BLACK RIDER Readies for FINALE WEEK on GMA

Direk Rommel Penesa was so happy about how Black Rider turned out. It has exceeded expectations, and the long time it's been on TV plus the ratings are proof of it. We got to talk to the cast and the people behind the show this afternoon. Thing is, Black Rider will have it's FINALE Week on July 22nd, and there are big things happening in the show.

Ruru Madrid says "I have learned a lot from doing this series, starting from LOLONG, then this one, it feels good to see how their kids actually emulate my character. It's what I always put as a goal, I know what to do in the next projects. In the past, I only dream about it but now they all send me videos, of them living their hero dreams. Eversince, I've always wanted to become an actor, to achieve that and see people dream like me, doing this series, I hope to do a film in the future. I also want to Direct, as I've been watching Direk Rommel Penesa do it. I hope the network trusts me even more in the future. Working with Yassi was quite easy, she really collaborative. She asks the questions to make the scenes better. My character made me realize that we go through things in life, but it's up to us to be consumed by the depression, he needed help and got it from the people around him. He wouldn't survive without them, and that's what I learned about this character. Everyone can be a hero, without super powers, you can help and people can be inspired from that. If we have a book 2, I hope Elias gets out of the tiring vengeance trail. Black Rider needs a change, to fight for others, the small things he can do everyday."

Yassi Pressman says "It's been a roller coaster ride, to my Black Rider family, Vanessa was a joy to do. She's something I've never done before, she loves her family, and with the new revelations, there's just so many emotions to do because I have amnesia, I have to do so many things because there are people brainwashing her. For anything, the experiences I've had with the people will always be cherished. I would say this has really shown what I could do as an actress. With the help of good script writing, there's heart, love, friendship, it's a colorful life. I've always loved working with Ruru because we have done Video City. He also helps me improve what we do, because he's a real good actor. I have a few things lined up this year and next year, hopefully I could tell you about it soon. In life the challenges we face, we always should be positive. You need to find people who can help, especially the important ones, follow your heart, listen to yourself more than anything. Smile, put that energy out there, be kind." 

Jon Lucas adds "Calvin Magallanes won't exist without the help of other actors. The Director also reminds me much of who he is, portraying him is really challenging. My Papa Sir Raymond Bagatsing really told me about playing villains, and the attack is different. Their help and support is instrumental, they take out a lot out of me. Calvin is a really tough person, he wants to fight for what he feels is right. He is just a little hot headed, but he's someone that gives it all. I will miss a lot of people, even before we were launched, I felt I wouldn't be doing much without this. I really had to learn the ropes, from writers, Director, the actors, I will miss them all. I thought this was going to run til December. They gave me a lot of things to think about. Maybe in the next saga, there will be a lot of women empowerment line. A woman by his side, maybe something fun with the story."

Herlene Budol says "The work with Empoy is hard, when you look at him, you can't be serious and I lose character because I am a fan of him. A little move, a little conversation, I laugh at him. Chemistry wise, I enjoy our moments together, we really have to make landi when we are on set. When I finished Magandang Dilag and guested here, I thought it was just a short stint. I think the impact this gave me was huge, because the action sequences are hard. The artists are also big, I'm having separation anxiety already. I learned a lot to listen with co actors, to focus because there are a lot of things I had to understand what the Director wanted me to do. The blocking was another thing, you have to dedicate a lot. I still have a lot in the near future, but couldn't say it yet. You'll have a lot of things to look forward with Budol. My fights with Hector makes me so drained at the end of the day. I feel it physically and emotionally. I take it home sometimes. Aleck Bovick tells me a lot where her slaps would land, I adapt a lot of techniques from her and do it on other scenes."

 

Empoy says "I didn't really have a hard time doing this because my characters are fun, and the people I work with are so nice. When I wake up, I just pray, clean my teeth, look at the script, wear my Black Rider wardrobe and that's it."

Raymond Bagatsing says "Playing Senor Edgardo according to the script is both intriguing and fascinating. As the story went along, he didn't want to become that guy, because his life is hard, and I trust the process of letting the script reveal where my character would go to. It's a collaboration, it's something that I don't realize later on. It's a beautiful set, actors, crew and staff, I think that's how my character bloomed in the story. I can only wish he be happy later on, but I don't really know what will happen to him in the TV series. As Edgardo, he kinda accepts his fate, that's how he is. He doesn't look for pleasure with other people. Elias being his son, and his other son, plus reconciliation with Alma, he deserves to be happy in the next scenes."                

The plan is to close the stories of the characters. It's going to be realistic according to head writer Erwin Bravo. If you are hoping for a next season, it looks positive. The stories will be continued especially for the main story. It's going to be as Filipino themed as possible, it's the promise of Black Rider. Make sure you watch the finale week starting on the 22nd of this month.

This is under GMA Public Affairs, and from the looks of it... they're going to have more programs in the pipeline that's waiting to be discovered!