New child wonder to star in "Honesto"

A FIVE- year- old child wonder will play the role of Honesto at the new Kapamilya series “Honesto” that will inspire the Filipino viewers to lead a life of honesty and sincerity.

At a press conference on Thursday, Dreamscape AdProm Head Biboy Arboleda said Raikko Mateo was chosen to lead the primetime series “Honesto” because of his eyes.

“On a personal note, when I saw Raikko and I saw the screen test, I fell in love already with his mata,” he said.

Arboleda thought that Raikko’s eyes hold a lot of innocence.

Jerry Sineneng, the director of series, described Raikko and said, “Ang maganda kay Raikko, maganda ‘ yung attitude— nakikinig, mabait, by nature masayahin siya, bubbly.”

Sineneng also said that even though Honesto is the child’s first acting experience, they didn’t have a hard time teaching and instructing him.

Raikko underwent a workshop with Star Magic for preparation for his debut role.

Meanwhile, Raikko said that it was a dream-cometrue for him.

“Matagal ko na po’ng gusto na mag- artista. Kasi po gusto kong makita sa TV,” he said.

“Honesto” is about a young boy named Honesto, son of Diego, played by Paulo Avelino, and Fina, Maricar Reyes' character. Similar to the classic story of Pinocchio, Honesto's nose swells everytime he tells a lie due, an allergy he supposedly got from his mom's family.

Other casts include award- winning actors and actresses Janice de Belen, Eddie Garcia, Angel Aquino, Joel Torre, Melissa Ricks, Nonie Buencamino, Joseph Marco, Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco.

“Honesto” will premier on Monday after “TV Patrol” on ABS- CBN primetime bida.