The screen tandem of Senator Bong Revilla Jr. and actress Beauty Gonzalez is back for the much-anticipated third season of Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis, premiering on Dec. 22 on GMA Network.
In an exclusive interview during the grand press conference for the show at Novotel Manila in Araneta City, both stars shared insights into the new season’s action-packed stunts, their characters, and the evolving dynamic between them.
Revilla, who plays the iconic character Bartolome (Tolome), revealed that the third season came about due to fan demand. Initially focused on filming Alyas Pogi for the Metro Manila Film Festival, Revilla’s plans were delayed after suffering an Achilles tendon injury while shooting an action scene.
“I was able to heal in time for the new season of Walang Matigas,” he told Manila Standard Entertainment, adding that this allowed him to return to the series ahead of the election campaign season.
With his recovery in mind, Revilla expressed pride in the new action sequences.
“The action scenes are like those in movies. You’ll see that I can do it again,” he said, explaining how his leg has become stronger, enabling him to perform stunts despite the previous injury.
Gonzalez, who portrays Gloria, was in awe of Revilla’s commitment to the part.
As she considered the amazing stunts Revilla does on set, she remarked, “We’re still nervous, but we’re still in awe of him.”
The crew was worried about Revilla’s safety after one particular sequence in which his character fell out of a car. “I told them I was fine, even though they were worried about my foot,” Revilla remembered.
The pair also discussed one of the season’s most exciting stunts, in which a car falls into a river.
Gonzalez revealed that while she was not inside the car for the stunt, she did perform an underwater scene, her first time doing such a stunt.
“I’m also a diver, so I was able to handle it and we felt safe doing the scene because there were divers nearby ready to assist us anytime,” she said.
Revilla added that the season’s new title—Tolome: Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis—was introduced to make it easier for audiences to remember.
“People were having trouble with the long title, so we added ‘Tolome,’” he explained. “The name has already gained popularity.”
Revilla said that this season, viewers will meet a host of new characters, including Leo Martinez as Adonis, Sid Lucero as Jeffrey “Jepoy” Guzman, Jillian Ward as Dra. Barbara Hidalgo, Jon Lucas as Homer, Jay Manalo as Pancho Blanco, Faith Da Silva as Janice Luna, Ryan Eigenmann as Rico, Long Mejia as Lucio “Darak” Cinco, Boss Toyo as himself, Ms. Gloria Diaz as Nadia Hilario, Neil Ryan Sese as Teddy, King Gutierrez as Arturo, Roxie Smith as Aira Dela Cruz, and Joko Diaz as Diego.
Adding to the roster of returning cast members are Kapuso fan-favorites Carmi Martin as Lucing, Jestoni Alarcon as Chief Gener Alberto, Liezel Lopez as Jacqueline “Jacq” Dela Torre, Niño Muhlach as Sylvestre “Style” Salonga, Dennis Padilla as Police Major Vincent Policarpio, Maey Bautista as Candida Magtulis, Raphael Landicho as Kiko Reynaldo, and Jeffrey Tam as Onofre “Bunso” Batumbakal.
“Although there is a lot of action, we will also go deeper into our characters’ relationships to learn more about their pasts and how they became the people they are now,” Gonzalez shared.
Revilla emphasized the cast’s chemistry as they prepare for the season, calling them a “family” both on and off the set.
“We joke around often when we’re off-camera, and everything is natural. There’s no awkwardness,” he stated.
For Gonzalez, the show has been a welcome opportunity to showcase her comedic chops.
“I’ve been doing a lot of drama and horror, so I’m thankful for this show because I got to show my comedy side,” she said.
Revilla, whose background in action roles is well known, expressed his enjoyment of the show’s balance of action and humor.
“Action is the closest to me,” he said while hinting at the possibility of a Tolome movie in the future. “Why not? But maybe we’ll have a Season 4 after the elections,” he added with a smile.
Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis premieres tomorrow at 7:15 p.m.
