‘VOLTES V LEGACY’ is one of GMA Network’s biggest projects ever. It is a live action version of the hit Japanese anime show of the 70s.
Now, GMA is releasing the first three-weeks in SM theaters as “Voltes V: The Cinematic Experience”.
GMA held a special preview for the press at SM The Block and the cast members all say they’re so proud to be part of this groundbreaking show.
The lead characters are played by Miguel Tanfelix as Steve Armstrong, Ysabel Ortega as Jamie Robinson, Matt Lozano as Robert or Big Bert, Radson Flores as Mark Gordon as child actor Rafael Landicho as Little Jon, under the direction of Mark Reyes.
They started shooting the three years ago and now they’re happy to finally see it being shown, first on the big screen, and later on GMA-7 starting in May. So how is it working with each other?
“We got to all know each other better,” says Miguel. “We’ve become more than friends, we’re more like a family no. We shot our show in various location. We practically went around Luzon.
"We shot in Batangas, in La Union and the most enjoyable was Subic, where we stayed for a week in a beautiful villa. Radson, Matt and I shared the same room. We all eat together and when there’s no work, we go swimming in the pool. Ang saya lang.”
“Para kaming naging magkakapatid while working on the set,” adds Ysabel. “Nagtutulungan kami in our scenes together, lalo na yung iconic scenes like yung butterfly return technique na abangan nyo kasi maganda talaga.
"We spent a lot of time practicing it repeatedly so we can perfect it for the camera. I really treasure our moments together, pati yung mga blooper namin on cam. Tawanan kami nang tawanan when we recall the mistakes we’ve made. We really had fun.”
“We all want to thank our director, Mark Reyes, for orchestrating the whole thing,” says Radson. “I feel so lucky to be part of this show that will surely help boost my career.
"Napakagaling ni Direk Mark in his storytelling. I love the way our characters are introduced in one important scenes na nakatayo kaming lahat, side by side, and it gets to show the different personalities ng lahat ng characters. It was so beautifully done.”
Matt Lozano, the son of singer-production executive Elaine Carriedo Lozano, used to be conscious because of his big size, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise as this is the reason why he was chosen to play the role of Big Bert.
“I had so much fun playing my role and working with the entire cast,” he says. “When you watch ‘Voltes V’, makikita nyong maganda talaga ang naging bonding naming lahat.
"Lumalabas yun in our scenes together, we’re like siblings. I enjoyed everyone’s company and I really miss them all kapag wala kaming shoot.”
Child actor Raphael Landicho says doing the show is like a dream come true for me.
“Marami po akong unforgettable scenes na ginawa rito,” he says. “Isa na rito yung eksena ko with a dolphin. Kasi ipinakita po akong nakasakay sa likod niya. Noong una, I was quite scared as it’s my first time to encounter a dolphin.
"But it turned out napaka-friendly nung dolphin. Nakikipaglaro siya, pinakain ko siya, then nahahawakan ko na. We did our scene together beautifully. Makikita nyo po yun dito sa ‘Voltes V Legacy’.”
Director Mark Reyes promised topnotch entertainment in this local adaptation of the Japanese classic.
“Viewers will surely be treated to a great, highly entertaining show,” he says. “It’s like you are treated to an epic ride that is full of action and fantastic adventure.
"We make sure we were faithful to the original story but we also bring in some new elements to make sure it will more acceptable for today’s young audiences who will see it for the first time. A live action presentation will give the show a different texture.
"We want to thank GMA management for supporting us all the way. Hindi talaga tinipid ang budget to make sure this will be spectacular on screen.”
Miguel adds he’s proud to be part of “Voltes V Legacy” as he personally saw all the hard work that the creative men and women behind the series invested in the show to make sure they’ll come up with a winner and a sure audience pleaser.
“Even the way the narrative was written made it all more real,” he says. “Yung characters namin dito, naging mga totoong tao compared dun sa anime version.
"Nagkaroon ng more depth ang bawat character, with layered personalities to humanize them more. I think those who’ve seen the show before will realize this and appreciate it.”
“And we’re happy that GMA-7 is giving it a theatrical release,” adds Ysabel. “Kasi talagang pang big-screen ang computer generated effects at ang big action set pieces na mapapanood nyo rito.
"Lahat nga kami, very excited nang mapanood na siya sa sinehan, sa big screen, kasi we all know we have come up with a truly good show.”
