Actor Ian Veneracion celebrates 40 years in the entertainment industry this year as he gears up for his much-anticipated return to action via Studio Three-Sixty action series “One Good Day” set to stream Nov. 17 exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
“This series will surprise our Filipino viewers in terms of quality. With the recent availability of current technologies; the level of image and sound quality, non-linear storytelling, creative and fast-paced fight scenes, that which, would certainly make us proud to showcase the Filipino talent in the art, and science of filmmaking,” said Ian, during a media conference at Seda Hotel in Quezon City last Oct. 21.
In "One Good Day," Ian plays the role of Dale Sta. Maria, a strong-willed mobster who left the Rodrigo Organization after finding out that he has a brain tumor and that death is upon him. But with the death of his loved ones, he is drawn out of retirement and is forced to go on a final mission before calling it a day.
“The role requires a delicate balance of internal ‘order and chaos’ for any actor. A sensitive man, trapped in the complexity of having to embrace violence, in order to gain the peace and simplicity that, ultimately is, his end goal,” Ian explained.
Making this heart-pounding series a reality is notable action director Lester Pimentel Ong – best known for “Panday,” “Lastikman,” “Imortal,” “La Luna Sangre,” “Indio” and “Bagani,” to name a few.
“It gives me great pride to be creating action content for the region – something that I feel is critical to grow the industry. I am fortunate to be doing this with Ian, who is not only a brilliant actor, but also a martial artist and an athlete – a true professional who has given Studio Three Sixty his trust,” said Direk Lester.
Joining Ian in the star-studded cast of “One Good Day” are Rabiya Mateo as Sandra, Andrea Torres as Alex Sandoval, Aljur Abrenica as Kyzer Catillo, Justin Cuyugan as Roman Rodrigo, Nicole Cordoves as Anne Rodrigo, Pepe Herrera as Joey Rodrigo, Robert Seña as Atty. Bobby Miclat and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as Gloria Marquez.
Also with them in this six-episode series are equally amazing talents Claire Ruiz as Mayor Beatrice Marquez, Louise Abuel as Lucky, Joe Vargas as Agent Renz Cruz, Marela Torre as Agent Kona, Lance Pimentel as Lando, and Pontri Bernardo as Governor Paulo Simon.
- 40 years in showbiz
Started out his impressive showbiz career as a child and teen actor, Ian at some point eventually became a sought-after action star in the ‘90s and early 2000s with movies such as “Zaldong Tisoy,” “Halang Ang Bituka,” “Sgt. Bobby Aguilar: Isa Lang Ang Buhay Mo,” “Ben Balasador: Akin ang Huling Alas,” “Bastardo,” “Armadong Hudas” and “Totoy Hitman,” among many others.
As he celebrates his 40 years in showbiz, Ian said that he is simply grateful for the support of his peers, the media, and the public in all his projects like movies, television shows, and concerts.
"I'm just so grateful for the respect of my peers, my directors, the networks, my friends from the press. Nakita na nila akong lumaki. And also to the people who keep supporting my projects, art exhibits, and concerts when I started going to music. Now movies and TV series. Nag-iiba na ang platform, but people are still supportive, and I am very grateful for that. It's strange, I don't know why. Maybe I must have done (something good) in my past life," said Ian as he reflected on his success in the industry.
Ian said that he still has no plans in celebrating his showbiz milestone this year.
"I'm a simple guy. I don't see myself as a celebrity. I'm an actor and would act on stage, on TV, or in movies, but not on the celebrity aspect. Sabi nga nila artists tell lies to create the truth. I really enjoy my job. Pag dating naman sa big celebration, I don't know. I have no plans yet," he said.
Asked if he would be interested to join politics, Ian said: "Politics? No, thank you. Gusto ko mag-ipon ng kaibigan, hindi kaaway. I just want a simple, peaceful life. You know my lifestyle. I love guitars and motorcycles. That's it. I don't need a mansion, I don't need sports cars. I don't need to have my own plane because my motorcycle allows me to fly. Okay na ako sa simpleng buhay."
Direk Lester has only nice words for Ian.
"We chose Ian because he's an athlete. He's a martial artist. Other than that, he's a very good actor. And we cannot think of anybody else to portray the role of the lead here," the director said.
Ian added: "Hindi kami friends before this. But we became friends after shooting this because we share the same passion for motorcycles, sports, and martial arts."
Modesty aside but Ian said he did all the stunts in his latest series. "Kaya pa!"
Ian said some of the difficult stunts in the series were the motorcycle stunts. "Nasagasaan din ako ng kotse."
Direk Lester said he actually hired a stuntman for some of the extreme scenes. But when Ian saw what the stuntman did, Ian told Lester: "I can do better than that. He is really good at fighting."
The series is expected to be shown in 10 countries, Lester also said.
“We are very grateful to Prime Video for this opportunity because it will be shown in 10 countries. Aside from the Philippines, there are Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and I think Taiwan and Hong Kong,” he added.
A story about family, love, greed, and power in the beautiful dark backdrop of kingmakers in the Philippines, stream “One Good Day” on Amazon Prime Video beginning Nov. 17, with new episodes dropping every Thursday.