'The Master Cutter' spotlights tailoring profession

"The Master Cutter" is an action series with firefights and fistfights aplenty, but it is also a love letter to a profession not often seen on the screen: tailoring.

In the series, Dingdong Dantes plays Atoy, a soldier who grew up in his father's tailoring shop. He takes up the mantle himself after retiring from service, becoming the titular master cutter.

"Gusto kasi naming mag-champion ng isang hanapbuhay na we probably take for granted," director Dominic Zapata said during the talk back session after the red carpet premiere of the series on Tuesday.

"I think 'yung pagsasastre bihira na 'yung nagpapagawa ngayon eh. Naalala ko nung bata ako, nagpapatahi pa ko. Ngayon puro RTW, fashion brands. It could be a dying craft, 'yung pagsastre," he added.

Direk Dominic said many people today are no longer aware of tailors and dressmakers.

"Mga tao nga hindi nila alam ano 'yung sastre eh, I had to explain it to them nung simula nung show. Sastre, tailor. 'Pag dressmaker, gumagawa ng damit ng babae, modista. Hindi nila alam kung ano 'yun," he said.

In spotlighting the profession, the director hopes to send an empowering message to everyone, no matter their job.

"Ayoko ngang sabihing sastre lang. Sastre siya. You could make a difference kahit ano man ang ginagawa mo sa mundo na 'to," he said.

"It didn't have to be a parang heneral or isang congressman."

In "The Master Cutter," Atoy secretly becomes a tracker-for-hire while working as a tailor, helping others find lost things or people. He's just like his namesake, St. Anthony of Padua.

The series also stars Max Collins, Sienna Stevens, Shuvee Etrata, Charlie Fleming, and more. It will premiere on Netflix on May 8 and on GMA Prime on May 11. —CDC, GMA News