raises the bar for Filipino TV with breathtaking CGI and inspiring story

VOLTES V Legacy, the latest Filipino television series, has set a new standard for local productions with its stunning use of computer-generated imagery (CGI). The show, which had a limited run in theaters and gave moviegoers a glimpse of this much-awaited series, has left audiences captivated and in awe, raising the bar for what can be achieved in Filipino television.

The show’s use of CGI has enabled it to create breathtaking and dynamic action sequences, which have helped to immerse viewers in the story and elevate the overall quality of the show. As a result, Voltes V Legacy has become a benchmark for future Filipino productions, inspiring others to push the boundaries and aim for new heights of excellence.

The country’s biggest and probably the most expensive series is headlined by Miguel Tanfelix as Steve Armstrong, Ysabel Ortega as Jamie Robinson, Radson Flores as Mark Gordon, Raphael Landicho as Little Jon Armstrong, and Matt Lozano as Big Bert Armstrong.

Seeing them on the big screen during the series “cinematic experience,” it’s easy to conclude that their performances show authenticity and emotional depth, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves in the story and connect with the characters.

Miguel’s portrayal of Steve Armstrong captures the character’s bravery and determination, while Ysabel’s Jamie Robinson is a perfect blend of intelligence and vulnerability. Radson brings a strong and loyal presence to his role as Mark Gordon, and Raphael’s Little Jon Armstrong is both charming and mischievous. Matt’s Big Bert Armstrong is tough and dependable, making him an integral part of the team.

Together, these actors have created a dynamic and cohesive ensemble that pivotal to the success of the show. Their individual performances are strong and well-suited to their respective characters. And their chemistry as a group adds an extra layer of depth to the characters’ relationships, making them more believable and compelling.

The making of ‘Legacy’

GMA’s Assistant Vice President for Drama highlighted how the show began its production at the height of the pandemic in 2020.

“We started shooting at the beginning of the pandemic, we were all locked in. Imagine the threat of COVID-19 at that time and the expenses of the network with all of us being locked in. Added to that were the strict protocols that needed to be followed,” Sese started.

The capable production team of ‘Voltes V: Legacy’

The executive also revealed that the team had to make significant adjustments

Batang Quiapo a big part of their lives ever since its premiere in February.

“We thank all the people who love and support Batang Quiapo from the beginning until now. You are the reason why our program turned out to be great. Thank you so much for all your help and love for us,” said Coco, who serves as an actor, coproducer, and one of the directors of the series,” he said in the vernacular.

FPJ’s Batang Quiapo premiered strongly in February 2023, earning 44 million total online views in its first week alone. It has consistently hit record-breaking concurrent views online on Kapamilya Online Live and continues to be loved by Filipinos around the world as Tanggol, Mokang, Lola Tindeng, and other characters have become household names.

FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, which is inspired by the original story of Regal Films, airs on weeknights at 8:00 on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, iWantTFC, and Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. –Nickie Wang

When Zeke met Fifth

WITH its first three episodes gaining 1.3 million plus views since it dropped on Oxin Film’s YouTube Channel, the reign of Pinoy boy’s love drama continues with My Story

Director Xion Lim’s My Story presents two pairs of actors namely the BL reliables Miko Gallardo and Teejay Marquez plus the fresh princes of Pinoy BL, Jericho Del Rosario and Hiro Shimoji

The Gallardo and Marquez narrative focuses on the tandem of Filipino chefs working in Thailand, with Sky (Gallardo) doing his darn best to come to terms with and move forward move on from a failed long-distance relationship while Win (Marquez) is anxious and excited about what happens next and now to this rebound and not so groovy kind of love.

For the young masters Del Rosario and Shimoji, what we get to see is sugar spice and all that is nice, pleasantries and surprises that bring kilig and confusion, and all the game changer feels and bringer of the ouchies that is about to unravel and for them to experience.

There is no denying that the Sky and Win pairing is enjoyable to watch. However, it is the Zeke and Fifth slowly but surely blossoming of fine pink romance that brings not only curiosity but hooks BL aficionados and its new audiences.

Director Lim explains why the young masters bagged their respective roles of Fifth (for Hiro) and Zeke (for Jericho): “I want someone who truly fits the part of two college students who are polar opposites. 'Yung maangas one and a softie person. The actors must be comfortable with their own skin, willing to expose their emotions, be vulnerable, and has this honest connection. With Jericho and Hiro, they have it. There is something magical about them. On the set, and behind the scenes, they are natural. And I am happy to report na kahit pa parang sub-unit sila here, so many are adore them.”

The innocence and purity of their hearts, combined with the unpredictable nature of their fiery passion, drive Zeke and Fifth followers crazy with kilig Zeke and Fifth’s initial meeting was filled with anger, disgust, and arrogance, yet their on-screen chemistry and sparks were palpable, exceeding the usual dose.

Jericho on playing Zeke: “It’s a great opportunity for a newcomer like me and I’m being professional about it. I enjoy this ride of a lifetime as Zeke, and having Fifth as a constant in his life makes it even better.”

When asked if he is prepared to face criticism or stereotypes for his role in BL, Hiro responds, “No matter what role I portray, people will always have something to say about you. It’s time to break the stigma that if you’re a man who acts in a BL, it means you’re gay. That kind of thinking is outdated.”

He continues, “I enjoy playing the role of Fifth because he is a well-crafted character who speaks for many people, not just those of my age group, but for everyone.”

The reality of many watching their episodes and the sudden popularity and rise of followers on their social media accounts, the twosome are amused, amazed, and grateful.

Since they filmed, and have finished the shooting of the episodes, Shimoji shares: Hindi pa kami nag-aaway o nagkatampuhan. Mas naging deeper pa ang friendship namin.” grand and phenomenal series like V: Legacy But

Well, the closeness and fondness cannot be concealed and denied, it is more than evident that Jericho and Hiro enjoy each other company, touch-feely yes but not going overboard. Both are courageous with their reply of “Yes,” when asked if it is possible for them to be in love with one another outside of their characters. Such bravery for these young men to express that.

“We were together for three years. Little Jon (Raphael) was still small then. We had his costume made three times, and that was one of the big challenges the production went through because we couldn’t shoot with a minor at that time. We had to finish all the sequences without him. There were even meetings on whether Little Jon would be replaced, but no. We stood our ground. We had hope that COVID-19 would subside, and thank God, we were able to finish this project,” shared Sese. Moreover, the GMA executive reminisced about the personal sacrifices of the production team just to put up a grand and phenomenal series like Voltes . But in the end, Sese reiterated that everything has paid off.

“We sacrificed a lot of our time. The times we would have spent with our families, we didn’t have them. But I’m not complaining because this is such a legacy project and I’m really proud that it went to us because we will carry it forever. Credits to the team behind me who never gave up on all the challenges.” have them. But I’m not

The live-action series is produced by GMA Network in partnership with Toei Company, Ltd. and Telesuccess by GMA Network in partnership with

Acclaimed local animators from GMA’s Post Video Graphics and Audio team and Riot Inc. handled the program’s heavy CGI and other visual effects. Starting tonight, viewers can finally join the five heroes and their machines in the highly-anticipated Voltes V: Legacy – under the helm of director Mark Reyes. It airs weeknights at 8:00 on the Pinoy boy’s love drama continues. My Story

With a narrative that brings the romance and contemporary realities of a different kind of love, and actors who bring the emotional truth to their respective characters, My Story proves that the reign and reach of , airs every Saturday night, on Oxin Films YouTube Channel.

The new princes of Pinoy BL 'My Day' stars Hiro Shimoji (left) and Jericho Del Rosario