Talented Kapuso actor Jon Lucas brilliantly portrayed Calvin Magallanes in the popular primetime series "Black Rider" on GMA Network. He masterfully played an unlikable character, leaving audiences with a lasting impression.

Due to his exceptional performance as a villain, Jon has faced a barrage of hate messages from "Black Rider" fans. 

"Nakakatanggap ako ng mga hate messages from our viewers. Naiinis sila at nagagalit. Pero for me naman nakakatuwa kapag may mga ganung comments kasi isa yun sa. mga senyales na effective ka sa ginagawa mong role," said Jon during an interview with Kuya Kim Atienza in "Talk To Kuya" portion of "Dapat Alam Mo!" recently.

(I receive hate messages from our viewers. They get annoyed and angry. But for me, it's funny when there are comments like that because it's one of the signs that you're effective in your role.)

Jon reassured fans that he has a good heart despite playing a villain. He may not be perfect, but he tries to be kind to everyone.

"Hindi naman ako sobrang good boy. Hindi naman ako sa nagmamalinis. Pero nandoon ako sa process na nagsusumikap na magpakabait para sa pamilya natin at sa mga katrabaho," the actor said. (I'm not a very good boy. But I'm in the process of trying to be kind to my family and coworkers.)

Jon doesn't hide his bad boy image from his children, though he has to explain it to them whenever they see him on TV.

"Gusto ko nakikita rin ng anak ko yung ginagawa ko para malaman nila kung ano ang trabaho ko. Lagi kong pinapaliwanag na hindi tayo ganun sa totoong buhay. 

(I want my son to see what I do so they know my job. I always explain that we are not like that in real life.)

"Halimbawa may nakikita silang eksena na may inaaway ako or mas matanda sa akin, kahit kailan hindi ko ipapakita sa kanila na nanakit ako ng babae, na may sinisigawan ako na matanda. 

(For example, if they see a scene where I am fighting with someone older than me, I will never show them in real life that I hurt a woman or that I am shouting at an old person.)

"Lalo na yung eldest ko na panganay baka maka-adopt niya. Yung mga lines namin sa Black Rider minsan ginagaya nila. Kaya nakakatuwa rin. Anak, dapat alam mo!" said Jon.

(The eldest, especially, might be able to adapt. Our lines in Black Rider are sometimes imitated, which is why they're also funny. Son, you should know!)

Jon's remarkable physical performance in "Black Rider" was no coincidence. He had spent countless hours preparing himself to embody the role to perfection. 

In his own words, Jon stated that his physical preparation was just as necessary as his mental preparation, which showed in his captivating on-stage presence.

"Hindi talaga ako nagda-diet. Hindi talaga ako marunong ng proper diet. So inayos ko ang pagkain kasi kailangan sa role na medyo fit and skinny kasi yun ang hinihingi ng role. So dapat yung galaw natin mabilis din. Binawasan ko yung pagkain ng pork and chicken skin. Mga fatty and oily food," he said.

(I don't go on a diet. I need to learn a proper diet. So, I adjusted the food because the role required me to be a bit fit and skinny. So we should move quickly as well. I reduced the food to pork and chicken skin, which is fatty and oily.)

Jon said he would still love to play the role of a hero if given the opportunity. He's grateful to GMA Public Affairs for the opportunity of a lifetime, which is portraying a villain on primetime television.

"Malaking pagbabago sa akin ng role na ito dahil marami na ang nakakakilala sa akin sa pagganap bilang kontrabida. Nakikita nila at na-appreciate nila yung trabaho na ginagawa mo. Ang sarap sa puso. Kaya maraming salamat sa GMA Public Affairs for this opportunity," he said. "Gusto ko pa rin gumanap ng good boy pero ine-embrace ko talaga ngayon ang pagiging kontrabida."

(This role is a significant change because many people know me from playing the villain. They see and appreciate the work you do. It's heartwarming. So thank you very much to GMA Public Affairs for this opportunity.)

Asked about his favorite "kontrabida" actor, Jon said: Eddie Garcia, Ibang level talaga siya. Grabe ang inspirasyon niya lalo na sa pagmamahal niya sa trabaho."

Jon sought advice from Kuya Kim on how to have a long career in showbiz during their interview.

Kuya Kim answered: "May nagsabi sa akin noon na kapag inisip mo na yung nilalabas mo sa TV na ikaw ang mahal ng tao yung personality mo at hitsura mo, malalaos ka. Nguni't kung ang hinahangaan sa'yo ay kung ano ang binibigay mo, at may value ang ganap mo, dyan ka tatagal. The minute you think that it's you, dyan ka malalaos. It's never about us. It's about what we do at yung value na ibinibigay natin sa kanila."

(When you start thinking it's about you, your career is over. It's always about what we do and the value we provide to others.)

'Black Rider' Book 2

In Book 2 of the action-packed series, the war between Elias Guerrero (Ruru Madrid) and Calvin Magallanes is not over yet. 

Prepare to be captivated as the series takes on even more twists and turns. Long-held secrets are about to be revealed, adding a new layer of excitement to the already action-packed show. 

“Black Rider” also introduces a new character, Nimfa, portrayed by Vivamax A-list actress Angeli Khang, who will star in her first-ever TV drama.

Nimfa is a beautiful and charming lady who is strong-willed in her disposition to men. Her encounter with Elias soon leads to her having a significant role in his life.

Viewers should definitely not miss out, as the series has yet to unveil how Bane’s true identity and Nimfa’s special role affect Elias's tough yet romance-filled life.

With the unfolding of a new chapter, more intense and gripping action is expected as Elias works his way through handling all the challenges coming his way. 

Joining Elias in his new journey are the series’ new characters  – Lianne Valentin as Sister Grace; Luke Conde as William; BJ Forbes as Mario; Epy Quizon as Sonny; Madam Inutz as Gina; William Lorenzo as Jojo; Yul Servo as Vice President Rosales; and Matet de Leon as Belen.

Still playing significant roles in the series are the characters of Matteo Guidicelli, Jon Lucas, Herlene Budol, Empoy Marquez, Janus del Prado, Rainier Castillo, Zoren Legaspi, Raymart Santiago, Gary Estrada, Raymond Bagatsing, and Roi Vinzon; as well as veteran actors Gladys Reyes, Maureen Larrazabal, Almira Muhlach, and Ms. Rio Locsin.

“Black Rider” is helmed by action director Erwin Tagle, master directors Rommel Penesa (“Lolong”) and Richard Arellano.

“Black Rider” is GMA Public Affairs' latest primetime offering. The full-action series weaves elements of heroism, revenge, justice, and family drama into a compelling narrative on a cinematic scale.

With its relatable storyline and exceptional executions, “Black Rider” has proudly earned its first-ever international award after winning a Bronze Medal at the 2024 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards under the Entertainment Program: Drama Category. 

Don’t miss the greatest battle of “Black Rider,” 8 PM on GMA Prime, simulcast on Pinoy Hits, and live streamed via Kapuso Stream and GMA Public Affairs’ YouTube and Facebook accounts. Catch the delayed telecast on GTV at 9:40 PM. Global Pinoys can watch it on GMA Pinoy TV.