Giving life to these characters are Ian Veneracion, Mark Herras, and Robin Padilla in Joaquin Bordado , originally created by comics maverick Carlo J. Caparas in the late seventies and reworked into a teleserye by GMA Network. The series follows the life of a man whose body art springs to life in order to defend good from evil and allows him to reclaim his integrity, his son and the woman he loves.

Ian Veneracion is Jerome Apacible, the responsible one

As Jerome, Ian Veneracion says, “May sikretong pagnanasa ako kay Sofi a (Iza Calzado) here. Our characters were college friends. I was about to court her but naunahan ako ni Joaquin, who eventually became her boyfriend and husband. My intense desire for Sofi led me to exact vengeance on my brother so I can have his wife. It is a big role and I like doing it because you would not suspect that he is actually bad. He dresses fashionably, is mild mannered most of the time, suave and successful. He is not your regular, black and white (villain) or Paquito Diaz kind of bad na antagonist. It is a very enjoyable to play him.”

This is also Ian’s fi rst role opposite Robin, who he describes as “very passionate about his craft.” He notes the meticulousness with which Robin executes the action sequences. He wants them “always perfect.”

He adds: “He is very easy to work with and you won’t feel intimidated with Robin. If you don’t know him well, you would think of him as a snob but he is actually shy. However, after that initial impression wears off, you would be amazed by how passionate he is. He is very open to suggestions and he is brimming with ideas on how to make this show more interesting and exciting.”

Ian also glories in their chemistry. “ Para talaga kaming magkakapatid na tatlo nina Mark. The atmosphere on the set is congenial; nobody dares to be late because of the respect for each other. Saka pag na-late ka, patay ka sa alaskahan.”

As for Iza Calzado, Ian reveals: “Iza is always a delight to work with. I have worked with her before in Moments of Love and Te Amo . As Sofi a, she is always wonderful in all her scenes. She is like a light bulb; you just need to switch her on. Even if she is dead tired, you would not hear her complain and she always delivers. She is a real trouper.”

Mark Herras is Jason Apacible, the young troublemaker

When he was just starting, bad boy on the dance floor, Mark Herras was most vocal in saying that one of his idols is Robin Padilla. (His other idol is Aga Muhlach). So he was thrilled to finally work with Binoe, as Robin is fondly called.

“It is a dream come true kasi dati eh pinapanood ko lang ang mga movies niya,” he gushed. Which brought out its own set of initial problems.

“At first, I was a little uncomfortable, nahihiya kumilos,” Mark confesses. “I am always like that when I work in a new project, I test the waters fi rst and once I reach a certain level of comfort, I become more at ease and my being a naturally jolly person comes out.”

He recalls their fi rst shooting day. “My heart was pounding! Kuya Binoe must have noticed how nervous I was so he made me feel at ease. When we were doing the scene – it was a fight scene – he taught me how to move, how to block myself properly, he gave me advice on how to execute (the scene) properly so that I won’t get hurt or injured, and during the initial shooting days, I must

admit na-star struck ako.”

Playing the role of someone with a rebellious streak, we asked him if he was ever like his character in real life? “This may seem like a surprise but I never gave my parents headaches,” he says. “I was never involved in any fistfights or high school rumbles. Makulit ako yes, but I was and will never be a troublemaker.”

In fact, to play a bad boy, Mark researched his role. “I watched many movies that featured juvenile (delinquents). They will see a very different Mark here. Aside from my directors, I worked closely with my acting coach to flesh him out. The first time I saw the rushes, I was happy with the outcome. I hope the viewers appreciate the hard work I am putting in to this role so I hope they support us.”

Mark’s love interests in the series are Ryza Cenon and Iwa Moto. It was easy for him to work with Ryza because of their previous team-up in Mark’s old series, Fantastic Man. “Maganda ang on-screen chemistry namin,” says Mark. “I also have no problems working with Iwa either, I always see her as one of the boys.

So, does he know why women are attracted to bad boys? “Attracted? I guess it is because some girls find the presence of bad boys as very manly, astig! In addition, some of them think that somehow, having a bad boy as a boyfriend is hot or that their very goodness can change them. Contrary to what they think, I am a good boy, not a bad boy. I am a lover, not a fighter! “

Robin Padilla becomes Joaquin Burdado

“You ain’t seen nothing yet,” declares Robin Padilla during the press conference of Joaquin Bordado , “What we just gave you is a teaser. Joaquin Burdado is very exciting. For one, Carlos Caparas penned this. I have been wanting to work with Carlo for the longest time and now fi nally, it is now a reality. I did not want to do it at fi rst but my bosses off ered me this and they dangled Iza Calzado’s name as my partner. She is one of the main factors that lead me to accept this.”

Robin knows whereof he speaks. He worked with Iza in the indie movie Black Out . “ Noon pa lang hangang-hanga na ako sa kanya,” says Robin. “Hers is a beauty that I consider as timeless. Damang-dama ko ang lahat ng mga eksena amin, especially the kissing scenes, tumitindig ang balahibo ko! And what is wonderful about working with Iza is the fact that she is an international star and yet she is very down-to-earth. She is very affectionate and very caring. She comes to the set with food for everyone.”

Playing the title role, Robin had to be “tattooed” with a cherub, a rat, a snake, a sword, an eagle, a jaguar, a dragon and a warrior girl.

“It takes us eight hours to draw the tattoos,” reveals Robin. “And I don’t mind it, I don’t mind doing the action sequences, the long rehearsals, because para talaga ito sa mga Kapuso. I am very proud of Joaquin Bordado and I hope that they would support us.”

Also in Joaquin Bordado ’s powerhouse cast are Pen Medina, comedians Ariel and Maverick, BJ Forbes, Renz Valerio, Ralph Padilla, Kylie Padilla, Rommel Padilla, John Regala, Mon Confi ado, Rez Cortez, Antonio Aquitania and multi-awarded entertainment icon Eddie Garcia. Joaquin Bordado is under the direction of Mac Alejandre and Argel Joseph, head writer is Suzette Doctolero, costume design by Noel Flores, set design by Richard Somes, production design by Roy Red and stunning visual effects by Larger Than Life.