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Ian Veneracion for Metro x Incognito

<div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:500px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737512199705DSC06495 copy.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Ian Veneracion | Photography by Oly Ruiz of Metrophoto for Brands</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p><strong>Ian Veneracion</strong> is top of mind when one thinks of action in local showbiz, what with decades of experience in action films and series. Now, Ian embarks on another adrenaline-pumping project, embracing his beloved genre with <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people/2025/1/15/metro-style-digital-cover-kicking-off-2025-with-the-powerhouse-cast-of-incognito-1951" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><em>Incognito</em></strong></a>. </p><p>Produced by <strong>ABS-CBN Studios</strong>, <strong>Star Creatives</strong>, and <strong>Studio 360</strong>, <em>Incognito</em> is a high-stakes action-drama series set to elevate local entertainment. It offers a story rich in character depth, intense emotions, and world-class production. </p><div><strong>Related: </strong><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people/2025/1/15/metro-style-digital-cover-kicking-off-2025-with-the-powerhouse-cast-of-incognito-1951" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Bold New Year: Kicking Off 2025 With the Star-Studded Cast of ‘Incognito’</strong></a></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:500px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737512245606DSC06559 copy.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">On Ian Veneracion: Jacket by Zara and pants by Urban Revivo</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>In an exclusive <strong>Metro.Style</strong> interview, Ian Veneracion shared his journey with <em>Incognito</em> and what makes it one of the most exciting projects of his career. </p><p>For Ian, the journey to <em>Incognito</em> began long before cameras started rolling. “<em>Direk</em> Lester Pimentel [Ong] and I are good friends. We’ve been talking about this concept for a while, sharing ideas and sending each other videos about military contractors,” Ian recalled. </p><p>When the project was finally greenlit, it exceeded even his high expectations. He said, “<em>Ang galing lang</em> because the cast they pulled together and the scenes—it’s way beyond my expectations.”</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737512290608DSC06586 copy.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Having started his action career at 15, Ian felt right at home with <em>Incognito</em>’s action-packed scenes. “<em>Basta</em> action, it’s like my home court. I’ve had my 10,000 hours in stunts and fight scenes, so I’m very comfortable,” he shared. </p><p>But this wasn’t just another action project—the scope and scale of <em>Incognito</em> made it stand out. From boat chases to high-intensity combat, the series demanded top-notch skills and safety protocols. But the output has been well worth all the hard work. </p><p>Ian’s character, Gregorio Paterno, leads a highly specialized team of military contractors and is considered a veteran in his field. Even with just a few episodes, the show’s narrative is as compelling as its action-packed visuals, amped up by intricate personal backstories and emotionally charged relationships. </p><p>“It’s not just a superhero bang-bang show,” Ian explained, mimicking the sound of a gun. “It’s emotionally driven, with dynamics that add tension and depth.”</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737512338068DSC06560 copy.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>As a filming location, Matera—the oldest city in Italy—adds a cinematic flair that helps elevate the series to international standards.</p><p>Ian also emphasized the show’s goal to showcase Filipino talent on a global stage. “It’s our attempt to seriously showcase our ability as Filipinos to do action. We hope it gets noticed internationally,” he said, amazed at how local productions excel despite budget constraints. </p><p>With meticulous training in weapons handling, martial arts, and tactical warfare, the cast dedicated months to ensure authenticity in every scene.</p><p>Beyond the action, <em>Incognito</em> fostered a strong bond among its cast and crew. “<em>Parang</em> field trip, <em>pero parang </em>actual mission [It&#x27;s like a field trip but like an actual mission],” Ian quipped. From shared gelato trips in Italy to fight scenes that tested their physical capacity, the camaraderie they built translated into onscreen chemistry. </p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737512390948DSC06606 copy.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Ian fondly recounted working with both seasoned actors and new artists, noting how each brought something unique to the table. <em>Incognito </em>also stars <strong>Richard Gutierrez</strong>, <strong>Baron Geisler</strong>, <strong>Kaila Estrada</strong>, <strong></strong><strong>Maris Racal</strong>, <strong>Anthony Jennings</strong>, and <strong>Daniel Padilla</strong>.