Jon Lucas says 'Black Rider' rekindled his passion for acting

Jon Lucas is all sorts of grateful for getting to be a part of "Black Rider."

The actor memorably plays Calvin Magallanes, the antagonist who makes Elias Guerrero's (Ruru Madrid) life hell.

Now that the action-drama series is coming to an end, Jon said he will miss the project because it rekindled his fire for acting, even admitting that he once thought that his career was over.

"Mami-miss ko po 'yung makasama silang lahat kasi gaya nga po ng naikwento ko bago pa kami ipalabas sa telebisyon, bago pa i-launch 'yung aming programa, parang nandun na 'ko sa sukdulan," he said at the series' finale media conference.

"Feeling ko wala nang mangyayari. Or 'di na ko ulit mag-a-artista, or mag-te-taping, kasi feeling ko laging kulang kung 'yung ginagawa ni Jon Lucas," he added.

Jon added that despite being given work opportunities, he would remain unsure about the projects.

"Binibigyan naman ako ng madaming pagkakataon, pinagkakalooban naman tayo ng trabaho. Pero 'pag nandun tayo sa set, 'di ko alam kung naiibibigay ba natin 'yung tamang trabaho na binibigay ng producers, ng network," Jon said.

And so when Jon was informed that he would be part of "Black Rider," he was given a new hope.

Then as they worked on the series, "Dun ko po lalong napatunayan na marami pa po pala 'kong dapat matutunan, marami pa 'kong dapat pagdaanan para makarating po dun sa sinasabi nating pangarap po natin na gusto natin maabot."

Jon added that he learned a lot from his "Black Rider" co-stars, directors, producers, writers, and staff.

"Lahat talaga mami-miss ko kasi sila 'yung nagbigay sa 'kin ng kumpiyansa. Sila po 'yung nagbigay ulit sa 'kin ng pag-asa na kahit papaano ay may maitutulong pa po tayo sa industriya, lalo na 'pag nangangailangan po sila siguro ng mga kontrabida, ng mga bad person," Jon said.

Jon's hard work paid off with the positive feedback for his scene-stealing performances and was even dubbed as the "most hated villain on primetime."

In an interview, Jon said that a woman once recognized him at a mall, then pinched him, and reprimanded him for what his character does to Elias.

"Black Rider" follows delivery rider Elias Guerrero, who turned into a hero helping those in need and fighting for justice for his family and community.

The action-drama series also tackles themes of social class and how the rich use their power to trample on the lives of the poor.

"Black Rider" won a bronze medal from New York Festivals TV & Film Awards. It is the only entertainment program from GMA Network that was recognized, along with six documentaries and special reports from GMA Public Affairs and GMA Integrated News.

Also part of the cast are Yassi Pressman, Raymond Bagatsing, Rio Locsin, Herlene Budol, Empoy, and many more.

Michelle Dee, Angeli Khang, Isko Moreno, Joaquin Domagoso, and more also appeared on the show.

"Black Rider" begins its finale week on July 22 on GMA Prime.