Joaquin Bordado is a 2008 Philippine television dramaaction series broadcast by GMA Network. The series is based on a Philippine comic book serial by Carlo J. Caparas with the same title. Directed by Mac Alejandre and Argel Joseph, it stars Robin Padilla in the title role. It premiered on February 11, 2008 on the network's Telebabad line up replacing '. The series concluded on July 11, 2008 with a total of 108 episodes. It was replaced by ' in its timeslot.
Background
Based on the comics series of novelist Carlo J. Caparas, Joaquin Bordado was published as a serial throughout the late 1970s to early '80s. In 1988 it was turned into a full-length film by its creator Caparas, with veteran actor and former senator, Ramon Revilla, Sr. in the title role. A special behind-the-scenes of the making of the television seriesAng Mundo ni Joaquin Bordado was aired on February 8, 2008, temporarily taking over the timeslot of Coffee Prince for that day. It earned a 27% rating.
Premise
Joaquin Apacible is an assassin masquerading as a sales agent. A family man at heart, he wishes to settle down to live a quiet life with his wife Sofia and son Jimboy. His last mission for a covert operations group is to kill the head of an illegal arms dealing syndicate. Things don't turn out as planned, and Joaquin is sent to prison.
Joaquin knows that his old boss, General Russo, will do everything to kill him since he knows vital information about the secret group. While serving time in jail, he meets Jilco, a mysterious man whose body is littered with tattoos.
Unknown to Joaquin, one of his fellow inmates is actually an assassin sent by General Russo to kill him. But the hero of the story won't remain dead for long, as Jilco revives Joaquin and gives him all his powerful tattoos.
With his new powers, Joaquin gets a new lease in life and faces challenges as the chosen heir who will continue the battle between good and evil.
Cast and characters
;Main cast
Robin Padilla as Joaquin Bordado / Joaquin Apacible
Actresses Jennylyn Mercado and Cristine Reyes were initially tapped to play important roles in the series. Due to Mercado's pregnancy, she had to be replaced by Ryza Cenon, while Reyes had some problems with the production and was quickly replaced by Iwa Moto. Robin Padilla, the lead star, had to endure six hours of body make-up every day for his tattoos. 10 crew members of the show were injured after their L-300 van from Subic to Metro Manila crashed along the North Luzon ExpresswayValenzuela exit on May 6, 2008. Rushed to the Orthopedic Hospital was Ronaldo Godoy; to the Karuhatan Hospital were Demetrio Macaraig, stuntman Danny Bragais, Abnel Severino, Alfredo Manzanares, Steve Esguerra, and Ronnie Santos; and to the Monte Clara Montefalco Hospital in Meycauayan were Alvin Tercena, Francisco Minarag, and Rogelio Elgacio. On March 7, 2008, Robin Padilla suffered minor fracture injuries while filming a motorcycle stunt at Subic Bay, Olongapo City.
Ratings
According to AGB Nielsen Philippines' Mega Manila household television ratings, the pilot episode of Joaquin Bordado earned a 36.6% rating. While the final episode scored a 40.8% rating.
