Classic Comedy-Fantasy Film ‘Puto’ Returns As A TV Sequel

The hit comedy-fantasy film in the 1980s returns to continue the magical adventures of “Puto”.

Actor and former Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista is back for the titular role as Ivanhoe “Puto” dela Cruz, but this time, he will be joined by McCoy de Leon as his son, Uno for the action-packed and comedy-filled sequel. The series takes off more than 30 years after the 1987 hit movie.

The story revolves around the father and son tandem of Bautista and De Leon’s characters. The original film showed a young Puto who was shy and a bit unsure of himself brought about by the constant bullying he had experienced from his classmates. Today’s Ivan or Puto is a wiser version, ready to defend his son Uno against the bullying that is happening in school and in the community.

Bautista brings a fresher and mature air to his character as he portrays a dad trying to save his son from the same fate he suffered as an unpopular kid in high school. De Leon, on the other hand, attacks his role in a lower rung of being awkward, yet charming, loving, and caring son. His character is instantly likeable and definitely someone audiences will root for as he struggles to find acceptance of his peers.

During a media conference on June16, De Leon admitted that it was challenging for him to act on a project that was released years before he was born, but with the help of their director, Rayn Brizeula, the production, and Bautista himself, he was able to pull it off.

De Leon said he was fond of watching old comedy films because they would really make a mark. He also found it fulfilling to take on a role in a story that is timely.

De Leon bared that he studied the old film carefully by watching it thrice.

“Mahirap pero gusto ko, kasi mahilig ako sa lumang comedy films. Iba ang atake ng comedy films dati kasi tumatatak talaga. Ang sarap gampanan ng kuwento na may halong napapanahong istorya. Ang ginawa ko, inaral ko. Pinanood ko iyong movie ng tatlong beses,” he said.

Bautista, for his part, is honored and excited to reprise the role that was so special to him being his first solo movie and because of what it did to his career. “Ito ‘yung una kong solo picture sa buong buhay ako after ‘Bagets,’ then after noon nagsunod-sunod na ‘yung ‘Captain Barble’, ‘Kumander Bawang’,” he noted.

Having said that, Bautista was also pressured to bring the comedy he grew up on and mixed it with the present style of comedy. “Dala ko iyong ‘80s, ‘90s beat na itinuro ni Direk Leroy (Salvador), pero iyong timing, technical flare at importansya ng off-beat timing galing kay Direk Rayn (Brizuela).”

Bautista was glad that during their lock-in taping, he was able to balance both worlds of comedic approach and hoped that the audience will see it. “The 21st century comedy, pasok doon sa series, pasok sa pinagagawa niya sa akin na bilang isang ‘80s and ‘90s na actor na natuto sa isang director during the ‘50s and ‘60s,” he added.

Joining the cast are the Beks Battalion’s Lassy Marquez, MC Calaquian, and Chad Kinis as well as Rafa Siguion-Reyna, Andrew Muhlach and many more. Notable characters from the original movie played by Janno Gibbs, Gelli de Belen and Bing Loyzaga will have their special participation in the series. They will join Puto and Uno on new adventures with colorful personalities and mystical powers mixed with wit and a bit of drama.

This series aims to reflect the dynamics of Filipino families, making it a weekend habit to watch out for.  “Puto” will be aired this Saturday, 6 p.m. on TV5 with catch-up airing on Sunday, 5 p.m. beginning June 20 on Sari Sari Channel. Viewers can also watch via TV5’s livestream on the Cignal Play App, available for free for iOS and Android users.