendship; spending it with us,” said Canela, as fans screamed and stretched their arms for him.

“[My husband] brought me to see him [Canela],” said Noemi Farias. “It was my Valentine’s Day present.”

During the presentation, the actors joked around with each other and pretended to fight for Espino’s attention, just like their characters in the soap opera – Canela as the hero, Veroni as the villain, and Espino as their love interest.

After the frenzy that Canela created by singing one of the songs off his CD, those in wristbands went on the stage to hug and kiss the stars while picture were taken.

And at one point, the crowd was confused after the actors hurried off the stage to a corner where Vanessa Martinez of Indiana waited for her turn to get a picture with them.

“I’m so happy!” Martinez said “They’re so great!”

Martinez’ family drove two hours to be at the event.

Although Rice could not confirm any upcoming events such as this one, the mall has a partnership with Telemundo and she said other events will be scheduled in the future.