‘Codename: Asero’ is GMA’s most expensive series

GMA7’s Wilma Galvante disclosed that new primetime series "Codename: Asero" is so far the station’s most expensive project.

"We had a hard time getting the budget for ‘Asero.’ Nahirapan kami sa accounting [department of GMA]. Ito kasi and most expensive namin so far," Galvante told the media at the grand stage launch of "Asero" late Wednesday night at the AFP Theater.

The fact that some of the cast and crew members of "Codename: Asero" did a 15-day shoot in Dubai showed that the network really coughed up lots of moolah.

Its lead actor Richard Gutierrez himself said they shot in Dubai’s most famous landmarks complete with security and permission from the city’s government. The people behind the series stretched lengths and went the extra mile just to make sure they will churn out a Hollywood-quality series.

"Lahat ng taping namin may permit so we really made a most out of the opportunity and you can see it in the first few episodes that it’s really of Hollywood quality. Mistulang pang-Hollywood ang sequences and effects that we did in Dubai," Richard shared.

Ironically, Galvante also said it’s with the ‘same new’ formula that the network has been able to deliver top-notch programs.

"We try to come up with something different every time," she continued. "I always say that our main objective is to delight viewers then everything else comes easy. That’s what happens when your intention is to delight the audience."

Topbilling the half-man, half-machine "Asero," Richard also faces the challenge of proving his worth to GMA’s Primetime King throne that has been bestowed him via stellar record of "Mulawin," "Sugo," "Lupin" and "Kamandag." At the "Asero" media event, Galvante placed the pressure over the entire cast and production team’s shoulder to deliver what was envisioned of the series — nothing less than perfection.

To this, Richard vowed to deliver. "We are very confident with what we’ve done and what we’ll still do for ‘Asero.’ It is a big responsibility to make it work but we are sure that we will live through the challenge," Richard oozed with confidence.

One of "Codename: Asero’s" directors Mark Reyes (the other one being Mike Tuviera) said, "Bibilib kayo sa mga mapapanood ninyo at lalo pa kayong mapapabilib as the show goes on. Patutunayan ng Pilipino na kaya nating makipagsabayan sa mga foreign productions with ‘Asero.’"

In the series, Richard plays Grecko Abesamis who moonlights between his ordinary life and as secret agent Phoenix for tough secret missions’ agency The Advocate.

Agent Phoenix is at the top of his game finishing one mission after another for Advocate when his family gets involved as Advocate’s rival kidnaps Grecko’s sister in exchange for a valuable software he initially secured for Advocate. When his very own agency could not help him, he took matters into his own hands and took the software back.

Through the course of his mission, Agent Phoenix gets fatally wounded and the only way to rescue him is to make him half-cyborg thereby deleting all his previous memories but creating the perfect all-powerful new agent.

As previously announced, Richard will have Heart Evangelista as his leading lady Emily, an overseas worker whom he meets and falls for while on a mission in Dubai. Emily will eventually find herself entrenched in Grecko’s complex world as the story progresses.

Providing comic kick for the otherwise action and special effects-dominated "Asero" are Janno Gibbs as Geron, Grecko’s agent-partner and Michael V. as Bodgie X, the Advocate’s gadget man. Richard Gomez meanwhile stars as Grecko’s father who is himself with his own battles to wage Ibsen Abesamis.

Others in the cast are Carmina Villaroel, Paolo Contis, Ramon Christopher, Ehra Madrigal, Chynna Ortaleza, Francine Prieto, Rhian Ramos, Marky Cielo, Bobby Andrews, Rainier Castillo, Bubbles Paraiso, Rocky Gutierrez, Chariz Solomon, Jeny Miller, Sheree, Ysa Villar, Joanne Quintas, Shyr Valdez, and Caridad Sanchez.

"Codename: Asero" premieres on Monday, July 14.