Oyo tries action

Manila, Philippines - Oyo Sotto could pass for an action star. This initially came to mind upon watching the trailer for TV5’s latest TV series Bangis in a press conference held recently. His role as a famous wild animal hunter Leon proves he can plunge into the character that requires showing some muscles and physical strength. The facial hair gives a boost to his manly persona.

“It’s far different from the usual roles I portrayed before,” Oyo says. “There’s a lot of running to do. There are fistfights, too, and of course I get to hold a shotgun as a hunter.”

But Oyo is not complaining. He is aware that every scene should be as convincing as possible. Though he didn’t take any training as preparation for his role, Oyo can carry and fire a gun as professionals do. The fight scenes, he adds, are being practised on the set before directors Topel Lee and Robert Quebral shout, “Action!” Hitting the gym twice a week keeps him in shape and full of stamina.

Asked if he’s pressured that he’s one of the lead stars, Oyo replies, “Bangis is a big project and people will expect much from us so andun yung pressure and add to that the competition. But for me, ayaw ko makipag-compete. We must all do our best to entertain and give televiewers a kind of show worth watching.”

No matter how hard work is, Oyo is bent on doing everything for the future. No more night outs, Oyo declares. As much as possible he wants to keep an eye to his wife Kristine Hermosa who is now three months pregnant. He even requested TV5 production people, particularly Miss Roselle, a twice a week work schedule.

“Family is my No. 1 priority that’s why I make sure I still have time for them even if there’s work.”

Taping for Bangis started last February with Malaysian-based firm Double Vision as Kapatid network’s partner in producing the show.

With the cast of TV5’s higanteserye Bangis which will air weeknights beginning July 4 after Wil Time Big Time. — ENIE REYES

“I feel blessed because since the year started, good things keep coming on my way. First was my wedding (to Kristine) then Tin got pregnant and now Bangis which came at the right time, you know, I have to start saving for the future, for my family,” Oyo shares.

“It took us long to prepare for this show because we have to be careful to the smallest detail, napakabusisi,” TV5’s head of Entertainment Perci Intalan reveals. “Besides, we didn’t expect it will materialize kasi parang suntok sa buwan na makatrabaho namin si direk Carlo Caparas. This is our first time to work with him and we hope that we are able to realize direk Carlo’s vision in Bangis.”    

A TV5 adaptation of Carlo Caparas’ komiks novel Matatalim na Pangil sa Gubat, Bangis has a storyline anchored on valuing family, peers, animals and the environment.

Oyo hopes the show will be as appealing as Midnight DJ which lasted for three years before it finally went off the air.

“The story itself is different because everybody knows that crocodiles are dangerous but Bangis has a good heart.”

The higanteserye premieres on July 4 after Wil Time Big Time.