Award-winning actor Kristoffer Martin takes the lead role in the CBN Asia Holy Week special, Tanikala presents ‘Buyonero,’ which airs at GMA 7 on April 18, Maundy Thursday, at 5:30 p.m.
Kristoffer, who starred in the hit TV series, Victor Magtanggol and Dragon Lady, takes on a new role as he plays Nestor Quilat, a juvenile delinquent who grew up in the streets and was in and out of jail. Inside the prison, he became a buyonero, the inmate who cleans prison cell’s comfort rooms and disposes of the prisoners’ excrements.
The actor admitted that the role shocked and moved him deeply.
“At first, I didn’t know what a buyonero was. I just read the script and [was surprised that] it happens in real life. Hindi ko kaya ‘yon!” he said in the vernacular.
Kristoffer added that among his portrayals, Nestor’s story challenged him the most. Nestor witnessed the tragic death of his parents and was forced to take care of himself without any help from known family at such a young age.
“Of all the roles I played, this one is the hardest. I could already feel (the difficulties that Nestor went through) just by reading the script. And knowing that it is a true-to-life story, makes it even more painful,” he recounted in Filipino.
Kristoffer also shared his personal reflections on the importance of holding on to one’s faith despite the struggles we endure and the baggage of our past.
“This Tanikala episode is really an eye opener for me. The closest I can relate to Nestor’s life is that we both came to a point in our lives when we felt abandoned. But the core message is about your faith. No matter how grave your situation is, God can answer our prayers in ways we do not expect.”
Don’t miss Kristoffer Martin as he stars in Tanikala presents ‘Buyonero’ on April 18, Maundy Thursday, 5:30 p.m. at GMA, directed by Derrek Adapon.