Jake Cuenca learns martial arts for "AGIMAT"

Ramon Revilla series.

“It is a remake of the movie which was done many years ago. I had the chance to watch the film version and for this TV series, we just did some adjustments with the story to make it more modern so that today’s generation of audience would get to enjoy it more,” said Jake at the presscon for Agimat held the other day at the 14th Floor of the ABS-CBN ELJ Building.

“We are aware that most of the audience watching Agimat is made up of kids, so we adjusted the story so that the children could enjoy it more. Plus we made it more attuned to the times since the original Elias Paniki movie was released during the 70’s,” explained Jake further. “Plus the effects are state-of-the-art and more modern as well. Once Elias wears the amulet, he becomes stronger and faster.”

For his role, Jake took up martial arts lessons, particularly Muay Thai, a discipline and art called the “Science of Eight Limbs" to successfully breathe life into his character.

“I am also very aware of the contributions of Sir Ramon Revilla, Sr. to the local movie scene, which up to now are being looked up to by many. Being a part of this series makes me proud and happy,” added Jake.

Under the direction of Dondon Santos, the tale of Elias Paniki also features Cherry Pie Picache, Jojit Lorenzo, Kelly Misa, Xian Lim, with Sam Pinto and Hermes Bautista from PBB Double Up.

Jake is also in the cast of "Rubi," with Angelica Panganiban. He’s also set to do a new movie with Aga Muhlach and Angel Locsin.

“Hindi ko muna iniisip ang ibang project unless nandiyan na ang mga ito so that I could focus on the one that I am doing at the moment.

* * *

Kelly Misa, one of the new female hosts of Wowowee, is giving acting a try. She is one of Jake Cuenca’s leading ladies in Elias Paniki, the fourth story to be offered by Agimat: Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla on ABS-CBN starting soon.

But she admitted that she’s getting the hang of doing Wowowee as she gets to hone her hosting skills in the top-rating noontime show of the Kapamilya network. “My daily exposure on the show really helps me improve on my job as a host. I get to learn how to interact with the people and I am able to adjust to the daily grind of being a host,” said Kelly, who’s also a looker.

“We miss Willy on the show every day. Parang kulang ang show pag wala siya. Of course, Wowowee is Willy Revillame,” she said.

What is the latest news on the set of Wowowee? Is he coming back? “He’s taking a vacation. Nagpapahinga lang and we expect him to be back any day. We are just waiting lang.”

* * *

Sam Pinto was reportedly offered to be one of the hosts of Wowowee but the PBB Double Up housemate turned it down and decided to try her luck in acting instead.

“I don’t know how they do it but I guess I won’t be able to do a show everyday. I know the exposure given by Wowowee is great with the likes of Pokwang and Mariel Rodriguez who are seen in TFC every day. But for me, I’d really like to concentrate on acting,” said Sam.