Machete unveiled tonight on GMA

MANILA, Philippines - GMA 7 brings new life to the well-renowned Pablo S. Gomez komiks series about a wooden sculpture that comes alive at night with its primetime fantasy-drama, Machete. It debuts tonight on GMA Telebabad.

Aljur Abrenica (photo) evolves from StarStruck’s Ultimate Hunk to a full-fledged primetime hunk as Machete, his biggest role to date. It is with great pride that the homegrown Kapuso actor dons the celebrated bahag, first worn by Cesar Montano and Gardo Versoza in the early ’90s and which escalated their star status.

In this modern version, Machete is brought to life by the artworks of two beautiful women — Rosella, a sketcher, played by Bela Padilla and Marla, a sculptress, portrayed by Ryza Cenon.

Completing the cast are Ryan Eigenmann as Karum, a ruthless warrior from Machete’s past life; Gina Alajar as Elena and Nonie Buencamino as Carlos, Rosella’s parents; Rio Locsin as Divina and John Arcilla as Alfonso, Marla’s parents; and in a special cameo appearance Zoren Legaspi as Malyari, Machete’s father. Playing equally important characters in the life of Machete are Polo Ravales as Zander, Marla’s ex-boyfriend and henchman; Chariz Solomon as Candy, Marla’s househelp and Rosella’s best friend; Rocky Gutierrez as Lucco, Marla’s bodyguard who is secretly in love with her; Gwen Zamora as Serena, a young curator and anthropologist; Karen delos Reyes as Bugan, a princess and Machete’s admirer in the past and Stephanie Henares as Valerie, Marla’s socialite-friend.

Meanwhile, the statue of Machete in the program was chiseled by National Artist Napoleon Abueva’s team of expert sculptors led by his son Lawin.

While the movie versions leaned towards the more daring side, the TV remake directed by Don Michael Perez and Gina Alajar and written by Renato Custodio Jr. delves into the action-packed adventures, the historical backdrop, and the heart-rending romance of the audacious and handsome warrior.

Machete will debut in Asia Pacific, US and Canada on Jan. 26 via GMA Pinoy TV, GMA 7’s flagship international channel.