TV5's weekly anthology 5-Star Specials Presents featuring JC De Vera veers away from the usual drama episodes as offered previously by Ruffa Gutierrez and Maricel Soriano.
Network executive Perci Intalan told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) during a recent interview that the decision to shift to action was a well-thought plan intended for JC but more importantly for the viewers.
"Tiningnan namin 'yong strength ni JC and 'yong mga hindi pa niya nagagawa," said Intalan.
"Hindi naman na din secret sa lahat na nag-anthology na siya before sa kabila. So, nung binubuo namin 'to, we decided to test the waters... Nilaro namin 'yong range ng action kasi tinitingnan namin and we thought ngayon lang natin magagawa 'to."
Doing action, on JC's part, presented a lot of challenges both physically and mentally. It also didn't help that the characters conceptualized by the creative team possess complex traits requiring the actor to work doubly hard to effectively assume each role.
"Hindi po siya biro, kasi nagte-taping ako ng Lokomoko na kung saan parang naglalaro lang kami, 'tapos Sunday naman punung-puno na ang utak mo sa kaka-rehearse ng sayaw, then maghu-host and kinakabahan ka nang sobra, 'tapos gagawa ka every week ng iba't ibang character, so ang hirap din isabay-sabay talaga. Ang maganda lang dito sa 5-Star Specials, meron po akong acting coach and tinutulungan niya ako for me to effectively portray each role," explained JC.
ACTION-PACKED EVENING. Kicking off JC's 5-Star Specials Presents stint is "Tato.45" where the young actor will portray the role of Tato—a cold-blooded hired assassin who finds himself confronted by his conscience when asked to shoot down an innocent eight-year-old girl.
GB Sam Pedro directed the episode, which also stars Gardo Versoza, Rocky Gutierrez, Mengie Cobarrubias and Sweet Ramos.
The next presentations will feature more high-octane action episodes, plus fantasy-filled stories.
JC said he's particularly proud of "Kardong Kamao" (June 23) because of its story focusing on street fighting and the struggles endured by those who are involved.
The battle between good and evil will be the main highlight in "Gabriel Molave at ang Mahiwagang Arnis" (July 14 and 21).
The 24-year-old actor will then assume the role of a magician-vampire in the two-part presentation "Johnny Salamangkero" (June 30 and July 7).
Catch JC De Vera in 5-Star Specials Presents starting tonight, June 16, at 8:30 p.m. on TV5.