Before embarking on his current role as SPO1 Usman Sabdani in ABS-CBN Studios’ newly launched action drama “Blood vs Duty,” seasoned Kapamilya actor Ejay Falcon reminisced about his formative years in the entertainment industry by guessing some of his iconic teleserye lines in Kapamilya Chat’s “Sinabi Ko ‘Yun?” challenge.
Ejay instantly recognized the first line, “Ano ka, hilo?” as belonging to the acclaimed 2009 show “Katorse,” in which he took on his first major role as Gabby Arcanghel. In the scene, Erich Gonzales as Nene confronts Gabby over the promises he made in their relationship; Gabby then leaves the heartbreaking response, which he also regretted later.
“‘Yung ‘Katorse’ isa sa pinaka favorite kong character, si Gabby Arcanghel… Sana kung hindi man action ‘yung next project ko, sana magawa ko si Gabby nang mas matured,” Ejay expressed.
Embracing the nostalgic feelings more, Ejay also remains proud of the achievement “Katorse” received in the past. “Nag-pilot kami ng 28%, umabot kami ng 38% [sa TV ratings],” he continued.
In the second round, Ejay precisely guessed the 2010 drama “Tanging Yaman.” In this specific performance, Ejay embodied Epi, a character who described education as a key to success to the high-profile Policarpios, President Juan (Rowell Santiago), and his First Lady Marcela (Agot Isidro).
Ejay smilingly recalled that towards the successful completion of “Katorse,” the preparations for “Tanging Yaman’s” television debut would overlap. He then confessed that in some moments, he would accidentally mix up the character names of his co-stars, who likewise participated in both shows, particularly Erich and Enchong Dee.
Despite the tight schedules at the time, Ejay managed to enjoy the filming process, viewing the jam-packed experiences as a blessing. “Andaming artista pero kami ‘yung nilalagay diyan,” he added.
Going straight into his revenge and romance era, Ejay went on to describe his on-screen brotherhood with Jake Cuenca in “Pasión de Amor.” During their characters’ heated argument, Jake as Juan tries to prevent Ejay’s Oca from hastily avenging their sister Lyvia’s (played by Ingrid dela Paz) brutal murder. Ejay also mentioned that it was a challenging portrayal since he had to strive to maintain an incredible physique through strict diets to match the commitment of his fellow cast members.
Entering the action genre, Ejay next happily identified his former persona as JC in “Sandugo,” particularly through his memorable and eye-opening dialogue with Aljur Abrenica as his twin brother Aris. Similar to “Pasión de Amor,” Ejay had to continue workouts but more in preparation for the intense fight sequences heavily featured in the show.
On his reunion project with Erich and Enchong in “The Blood Sisters,” Ejay as Tonyo delivered a romantic storyline alongside Erich as Carrie. “Excited ako dito sa ‘Blood Sisters’ kasi dito ko gustong bumawi, especially kay Erich… Sabi ko ito na ‘yung pambawi ko [kasi] natuto na akong umarte,” he explained.
After the memories of his acting journey had all been gathered, Ejay became amused due to some of his teleseryes dealing with the multifaceted theme of “blood,” starting with “Dugong Buhay,” “Blood Sisters,” “Sandugo,” and finally with “Blood vs Duty.”
In terms of genuinely finding his passion in action scenes, Ejay emphasized that ABS-CBN directors initially saw him as a perfect fit for the genre. “Gusto ko [rin] siya kasi fan talaga ako ng action stars [and] nae-enjoy ko na dito ako nilalagay ng ABS-CBN,” he clarified.
The actor further commented that he also views drama as a genre that he wants to keep on specializing in and as a source of motivation for the action-packed spectacle. “Para lumabas ‘yung action, kailangan may pinanggagalingan ‘yun sa emosyon mo… Dapat ‘yung drama malalim,” he mentioned.
Ejay remains a household name for the Kapamilya audience, as years after “Katorse,” fans still fondly remember him as Gabby, as well as the young version of Rigor in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.”
Witness Ejay Falcon delivering more iconic lines as SPO1 Usman Sabdani in “Blood vs Duty,” streaming on iWant and airing weeknights at 8 PM on ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live (KOL).
Atin A10 Lang: Ejay Falcon shows off honest charm as he shares 10 fun facts about himself
Ejay Falcon speaks about Usman’s inner conflict in “Blood vs Duty”
Ejay Falcon reflects on real-life duties
Ejay Falcon on “Blood vs Duty’s” greater meaning: “Hindi basta action na ginawa lang”
Throwback: Erich Gonzales as Erika, Carrie and Agatha in “The Blood Sisters” (2018)
Throwback: Arci Munoz, Ellen Adarna and Coleen Garcia as “Pasion de Amor’s” Elizondo sisters (2015)