ABS-CBN to remake Ramon Revilla classics in ‘Agimat’
Fiona Abaca ( ABS-CBN Interactive ) 06.21.09
ABS-CBN has announced a new series called Agimat: Ang mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla which will remake the classics of the iconic actor. Several young actors have already been tapped for the series. Ramon Revilla’s own grandson Jolo Revilla will play Pepeng Agimat, Gerald Anderson as Tiagong Akyat, Jake Cuenca as Elias Paniki, and Coco Martin as Tonyong Bayawak.

During the presscon for the said project, Ramon Revilla Sr.'s daughters Rowena Revilla and Andrea Revilla-Henares represented their father and according to them, ABS-CBN Business Unit Head Deo Endrinal had proposed the project two years ago. “Nung tumawag po si Deo sa akin noon about this project, ipinaalam ko po ito sa dad ko, sa Kuya Bong ko at sa iba ko pong mga kapatid and they agreed naman po.” Andrea explained. “They are very happy and thankful to ABS-CBN kasi parang this is a tribute for my father, at proof po na timeless po talaga ang mga pinaghirapan ng tatay ko,” she added.

Andrea also revealed that her dad was happy to know that Tayong Dalawa’s Gerald, Jake, and Coco have been signed up for the project and that he is excited to meet them before they start taping. The Revillas believe in the talents of the three actors and they have the confidence that they will give justice to the roles. “I told my dad na presscon nga today and I asked him, 'Ano po ang gusto niyong sabihin ko?’ Sabi ng dad ko, 'Sabihin mo na lagi akong nanunod ng Tayong Dalawa.”

As for the three actors, they said that it's more than just an honor for them to be given a big project and they are very thankful about it. Coco expressed his high regard for Ramon Revilla Sr. and said that he had always dreamed about remaking one of his films. “Si Ramon Revilla Sr., institusyon yan eh, kung baga kung hindi ka FPJ, Ramon Revilla ka. Kaya nga may Sayo ang Tondo, Akin ang Cavite eh.”

When asked if they actually believe in agimat, Jake revealed that when he was just starting in showbiz, he actually had one which was given by a friend. “I have an agimat pero nasa kwarto ko lang, yun dinadasalan ko lagi. It's very spiritual, very religious.” Gerald hasn’t seen or used one yet, but according to him, maybe this project will help him become a believer. But when he was asked what kind of power he would want to have, all he could answer was a love potion. “Kung pwede lang gawin yung 'bumigay ka na... bumigay ka na...” Gerald laughed. (photo by: Allan F. Sancon)