[IN PHOTOS] ‘On The Job: The Series’: Who’s playing who?

MANILA, Philippines – It will soon be time to jump into the dark and dangerous world of On The Job, when On The Job: The Series hits HOOQ. The popular 2013 film was an action-packed and gritty look at the lives of hitmen and the workings in their shadowy world, where crime and politics interact. (READ: ‘On The Job: The Series’: Star-studded cast unveiled!) 

This time, the media world is in the spotlight, as the 6-part miniseries tackles a compelling new storyline that feels very relevant to the times.

In the new series, a Christmastime murder of a group of 8 journalists prompts a corrupt local media man to work with a Manila journalist in order to find out what really happened. And as in the film, we’ll see that not everything is crystal clear or transparent. 

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the cast, unveiled in a press conference for the series Tuesday, November 8. 

All photos by Martin San Diego/Rappler

Teroy Guzman as Sisoy, a media veteran with a secret

According to director Erik Matti, Sisoy, played by theater actor Teroy Guzman, is a journalist who writes stories that often side with a political clan. A release for the series says that Sisoy is on the payroll of local politician Pedring. His friends are killed in a gruesome murder, and he wants to find out what’s behind this. He is also a radio commentator.

Bela Padilla as Pam, an investigative journalist who works for the La Paz newspaper 

Pam is an investigative journalist who covers the killing of 8 journalists in the town where Sisoy lives.  She will also seek help from Noel, who is now a politician after leaving the media industry.

Christopher de Leon as co-owner of the La Paz newspaper

In an interview with reporters, Christopher said he’s looking forward to being part of the project. He also said that one of the reasons he took on the role was because of Erik Matti.

“Ako ‘yung who fights for a balance [story]. Wala na nga objectivity nga dito but he has to be balanced, ang pagiging mamahayag,” he said, adding that his character is a principled guy who wants to leave a good legacy.

(I’m the one who fights for balance [story]. There’s no more objectivity here, but he has to be balanced, being in the media.)

“Sabi nga ni direk (As direk said), it’s not going to be the usual Christopher de Leon character movie that you see on screen or TV. It’s going to be different so I’m excited about that,” he said. 

Dominic Ochoa as Bernie, a son from a political clan

According to Erik Matti, Dominic’s character is being groomed to potentially be president of the country.

“So imagine the burden on his side, to be the most honest-looking person and if you’re keeping a secret, how difficult it is,” said direk. 

Arjo Atayde as Noel, a former journalist, turned politician 

 

Erik said that one of the main issues Arjo and Bela’s characters will fight over is why he became a politician.

“He keeps on justifying saying that not everyone is dirty as you think. I mean there are people who want to make changes,” he said.

Bela’s character Pam doesn’t believe him. But in her pursuit for the truth, she seeks Noel’s help. Trivia: their characters are exes in the series. 

Jake Macapagal as Natoy, the right hand man 

According to Erik, Jake’s character is a “scary” one – a middle man, like the character Vivian Velez played in 2013. 

Renz Fernandez 

We don’t know much yet about this character, but we will see him in prison.

Smokey Manaloto

Smokey’s character will be involved in the police force of the town, according to Erik. However, his character also facilitates for the governor of the town.

Leo Martinez as General Pacheco 

The series will see the return of the corrupt General Pacheco, one of the villains in 2013’s On The Job. 

“Nagpapasalamat ako kay Erik dahil binigyan niya ako ng role na sinasabi ng mga reviewers na I have knack for portraying irritating characters. Ako po ay irritating doon sa OTJ na original kaya nagpapasalamat ako kay Dondon [Montiverde] at Erik na ginawa nila ako uling irritating character,” he said. 

(I’m thankful to Erik because he gave me a role that as the reviewers said, I have a knack for portraying irritating characters. I was an irritating character in the original OTJ, so I’m thankful to Dondon and Erik for making me again an irritating character.)

Ria Atayde 

Erik said that Ria’s character will be part of the family of Sisoy and she will have two other siblings in the show. She is the responsible child who takes on more duties after their mom dies. 

Nafa Hilario Cruz

Details of Nafa’s character have yet to be revealed but she told the press that her greatest challenge in the show was to push herself to perform in the league of the other actors. She recently appeared in the movie Patintero.

Levi Ignacio

Details of his character have also yet to be revealed, but Erik Matti said he’s been wanting to work with him for quite some time. 

Other cast members but were named but were absent at the press conference include Nonoy Froilan who plays Pedring, a powerful politician and Neil Ryan Sese who plays Roman, a hired killer whose group kills the 8 journalists.  

On The Job is scheduled for release this December.

Are you excited to see On The Job: The Series? Let us know in the comments below! –with reports from Alexa Villano/ Rappler.com