Paul Christian Ocampo

Article (news)

Throwback: Panday (2005)

Ronnabelle Lora

Mary Ann Bardinas

Filipinos have been following the adventures of the infamous blacksmith Flavio since the 70s through the comics Ang Panday and eventually turned into a blockbuster series all headlined by Da King Fernando Poe Jr. in the 1980s.After a number of movie adaptations that starred various prized actors, it was only in 2005 when a live-action television series was aired.Unlike the original film series, it served the audiences a different storyline and sets of characters as it chronicled what happened after the titular character Flavio (Philip Salvador) defeated his archenemy Lizardo (Victor Neri) and ended his heroic feat by thrusting his powerful sword to their town’s church bell.Unbeknownst to him, Lizardo’s brain was still alive despite getting beheaded. He was brought to life again by his minions called Sombras who was able to find the woman who could resurrect him by transcending through time and space. Since then, the once peaceful Sto. Sepulcro was invaded by his evilness once more.Thankfully, a new hero was born in the person of the town’s new blacksmith named Tristan (Jericho Rosales) who forged another sword identical with the one Flavio used in the past. Throughout his adventures, he was able to battle a lot of dark forces and meet the woman who captured his heart -- Eden/Camia (Heart Evangelista).Aside from the different plot, the TV reboot of the renowned action-fantasy series treated us with the special effects and action-packed skirmishes. Albeit it was their first take on action and fantasy, not to mention that it was their first project together, Jericho and Heart’s reel-to-real chemistry was highly unmistakable.What makes it more impressive is the effective performances of its stellar cast which included Philip Salvador, Marianne dela Riva, Ian de Leon, Mon Confiado, and Dimples Romana, among others.Ang Panday garnered a huge following during its run from 2005 to 2006. Its first book, Panday: Unang Yugto opened on November 7, 2005 and concluded on December 9, 2005. It was succeeded by its second book, Panday: Ang Ikawalang Yugto, which aired from April 3, 2006 to May 26, 2006.

Aside from the different plot, the TV reboot of Carlo J Caparas' Ang Panday treated us with the special effects and action-packed skirmishes.

Aside from the different plot, the TV reboot of Carlo J Caparas' Ang Panday treated us with the special effects and action-packed skirmishes.