THE third season of Senator Bong Revilla’s action-comedy series, Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis, is undoubtedly star-studded, more action-packed and every episode is something to anticipate and look forward to.

Originally an action-comedy film with Bong and wife Lani Mercado originally in the lead (1994), Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis, it even had a sequel (1997) with the couple reprising their roles.

This time, Bong decided to resurrect his big screen role that has been turned into an action-comedy series in collaboration of GMA Network and Imus Productions, with Senator Bong’s brother, Marlon Bautista, as president and executive-in-charge of production.

Director is Enzo Williams, with Rechie del Carmen as associate director and Raul Jamora, Jr., project coordinator program management. Supervising producer is Ma. Concepcion Agnes, Mildred Sarah Garcia, executive in charge of production.

Bong essays the role of Major Bartolome “Bart” Reynaldo, while Beauty Gonzales is the feisty wife, Gloria. Including Beauty, Bong’s co-stars expressed their discovery with the action star-turned-politician as they work with him, some for three seasons now.

“Bong is very funny, mabungisngis talaga siya,” Beauty offered. “When you make him laugh, ang tagal tumigil. From the first season we started the series, he remains the same. Mabait, maalaga sa lahat ng cast. He allows everybody to shine.

“Nothing has changed to this day that we’re working with Senator Bong. The first time I met him and until now. Which is really nice.

“Season 3 shows a lot of heart and family values. The audience will get to know why Gloria is getting jealous and why her moods changed.

Not only it’s a lot of comedy, a lot of fun, but there’s heart in every episode. Napakasaya ng Season 3.”

Carmi Martin expressed her discovery with Bong. “He is consistent in being a leader, both sa government and even in taking care of his co-stars. Once he sees that we still can shine in our character, he will not hesitate to tell us and guide us. He’s also very generous.”

Child star Rafael Landicho is grateful for giving him the character to play that’s why he is really thankful to Senator Bong for giving him the role in the action-sitcom.

“Iba po talaga ang taping namin,” said Rafael. “When Senator Bong is on the set, he was super generous. I am really comfortable with my co-artists when I start to act before the cameras. I treat them as my family. That’s why I am always looking forward to our taping.”

Maye Bautista is grateful to be part of the cast, as well. “Like what Beauty and Miss Carmi said, we are always a star in every scene. Starting from Season 1, the senator always appreciated whatever we gave him, either sa scene or off camera.

“It’s really nice to be working with him. He also does the same to us. You feel that you really have achieved something.”

Comedian Jeffrey Caraan is honored to be part of the regular cast this Season 3, after merely playing a guest role in Season 2.

“As the scene gets longer, mas pagaling ng pagaling si senator sa ginagawa niya,” Jeffret noted. “Wala ng action star na ganyan ang ginagawa ngayon. Tumatalon sa kotse, nagta-tumbling, may mga tunay na sabog.

“For me, Senator Bong is really an action star to admire. I’m really honored to be part of the cast of Season 3. If you found Season 2 really entertaining, Season 3 is better.”

Joko Diaz noted Senator Bong has not really changed from the time he became a vice governor, then a governor and to the senate. “Wala pa rin siyang pagbabago. Sen, maraming salamat.”

Pinoy Pawn Star host Boss Toyo plays himself. He turned down a number of offers previously to be part of a regular show on TV.

“But when the offer from Senator Bong came, I appreciate working with the other stars and even the staff,” Boss Toyo said. “I didn’t feel that I was new in the business. First time ko ito gagawin but they made me comfortable to act.”

Niño Muhlach is also pleased to be working with Bong anew. They worked together on the big screen in the past, but this is the first time they are together in an action-sitcom.

Veteran actor Leo Martinez worked with GMA Network 32 years ago in Ober da Bakod and he feels honored to be tapped to play Senator Bong’s father in Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis. They were previously together in Idol Ko si Kap.

“I’m happy to be working again not just with Bong, but also with Onin and Jestoni (Alarcon),” said the octogenarian actor. “I only have to thank Bong for this opportunity.”

Jestoni feels grateful, too, that he is back to GMA Network after his first stint on TV, German Moreno’s That’s Entertainment in the eighties.

“Maraming salamat sa Imus Productions for getting me again in Season 3,” Jestoni said. “Sa Season 2, I already joined the cast. I am so glad that I returned this Season 3.

“From the time I met Senator Bong, hindi siya nagbabago. Mabait pa rin at very humble. Hindi niya pinapa-bayaan magutom ang mga tao sa set. Habang tumatagal, lalong tumitibay, gumagaling at humuhusay siya bilang isang actor.”

Liezel Lopez was in the cast of Season 2, but she is really thankful that she got included in the cast of Season 3.

“We became close in this action sitom. “Idol talaga siya sa comedy, action,” Liezel said. “I learned a lot from him. Even the entire cast and production made our work easy. We are like family.”

Senator Bong, meanwhile, cannot be thankful enough to be working with a stellar cast in Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis.

“Si direk Leo (Martinez), we first worked together sa Dugo ng Panday with direk Peque Gallaga. Imagine, 50 years in show business? Not bad.

“I am happy with the support of GMA Network, my family in Imus Productions. All the really good stars are around me. When the stars you are working with are really good, you will never go wrong.”

Bong was originally scheduled to have a Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry, Alyas Pogi for the 50th anniversary of the MMFF.

However, he met an accident middle of this year and his Achilles tendon had a tear, so healing on his leg took time.

Instead, he decided to shoot the third season of Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis, which will be shown for only seven episodes starting December 22 (Sunday), as Bong will begin his senatorial campaign starting February 2025.

“Nakita niyo naman, nakakatalon ako, nakakatakbo, nakaka-dive ako,” Bong said proudly. “Kung ano ang kailangan ipagawa sa akin ng director, nagagawa ko. Everybody was worried when I do difficult scenes.

“I fell from the top of a car below. Lahat sila around me, ninerbiyos. Wala akong takot. It was all in the mind. God gave me another chance to do action again and do better jobs on TV and on the big screen.”

Also in the cast of Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis is Dennis Padilla, with the special participation of Jillian Ward, Gloria Diaz, Sid Lucero and Jay Manalo.

Others in the star-studded roster are Ryan Eigenmann, Faith da Silva, Long Mejia, Neil Ryan Sese, King Gutierrez, Jon Lucas and Roxie Smitth.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Leah C. Salterio