Sparkle artists Antonio, Bruce, Raheel grateful for ‘Mga Batang Riles’ project

MANILA, Philippines — Antonio Vinzon, Bruce Roeland, and Raheel Bhyria, all promising Kapuso talents, are also headlining the drama-action series, “Mga Batang Riles.”

Their roles will further display their mettle in acting and particularly in moving, touching scenes and intense fighting sequences. It can also be seen as an important turning point in their careers.

It’s safe to say that, like its lead actor Miguel Tanfelix, they assure their management that they will only give their best, and they will value such an opportunity.

“I was in shock nung nakuha at nalaman ko na parte po ako sa ‘Mga Batang Riles’ (when I got the role and I learned about the good news that I was part of the show),” said Raheel about this latest career development in a recent press conference.

“Sobrang nagpapasalamat po ako sa tiwala na binigay nila sa akin (I was really grateful for the trust they have given), added he.

As for his initial reaction, Bruce shared he also felt very blessed and shared a piece of an interesting story that took place in one of the episodes of the now-defunct variety show “Sunday PinaSaya,” which provided GMA artists the platform to collaborate on a hosting work or a sing-and-dance segment.

“Magkakasama kami dito ni Miguel sa stage (Miguel and I were on stage and waiting for our segment). It was probably four years or five years ago. Bigla kong sinabihan si Miguel, sobrang mahiyain ako dati and nilapitan ko si Miguel and I told him, ‘Na alam mo idol talaga kita), feeling ko you’re gonna be a bigger star. Sana maka-work kita soon (I was very shy then and approached Miguel and I told him, ‘I consider you my idol and I feel you’ll be a bigger star. I hope we will work together soon’).”

And that hope and wish of Bruce’s have been granted.

He is playing Matos, who will befriend Kidlat, portrayed by Miguel, based on the drama-action trailers. Kidlat belongs to that group of underprivileged boys, according to the show’s website, and will be put in a juvenile center.

Their individual stories of struggles and triumphs will unfold before the audience’s very eyes.

Also part of the Kidlat group are the characters Dagul or Dags, Sig and Kulot, played by Antonio, Raheel, and Kokoy de Santos, respectively.

By the way, Sparkle GMA Artist Center sees a showbiz’s next and up-and-coming heartthrob and a Kapuso hunk in Raheel and Bruce.

Antonio, on the other hand, was also thankful for the chance to act and appear in “Mga Batang Riles,” his first GMA Prime show.

“Natutuwa ako na makasama ko (ang) mga batang riles’ (I’m happy to be working with the other actors who play mga batang riles) kasi gi-na-guide na rin ako po nila, si Miguel Tanfelix, gina-guide po ako, yung craft ko, yung scenes ko (and my fellow actors, like Miguel Tanfelix, guide me in my craft and in my scenes).”

To be in their characters’ shoes, as a manner of speaking, Antonio, Bruce, and Raheel attended workshops under the tutelage of acting coach Ana Feleo and actor-director Laurice Guillen, and martial arts training with veteran actor and martial artist Ronnie Ricketts.

“Gagawin ko po talaga yung 100 percent for this show po (I would give my 100 percent for the show),” said Antonio, dubbed by Sparkle artist Center as a Sparkle Teens’ Heartthrob. The newbie talent is the son of seasoned actor and action star Roi Vinzon.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa (kanila) kasi malaking tulong yung ginawa (nila) sa amin at mas napadali po yung trabaho namin sa set (we’re thankful because the workshops were a big help and made our work easier on set),” said Raheel.

With Bruce, he described the workshops as very intense and looked at working with “Mga Batang Riles” creatives as “a dream come true.” He also shared that the show is “star-studded, full of action and drama and it’s gonna be relatable to everyone.”

It’s among the many aspects of the show that viewers can look forward to.

“Mga Batang Riles” premieres tonight at 8 on GMA.