Bold New Year: Kicking Off 2025 With the Star-Studded Cast of ‘Incognito’ | ABS-CBN
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Bold New Year: Kicking Off 2025 With the Star-Studded Cast of ‘Incognito’
Bold New Year: Kicking Off 2025 With the Star-Studded Cast of ‘Incognito’
Grace Libero
Published Jan 15, 2025 07:45 PM PHT
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Updated Jan 24, 2025 07:10 PM PHT
Photography by Oly Ruiz of Metrophoto for Brands
Photography by Oly Ruiz of Metrophoto for BrandsThe idea of starting strong as a new year unfolds takes on a bigger, bolder approach with ABS-CBN Studios, Star Creatives, and Studio 360’s action-packed series, Incognito. A cinematic small-screen offering, it pushes the envelope in showcasing what Filipinos can do when mixing action, suspense, and drama into a gripping narrative brought to life by a powerhouse cast.
The idea of starting strong as a new year unfolds takes on a bigger, bolder approach with ABS-CBN Studios, Star Creatives, and Studio 360’s action-packed series, Incognito. A cinematic small-screen offering, it pushes the envelope in showcasing what Filipinos can do when mixing action, suspense, and drama into a gripping narrative brought to life by a powerhouse cast.
The excitement on Ian Veneracion’s face as he talks about Incognito says a lot about why it’s worth watching despite the steady stream of shows available on various platforms today. A seasoned actor with over 40 decades of experience, mainly in the action genre he considers his “home court,” Ian doesn’t exaggerate when he says this is the biggest project he’s done. “It’s way beyond my expectations,” he remarks. As Greg Baterno, Ian leads a group of skilled private military contractors, strategizing for his team’s missions while dealing with his own battles.
The excitement on Ian Veneracion’s face as he talks about Incognito says a lot about why it’s worth watching despite the steady stream of shows available on various platforms today. A seasoned actor with over 40 decades of experience, mainly in the action genre he considers his “home court,” Ian doesn’t exaggerate when he says this is the biggest project he’s done. “It’s way beyond my expectations,” he remarks. As Greg Baterno, Ian leads a group of skilled private military contractors, strategizing for his team’s missions while dealing with his own battles.
Daniel Padilla and Richard Gutierrez
Daniel Padilla and Richard Gutierrez
That plot element has always piqued Richard Gutierrez’s interest. “I've been wanting to do a project like this about private military contracting. I’ve done some research about it before. So it’s kind of like a dream project for me,” says Richard, who plays Jose Bonifacio, an ex-Navy Seal whose goal is to return to the military. Action has become his turf, coming from the successful The Iron Heart series, but Incognito hits differently. “Aside from the amazing action and the visual spectacle, it's about the human connection,” he emphasizes.
That plot element has always piqued Richard Gutierrez’s interest. “I've been wanting to do a project like this about private military contracting. I’ve done some research about it before. So it’s kind of like a dream project for me,” says Richard, who plays Jose Bonifacio, an ex-Navy Seal whose goal is to return to the military. Action has become his turf, coming from the successful The Iron Heart series, but Incognito hits differently. “Aside from the amazing action and the visual spectacle, it's about the human connection,” he emphasizes.
Incognito is an ambitious undertaking, and there’s no shame in wanting to elevate a genre inherently embedded in the local entertainment fiber into a project at par with those produced abroad. “It’s our attempt to seriously showcase our ability as Filipinos to do the action genre,” Ian declares. “And we are hoping that hindi lang dito sa atin, pero sana mapansin [din ito] internationally. Because there is a possibility that it might open doors… Ako, I really believe in Filipino talent. Sa production. Kaya natin! [Ang mga] lagi lang problema natin e budget and time. Pero, I believe that if we are given enough budget and time, we could do so much.”
Incognito is an ambitious undertaking, and there’s no shame in wanting to elevate a genre inherently embedded in the local entertainment fiber into a project at par with those produced abroad. “It’s our attempt to seriously showcase our ability as Filipinos to do the action genre,” Ian declares. “And we are hoping that hindi lang dito sa atin, pero sana mapansin [din ito] internationally. Because there is a possibility that it might open doors… Ako, I really believe in Filipino talent. Sa production. Kaya natin! [Ang mga] lagi lang problema natin e budget and time. Pero, I believe that if we are given enough budget and time, we could do so much.”
