Zorro: The legend lives on, Pinoy style

(Intro) No less than Primetime King Richard Gutierrez was chosen by GMA 7 to play the role of Zorro, and undeniably, he is primed to be next masked Filipino television hero that viewers, most especially the young ones, can call their own. This is Richard’s seventh collaboration with the network after Mulawin, Sugo, Captain Barbell, Lupin, Kamandag, and Codename: Asero.  

Zorro was the iconic outlaw who ranks as one of the most well-loved and enduring heroes of modern times. He was the bold caballero who avenged the helpless against the tyrannical bureaucrats—he’s a household name widely known for his fox-like abilities, black cape and mask.

On March 23, the legend of Zorro lives on GMA-7 as the network launches the first-ever “Filipinized” version of the sensational saga. This period epic which dates back in the 1900’s will come alive on GMA Telebabad and give televiewers the best possible primetime viewing experience.

At the helm are two of the country’s most distinguished directors: Mark Reyes, the man behind the successful Telebabad soap’s, Encantadia and Codename: Asero; and Dominic Zapata, the man behind Mulawin and Captain Barbell.

GMA7’s Zorro is thus far the most ambitious and highly-anticipated program to be produced in the local setting this year. It is based on Johnston McCulley’s novel – The Curse of Capistrano which first featured the fictional character Zorro.

Playing Richard’s leading ladies are three of the country’s equally talented and lovely actresses: Rhian Ramos as Lolita, the ladylove of Zorro; Bianca King as Cara; and Michelle Madrigal as Juana. Zorro is Rhian’s third team-up with Richard after Captain Barbell and Lupin.

In preparation for his role as Zorro, Richard underwent painstaking horseback riding lessons together with Rhian. He also studied fencing under Benny Garcia, the coach of the Philippine Fencing Team.

The world-class program is shot in the picturesque and Spanish-inspired locale of Bagac, Bataan. The viewers will be transported back to the Hispanic times with the presence of old-style houses, cobblestones pathways and fortifications.

And to further appeal to the taste of the Filipino viewers, GMA’s Zorro will showcase a different made-for-television program that is visually opulent and fresh for the Pinoy version. Carnivals, gypsies, circus actors, courtesans and pirates will be incorporated in the series.