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Even with the weight of a big project on his shoulders, where he has to give his A-game both in acting and in Bokator, Mikael admits to not feeling pressured or worried.
By MARY LOUISE LIGUNAS



Kapuso star Mikael Daez is training for one of the oldest fighting systems of Cambodia called Bokator as part of his role in a mini TV series with Khmer celebrities.

Bokator, which is literally translated as pounding a lion, is a martial art that incorporates attacking movements and postures of animals into kicks, punches and elbow smashes. It is said to be similar to other Asian martial art forms like Muay Thai.



Before leaving for Cambodia, Mikael trained for Muay Thai to get a head start on Bokator.

“Yung foundation ng Bokator is Muay Thai (so nag-train ako for that)… kasi mahirap kung biglaan (sa Bokator training) eh,” he said.

True enough, he found the Khmer martial art to be forceful and challenging.

“Training is so intense (and lasts for at) least four hours a day. I’m learning not only about the culture but also how to do stunts,” he shared.

Even with the weight of a big project on his shoulders, where he has to give his A-game both in acting and in Bokator, Mikael admits to not feeling pressured or worried.

“I think more of excited (ang nararamdaman ko). If ever may pressure man dyan, I think natatabunan siya ng excitement,” he declared.

Mikael, together with leading lady Andrea Torres, are spending three weeks in Phnom Penh for a mini TV series under GMA Network and Cambodian Television Network.