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As GMA readies to premiere its first primetime offering for the year 2008, read all about Robin Padilla’s preparations to become the next Joaquin Bordado.
As GMA readies to premiere its first primetime offering for the year 2008, read all about Robin Padilla’s preparations to become the next Joaquin Bordado, as well as the story behind this incarnation of the original Carlo J. Caparas work. Text by Jason John S. Lim. Photos by Mitch S. Maurico. Family and Culture From the original work of Carlo J. Caparas, Joaquin Bordado rises once more in a new story that centers on the importance of family. Lead star Robin Padilla reveals that the story is very important to him, “ayaw namin na para lang makagawa ng fantasy.” He admits that he’s taken a special interest in how the story would unravel, just like the show’s first-unit director Mac Alejandre. “Ang gusto natin ipakita sa istorya -- na talagang ipinagpilitan ko: ang ibalik ang pamilyang Pilipino,” the action star says. He explains that the family is still the most important thing in life. “Hindi dapat tayo sumabay sa Western-style ng pagpapalaki. Pinoy tayo eh, iba tayo.” “Dapat hindi mawala ‘yun,” Robin says that the writers of the show are making sure the story doesn’t veer off from the path they’ve set out for it to travel. Robin shares that he really wants the youth to be exposed to the traditional Filipino family again, the type where the parents do everything they can to keep their relationship intact. “'Yun ‘yung aming (goal) dito.” Robin says that after Asian Treasures where they went around the country to reintroduce the youth to Philippine history, “dapat pag-uugali namn, (at) kultura.” “Dahan-dahan,” the actor explains. He says Filipinos don’t like getting pounded on the head with morals and values, so they’re making sure they don’t go too far. “Hindi natin mamasahin ng todo.” East to West Robin also reveals that unlike Asian Treasures where they were able to showcase numerous styles of hand-to-hand combat, Joaquin Bordado will now introduce the western style of fighting -- with weapons. “‘Yung mga gamit (dito) iba’t-ibang klaseng patalilm, armas, at (iba pa),” the actor enumerates. He says that Direk Mac wanted something different, and the story having basis in medieval times allowed them to explore new territories. He explains that the original Bordado would originate from the medieval times, “kaya ang mga fight scenes niya, iba. Hindi siya martial arts. Warrior ito.” Training for Joaquin For Joaquin Bordado, Robin Padilla is sporting a leaner physique to make some of his stunts easier to do. But according to Robin, he wanted to trim his weight down some more, but the powers that be of the Kapuso Network wouldn’t allow it. “Hindi na ako pinayagan (magbawas pa), kasi sobra na daw.” He shares that the weight he wanted, which is 150 pounds, is what’s called the fighting weight. If he was allowed to go down to that weight, “makakalipad ako ng six feet, kahit walang harness! E ayaw nila.” To achieve his new physique, Robin trained hard for eight weeks while going on a special diet. “Ang carbo ko ay kontroladong-kontralado; ang training ko, araw-araw, ay isang daang palapag ang tinatakbo ko.” The actor divulges that he was actually good to go last year, but because of unforeseen circumstances, the taping of the show kept getting delayed. Now, because he wasn’t able to complete his eight weeks of training, “sinasama ko na ‘yung training sa taping.” The fight for Joaquin Bordado’s life begins this Monday, February 11, only on GMA Telebabad. Talk about it now at the iGMA Forums! If you’re not yet registered, register now! Who knows, you might even get the chance to chat with your favorite Kapuso Star!