Alden Richards is starring in Victor Magtanggol, an action-packed television series that is making a big splash on primetime this evening.
The character, which Alden described as a young man, a hard working person who puts his family first, a loyal friend who will never let you down, and a brother and a good son who can be your companion either you are at the highest or lowest point of your life.
It’s safe to say that the 26-year-old star made a conscious effort to study the role and to make people see the character as someone relatable even though he’s a superhero.
In an exclusive interview with Manila Standard, Alden confessed that he’s very fortunate to be given a chance to play a role inspired by his childhood dream to become someone who prioritizes others before thinking of his own needs and convenience. And with that, he said that apart from honoring real-life modern-day heroes like OFWs, the character is also a tribute to his father whom he considers as his own personal hero.
“I can say that my dad is my own tagapagtanggol, he’s my defender in a lot of ways. I’m not really vocal about it and I guess this is the first time that he’s going to hear it from me. He’s always there whenever I call on him. There was no instance in my life where I needed help and my dad wasn’t there. He’s always there,” the bedimpled actor chimed.
Alluding to his character, Victor is a very simple man, and just like himself, he is hardworking and sets aside his personal necessities by prioritizing others. And Alden doesn’t see anything wrong with that.
“When I see other people happy because of my work or something that I’ve done for them, that’s an eternal happiness for me. Because of the sacrifices I’ve done for my family and seeing them happy, that gives me so much joy, that’s priceless. And that’s one of the things I’ve learned from my father.”
Childhood dream fulfilled
Alden treats playing Victor Magtanggol as another milestone in his career. And his thankful to GMA for their generosity and continued assistance in ensuring that he gets the best projects. In return, the actor feels motivated to work and deliver.
“I take every project that I have as blessing that’s why I always treasure every opportunity that comes my ways. Every milestone, I always treasure it because it’s already part of my history book, history ng buhay ko. And I’m thankful to GMA because they’ve been there since day 1 of my career,” Alden said.
Growing up, Alden was a superhero fan. In fact, he has a massive collection of Ironman memorabilia and action figures.
“It’s a childhood dream to be a superhero. I have a collection of Ironman. In line with that collection, well Ironman is a superhero, and I am given a role to play a superhero that’s basically a childhood dream fulfilled by this project,” Alden said.
In the series, Alden’s character works as an OFW who is looking for his mother Vivienne (Coney Reyes). The story also highlights the struggles of OFWs and according to Alden, they wanted to give it a different treatment.
“There have been a few shows that tapped this kind of struggles that OFWs but here in Victor Magtanggol we wanted to showcase the choices Filipinos abroad have to make for their family and loved one just to sustain their lives overseas and the life of their families back in the Philippines,” he said.
A grand superhero series
The new series, which director Dominic Zapata described it as the biggest series and the most expensive television project GMA Network has ever produced, is already making a big impression, not to mention the buzz that it created as soon as the trailer hit social media.
According to Alden, people should really watch the show to understand what the story is all about and that it’s not just another cheap copycat of a Hollywood superhero film.
“We can’t blame those people who already made a premature judgment. We are confident that we’ve crafted a series that wouldn’t make the viewers feel that they’ve been shortchanged. That’s the promise that we can make to answer those people who criticize the series even before its airing,” Alden affirmed.
Referring to how Victor becomes a superhero, Alden narrated that in the story his character becomes friends with Magnus (Miguel Faustman), the curator of the museum where he works for.
Magnus’ life will be jeopardized because of Loki (John Estrada). Victor will find out that Magnus is not a mortal being and he is the god Magni and one of Thor’s sons. Before Magnus dies, he will give Victor a magical compass that will lead Victor to a mysterious mountain. Victor will find an iron gauntlet that will allow him to use the Mjolnir, the powerful hammer of Thor (Conan Stevens).
Victor comes home to the Philippines and becomes Hammerman, the courageous superhero of his town. In his adventures, he battles monsters and form alliances with Norse gods in order to protect the people he loves from the schemes of Loki.
Making the series even grander are the actors in the mythological world: Andrea Torres as Sif, the last wife of Thor and the golden-haired goddess of love and family who trains Victor how to control his powers and use the Mjolnir; Pancho Magno as Modi, Thor’s son and the god of battle who will eventually be one of Victor’s greatest rivals; Miguel Faustman as Magni/Magnus, the other son of Thor who kept the Mjolnir and with the special participation of Conan Stevens as Thor, the god of thunder and owner of the powerful hammer, Mjolnir.
Joining the powerhouse ensemble are the important characters in Victor’s life: The Magtanggol Family of Victor with Al Tantay as Tomas Magtanggol, a loving father to Victor and his siblings; Chynna Ortaleza as Lynette Magtanggol-Domingo, the strict yet caring older sister of Victor; Dion Ignacio as Perci Domingo, the devoted and funny husband of Lynette; Lindsay De Vera as Anne Magtanggol, the kikay cosplayer and younger sister of Victor; Reese Tuazon as Honeylyn, Anne’s best friend; Yuan Francisco as Meloy Domingo, the sole child of Lynette and Perci and the first one to know the secret identity of his uncle Victor.
Playing equally vital roles are the members of the Regalado Family: Eric Quizon as Hector Regalado, the ambitious and hungry for power politician; Freddie Webb as Renato Regalado, the father of Hector; Maritoni Fernandez as Alice Regalado, the second wife of Hector; Kristoffer Martin as Lance Espiritu, the brooding and enigmatic stepson of Hector; and Janine Gutierrez as Gwen Regalado, Hector’s daughter who becomes a field reporter covering news about Hammerman. Eventually, she falls in love with him.
The creative team of the TV series is composed of headwriter Denoy Punio with writers Glaiza Ramirez, Ken De Leon, brainstormers Marlon Miguel, Erwin Bravo and concept creator Jules Katanyag.
Leading the team are creative director Roy Iglesias, creative consultants Suzette Doctolero, and Dode Cruz.
This original series, created by the GMA Drama group, is headed by the SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, VP for Drama Redgie A. Magno, AVP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Program Manager Nini Matilac and Executive Producer Mona Mayuga.
Singing the theme song “Superhero Mo” is popular rap group Ex Battalion featuring Alden Richards.
Dominic Zapata, who has helmed top-rating GMA programs such as Mulawin, Darna, Captain Barbell, My Husband’s Lover and Alyas Robin Hood, directs Victor Magtanggol.
Witness the action-packed journey of the newest modern day superhero Victor Magtanggol beginning tonight on GMA Telebabad.
Kapuso viewers from across the globe can also catch their favorite Kapuso shows via GMA’s international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International. For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com.