ZORRO to be a visual treat

CEBU, Philippines - The story of the Philippine version of  “Zorro” chronicles the exploits of a skilled horseman/fighter who becomes the champion of the masses. Abandoned by his courtesan mother – Marcela (Lani Mercado) – at a young age, Antonio (Richard Gutierrez) was raised under the care of the well-off haciendero Don Roberto Pelaez (Joel Torre) and his gracious wife, Donya Chiquita Pelaez (Jacklyn Jose). As he grows up, Antonio builds close ties with the Indios and empathizes with their plight against the despotic government in Angeles.

Antonio’s affiliation with the Indios spurs hostility between him and his aristocratic cousin Ramon Pelaez (TJ Trinidad) which soon caused the death of Ramon’s father in the hands of the rebellious Indios. This further propels Ramon’s antagonism towards Antonio.

Amid all these setbacks, Antonio discovers his real identity which forced him to find his biological mother. While being a self-made Indio, Antonio meets the beautiful but hard-headed Lolita (Rhian Ramos). Both eventually share a special affection for each other.

Diego dela Vega (Jomari Yllana), Antonio’s uncle who is based in California, arrives in the country to find his long lost nephew. As their paths crossed, Diego trains Antonio in various combating skills. Having witnessed the oppression on the people, Antonio decides to subterfuge the identity of Zorro.

Antonio’s newfound character is hidden behind a mask – a sinister hero clad in black, a dexterous swordsman who leaves his infamous blazing mark “Z” on the tyrant’s chest. How will Antonio’s clandestine ploy as Zorro affect his noble ties with the Illustrados? How far will his enmities with Ramon take its toll on their lives? Who will win Lolita’s heart? The dashing Zorro or the good-natured Antonio? And how long can Antonio keep his identity as Zorro under wraps?

In preparation for his role as Zorro, Richard underwent painstaking horseback riding lessons together with Rhian. He also studied fencing under Benny Garcia, the coach of the Philippine Fencing Team.

This world-class program is shot in the picturesque and Spanish-styled location in Bagac, Bataan. Televiewers will be transported back to the Hispanic times with the presence of old-style houses, cobblestones pathways and fortifications.

And to further appeal to the taste of Filipino viewers, GMA’ Network’s Zorro will showcase a different made-for-television program that is visually opulent and fresh for the Pinoy version. Carnivals, gypsies, circus actors, courtesans and pirates will be incorporated in the series.

Only the best of the best, Zorro boasts of a top-notch production with production design created by Rodell Cruz, exceptional visual effects by Riot, Inc. and fabulous costumes made by Bill Gustillo. Two of the country’s award-winning pillars in production design, Prof. Leo Abaya as Consultant for Design and Prof. Dez Bautista as Consultant for Historical Accuracy, also joined the team of Zorro. Mr. Pancho Escaler was tapped as the official photographer. Photo session was done at the actual location in Bagac, Bataan.