Action series ‘Iron Heart’ to showcase beauty of Cebu

CEBU, Philippines —  It’s not every day that viewers will see a teleserye shot in Cebu, let alone have the plot set entirely in the province. Which is why ABS-CBN’s action-mystery series “Iron Heart” is one to watch as it promises action-packed scenes with the richest province in the country as backdrop.

Premiering November 14 at 8:45 pm after “Mars Ravelo’s Darna” on A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, TV5, Kapamilya Online Live on Facebook and YouTube, Jeepney TV, and TFC IPTV, “Iron Heart” sees Richard Gutierrez taking on his biggest role in a Kapamilya program.

The story revolves around Apollo Adelantar (Gutierrez), who is known for his super strength, and how his mission leads him in finding out his identity and his deeper connection with his enemies.

Gutierrez’s excitement at shooting in his mother Anabelle Rama’s hometown was apparent during a Nov. 12 press conference in Chateau de Busay in Cebu City. He shared about how he took part in the creative process and emphasized his desire to showcase a modern action series led by the program’s directors, Lester Pimentel Ong and Richard Ibasco Arellano.

“Cebu is close to my heart. My mom would bring me here and we would try to visit at least twice or thrice a year before the pandemic,” he said. “Cebu is beautiful and I think it’s time to showcase the beauty of Cebu, especially after the pandemic.”

Also present during the press conference were cast members Sue Ramirez, Jake Cuenca, Albert Martinez, Sofia Andres, and Pepe Herrera. Other featured stars in the series are Dimples Romana, Baron Geisler, Kyle Echarri, Diether Ocampo, Enzo Pineda, Althea Ruedas, Meryll Soriano and Joem Bascon.

In a special participation role is Maja Salvador who marks her return to ABS-CBN two years after starring in “The Killer Bride”.

The full trailer already offered a glimpse of some familiar locations for Cebuanos such as Tops Cebu in Busay, Cebu City (currently closed for renovation), and the Cebu-Cordova Expressway (CCLEX) bridge. Viewers can expect to see more Cebu sights when they watch the series.

Best playground

“We have been filming in Cebu City, Carcar, Dalaguete, Busay, Argao, and more places,” shared Gutierrez, as he thanked the Rama clan and Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia for their support and assistance with production clearances. “We will go all over and explore more to share with our audience the beauty of Cebu and what the province has to offer.”

Cuenca, who plays the antagonist Eros, said that taping in Cebu gives the series a different vibe not only for the viewers, but for the actors as well. “It’s refreshing to tape here because we are used to shooting in a lot of places in Manila that it feels too familiar for viewers already,” he said. “When you watch the trailer of ‘Iron Heart’, it feels very different because it changes the feel and the mood of the show.”

Portraying a con artist named Venus who will go through several appearance changes through prosthetics and makeup, Ramirez said she is looking forward to explore other Cebu locales that she has yet to visit.

Gutierrez himself was a first-time visitor to Argao and Dalaguete. “Ang ganda kasi parang na- explore pa namin, and nagulat kami na ganito na pala sa Cebu,” he quipped.

As for Herrera, who takes on Apollo’s ally Don, it’s his first time here and he remarked on the culture that he observed. “It feels like I’m a kid in a new playground,” he said. “Even though my father is Bisaya because he’s from Pagadian in Mindanao, I can’t speak and understand Bisaya, so it’s nice to immerse yourself in this colorful culture of Cebu. I think the people here are malambing but matapang. Yung hindi sila magpapa-api.”

Andres, who shares a son with Cebuano race car driver Daniel Miranda, will play the love interest of Cuenca’s Eros. “It’s very beautiful that it feels like I am living here, from the food, the people, and the places. It’s perfect. It is, after all, my second home,” she said.

Praising the Cebuano hospitality, Ramirez added, “It’s about the people that welcome you and makes you feel comfortable working in a different environment.”

Martinez, who plays a nemesis to Apollo, said that Cebu has seen leaps in development since his last visit in 2005. “We are enjoying our stay and we are thankful for the locals who spoiled us with a lot of lechon,” he complimented. “The beauty of the women here is also remarkable.”

In a press release, “Iron Heart” creative director Jay Fernando noted, “Cebu is the best playground to do this show. You have the pristine beaches, the longest bridge, and high-rise buildings in one town.”

Unpredictable

The cast likewise assured that viewers will be on edge with its mystery-fueled arc and shocking plot twists.

“I am confident that viewers won’t be able to predict these as I wasn’t also able to predict the story myself. Magugulat kayo dito,” said Cuenca. “We have a story that is strong and unpredictable.”

As for the action sequences, Gutierrez said they “wanted to change the feel of the action that was established in ‘Ang Probinsyano’ which had its own flavor.”

“I wanted to offer a different kind of flavor of action by showcasing martial arts, which I studied since I was nine years old. I am happy to express that in a modern cinematic way and I am excited to express my martial arts side that I have been practicing all of life.”

With Gutierrez’s martial arts background, Cuenca felt the need to also step up. “We did martial arts training in Manila,” Cuenca said. “We have to be formidable if you are going to do these action scenes.”

Ramirez, fresh from her commended portrayal in “The Broken Marriage Vow”, told The FREEMAN that she is thrilled in being the representation of girl power in “Iron Heart.”

“We are excited when the viewers see ladies doing stunts and action scenes on screen. It’s so powerful to see women fighting back.”