This is Cefiro

John Regala has played many challenging characters in his career; but this time, his challenge is tougher than before: battling prosthetics and heavy costume pieces! Text by Jason John S. Lim, with an interview by Jillian Q. Gatcheco. Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio. Carlo J. Caparas’ Joaquin Bordado is full of rough characters, but one really stands out in the character of Cefiro, the keeper of the Xelvarria who is now trapped in the body of Jason (Mark Herras). “[His] role is to hunt all the Bordados.” John Regala is the actor behind Cefiro, one of the most versatile actors who has appeared in some of GMA-7’s memorable shows. He was in Encantadia as the adoptive father of Ybarro (Dingdong Dantes), and in Impostora as the mean-spirited uncle who caused the deformity in Sara (Iza Calzado’s) face. Both roles were important, but required minimal make-up and costume. And both roles did not prepare the actor for playing the prosthetic-heavy character of Cefiro. “Buti na lang wala akong allergy ‘no?” John jokes. But the actor says that putting the costume, and the prosthetics on, is definitely no joke. “Ang bigat sa mukha, tapos mainit. “Tapos ‘yung suot-suot kong [costume], medyo may kabigatan din ng konti, at [mahirap makagalaw]. Pero ‘yun ang challenge doon eh.” John says the costume actually helped him lose weight, because he had to ready himself for it. “Medyo pumayat na ako ng mga thirty pounds ngayon,” he began. “[At] continuous pa rin ‘yung pagpapapayat ko, para makahabol ako kay Robin [Padilla].” The actor lists that aside from a special diet, where he stopped eating at night and eat more vitamin-rich fruits, he also had to undergo Muay Thai training—but with a twist: “Ako naman kasi, meron na akong background sa boxing, sa Aikido. [We combined all three.]” “Hanggang sa present, [hanggang] may Bordado pang natitira, hinahabol ko pa rin.” For Joaquin Bordado, John’s character has been intent on ridding the world of the Bordados, the magical race whose sole purpose is to end all evil. And while Cefiro has succeeded in killing most of the Bordados, one remains to thwart him: Joaquin (Robin Padilla). “Very challenging sa akin ‘tong role na ‘to.” John says that the role excites him, not just because of the challenge that the role offers, but also because this is the first time he is working with Robin Padilla, on any media. “Eto lang ang first time na magkakasama kami! “Siguro ang ine-expect ng mga tao dito, talagang magtatagisan kami ni Robin,” the actor muses, adding that people should expect for them to continually do their best. Currently, Cefiro and Joaquin have yet to face each other again in a fight. But John says that when it does happen, viewers can be sure that it will be well prepared. “Talagang paghahandaan. “‘Yun lang ‘yun eh.” John says that when it comes to Robin Padilla projects, people already expect that it will be action-packed, and that it will have heart. “Pag sinabi mo nang Robin, pinaghahandaan niya ‘yung bawat eksena. Talagang iniisa-isa niya ‘yung mga routine niya. “Sa part ko naman, ‘yung characterization ko, ‘yung acting ko, talagang 101% ‘yun. “Kaya pag nagsama kaming dalawa, buo na. Walang kulang,” he ends with a laugh. John Regala continues to give life to the evil Cefiro every weeknight as part of Carlo J. Caparas’ Joaquin Bordado. Catch the new episodes after 24 Oras. Afterwards, talk about the show, and John Regala, at the iGMA Forums! If you're not yet registered, take the time to register now! Who knows? You might even get to chat with your favorite Kapuso Star this summer!