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On Ian Veneracion: Jacket by Zara and pants by Urban Revivo
On Ian Veneracion: Jacket by Zara and pants by Urban Revivo
Richard Gutierrez
Richard Gutierrez
Daniel Padilla
Daniel PadillaIt’s true, though, that there are times when concepts are just big on paper but fail to deliver on the promise of grandness. This is why no matter the project, Daniel Padilla says hesitations will always be part of his selection process. But with that layer of filter, it also means he only works on projects he’ll truly be proud of, which can be said for Incognito. “Kasi minsan ang daling sabihin, ’yung konsepto. Pero s’yempre pagkagawa n’yo na, pag-execute na, hindi, iba e. Pero sila Direk Lester [Pimentel Ong], iba e, seryoso sila,” Daniel shares, adding how Incognito ticks all the boxes regarding concept, casting, story, and production value.
It’s true, though, that there are times when concepts are just big on paper but fail to deliver on the promise of grandness. This is why no matter the project, Daniel Padilla says hesitations will always be part of his selection process. But with that layer of filter, it also means he only works on projects he’ll truly be proud of, which can be said for Incognito. “Kasi minsan ang daling sabihin, ’yung konsepto. Pero s’yempre pagkagawa n’yo na, pag-execute na, hindi, iba e. Pero sila Direk Lester [Pimentel Ong], iba e, seryoso sila,” Daniel shares, adding how Incognito ticks all the boxes regarding concept, casting, story, and production value.
As a stuntman and retired competitive wushu taolu athlete, who represented the Philippines in various sports competitions abroad, Lester lives and breathes action. Under his helm, stunts are art. He has previously worked with Richard in The Iron Heart, Ian in One Good Day, and Daniel in La Luna Sangre.
As a stuntman and retired competitive wushu taolu athlete, who represented the Philippines in various sports competitions abroad, Lester lives and breathes action. Under his helm, stunts are art. He has previously worked with Richard in The Iron Heart, Ian in One Good Day, and Daniel in La Luna Sangre.
The four-minute-and-thirty-second trailer highlights the series’ theatrical quality and character motivations, showcasing that elevating the art of the action genre is a mission possible. Ian’s character comes with a mission then Richard’s character asks, “Sino’ng mga makakasama ko?” Cue: Clips of Daniel (as Andres Malvar, a former scout ranger), Anthony Jennings (as Tomas Guerrero), Maris Racal (as Gab Rivera), Kaila Estrada (as Max Alvero), and Baron Geisler (as Miguel Tecson).
The four-minute-and-thirty-second trailer highlights the series’ theatrical quality and character motivations, showcasing that elevating the art of the action genre is a mission possible. Ian’s character comes with a mission then Richard’s character asks, “Sino’ng mga makakasama ko?” Cue: Clips of Daniel (as Andres Malvar, a former scout ranger), Anthony Jennings (as Tomas Guerrero), Maris Racal (as Gab Rivera), Kaila Estrada (as Max Alvero), and Baron Geisler (as Miguel Tecson).
On Kaila Estrada: Outfit by Inigo
On Kaila Estrada: Outfit by Inigo
On Maris Racal: Bra by H&M and trench coat by ASOS
On Maris Racal: Bra by H&M and trench coat by ASOS
“It’s mainly about a group of people coming together. And they’re coming from different backgrounds, different walks of life. It’s similar to a normal workspace,” Richard sums up. Except in their workspace, teamwork is on a different level; their tools are guns, knives, explosive devices, and fists; and tasks are a matter of life and death. And their headquarters? Wherever a mission takes them—and for this mission, the Incognito cast traveled from Manila and Baguio in the Philippines to Matera in Italy.
“It’s mainly about a group of people coming together. And they’re coming from different backgrounds, different walks of life. It’s similar to a normal workspace,” Richard sums up. Except in their workspace, teamwork is on a different level; their tools are guns, knives, explosive devices, and fists; and tasks are a matter of life and death. And their headquarters? Wherever a mission takes them—and for this mission, the Incognito cast traveled from Manila and Baguio in the Philippines to Matera in Italy.
