Kiko Estrada ‘honored’ to join Coco, Ruru in 3-way primetime joust

Kiko Estrada —TV5

After nearly two months on air, the TV5 afternoon series “Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa” is set to make its way to primetime. And its lead star, Kiko Estrada, admitted that the time slot upgrade comes with a bit of pressure.

“There’s always going to be pressure but it all starts with good material. The writers, directors and producers are good. I believe that we actors delivered. All those aspects should work so as we go to primetime, I hope it continues to stay that way,” he said at a recent press conference arranged by Viva Artists Agency.

With this shift, viewers can soon expect three action series on primetime including Coco Martin’s “Batang Quiapo” (ABS-CBN) and Ruru Madrid’s “Black Rider” (GMA 7). The idea of competition, however, couldn’t be farther from Kiko’s mind.

“It’s an honor. Coco is a primetime king. I worked with Ruru on a project a few years ago. He’s a good guy. I want to have a movie with them, like ‘The Expendables’!” he said, laughing.

Asked what he thinks will set him apart, Kiko said he can only focus on what he can control. “They do so well in their respective lanes. So, I just want to do my own thing. My character requires gun fighting and Muay Thai so I want to make the most out of those,” he said.

More than anything else, the challenge, Kiko pointed out, will be sustaining the momentum they have created. “That’s where the pressure is … We work hard, but no expectations. We just try to give the best quality content. It would be a dishonor if I fail to deliver because everyone else on set is committed,” he said.

Approach

“Lumuhod” is based on the 1986 film with the same title and which starred Rudy Fernandez. Both projects are adaptations of an original comic series written by Carlo J. Caparas.

The story follows Norman (Kiko), an aspiring lawyer whose life is turned upside down when his mother dies over a land dispute with her estranged brother, Benito Balmores (Gardo Versoza). Years later, Norman fulfills his dream and assumes the name Abraham. He wants revenge but things get complicated when he falls in love with Benito’s daughter, Mercy (Sarah Lahbati).

“The first part of my character’s journey was peaceful. His life wasn’t complete, but he was content. He was happy with the simple life he had with his mother but losing his mother felt like he lost his own life. In playing the role, you have to come from a place of peace, too,” Kiko said. “But later on, things get more chaotic as things like love, revenge and justice consume his mind.”

The 28-year-old actor had nothing but appreciation for his coactors, who inspire him to be better. “If you’re with Gardo, you see him move and approach his character … it’s great. Sid Lucero (who plays Miguel Aguirre) and Sarah also have their own approach. I never want to stop learning,” he said.

‘Fight for your dreams’

Doing an action series is both physically and mentally demanding. The stunts require not only physical skills and strength, but also tenacity and a willingness to fight through pain. “In one of the action scenes shot in a dike, I had to slide down, jump and roll. I got it in two to three takes. For the special shot, I rolled my ankle because I slid in an awkward way but I still had to shoot an explosion scene after, where I had to jump again,” he said.

“I just took a painkiller, rested for a while, and offered a prayer,” Kiko related. “Thankfully, I was able to do it. I was able to run around without limping.”

It’s safe to say that the passion for action and feats of derring-do runs in the family. Gary Estrada is his father while George Estregan and Paquito Diaz are his grandfathers.

What’s one lesson Kiko has learned from his father? “Discipline,” Kiko said. “He was an athlete and played for a national baseball team. He eats right, wakes up early. And if he needs to reset, or get into character for a role, he goes to his farm,” said Kiko, who loved watching his father’s movies when he was a kid. “I love ‘Apoy sa Puso,’ where he copied Marlon Brando’s walk in that one scene in a corridor. That was my favorite,” he added.

There was a time when Kiko didn’t feel his career was going anywhere and considered giving up. Thankfully, he came to his senses and soldiered on.

“I realized that I actually love acting. It would be a waste had I chosen to give up. I guess you just have to fight for your dreams … You think about your family, your loved ones, people who inspired you,” said Kiko, who thanked Viva’s Boss Vic del Rosario for seeing his worth when he was at a low point in his life.

“They took a risk. They saw value in a guy trying his best and believed he had talent,” he added. INQ