From Gay Grandson to Tough Soldier: Jerome Ponce is Back on MMK!

After playing a flighty and loving gay grandson in a highly rated last September, Jerome Ponce returns to MMK in another episode that will surely touch our hearts, and inspire us, especially all the hardworking fathers out there. 

Jerome plays Recho, a young man raised in poverty, who worked his way to becoming a soldier, for his family and for himself. Marrying at a young age, Recho’s ties with his wife however broke as he spent less time with her and their kids because of call of duty. How did Recho manage to take full responsibility of raising his two kids amidst the demands of his work as a soldier?

I was able to visit the set in Tanay, Rizal last Wednesday, and I must say… Ang layo ng location! At ang ginaw! On a more serious note, putting my biases aside, Jerome was able to pull of his role as a soldier. His height, his stance, his nuances… He is now becoming a more matured, versatile actor – one of the best in his generation! He was also able to do some military training stuff during takes, along with some real-life young soldiers who played Recho’s co-trainees and comrades. 

This episode also features the MMK comeback of premiere actor John Estrada, fresh from the success of his serye “Magpahanggang Wakas”, who plays the older Recho, who witnesses how his failed marriage and commitment at work affected his teenage kids, played by Bugoy Carino and Girl Trend member Jane De Leon. Also in the cast are Erin Ocampo, Rochelle Barrameda, Ronnie Quizon, Alex Castro, Jomari Angeles, Marilyn Villamayor and Marco Masa, who plays the young Recho.

#MMKSingleDadSoldier directed by Frasco Mortiz, and written by Akeem Del Rosario and Arah Jell Badayos, airs tomorrow (Saturday, January 21) at 8:15 PM on ABS-CBN. Don’t miss this truly  heartfelt and inspiring episode of MMK! 

Here's the trailer: 

And before we get to see the episode, here are some exclusive behind-the-scenes pictures I took from the taping. I also want to credit Jerome’s personal assistant and drive, Kuya Jojo, for taking the other pictures the following taping day. I wasn’t able to visit again because of school. STUDIES FIRST, you know. 

Jerome with Jomari and some real-life soldiers who
played support to him in the episode

Jerome and Jomari are trainees and comrades
in this episode.

Jerome gets to experience battle while in dirty, muddy water...

... And he seemed to enjoy it!

Recho has to leave for duty. 

Seriously reading and studying his script.

Erin Ocampo of GirlTrends play Helen, Recho's estranged wife.

This is what Recho sees after coming home from duty.

Cofrontation scene

Heartwarming scene with his family. 

Hindi pwedeng wala kaming picture together!

While waiting for the set-up.