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The Iron Heart Secret Files: The making of a modern, remarkable action-drama series

Article (news)

Liezel dela Cruz 

<p>The modern action-packed moves, unpredictable plot twists, and chemistry among the characters are just some of the things in <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/theironheart"><strong><u>The Iron Heart</u></strong></a> that leave viewers in awe. With the help of Star Creatives, action director Wang Yan Bin, directors Richard Arellano and Lester Pimentel Ong, and an ensemble cast, Richard Gutierrez continues to bring Pinoy action forward.</p><p>This team is all about passion, dedication, and a collective dream to deliver first-rate entertainment to Filipino viewers. In this episode of <strong>The Iron Heart Secret Files</strong>, we got to experience the making of the smashing teleserye – from building the characters to location hunting and the extensive work that goes into each intense action scene.</p><div><strong>The Directors and Cast</strong></div><p>At the beginning of the video, Direk Richard and Direk Lester discussed their vision for the teleserye, one of which is to elevate the level and excitement and quality for the audience.</p><p>With Wang Yang Bin at the lead of every marvelous action sequence, <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/theironheart"><strong><u>The Iron Heart</u></strong></a> has truly delivered its promise despite the challenges. “Action has a lot of difficulty and danger involved in it,” he said, praising Filipino artists for their dedication and sharpness.</p><p>Richard carries the torch as Apollo/Tisoy, the secret agent tasked to infiltrate the mafia group Tatsulok. The lead star owned up to the challenges of building Apollo’s character at first, “Kasi mabuti siyang tao pero nasa mundo siya ng masama.”</p><p>Even the villains were created with depth. The gang lord Priam, played by Albert Martinez, exudes complexity as well by being quiet on the surface yet deadly when no one’s looking. Meanwhile, Jake Cuenca was thrilled when offered the role of Eros, a spy who kept viewers guessing whether he is good or evil. He said that even they were curious about their characters.</p><p>In the series, Sue Ramirez is the independent and loving daughter Venus. Sofia Andres is the fierce Nyx, whose world revolves around her best friend Eros.</p><p>Pepe Herrera is Apollo’s funny sidekick Poseidon. Meryll Soriano portrays the community leader Juno. Maricel Laxa is Atty. Helen, the head of the country’s elite investigation unit.</p><p>Surprising everyone with her badass action skills, Dimples Romana is one of Priam’s trusted co-leader, Selene. Meanwhile, Christian Vasquez’s Orcus is in charge of carnapping, while Diether Ocampo’s Echo is assigned with overseas transactions.</p><p>In the story, Louise Abuel is Troy, Apollo’s rebellious adoptive brother. Andi Abaya breathes life to Maia, the diligent student adopted by Venus. Meanwhile, Anthony Jennings is Cronus, the bad boy who works at Tatsulok’s troll farm.</p><div><strong>Cebu City</strong></div><p>Shot entirely in Cebu City, <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/theironheart"><strong><u>The Iron Heart</u></strong></a> gives viewers a refreshing visual experience. “I think it’s a great opportunity for us to show a different landscape. ‘Yung bahay ni Selene dito ang ganda-ganda, nasa ibabaw kami ng bundok. Mafe-feel mo talaga na nasa ibang lugar ka,” shared Dimples.</p><p>Cebu is close to the heart of most cast members like Dimples, whose husband hails from the Queen City of the South. Richard has Cebuano blood as well courtesy of his mom Anabelle Rama.</p><p>Filming in Cebu gives the show a different vibe for both the viewers and the actors. Albert mentioned that being away from home turns them into a collaborative unit, while Andi said that she’s learned to be more independent.</p><p>Jake added that Cebu is beautiful on its own, but the directors and cinematographers add more magic to its natural charm.</p><div><strong>The Action</strong></div><p>According to Wang Yang Bin, the action sequences in <strong><u>The Iron Heart</u></strong> are intended to look realistic. They incorporate plenty of technical aspects and techniques such as Wushu, boxing, wrestling, and Taekwondo. He further praises Filipino actors for not using any of the action doubles, which is a testament to their dedication and hard work.</p><p>Martial arts have been part of Richard’s life, hence his excitement to do action scenes. Though it takes a lot of effort and practice to ensure safety, he enjoys every bit of the process. Jake added that mounting action-packed scenes keep them bonded and that they love to talk about their craft during and after taping.