<em></em><em></em></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DE_fahXSi0m/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">With <em>Incognito</em> now the no. 1 show on Netflix Philippines</a> since it premiered on the platform last January 17, Ian Veneracion is proud of what the team has accomplished. </p><p>“This is serious. It’s the real deal. If you’re going to do action, this is how you do it,” he declared. </p><p>Whether you’re an action enthusiast or a drama devotee, <em>Incognito</em> promises a ride you won&#x27;t want to miss. Buckle up—this is Filipino storytelling on a whole new level.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:500px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737512698356DSC06452 copy.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">(From left) <em>Incognito</em> cast members Richard Gutierrez (as Jose Bonifacio), Baron Geisler (as Miguel Tecson), Ian Veneracion (as Gregorio Paterno), Anthony Jennings (as Tomas Guerrero), and Daniel Padilla (as Andres Malvar)</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DE2GcIhT-f5/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=864&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A32893616.299999982%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="826" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="925" height="525" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EnYoygfojvs?si=TAwC_e59k9Dh4mLe" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong></strong><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people/2025/1/22/-incognito-sees-kaila-estrada-dabbling-in-the-action-genre-for-the-first-time-1757" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">High-Octane Series &#x27;Incognito&#x27; Sees Kaila Estrada Dabbling In the Action Genre for the First Time</a></strong></div><div><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people/2025/1/23/-incognito-showcases-a-different-side-of-baron-geisler-as-an-actor-1801" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">&#x27;Incognito&#x27; Showcases a Different Side of Baron Geisler as an Actor</a></strong></div><div><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people/2025/1/23/anthony-jennings-delivers-action-heart-and-humor-in-incognito-1805" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Anthony Jennings Delivers Action, Heart, and Humor in &#x27;Incognito&#x27;</a></strong></div><div><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people/2025/1/23/-fashion-meets-action-maris-racal-takes-on-a-fab-and-fierce-role-in-incognito-1809" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">&quot;Fashion Meets Action&quot;—Maris Racal Takes on a Fab and Fierce Role in &#x27;Incognito&#x27;</a></strong></div><div><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people/2025/1/24/-incognito-takes-actor-daniel-padilla-to-new-heights-1736" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">&quot;A Breath of Fresh Air&quot;—&#x27;Incognito&#x27; Takes Actor Daniel Padilla to New Heights</a></strong></div><div><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people/2025/1/24/richard-gutierrez-further-cements-his-action-star-status-with-incognito-1748" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Richard Gutierrez Further Cements His Action Star Status With &#x27;Incognito&#x27;</a></strong></div><div><br/></div><div><em><strong>Incognito is now available for streaming on Netflix and iWantTFC. Catch new episodes from Monday to Friday at 8:45 PM on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, Jeepney TV, and TV5.</strong></em></div><div><br/></div><p>Photography by <strong>Oly Ruiz of Metrophoto for Brands</strong></p><p>Metro Head:<strong> Christina N. Lopez</strong></p><p>Editor-in-chief: <strong>Geolette Esguerra</strong></p><p>Sittings editors: <strong>Grace Libero-Cruz </strong>and <strong>Randz Manucom</strong></p><p>Fashion associate: <strong>Carla Buyo</strong></p><p>Creative direction by <strong>Chookie Cruz </strong></p><p>Styling by <strong>Myrrh Lao To</strong> </p><p>Grooming by <strong>Charito Acosta</strong></p><p>Videographer: <strong>Pat Buenaobra</strong></p><p>Interviewers: <strong>Ryan Christopher Claveria</strong> and <strong>Leigh Sofia Lazo</strong></p><p>Shoot assistant: <strong>Princes del Corro</strong></p><p>Shoot coordination: <strong>Noella Fonbuena</strong> and <strong>Red Dimaandal</strong></p><p>Shot on location at <strong>Ascott Bonifacio Global City</strong></p><p>Special thanks to <strong>Star Creatives</strong></p>

<p>Action star Ian Veneracion talks about how "Incognito" elevates the action genre in the Philippine entertainment scene.</p>

Action star Ian Veneracion talks about how "Incognito" elevates the action genre in the Philippine entertainment scene.

'Beyond My Expectations'—'Incognito' Reignites Ian Veneracion's Passion for the Action Genre

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'Beyond My Expectations'—'Incognito' Reignites Ian Veneracion's Passion for the Action Genre

Princes del Corro

Published January 22, 2025 05:30 PM PHT

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Updated January 24, 2025 07:01 PM PHT

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