"Apo Abukay lives!, director Peque Gallaga greeted Gardo, the day following the return of his character.
Gardo would be the first one to downplay the contribution of his character’s return to the greater success of the series, but the fact was that, with the much-awaited return to the series of Apo Abukay, the top-rating show has risen even more in the ratings game.
"Hindi naman siguro. It’s a combination of many factors," says Gardo. "First of all, at the very start of the series when they killed my character, they already told me I will be revived. So people watched for it, especially since it took sometime to bring back my character. I myself was getting very impatient. Imagine, they killed my character on the first and second day of airing. So I told myself, "Patay ang raket!"
Gardo laughs heartily, betraying anxiety over being out of circulation again. "And then, the conflict is more intense, and the showdown promises to escalate," he continues.
It’s no secret that less movies are being made these days, and even big stars are content to appear for smaller talent fees. TV has become the "sanctuary" of sorts for most film stars. Luckily for Gardo, at the time he was vacant in the telefantasya, he would have a few guestings on television, shuttling between the two rival networks. He considers himself lucky enough for that.
Unfortunately, the series ends sometime this month. Yet Gardo has nothing but fond memories of the project.
Gardo considers his stint on Sugo not only a blessing in a season of dry spell, but more so a significant turn in his career. After he decided to leave bold films, he tried drama and action roles which merited nominations and acting awards for him. His gay role in Nora Aunor’s soap opera Bituin earned him additional fans and praises from critics. He hopes Apo Abukay will do the same thing for him.
"These days, the life of an actor depends on the teleserye or soap series. That’s what most of us always look forward to." Again, he laughs at himself.
Apo Abukay seems to be the role he has been waiting for. Kontrabida in a conventional black-and-white drama tradition as it is, Gardo is still challenged to put some touches and nuances to win audiences of more contemporary tastes.
"I experimented on how I can express evil in more varied ways," he confesses. The experimentation led him to acquire colored contact lenses, "not once but twice!" Gardo chuckles, disclosing his awareness and keen interest in current political conditions.
"At first, it was red contact lenses. But it gave the look of an ordinary Dracula. Flat pa," Gardo elaborates.
"And then, I shifted to wild fire-red, a little yellow and orange. Now I don’t have to always widen my eyes to convey evil. I can work more with nuances in facial expressions," he explains.
How much of Apo Abukay is he?
Aside from the fact that he and I live again, almost nothing. In fact, if I had his power or any power at all, I hope to use it to help people. Many people are oppressed, right? Saan ka naman nakakita ng ultimo pambili ng fertilizer na gagamitin ng mga naghihirap nang magsasaka ay nanakawin pa? Only in the Philippines!"
Who is his model for Apo Abukay? "You know who!" Gardo winks mysteriously.
Isn’t he sad the series is soon coming to a close?
"Of course. I will miss the friendship. And of course, it’s different when you’re busy with work," he ends.