‘Lucifer’ and ‘Kingdom’ characters were JM’s pegs in new series
Henry Quitain, creative manager of ABS-CBN’s new series “Init sa Magdamag,” vouched for the performance of their lead stars in what he promises to be a battle royale of thespic chops.
“Tagisan siya talaga ng aktingan ng tatlo,” says Quitain of Gerald Anderson, Yam Concepcion and JM de Guzman. “You will be surprised by Gerald. Yam in her first teleserye lead role will wow you.”
“At kung akala mo naibigay na lahat ni JM sa ibang mga teleserye niya before,” he adds, “gugulatin niya pa kayo.
Last seen in a relatable character in the drama series “Pamilya Ko,” JM in “Init sa Magdamag” is Peterson, a wayward politician’s son groomed to run for office. Her marriage to Yam’s Rita is tested with his incapability to father a child due to an accident years earlier.
The trailer alone had viewers excited with how JM will tackle his antagonist role. It’s an assignment the actor once again took pains in essaying well, looking for inspiration from other hit shows to create Peterson.
“When presented with the character, I asked them na bigyan sana ng masustanyang backstory. I asked if I can get pegs like from the character in ‘Lucifer’ in terms of body language, and the drug addict MMA fighter in ‘Kingdom’ in terms of energy and how he handles himself. Kumuha ako sa kanila ng mga peg and together with the directors, we molded my character,” JM shares.
“Lucifer” and “Kingdom” are popular American shows that can both be streamed on Netflix.
JM says complicated roles like this complement his ongoing journey of aiming for maturity. “That’s why acting is my passion because I get to confront those unknown weak parts of my being when presented with a character with this kind of conflict and dynamics.”
Whether it be an antagonist or protagonist, bida or kontrabida – JM says he treats all roles the same.
“One of the things I instill in myself is not to judge the character I’m playing. Mapa-kriminal man siya o ano…kasi mawawala yung empathy,” he explains. “For me, pareho lang yung effort. But here, it demands a deeper intensity because of the conflict and dynamics of the character, not because he is a bad boy. –VAB
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What to expect on episode 6 of ‘Almost Paradise’
Viewers in the Philippines can now follow the action-packed story of former U.S. secret agent Alex Walker in “Almost Paradise” in either English or Filipino on iWantTFC.
Aside from the Filipinodubbed version of the crime drama series, iWantTFC subscribers in the country can now watch the show for free in its original English dubbing as it was first shown in America in 2020. All they have to do is download the iWantTFC app or visit iwanttfc. com.
Featured in the upcoming episode of this Hollywood-caliber production from ABS-CBN and Electric Entertainment this Sunday (April 25) are more Filipino actors with world-class talent led by Raymond Bagatsing, Lotlot De Leon, AC Bonifacio, and Ruth Alferez.
Raymond, the lead actor in another ABS-CBN international project “Quezon’s Game,” is Detective Rabara, a hotshot investigator who plays an important role in the life of Detective Kai (Samantha Richelle). Lotlot plays the best friend of Kai’s mom, who is portrayed by Ruth. Meanwhile, AC, the multi-talented young star who recently starred in the hit international series “Riverdale,” plays the young Kai.
Will Rabara successfully solve the latest crime in the island paradise? What will Alex (Christian Kane) and Detective Ernesto (Art Acuna) discover about Kai’s past as they launch their own investigation? Get the answers in the sixth episode of the first American TV series shot entirely in the Philippines.
Entitled “Rise of the Kalangay,” the episode is written by Sean Presant and directed by award-winning Filipino director Hannah Espia. Aside from Hannah, fellow Filipino filmmakers Dan Villegas, Francis Dela Torre, and Irene Villamor were also tapped to direct in the show, which showcases Filipino talent in front and behind the camera.
Watch “Almost Paradise” every Sunday, 8:45 pm on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL) on Facebook and YouTube, and on the iWantTFC app (iOs and Android) or website (iwanttfc.com).
Viewers in the Philippines can also enjoy unli-replay of the latest episode for seven days on KOL after its first streaming. For previous episodes in both Filipino and English, watch on iWantTFC.
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Common joins ‘Never Have I Ever’ Season 2
Netflix released the first look images and announced Common as a recurring guest star for the 10-episode second season of “Never Have I Ever.”
Common joins the cast as Dr. Chris Jackson, a suave and debonair dermatologist who works in Nalini’s (Poorna Jagannathan) building. His high-end practice and celebrity clients are impressive to everyone — except Nalini.
In Season 2 of the coming-of-age comedy, Indian American teenager Devi (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) continues to deal with the everyday pressures of high school and drama at home, while also navigating new romantic relationships.
Set for a July premiere the Mindy Kaling-created series also stars Ramona Young (Eleanor), Lee Rodriguez (Fabiola), Richa Moorjani (Kamala), Jaren Lewison (Ben), Darren Barnet (Paxton), and Megan Suri (Aneesa).