</p><div><strong>Star Creatives </strong></div><p>Credits were given to Star Creatives for diving deep into every element of the story. Not only did they give the stars iconic characters to portray, but they also helped them rediscover themselves, shared Dimples. </p><p>Sue and Sofia are thankful that Star Creatives has been with them since day one. The more senior actors like Albert and Diether have known the production unit’s work ethic, which is all about collaboration and commitment. Maricel believes that her father, Tony Ferrer, is smiling from heaven and telling her that she’s in the right hands.</p><p>Richard expressed gratitude as well, “Ito ang masasabi kong first lead role ko sa ABS-CBN and I’m thankful na Star Creatives ang bumubuo ng project na ito.”</p><div><strong>The Reviews</strong></div><p>Richard appreciates all the positive comments about the series on social media. Some of them came as a pleasant surprise for the actors. Jake mentioned, for instance, they didn’t expect that fans will love Apollo and Eros’ tandem. Even Richard and Pepe’s team-up as Apollo and Poseidon has charmed viewers as well.</p><p>The stars promised that a lot more plot twists and high-caliber action scenes await fans. So, better not miss an episode of <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/theironheart"><strong><u>The Iron Heart</u></strong></a>, weeknights, on <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-news/kapamilya-channel-livestream-12685"><strong><u>Kapamilya Channel</u></strong></a>, <strong><u><a href="https://kapamilyaonlinelive.com/">Kapamilya Online Live</a>,</u></strong> TV5, and A2Z.</p><style rel="stylesheet" type="text/css">.scroll-wrapper {-webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;}.scroll-wrapper iframe {border: none;}</style><div class="scroll-wrapper"><iframe id="MegaControllerIframe-1680653835104" src="https://controller.megaphonetv.com?m=c30fv&amp;iswebpoll=true&amp;poll_id=642cbd40f1b2e0000a1375a9" style="width:100%;min-height:480px"></iframe></div><script type="text/javascript">!function(){class e{constructor(t,s=null){this.type=null,this.fieldName=t,this.fieldValue=s,this.originMessageID=`${(new Date).getTime()}_${Math.random()}`,this.systemID=e.SYSTEM_ID}toPlainObject(){return JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(this))}}e.GET='GET',e.SET='SET',e.RESPONSE='RESPONSE',e.LOCAL_STORAGE_CHECK='LOCAL_STORAGE_CHECK',e.SYSTEM_ID='MP_FIRST_PARTY_DATA_BRIDGE';class t extends e{constructor(t,s,a=null){super(t,s),this.status=a,this.type=e.RESPONSE}}function s(){try{if('undefined'==typeof localStorage)return!1;try{return localStorage.setItem('testkey','testvalue'),localStorage.removeItem('testkey'),!0}catch(e){return!1}}catch(e){return!1}}if(window&&window.addEventListener){const a=document.getElementById('MegaControllerIframe-1680653835104');new class{constructor(){this.targetOrigin='*',this.bubblingMessages=new Map,this.beginListeningForMessages()}beginListeningForMessages(){window.addEventListener('message',this.messageListener.bind(this),!1)}messageListener(a){if(a.data.systemID!==e.SYSTEM_ID)return;let i=a.data.type,n=a.data.fieldName,r=a.data.fieldValue,g=new t;if(g.originMessageID=a.data.originMessageID,i===e.GET)g.fieldName=n,s()?this.handleGet(n,a.source,g):this.checkForBubble(a.data,a.source,g);else if(i===e.SET)s()?this.handleSet(n,r):this.checkForBubble(a.data,a.source,g);else if(i===e.LOCAL_STORAGE_CHECK)s()?this.handleLocalStorageCheck(a.source,g):this.checkForBubble(a.data,a.source,g);else if(i===e.RESPONSE){const e=this.bubblingMessages.get(a.data.originMessageID);null!=e&&(this.bubblingMessages.delete(a.data.originMessageID),e.source.postMessage(a.data,this.targetOrigin))}}handleGet(e,t,s){s.fieldValue=localStorage.getItem(e),s.status=200,t.postMessage(s.toPlainObject(),this.targetOrigin)}handleSet(e,t){localStorage.setItem(e,t)}handleLocalStorageCheck(e,t){t.status=200,e.postMessage(t.toPlainObject(),this.targetOrigin)}checkForBubble(e,t,s){!function(){try{return window.self!==window.top}catch(e){return!0}}()?(s.status=403,s.fieldValue=null,t.postMessage(s.toPlainObject(),this.targetOrigin)):this.bubbleMessage(e,t)}bubbleMessage(t,s){this.bubblingMessages.set(t.originMessageID,{message:t,source:s}),t.type!==e.GET&&t.type!==e.LOCAL_STORAGE_CHECK||setTimeout(this.handleBubbledMessageTimeout.bind(this),4e3,t,s),window.parent.postMessage(t,this.targetOrigin)}handleBubbledMessageTimeout(t,s){this.bubblingMessages.has(t.originMessageID)&&(this.bubblingMessages.delete(t.originMessageID),t.status=404,t.type=e.RESPONSE,s.postMessage(t,this.targetOrigin))}};window.addEventListener('message',function(e){e.data.hasOwnProperty('height')&&(a.style.height=(parseInt(e.data.height)+1).toString()+'px')},!1)}}();</script>

Richard Gutierrez, co-stars and directors shared behind-the-scenes stories about “The Iron Heart.” 