'The Master Cutter': 5 highlights from the pilot episode

Dingdong Dantes is back on primetime!

"The Master Cutter" showed why it became the no. 1 series on Netflix Philippines as it premiered on GMA Prime on Monday.

From action-packed scenes to picturesque settings, here are five highlights to watch from the pilot episode.

Dingdong Dantes returns to action

Dingdong is once again playing a soldier after previously working on "Descendants of the Sun" in 2019.

The Kapuso actor, who is a Navy reservist in real-life, is in his element during the action scenes, showing his character's competence as a Scout Ranger.

Miguel Tanfelix makes surprise appearance

The episode drops a huge surprise with the appearance of Miguel Tanfelix, who plays an undercover soldier.

At first, he looks like one of the enemies, but the former child actor masterfully uses his eyes and facial expressions to show that he is not a bad guy.

Sand dunes of Laoag takes spotlight

The sand dunes of Laoag is the backdrop of the grand gunfight in the pilot episode, highlighting the massive scale of the action sequence.

The series makes full use of the setting with car chases, and long shots display the beauty of the Philippines.

Intense action scenes

Dingdong and Miguel shine in their respective action sequences. Dingdong gets the open field scenes, while Miguel's are mostly inside vehicle.

Dingdong wields a Bazooka-type weapon to open the huge action scene on the sands, then later switches to an assault rifle as he pursues the main vehicle carrying the arms dealer.

Miguel, meanwhile, gets his own moment while facing multiple enemies all by himself. Trapped inside the vehicle he used for cover, he takes down as many as he can and later uses a knife when he and Dingong fight side by side.

Max Collins allures with her mystery

Max Collins, who plays Dingdong's love interest in the series, makes her debut in the first episode. She is introduced as Elaine, a daycare teacher in an island.

Elaine is suspicious of Atoy, who washes ashore and claims to have amnesia. However, she seems to have her own secrets. She pretends to be from the province, but surprisingly has a lot of knowledge of Manila.

"The Master Cutter" made its Netflix premiere on Friday, May 8. You can also watch it weeknights on GMA Prime at 8 p.m. after "24 Oras."

Directed by Dominic Zapata, it also stars Sienna Stevens, Shuvee Etrata, Anthony Constantino, Charlie Fleming, and more.

The series is Dingdong's return to primetime since starring in "Royal Blood" in 2023. The actor plays Atoy, a retired soldier who becomes a tailor and tracker-for-hire. —CDC, GMA News