Underneath the explosive plot twists casting a dark cloud over the characters’ judgments, Daniel sees this Incognito adventure as “a breath of fresh air,” especially because of the beauty of their filming locations and how they impeccably align with the story. “Every shooting namin, challenging physically [and] emotionally draining,” Daniel tells Metro.Style. The talented and dedicated cast and crew spared no effort in making the scenes as perfect as possible, and it’s been such a rewarding experience for all of them.
Underneath the explosive plot twists casting a dark cloud over the characters’ judgments, Daniel sees this Incognito adventure as “a breath of fresh air,” especially because of the beauty of their filming locations and how they impeccably align with the story. “Every shooting namin, challenging physically [and] emotionally draining,” Daniel tells Metro.Style. The talented and dedicated cast and crew spared no effort in making the scenes as perfect as possible, and it’s been such a rewarding experience for all of them.
On Anthony Jennings: Vest by Inigo, jacket by Hugo Boss, and pants by H&M
On Anthony Jennings: Vest by Inigo, jacket by Hugo Boss, and pants by H&M
On Baron Geisler: Outfit by Tommy Hilfiger
On Baron Geisler: Outfit by Tommy HilfigerIncognito has also been a solid training ground for Kaila, Anthony, and Maris. The action genre is a new battlefield for them, so they needed to prepare for their roles harder than usual. All three embrace the opportunity to expand their acting range.
Incognito has also been a solid training ground for Kaila, Anthony, and Maris. The action genre is a new battlefield for them, so they needed to prepare for their roles harder than usual. All three embrace the opportunity to expand their acting range.
“It’s been so fun,” Kaila says of her Incognito experience so far. “And it’s been such a growing experience because I feel like, with this project, I learned so many skills.” Since this was her first time dabbling in action, she had hesitations, worried she might not do well in her dream genre. But excitement at the opportunities that awaited outweighed whatever reservations she may have had. “Generally, I feel like that type of fear is good. Because I feel like it means you’re growing and there’s still so much to learn. And I have learned so much since we started.”
“It’s been so fun,” Kaila says of her Incognito experience so far. “And it’s been such a growing experience because I feel like, with this project, I learned so many skills.” Since this was her first time dabbling in action, she had hesitations, worried she might not do well in her dream genre. But excitement at the opportunities that awaited outweighed whatever reservations she may have had. “Generally, I feel like that type of fear is good. Because I feel like it means you’re growing and there’s still so much to learn. And I have learned so much since we started.”
Walking in 4-inch stilettos while running around for an intense action scene in Matera, Italy was a challenge Maris overcame on the set of Incognito. “I had to do a 3-minute action scene wearing stiletto pumps. May 4-inch heels. No doubles. No shot na naka-flats ako. So, for three hours, I was wearing stiletto pumps habang tumatakbo ako,” Maris recalls a simple yet worthy effort she made to portray her character as plausible as possible. And it's aligned with her mantra for this year: “to embrace the uncomfy-ness of life“ and to do things that will still surprise or even scare her. “I still want to grow,“ she says. “And in order to grow, you have to put yourself in difficult situations where you really learn.“
Walking in 4-inch stilettos while running around for an intense action scene in Matera, Italy was a challenge Maris overcame on the set of Incognito. “I had to do a 3-minute action scene wearing stiletto pumps. May 4-inch heels. No doubles. No shot na naka-flats ako. So, for three hours, I was wearing stiletto pumps habang tumatakbo ako,” Maris recalls a simple yet worthy effort she made to portray her character as plausible as possible. And it's aligned with her mantra for this year: “to embrace the uncomfy-ness of life“ and to do things that will still surprise or even scare her. “I still want to grow,“ she says. “And in order to grow, you have to put yourself in difficult situations where you really learn.“
Anthony serves as the comic relief in the bunch, calling to mind Snoop, his Can’t Buy Me Love character, that endeared him to many viewers. “Ang ganda nu’ng characters talaga e. Pilipino e, alam niyo ’yun? Energy pa lang, ’di ba,” he points out, hinting at how this modern action show carries a distinctly familiar Filipino flavor that feels new at the same time. But the best thing portraying his character has taught him so far as an actor is to easily shift emotions depending on what the scenes call for—from being the “bulakbol sa grupo” to someone “maangas” when the real battles start.
