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Saving the universe and bey nd!

By Alwin M. Ignacio, Contributor

09/27/2007

After many years of prosperity, the special elite protectors of the entire universe learn that Le-ar is still alive and poised to wreak more havoc. It is now up to the descendants of Shaider to defeat the evil leader and his minions. In this time of uncertainly, there is no one else to call but Zaido, a fresh generation of space sheriffs who are bound to serve, protect and save the entire universe from annihilation.

Dennis Trillo, the blue Zaido

Dennis Trillo, the hottest actor of this generation, topbills the fantasy series as Gallian, an orphan whose parents had suffered from the wrath of Le-ar. The Galactic Force adopted and trained him, and as head of the Zaido squad, he must look for the other Zaidos to help him fight evil and ensure the safety of the universe.

“This is a dream come true for me,” says Dennis. “I have not done anything like this before. I feel very privileged to be playing this part because when I was a young boy I used to watch the series, and it makes me feel very proud that I am part of this, playing the role of a descendant of Shaider. This is indeed an honor.”

“I feel very special,” he continues. “It feels good to be given this importance, and as an actor, it inspires me 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!”

“As an actor, it poses so much challenge. It is very important for me that every time I do a character or a role, it should leave a mark and that the audience will remember how I gave life to Gallian. I try my best to make it a point that this present character will be memorable. Zaido is action-packed. The special effects are very impressive, and the fight scenes are very intense,” he further shares.

Trillo says he has been keeping himself fit to prepare for the role, especially since the costumes are made of tight-fitting Lycra.

“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.”

Trillo urges the public to watch the series for its special effects, action sequences, as well as “a very compelling story.”

It is a known fact that Trillo juggles his schedule between Zaido and his afternoon soap, Kung Mahawi Man Ulap. “Honestly, I work everyday, and I don’t mind it really. I see to it that my shooting wraps up early or because of some miraculous design, we only do a half-day taping, and I immediately go home. I sleep. I maximize [my time] by watching films, listening to music, or asking my friends to come over my place. We catch up; we chill out.”

Action, for Trillo, is more difficult to do. “Doing the drama is like my breather. Hindi ko naman sa sinisiw ‘yung drama pero but it is easier. I do not need to wear a costume; the shooting usually takes place in one location. There is also a stand-by area where you can take a power nap. There is time to rest while shooting Kung Mahawi since there are some sequences that don’t need me.”

Trillo reveals, “Ever since I was a little boy, I always wanted to be Spider-man. Kaya lang naagaw na ni Tobey Maguire eh.”

Marky Cielo, the green Zaido

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

“I am very excited, of course. I have been hearing before that GMA 7 will be doing the show and that I will be part of it,” Cielo reveals. “At that time, I did not want to hope so that I would not be hurt when they announced the cast. So, when I finally found out that I am part of the show, I was very excited, of course. “

Prior to the official announcement on Zaido, kibitzers reported that Cielo would portray the iconic Alexis. However, this did not happen as he shares stellar billing with Dennis Trillo and newbie Aljur Abrenica. How does he feel about this development? “I am not slighted at all because I am still part of it. I did not expect this break to happen.”

Marky adds, “This is my biggest break actually. I am very grateful for 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 a 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 will 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.”

Aljur Abrenica, 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. Still unaware of his role as one of humanity’s saviors, Abrenica is ecstatic to be one of Pulis Pangkalawakan.

“I was surprised and shocked at the same time when I found out I would be part of it. Up to know, I still cannot believe my luck,” starts Aljur. “You know, when I was a little boy, I used to watch Shaider, the reruns, 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 them, especially the action sequences. I am very thankful to be part of this fantasy series.”

He reveals, “The trust of my network overwhelms. 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 have a similarity to his TV screen character? “I have never been arrogant in my life, I swear. I will not deny that my confidence is often misconstrued as cockiness. With regards 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 Startstruck days, we were the original pair. It feels good that we are together again,”concludes Abrenica.

Other important characters that will play important roles in the lives of Gallian, Alexis and Cervano are Ian de Leon (Commander Zion), Karel Marquez (Lyka), Raymart Santiago (Alvaro), Tirso Cruz III (Ramiro), Dion Ignacio (Thor), Lovi Poe (Mona) and Lorna Tolentino (Helen).

The list of cunning and formidable villains includes Jay Manalo (Drigo), the color-coded Amazons LJ Reyes (Violet), Iwa Moto (Black), Melissa Avelino (Pink), Arci Muñoz (White) and Vaness del Moral (Orange) and Paolo Ballesteros (Ida), 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, the first-ever Filipino-made metal hero series, started airing Sept. 24 as part of the top-rating primetime block, GMA Telebabad.