Jolo Revilla is the new Pepeng Agimat

In Philippine folklore, a magical talisman or "agimat" is passed on from generation to generation. Of course, it should be to a "deserving person."

In the case of the Revilla clan, whose patriarch, senator and movie icon Ramon Revilla, Sr. is believed to possess a magical amulet that paved the way to his successes, his "agimat" is now passed on to his grandson Jolo Revilla in the form of "Pepeng Agimat" - the ABS-CBN TV series version of the movie of the same title which starred Ramon Revilla in the early '70s.

"I'm very thankful to ABS-CBN for giving me such a big opportunity via remaking 'Pepeng Agimat.' This is very special to me because my dad played it [in 1999] and so did my grandfather. Now it's my chance to show viewers what I can do," exclaimed Jolo who have stayed with the Kapuso Network for most of his acting career.

Full of action, Jolo said that the difference of the new "Pepeng Agimat" is that it is a mix of a lot of genres - horror, drama with family values and love story! "Since my dad and grandfather did it, I don't intend to surpass what they achieved, but I hope I can simply match them. I'm just happy playing 'Pepeng Agimat,"' expressed an excited Jolo.

According to him part of his preparation was watching his grandfather's original "Pepeng Agimat" movie. This is to make sure he knows what was to be expected from him as well as giving his own interpretation of the character Pepeng Agimat.

With regards to the physical requirements of "Pepeng Agimat," Jolo went on a rigorous two months workout and diet. He also took up Muay Thai, Kung-Fu and Arnis.

"I lost 30 lbs. because I was running from two to three kilometers a day and I was in the gym daily...there's a big change in me and I became more disciplined," he related.

Jolo was also driven to beef-up because of competition. He said that it was high time to get serious and be at par with actors his age who already have good bodies or physique! "I don't look the same when I was still with GMA-7. I really have to show my worth as an actor this time. And I hope to prove myself with 'Pepeng Agimat,"' he remarked.

Jolo realized that "Pepeng Agimat" is a vehicle-project for him to show the public through him how he and his siblings were raised by his father as well as grandfather. For Jolo, the actor in him would reflect the family values instilled in him and his siblings as well as the acting skills he inherited from his dad Sen. Bong Revilla Jr., and mom Lani Mercado.

Starting in showbiz when he was 12 years old, what has changed in Jolo now that he's a young adult? "I've become more broad minded and I've matured as a person especially because of my son Gab. Right now I always think ahead and deeply before doing something. My life really changed for the better when my son came into my life," smiled Jolo proudly.

Also due to graduate from the International Academy of Marketing and Economics (IAME) major in Marketing Management course next year, Jolo stressed that it is not a joke raising a child. It is for him a big responsibility and he is glad he became more disciplined, responsible and mature for his real life role as a father.

Believing in magical talismans or "agimat" has his grandfather shown him a real one? "Actually no. But showing his strength in life especially after suffering a stroke means he has an 'agimat' somewhere. He also recovered quite fast from his stroke. God is really good," he commented.

As for his love life, Jolo recently broke-up with Lovi Poe, his girlfriend for two years. He cleared issues by saying that there was never a third party involved in their separation. Rumors have it that Lovi's main squeeze at the moment is the son of Gov. Chavit Singson.

"Actually there was never a third party. We talked and decided to end it. She is happy now and I'm also happy for her. Even if I was hurt because of our break-up, I really loved her and I know she also loved me. It's better that we separated in good terms and that we're friends," she explained.

At the moment, Jolo is not eager to have a new girlfriend but he is not closing his doors in pursuing Melissa Ricks, his leading lady in "Pepeng Agimat" which will start airing on Saturday Night, Nov. 7 at ABS-CBN.

When asked what kind of "agimat" he possesses, he grinned and answered, "'Agimat' of love!"