Jillian Ward, David Licauco undergo training for physically demanding roles in ‘Never Say Die’

Jillian Ward and David Licauco are taking extensive training for their upcoming roles in “Never Say Die,” which are more mature and physically demanding.

According to Aubrey Carampel’s report in “24 Oras” Thursday, the series marks their first team-up for a project.

“Nakapag-train na po ako paano humawak ng baril properly, paano po ‘yung footwork kapag may fight scenes, gan’yan,” Jillian said.

“Right after GMA Gala, the following day, meron akong training ng arnis. Siyempre ‘yung pag-g-gym, isa na ‘yun. Pangalawa ‘yung nagba-boxing ako ulit,” David said.

“Never Say Die” will also star Kim Ji Soo, Raheel Bhyria, Richard Yap, Gina Alajar, Raymart Santiago, Angelu De Leon, Wendell Ramos, Ayen Munji-Laurel, Analyn Barro, Tanjo Villoso, and Michelle Dee. 

“People will hate me, but that’s the reaction that I would like to get because this is something that is different from what I usually play,” Richard said.

“Best friend ko siya diyan, ako ‘yung emotional anchor niya though tinatago ko lang ‘yung feelings ko sa kaniya through humor and loyalty,” Raheel said of his character. 

Ji Soo also said that it feels good to work with Jillian again.

“Especially we’re already close so it's very familiar so it's good to work with them, also David,” he said.

The cast has already conducted script readings with Director Dominic Zapata.

While Jillian admitted to feeling a bit nervous, she is ready to embrace her more mature role. 

David is also prepared to take on this challenging new role even if he’s not used to not having the other half of the BarDa love team, Barbie Forteza.

“To be honest, itong teleserye na ‘to, hindi ako sanay na wala si Barbie. The past three teleseryes ko, lagi kong kasama si Barbie, si Dennis [Trillo]. ‘Yun ‘yung naging comfort zone ko eh. It will be a challenge for me, definitely,” he said.

Jillian recently starred in "My Ilonggo Girl" and appeared in "Mga Batang Riles," while David starred in "Pulang Araw" and also has a guest appearance in "Beauty Empire."

—Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News