Anthony serves as the comic relief in the bunch, calling to mind Snoop, his Can’t Buy Me Love character, that endeared him to many viewers. “Ang ganda nu’ng characters talaga e. Pilipino e, alam niyo ’yun? Energy pa lang, ’di ba,” he points out, hinting at how this modern action show carries a distinctly familiar Filipino flavor that feels new at the same time. But the best thing portraying his character has taught him so far as an actor is to easily shift emotions depending on what the scenes call for—from being the “bulakbol sa grupo” to someone “maangas” when the real battles start.
On Maris: Outfit by H&M | On Anthony: Top by Inigo and pants by Tommy Hilfiger | On Kaila: Outfit by Inigo
On Maris: Outfit by H&M | On Anthony: Top by Inigo and pants by Tommy Hilfiger | On Kaila: Outfit by InigoIncognito’s battle cry stems from having a sense of responsibility and purpose in the fabric of society, interlaced with a shred of patriotism. “I believe this TV series of ours can give hope and inspiration to fight back—fight for what is right, fight for justice—and to never give up,” Baron reflects.
Incognito’s battle cry stems from having a sense of responsibility and purpose in the fabric of society, interlaced with a shred of patriotism. “I believe this TV series of ours can give hope and inspiration to fight back—fight for what is right, fight for justice—and to never give up,” Baron reflects.
The show explores the different wars and battles people face every day, reminding them to soldier on, toughen up, and stay strong. For team Incognito, driven by different motivations yet ultimately bonded by shared goals, in saving others, they get to save themselves, too. Baron cites a memorable line by Ian’s character: “We move as a team, we finish as a team.” The characters are broken individually but they are each other’s missing puzzle pieces. Stronger together.
The show explores the different wars and battles people face every day, reminding them to soldier on, toughen up, and stay strong. For team Incognito, driven by different motivations yet ultimately bonded by shared goals, in saving others, they get to save themselves, too. Baron cites a memorable line by Ian’s character: “We move as a team, we finish as a team.” The characters are broken individually but they are each other’s missing puzzle pieces. Stronger together.
(From left) Kaila Estrada (in an outfit by Inigo), Ian Veneracion (in a blazer by Celine and pants by Boss), Daniel Padilla, Richard Gutierrez, Maris Racal (in H&M), Anthony Jennings (in a top by Inigo and pants by Tommy Hilfiger), and Baron Geisler (in Zara)
(From left) Kaila Estrada (in an outfit by Inigo), Ian Veneracion (in a blazer by Celine and pants by Boss), Daniel Padilla, Richard Gutierrez, Maris Racal (in H&M), Anthony Jennings (in a top by Inigo and pants by Tommy Hilfiger), and Baron Geisler (in Zara)The saying “teamwork makes the dream work” now rings true for the collaborative effort of these onscreen characters, as well as that of the actors and production team who are hard at work to fulfill their promise of delivering a world-class show.
The saying “teamwork makes the dream work” now rings true for the collaborative effort of these onscreen characters, as well as that of the actors and production team who are hard at work to fulfill their promise of delivering a world-class show.
“Since I’ve been doing this for so long, I'm going for meaningfulness more than anything,” Ian shares, commenting on how the Incognito cast’s dynamics and relationships beyond taping factor in their series’ outcome. “It’s like I choose my projects now depende kung sino ang katrabaho and if it's a meaningful story… Kailangan may saysay. So ’yung mga katrabaho ko, importante sa’kin na hindi lang [kami] workmates kasi even onscreen ay makikita naman ’yung chemistry n’yo kung hindi kayo talaga tight as a group… so that's beneficial not only on a personal level but also onscreen.”
