In order to bring the series back but abide by the Japanese creator’s stipulation that the original names and characters could not be used, GMA Network decided to add another chapter to the saga.

        And so in the network’s latest fantaserye bid, Zaido tells the story of how, after years of prosperity, the special elite protectors of the entire universe – “ang pulis pangkalawakan” – learn that that nemesis Le-ar is still alive and poised to wreak havoc again. Thus, it is now up to the descendants of Shaider to defeat Le-ar and his minions. Zaido emerges as a fresh generation of space sheriffs who are committed to serve, protect and save the entire universe from annihilation.

Dennis Trillo topbills as Gallian, the blue Zaido

        Dennis Trillo, hot star and award-winning actor, topbills the fantasy series in his role as Gallian, an orphan whose parents were killed by Le-ar. Adopted and trained by the Galactic Force, Gallian is on a mission to look for other Zaidos to help him ensure the safety of the universe.

        “This is a dream come true for me,” says Dennis of his new role. “I have not done anything like this before and. I feel very privileged to be playing this part because I used to watch the series when I was a young boy.”

        He said being given the lead role feels “very special” and inspires him to work better. “I do not want to disappoint the people I am working for and on my part, ginagalingan ko palagi. This is a very big opportunity and this show has so much potential to become a hit, grabe ang magnitude nito!”

        To prepare for the role, Dennis watched many of the old Shaider episodes on YouTube. He also gave the punching bag he has at home a harder workout. “Zaido is action packed, the special effects are very impressive, and the fight scenes are very intense,” he admits.

        As intense was the titter during the series launch because the stretch costumes put in relief the obvious bulge. “In the beginning, it made me uneasy but I have no choice but to be comfortable with the suit and accept that it is necessary for my role. I will don the Zaido outfit for a season and if I get too conscious about it, I will not be able to give what is expected of me, I will not be able to move properly, I will not enjoy being Gallian. I am sure the televiewers will watch the show not because of our costumes.”

        Dennis also says that in addition to the special effects and the action sequences, Zaido offers a “very compelling story.” He said the plot highlights the importance of brotherhood, courage, unity and good triumphing over evil.

        In addition to the new series, Dennis stars in the afternoon soap, Kung Mahawi Man Ulap, a schedule he carefully plans out so that he can “see to it that my shooting wraps up.” He sleeps during his free time and then watches movies, listens to music and asks his friends over. “We catch up, we chill out,” he disclosed.

        Interestingly, Dennis says he finds it harder to do Zaido than drama, which he calls his “breather.” He added: “I do not need to wear a costume; the shooting usually takes place in one location. There is also a stand-by area where I can take a power nap. There is time to rest while shooting Kung Mahawi since there are some sequences that doesn’t need me.”

        If you do become a superhero, who do you want to be? “Ever since I was a little boy, I always want to be Spiderman. Kaya lang naagaw na ni Tobey Maguire eh.”

        But he did get caught up in the chismis web recently when, after months of straight-faced denials, he finally admitted that he was the dad of beauty queen Carlene Aguilar’s new baby daughter.

Marky Cielo is Alexis, the green Zaido

        Marky Cielo plays his biggest role to date as Alexis Lorenzo. His character comes from poor family, witnesses the tragic death of his father and the capture of his elder brother, and vows to help destroy evil and promote peace by entering the police force.

        He says he’s very excited about being chosen for the role, even if he shares stellar billing with newbie Aljur Abrenica, who portrays the red Zaido. “I am not slighted at all,” he tells the intrigeras, “because I am still part of it, I did not expect this break to happen.”

        It is, in fact, his biggest. “I am very grateful to the trust my network is giving me. I promise that I will not fail them and this is one challenge that I will and must surpass. Hindi ako dapat panghinaan ng loob. I will really prove to the people, especially to myself that I am worthy and deserving of this opportunity.”

        Does the presence of his co-actors intimidate him? “Not really. I know that Dennis is very good actor and I know that he will guide us and since he is also the leader of group, I do not think there would problems like. I am sure I will learn much from him. With Aljur, I work with him in our afternoon drama so working with him is a breeze.”

        Unlike Dennis, Marky is less comfortable with doing dramatic roles. “It’s is emotionally draining,”         he confessed. “At times, when you repeatedly do a dramatic scene, a certain heaviness remains with you and even if you are already home, you feel still feel it. Ang bigat pa din dito (points to his chest).”

        Action roles however are child’s play. “I like doing the stunts, the fistfights, the jumps. Rehearsing and executing it gives you an adrenaline rush. Once that feeling subsides though, ayun plakda ka na talaga, pagod ka na. Sa kotse pa lang bagsak ka na.”

        The tight-fitting Zaido costume reveals Marky has a well-toned physique; will he be willing to flaunt it soon? “I don’t know. Honestly, I am still not confident with how my body looks. Even if people think that I am sexy, I think otherwise. I am not sexy at all,” ends the green Zaido.

Aljur Abrenica becomes Cervano, the red Zaido

        Last season’s Starstruck ultimate hunk Aljur Abrenica gives life to the role of Cervano Torres, the conceited, short-tempered babe magnet and champion swimmer.

        Landing the role shocked Aljur. “You know, when I was a little boy, I used to watch Shaider, the rewind series and I idolized him. Because of Shaider, I watched the other shows that were similar to it and I remember that my friends and I used to mimic it, especially the action sequences.” So he feels incredibly lucky to be one of the leads of the series. And a bit overwhelmed.

        “Binigay nila itong break na ito para mas makita pa nila kung may ibubuga ako. I see this as a test in my career, for someone who is just starting in showbiz; I know I will learn a lot from this show. You know, I am fond of watching action movies, I am naturally malikot and very energetic so this is a good medium to release the excess energy.”

        Does he share the conceit and player-like qualities of his character? “I have never been arrogant in my life, I swear. I will not deny that my confidence is often misconstrued as cockiness. With regard to Cervano being a babe magnet, I am not and will never be a playboy. I do not fool around and play with women’s emotions. I respect women; I love women!”

        Is Kris Bernal, the one who plays the pivotal role of Amy (a derivative of the original Annie), the woman he loves? “I am happy that we are together in Zaido. I missed her, I will not deny that. During our Starstruck days, we were the original pair. It feels good that we are together again.”

        Zaido boasts a stellar supporting cast including Raymart Santiago, Ian de Leon, Karel Marquez, Tirso Cruz III, Lovi Poe and Lorna Tolentino. Playing cunning and formidable villains are Jay Manalo, LJ Reyes, Iwa Moto and Paolo Ballesteros as Ida, an inspired choice as one who plays the most beautiful being in the universe and grandson and adviser of Le-ar and high priest of the Kuuma battalion.

        Under the direction of Dominic Zapata, Zaido, Pulis Pangkalawakan, is the first-ever Filipino-made Metal Hero Series.