MANILA, Philippines -- He has always wanted to play an all-out action role, and now that his dream is finally realized, JC de Vera shifted to full action star gear.

He plays the lead role in the suspense-filled action-drama series “Ang Utol Kong Hoodlum” which premieres tonight on TV5. The series, definitely one of TV5’s biggest productions, is an adaptation of Deo J. Fajardo’s movie which originally starred Robin Padilla and Vina Morales.

Dubbed “Action Prince,” JC is currently TV5’s top male star and aside from “Ang Utol Kong Hoodlum,” he is also in the cast of two other shows, “Lokomoko” and “It’s Saberday.” He first starred in “My Driver, Sweet Lover” where he was paired with singer-actress Danita Paner who became his girlfriend as their show progressed. Both JC and Danita are being managed by Annabelle Rama.

During a recent launch as Freego Jeans endorser held in Alba’s Morato, the actor denied that he and his manager are parting ways soon. “Hindi po mangyayari yan, apat na taon pa ang kontrata ko kay Tita Annabelle. Saka kahit siguro matanda na ako, may asawa’t anak na, kay Tita Annabelle pa rin ako.”

Everyone knows that ever since Annabelle took JC under her wings, his acting career flourished. He got shows one after the other even while he was still with GMA-7. So JC has no reason to even think of getting out of Annabelle’s managerial care.

JC said he likes Freego’s stretchable jeans which he used for shooting his action scenes in “Utol Kong Hoodlum.” JC described himself as a very flexible person and that is why he and Freego Jeans are compatible.

In “Ang Utol Kong Hoodlum,” JC’s leading lady is Jasmine Curtis Smith.

By the way, JC is also slated to do an indie movie, something he looks forward to since it will be a new experience for him. He will be paired with Michelle Madrigal.

Jillian stars in new soap

After “Trudis Liit” which propelled her to stardom last year, Jillian Ward is set to star in a new primetime soap entitled “Dakdakina.” This will reunite the six-year-old talent with Don Michael Perez who also directed her in “Trudis Liit.” Supporting her in “Dakdakina” are Ogie Alcasid, Gelli de Belen, Elmo Magalona, and Julie Ann San Jose.

One of GMA Artist Center’s most adorable discoveries, Jillian also appeared in the recently ended “Captain Barbell.”

She was also in the cast of the sitcom “Andres de Saya.”

A former Promil commercial model, Jillian also has a new movie project in the offing. She has appeared in “Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote,” “Patient X” and “My Valentine Girls.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Monday, Sept. 12, go to Rep. Conrado Estrella III, George Yang, director Celso Ad Castillo, Ms. Remy Jose of Casino Filipino Pavilion, Sophia Romero, Cora Vicente, Maya Santiano, Dulce Fernandez, Albert David, Tata Balane, Elvira Perez, Joey Abacan of GMA Films, and MB’s sports editor Ding Marcelo… Happy wedding anniversary to Jack and Bing Teotico; and Engr. Marcelino and Corazon Samaniego…