Bong Revilla recovering well and raring to do action again

MANILA, Philippines — As a seasoned actor and producer, Sen. Bong Revilla Jr. finds joy in telling stories that viewers can relate to and setting them in a genre that holds their attention. It is driven by the intention to deliver compelling and engaging storytelling.

A testament to that is the weekend action-comedy series, “Walang Matigas Na Pulis sa Matinik Na Misis,” with him in the lead role of Police Major Bartolome “Tolome” Reynaldo and opposite Beauty Gonzalez as the feisty, loving wife Gloria.

In a recent virtual chat with The STAR, the senator and action star was asked to share his thoughts on the show’s season two finale episode, which airs tomorrow night at 7:15. The culmination is described as “thrilling and unforgettable” by the GMA Entertainment website.

“What’s important is that we’ve entertained the viewers and we’ve given them a really good action (series). Yung hinahanap nila sa pelikula na nagawa natin sa telebisyon (What they’re looking for in an action film, we’ve done it on TV),” said he, who was grateful to GMA for its support.

A quick look back on his beginnings in the entertainment industry informs one that the then young thespian started in the action-drama genre (“Hulihin si Tiagong Akyat” and “Dugong Buhay”) and eventually established himself in it.

He started a movie franchise or series concept such as “Walang Matigas Na Pulis sa Matinik Na Misis” that could also successfully cross over to TV. The movie versions starred him and his wife, Cavite Second District Rep. Lani Mercado.

“We started that in the movie,” said Bong, “and it made a lot of money.”

Bong with leading lady, Beauty Gonzalez.

He continued, “Atsaka talagang sinusundan yan even pinapalabas na yan sa TV, hindi pa yung Tolome mismo, makikita mo na mataas na yung viewers niya kaya tayo nakaisip na makagawa ng isang ‘Walang Matigas’ on telebisyon (Viewers would watch it every time it got aired as a movie special on TV, not yet the Tolome-led weekend series. You would notice it had high viewership. That’s why we thought of making a TV adaptation).”

The success of “Walang Matigas Na Pulis sa Matinik Na Misis” can be attributed to the relatable characters of Tolome and Gloria, as well as to the cultural idea and perception of a husband being under-da-“saya” (under the skirt) of his wife. It depicts scenarios of a man living harmoniously with a strong and independent-minded woman at home.

During the interview, Bong was also inquired about the possibility of his show, given the latter’s good showing in the rating’s game, being aired on weeknights — as in from Mondays to Fridays.

“The problem is my schedule,” said he, who is a lawmaker, away from the klieg lights. “Tayo naman na-ma-manage natin yung trabaho ko bilang senador, bilang artista, perfect attendance nga ako, never been absent, never been late (I can manage my work as a senator and as an actor. I have perfect attendance. I’ve never been absent or late).”

“When you love what you’re doing, it’s not difficul),” Sen. Bong added. “Kung mahal mo yung ginagawa mo, lalo na labor of love, talaga wala kang mararamdaman na hirap. (If you love what you’re doing, especially if it’s labor of love, you won’t get tired).”

After taping all his scenes for “Walang Matigas Na Pulis sa Matinik Na Misis” season two, he was off to commence the movie, “Alyas Pogi.” As reported in the news, he suffered a partial tear of his Achilles on the first day of shooting. His doctors advised him for a surgery, and the latter was successful.

“During shooting, actually the first day of ‘Alyas Pogi,’” recalled he. “The good thing was, we were done taping ‘Matigas Na Pulis’ with Beauty. I remember Beauty and I (also) did intense, action-packed scenes.”

“What happened to me was, I (wore) the wrong shoes, combat boots na mali ang pagkakatali,” continued he. “‘Yun yung little mistake (that was a little mistake)… well, accidents really do happen.”

“So far, so good, I’m right on track naman according to my doctor,” he said.

His Achilles’ tendon is healing well. After three to six months, Sen. Bong can do action sequences like jumping and running again. Since miracles do happen each day, everybody is wishing him a faster recovery.

With that, the filming of “Alyas Pogi” will resume next year, but taping for “Walang Matigas Na Pulis sa Matinik Na Misis” season three is possible this year.

“Well, pinaplano na rin yan, pinag-uusapan. Antayin na lang natin yan sa GMA, let them announce kung kailan (I think the season three is already being planned and discussed. We’ll just wait for the announcement of GMA regarding the timeframe).

“Kung mag-he-heal ito ng maaga, baka September ‘pag tayo ay pinalad… baka pwede nga akong makagawa ng season three na kahit isang buwan lang o dalawang buwan lang (If my Achilles’ tendon heals faster, maybe in September, I could tape for season three for a month or two). Let’s cross our fingers, di ba?”

If ever season three is in the offing, what can viewers expect from it, knowing that seasons one and two of “Walang Matigas Na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis” focus on Tolome and Gloria?

Bong said that they have already something in mind, adding, “papainit na nang papainit ang storya, di ba? (the story becomes more and more interesting).”

He shared that he works with brainstormers, but he has the final say on how the story goes. He is also supported by competent and reliable directors and creatives and he salutes them for the show’s “accomplishments and good results.”

“What’s important and No. 1 is we don’t shortchange our viewers,” said he. “Parang sinehan lang yan. ‘pag nagbayad sila, kailangan sulit, ito ang oras na binigay nila, kailangan sulit (It’s like going to the cinema and watching a film, their money and the time they spent on it should be valued).”