Coco Martin will be wearing various hats in his latest action-adventure film “Ang Panday”, which is also one of the entries at the 43rd Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
“Ang Panday” is not only an iconic character in Pinoy pop culture but it is also arguably one of most beloved Pinoy comic book heroes of all time as it embodies the ideals of truth and justice as well as the triumph of good over evil.

It should be noted that this is the very first full-length mainstream movie that Martin directed, produced, and starred on all at the same time.

“Mahirap po pala (It was hard)”, Martin mused when asked about his directing debut. Despite the challenges and not having the benefit of formal training in film direction, the Prince of Philippine TV Series used his experience in doing independent films, mainstream films, and TV series on working on the film.

Martin started his career as an actor in indie movies, most notably in the films of Brillante Mendoza, and crossed over to mainstream as he transitioned to television, appearing in a consistent string of ABS-CBN’s top-rating primetime teleseryes as well as to movies under a mammoth film outfit.

“Pangarap ko po talaga maging direktor (I have always dreamed of becoming a director)” he shares. “Kapag gusto mo ang ginagawa mo kahit gaano kahirap ine-enjoy mo ‘yong bawat moment nang ginagawa mo (When you love what you do, despite the challenges, you will enjoy every moment of it).”
Aside from directing the film under his real name Rodel Nacianceno, he was also the one who developed the story of the film with Joel Mercado, which is the very first live-action film adaptation of Ang Panday – the beloved character created by writer Carlo J. Caparas and artist Steve Gan, that was made popular by the late Action King Fernando Poe Jr..

His active involvement as creative consultant of FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano greatly forged his skill as a storyteller.

In this 2017 epic comeback of the iconic Pinoy superhero, Martin plays Flavio III – the grandson of the original Panday. His life suddenly turns upside down when he realizes that his bloodline is destined to save humanity from the evil doings of Panday’s immortal evil nemesis Lizardo (Jake Cuenca), who comes back from the world of darkness to once again bring havoc to the human race.
With Flavio III not knowing that his bloodline is the only one capable of destroying Lizardo, he will have to scour different worlds to be able to gain the trust of the mythical power of the legendary sword. And like the original beloved hero, Flavio III gets to meet various characters that will help him become the rightful heir to the revered name Ang Panday.

Conceptualizing the story, Martin had in mind his viewers, especially the younger generation to whom he wanted to introduce the legacy of the late Action King Fernando Poe Jr.

“Sobrang iniba ko po siya, kasi gusto ko ma-appreciate siya ang mga kabataan ngayon at siyempre ng henerasyon ng mga tatay”, he states. “Kasi ang dami ng versions ng ‘Ang Panday’, so ginawa ko parang karugtong siya ng kuwento. Kaya ‘yong Flavio na ginampanan ni FPJ, ako ‘yong apo niya, ‘yon ang bagong kuwento ng ‘Ang Panday’.”

Witness how Flavio III will fulfill his destiny as he transforms from a simple, Tondo-born (an area in Manila known for its bustling community) man to the greatest Filipino hero of all time who will save his family and community from the clutches of the most terrifying evil man has ever known.

“Ang Panday” also stars Philippine Senator Lito Lapid, Eddie Garcia, Michael de Mesa, Gloria Romero, Jacklyn Jose, Dimples Romana, Jeric Raval, Jaime Fabregas, Julio Diaz, Mariel De Leon, Awra Briguela, Dennis Padilla, Carmi Martin, Albert Martinez, Agot Isidro, Ms. International 2017 Kylie Verzosa, Mccoy De Leon, Elisse Joson, and Jhong Hilario among many others. Meantime, teaming up for the first time for this film are CCM Film Productions, Star Cinema, and Viva Films.

Martin as Flavio III will once again stand up for what is good and just as he valiantly champions the plight of the poor and the oppressed in the movie “Ang Panday”.

Today is the grand premiere of “Ang Panday” via Kapatid Network TV5. Richard Gutierrez will plays the iconic role as Flavio (Ang Panday).

Original fantaserye king Richard Gutierrez stages a comeback on primetime television in the newest, grandest and modernized version of the classic and iconic komiks series, “Ang Panday” by ace writer-director Carlo J. Caparas starting February 29 from Viva Communications, Inc. and TV 5.

Casts of “Ang Panday” were all in character with their costumes during the Grand Press Conference held at Plaza Ibarra. Take a look at the video below.
Richard Gutierrez admitted that it is really a great opportunity to play the role of “Ang Panday”. He also shared that he did prepare for this role because not everyone gets the chance to play role of Flavio in Ang Panday.
The character of Flavio in Ang Panday, a blacksmith who harnessed a powerful sword, became an icon and a Pinoy superhero. The character rose to fame via four blockbuster movies headlined the late King of Philippine Movies Fernando Poe, Jr. The FPJ's “Panday” emerged as top grosser in the 1980 Metro Manila Film Festival, which was followed by three more highly successful installments. Then Senators Bong Revilla and Jinggoy Estrada, had also their own versions, “Dugong Panday” in 1933 and “Hiwagang Panday” in 1998, respectively. Sen. Bong did two more “Panday” projects, “Ang Panday” (2009) and “Ang Panday 2” (2011 Metro Manila Film Festival) for GMA Films. Other TV remakes followed suit in two different stations.

People will expect a lot form Richard Gutierrez since the role of “Ang Panday” played by some of the best and veteran actors in the industry. Richard will give justice on the role and will definitely give his best just like what he did on his previous teleseryes.

“I have to also prepare mentally and even spiritually for this project,Richard said. After knowing his responsibilities, he immediately started working out in the gym.

“I’m not thinking of anything else. Buong pagkatao ko nasa ‘Panday.’ It’s perfect timing because matagal nga akong nawala and I’m thankful I was surrounded by supportive people so confident ako,” he expressed

“I’m sure nakita ninyo si Richard four or five months ago at nakita naman ninyo kung gaano kabilis ang pagbabago ng kanyang pangangatawan. Makikita nyo sa trailer iba ang itsura niya, iba ang atake niya,” explained Mac. Direk Mac Alejandre is the director of the much awaited tv series. He is all praises on how professional and serious Richard is to his craft. It's was really easy working with him, he added.
This year's TV remake on the Kapatid network, however, will have multi-awarded Mac Alejandre at the helm with the genius, Direk Carlo himself, acting as creative consultant of the project.

Viva and TV5's “Panday” will trace Flavio's tale from birth to his adventures as a blacksmith who goes up against his arch nemesis Lizardo and his evil cohorts with the use of his sword that has supernatural powers.

Direk Carlo says that in the modernized version, viewers will discover that Flavio is a foundling and that he has a brother.

His sibling is raised by bad elements while Flavio is taken care of a priest.
Joining Richard as chief nemesis Lizardo in the 2016 “Ang Panday” TV remake is Christopher “Boyet” De Leon in a role originally portrayed on the big screen by late character actor Max Alvarado.

Also in the cast of “Ang Panday” are the new child wonder Alonzo Muhlach, MTV Pinoy VJ Sam Pinto, Jasmine Curtis, Bangs Garcia, Empoy, Chicser's Ranz Kyle, CJ Caparas, Ara Mina and many more.
Catch Richard Gutierrez's fantaserye comeback in the modern-day retelling of the classic Carlo J. Caparas komiks masterpiece, “Ang Panday” starting February 29 only from VIVA and the Kapatid Network, TV5.