“Since I’ve been doing this for so long, I'm going for meaningfulness more than anything,” Ian shares, commenting on how the Incognito cast’s dynamics and relationships beyond taping factor in their series’ outcome. “It’s like I choose my projects now depende kung sino ang katrabaho and if it's a meaningful story… Kailangan may saysay. So ’yung mga katrabaho ko, importante sa’kin na hindi lang [kami] workmates kasi even onscreen ay makikita naman ’yung chemistry n’yo kung hindi kayo talaga tight as a group… so that's beneficial not only on a personal level but also onscreen.”
This lightness, positivity, and focus on meaningful pursuits and connections are all part of what the Incognito cast wants to nurture and embrace in 2025. “This is a business transaction. The moment um-oo kayo, you have to finish the job,“ Ian’s Greg Baterno commands. It is just like how Ian, Baron, Maris, Anthony, Kaila, Daniel, and Richard were tasked to pull off Incognito. They accepted the offer and came through despite challenges and personal struggles. They are starting strong—trust that they will finish stronger.
This lightness, positivity, and focus on meaningful pursuits and connections are all part of what the Incognito cast wants to nurture and embrace in 2025. “This is a business transaction. The moment um-oo kayo, you have to finish the job,“ Ian’s Greg Baterno commands. It is just like how Ian, Baron, Maris, Anthony, Kaila, Daniel, and Richard were tasked to pull off Incognito. They accepted the offer and came through despite challenges and personal struggles. They are starting strong—trust that they will finish stronger.
Incognito will be available for streaming on Netflix starting January 17, 2025, with a later release on Kapamilya platforms including iWantTFC on January 18, Kapamilya Channel, Jeepney TV, TV5, and A2Z on January 20, 2025.
Photography by Oly Ruiz of Metrophoto for Brands
Photography by Oly Ruiz of Metrophoto for Brands
Metro Head: Christina N. Lopez
Metro Head: Christina N. Lopez
Editor-in-chief: Geolette Esguerra
Editor-in-chief: Geolette Esguerra
Sittings editors: Grace Libero-Cruz and Randz Manucom
Sittings editors: Grace Libero-Cruz and Randz Manucom
Fashion associate: Carla Buyo
Fashion associate: Carla Buyo
Creative direction by Chookie Cruz
Creative direction by Chookie Cruz
Styling by Myrrh Lao To (Ian, Baron, Kaila, and Anthony), Adrianne Concepcion with Via Abarra and Cent Bermas (Maris), David Milan (Richard), and Ryan Viloria (Daniel)
Styling by Myrrh Lao To (Ian, Baron, Kaila, and Anthony), Adrianne Concepcion with Via Abarra and Cent Bermas (Maris), David Milan (Richard), and Ryan Viloria (Daniel)
Grooming by Aron Guevarra (Richard and Anthony), Ryan Ko (Daniel), Charito Acosta (Ian), and Gina Mañalac (Baron)
Grooming by Aron Guevarra (Richard and Anthony), Ryan Ko (Daniel), Charito Acosta (Ian), and Gina Mañalac (Baron)
Makeup by Gelo Dumlao (Kaila) and Jay Salcedo (Maris)
Makeup by Gelo Dumlao (Kaila) and Jay Salcedo (Maris)
Hairstyling by Bryan Eusebio (Kaila), Gelo Cibrian (Maris), and Chino Maniquiz (Richard and Anthony)
Hairstyling by Bryan Eusebio (Kaila), Gelo Cibrian (Maris), and Chino Maniquiz (Richard and Anthony)
Videographer: Pat Buenaobra
Videographer: Pat Buenaobra
Interviewers: Ryan Christopher Claveria and Leigh Sofia Lazo
Interviewers: Ryan Christopher Claveria and Leigh Sofia Lazo
Shoot assistant: Princes del Corro
Shoot assistant: Princes del Corro
Shoot coordination: Noella Fonbuena and Red Dimaandal
Shoot coordination: Noella Fonbuena and Red Dimaandal
Shot on location at Ascott Bonifacio Global City
Shot on location at Ascott Bonifacio Global City
Special thanks to Star Creatives
Special thanks to Star Creatives
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Richard Gutierrez
Baron Geisler
Maris Racal
Anthony Jennings
Kaila Estrada
Ian Veneracion
Daniel Padilla
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