It never occurred to JC de Vera that one day he will play the lead role in Valiente, which he used to watch 17 years ago.

"Mga Grade 2 ako nun, Grade 3, nakakapanood dati...

"Kaya lang siyempre, medyo bata pa tayo nun. Di natin naiintindihan pa yung talagang story," he said during the press conference for TV5's upcoming soap, which was held yesterday, January 20.

But he remembered that it was "all about friendship, love, and family," and added, "Alam ko na may problema sa lupa."

The 25-year-old actor will play Gardo Valiente, which was the character played by Michael de Mesa then.

Michael play JC's dad this time.

Smiling, the young actor beamed, "Very thankful ako na si Tito Mike yung...si Tito Mike yung daddy ko rito sa story.

"Wala, e, parang magiging grateful ka na lang kasi hindi ka na nila pinapahirapan, e."

Has he been getting some pointers from the original Gardo?

JC replied, "Wala naman. Wala namang specific na tip talaga na 'binigay sa 'kin, pero he's helping me a lot."

He wanted an entirely different take on his latest role, so JC skipped the standard research procedure of watching the show's original episodes.

"Kasi, pag pinanood ko siya, makakakuha ako ng tip kung paano ko gagawin yung character.

"E, gusto ko sana, since bago yung show para sa akin, gusto ko sana maging fresh yung mga idea na...

"Kung pa'no ko siya gagawin, kung anong klaseng character ang puwede kong ilagay kay Gardo Valiente.

"Para maging different kahit papa'no dun sa ginawa ni Tito Michael de Mesa."