There’s no doubt, the Kapuso network is feeling susceptible to the fluidity in the ratings these days, with the competition getting tighter and stiffer, especially in the primetime block. Neither of the competing networks is conceding defeat in the ratings game, while adhering to separate data providers that obviously try to please their respective subscribers.
But, whichever way the networks go in their firm belief that either of them is the dominant network in the country, respectively, both try to field shows they feel will affirm their belief.
Now, the Kapuso brings back Alyas Robin Hood, calling it the second season of the first that it brandishes as a big hit (although disputed naturally by the fiercest of its competitor).
Naturally, Dingdong Dantes (anointed primetime king by the network) stars, reprising the role (that stirred hordes of netizens calling it a facsimile of the character in Hollywood’s Arrow) he made into an iconic primetime hero.
Said Dantes at the press presentation of the primetime series. “Alyas Robin Hood is a much more exciting second season. It picks up where the first season begins. As Pepe de Jesus, I will have to confront new challenges, new villains, and meet new personalities, including a philanthropist to be played by Solenn Heussaff.”
I asked him if he was ready for a backlash from audience that doesn’t support vigilantism.
“I suppose the writers are careful in that aspect, and my character only challenges the corrupt individuals so that they can be brought into the justice system,” he explained.
Pepe de Jesus, a former vigilante known as Robin Hood, is now a full-fledged lawyer that mostly takes on pro bono cases to help the poor and the oppressed.
Dingdong shares that they’re doubling all their efforts to create a good show. “Kapag sinabi mong part two, whatever you saw last season kailangan mag double up in terms of the drama, the action, sa comedy, total look, production value, double up lahat. Biyaya sa amin na nabigyan kami ng second season kaya dodoblehin namin ‘yung saya na maaaring i-expect nila at gagawin talaga namin ‘yan.”
More than the unexpected kidnapping of his mother, Pepe must now face new battles. A powerful evil force threatens the city, secrets from his past will be revealed, relationships will be torn apart, and shocking revelations will be made. Now more than ever, Pepe must dig up his past and revive his alter ego—Alyas Robin Hood.
Alyas Robin Hood also stars Andrea Torres as Venus, the love of Pepe’s life and his faithful ally in helping those who are seeking justice; Ruru Madrid as Andres Silang, the geeky adopted son of Emilio (Edu Manzano) who has a secret persona as ‘The Marbleman’; and as one of the leading ladies of Dingdong Dantes, Solenn Heussaff as Iris Lizeralde, the rich high-society ‘it’ girl who will also fall in love with Robin Hood.
Returning for the second season is Jaclyn Jose as Judy, Pepe and Caloy’s loving mother.
Playing a very special role in the series is seasoned actor Edu Manzano as Emilio Albano, a famous and charismatic real estate agent, but underneath that exterior, is a manipulative man with an insatiable desire for power.
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Dave Bornea, the young actor who made a mark as Julian Villanueva, the son of Maggie Balbuena (Cheri Gil) and half-brother of Dean (Sid Lucero), returns reprising his role along with Lindsay de Vera (as Lizzy, Pepe’s niece).
Dave said during the press presentation, “I was surprised that I am in the cast of the new season, and I hope that my character would be given more meat in the show. I think, since Julian’s mom and brother had died, he’d be with his dad, the lawyer that put Pepe in jail.”
Bornea’s good looks (he’s an HRM major from a university in Cebu) is definitely making a lot of young girls swooning when he is onscreen. He is a Starstruck alumnus and a member of One Up, a sing-and-dance group that has been stirring the excitement of young women when it’s performing anywhere.
“I hope the second season of Alyas Robin Hood would open more doors for me as an actor,” he concluded.
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Bringing more action and excitement to Pepe’s life are original and new cast members: Gary Estrada as Caloy, Pepe’s older brother and father of Lizzy; Paolo Contis as Daniel Acosta, a principled police officer; Jay Manalo as Pablo, the leader of the Kadugo Brotherhood and Emilio’s top assassin; Rey “PJ” Abellana as Leandro, Venus’ father; Gio Alvarez as Jekjek, Pepe’s confidante and best friend; KC Montero as Rigor, a cocky and mean police officer who is also Emilio’s ally; De Vera as Lizzy De Jesus, Pepe’s niece and a supporter of Marbleman; Bornea as Julian Balbuena, a crucial supporter of Marbleman; Rob Moya as Alex Cruz, Daniel’s assistant police officer; Antonette Garcia as Frida, Venus’ snooty yaya; Luri Nalus as Junjun, the odd but endearing man in Venus’ household.
