“It’s nice to be back in Season 2,” he says. “I’m very thankful to all the viewers who supported us in Season 1. Sa lahat ng nagtatanong kung kailan ang Season 2, heto po, magsisimula na on Sunday.”
How different is it from the first one?
“Mas ma-action ito. We felt we have to surpass Season 1. Yun talaga ang inambisyon namin. We’re glad very supportive ang GMA. Mahirap magyabang, pero makikita nyo naman na mas pinalaki talaga ito.
"We really focused on the action sequences, the fight scenes, mas maraming explosions. It takes so long to film them kasi parang pelikula ang ginawa ni Direk Rico.”
Does he still feel any pressure now Season 2 is about to start?
“Siempre, nandun pa rin yung kaba. Masama yung masyado kang confident. Basta we gave it our best and I’m very proud of this project so I’m sure the viewers will enjoy this.
"Ang Season 1, mas focused on establishing the origins and mythology ni Gabriel. Season 2 now shows his development as a superhero. Mas established na ngayon ang identity niya.”
He had to prepare hard for Season 2.
“We now have more scenes na hand to hand combat, mas maraming physical action so I have to be very fit. I work out almost everyday. May training ako sa boxing, stretching and rolling.
"We’re not getting any younger at mga bata ang kasama ko, so kailangang magpakitang gilas tayo. I really feel like I’m just 35 years old. Dapat ganun ang mind set mo, para hindi maging marupok ang mga buto-buto mo.
"Marami kaming bagong ginawa rito na hindi pa nakikita ng viewers before. Ako mismo gumawa ng stunts ko. At kapag nasasaktan ako, mga siko ko at tuhod ko, puro gasgas, puro pasa, mas malakas ang feeling ko na magki-click kami sa viewers.
"You’ll see it all here. At may drama scenes din ako with Sanya. Marami ring light moments na matatawa kayo with Benjie Paras and Betong Sumaya. May bago ring kontrabida, si Gardo Versoza na isinama pa ako sa pagtitiktok niya.
"At siempre, hindi mawawala ang core advocacy values ng show tungkol sa pag-aalaga at proteksiyon ng kalikasan at pagtatanggol sa mga naaapi.”
He has two leading ladies, Sanya Lopez and Miss Philippines Universe 2020, Rabiya Mateo.
“Si Sanya, superstar na ngayon and we’re very happy for her,” says Sen. Bong. “Na-feel ko agad noon pa man na may kemistri kami ni Sanya and na-predict naming she’ll be a big star.”
How is it working with Rabiya?
“She’s new but she’s a good actress. I don’t want to compare her to Sanya, but I can see malayo rin ang mararating niya. Magaling siya sa stunts, matapang. Serious sa craft niya.
"Memorized niya nga pati ang lines ko. Magandang simula ito para sa acting career niya.”
