Rising star Anton Vinzon is taking on the biggest role of his career as the lead star of GMA Network’s upcoming sports drama “Kamao,” a boxing-themed series that also marks the network’s first venture into the genre.
The series follows Makmak, an amateur boxer determined to rise in the sport while confronting family struggles and the complicated legacy left by his father in the boxing world.
For Vinzon, landing the title role came with both excitement and pressure.
“There was fear, nervousness and challenge. But what really stands out for me is the happiness I feel doing this,” Vinzon said during a press conference.
Despite carrying the lead role, the young actor said he sees the cast as sharing equal importance in telling the story.
“I’m not the only lead here. We are all leads in our own stories. The pressure is huge, but I’m grateful to be here with all of them. I’m thankful to the production team and the writers for giving me this opportunity,” he said.
“Kamao” brings together veteran actors Amy Austria, Wendell Ramos, Neil Ryan Sese and Katrina Halili with younger stars Bruce Roeland, Therese Malvar, Chanty Videla, Tito Abdul, Tito Marsy, Matt Lozano and Euwenn Mikaell.
The project is also special for Vinzon because he shares the screen with his father, veteran actor Roi Vinzon, who portrays his grandfather and boxing trainer in the series.
“Since I was young, my father has been teaching me how to act. Now that I’ve been discovered and given this chance, I feel like I’m making my dad proud. It’s truly a dream come true,” the younger Vinzon said.
Roi Vinzon said seeing his son headline a major television series fulfilled a longtime dream.
“It has always been my dream too, but success does not come easily or quickly. I’m very thankful to GMA for giving him this opportunity so early,” the elder Vinzon said.
Bruce Roeland, who reunites with Anton Vinzon after “Mga Batang Riles,” plays Makmak’s rival inside and outside the ring.
Roeland said preparing for the role deepened his respect for professional fighters and the sacrifices boxing demands.
“Boxing is really the most dangerous sport out there. I don’t think I could become a professional boxer because it would mean giving up everything else in my life,” he said.
He added that many boxers spend months away from their loved ones during training camps.
“They can’t even see their children or families. They have to focus entirely on defeating their opponent,” Roeland added.
The cast underwent extensive training for the show’s fight scenes, though Roeland admitted that accidental hits occasionally happened during filming.
“You have to make the punches look real for the camera while also avoiding hurting each other. There were times when I accidentally hit Anton in the nose,” Roeland recalled.
Vinzon said the physically demanding scenes challenged him to improve as both an actor and performer.
Directed by L.A. Madridejos and Richard Arellano, “Kamao” explores themes of perseverance, identity and family reconciliation against the backdrop of competitive boxing.
The series premieres May 25 and airs weekdays at 3:20 p.m. on GMA-7. It will also stream on Kapuso Stream and GMA Pinoy TV for international viewers.