Daniel Padilla did not hold back as he opened up during the grand media conference for the final mission of Incognito, held at Seda Hotel, Vertis North in Quezon City on June 25.
The Kapamilya actor admitted that when he was offered the series, he was at one of the most confusing and turbulent points in his life.
“Alam natin kung gaano ako nag-alinlangan bago ko simulan at tanggapin ito. Nasa punto ako noon na sobrang gulong-gulo isip ko—litong-lito talaga ako,” Daniel shared candidly in front of the media.
Despite the uncertainty at the time, he said taking the role of Andres Malvar turned out to be a life-changing decision. “Pero masasabi kong ito ang pinakamagandang desisyong nagawa ko sa buhay ko. Grabe ang lahat ng natutunan ko, ang mga pinagdaanan ko, at ang personal na growth na naranasan ko,” he added.
Daniel, who shone both in action and dramatic scenes in Incognito, is now nominated for Outstanding Asian Star at the 20th Seoul International Drama Awards—his second nomination from the prestigious Korean body.
At the same media conference, he recalled the most challenging scenes in the series. “Lahat naman ay challenging, siguro ang pinaka-memorable na lang ay ‘yung una at huling fight scenes ko. Yung first fighting scene ko ay yung sa train, memorable sa kin ‘yun dahil ‘yun ang unang sabak ko. Talagang si Direk ay pinarusahan ako doon. Biro mo, first fight scene ko ‘yun, tapos ang kalaban ko halos 10 yatang lalaki ‘yun. Siyempre ang hirap ng choreo nun, nakakapagod,” he said.
“Memorable rin po ‘yung last fight scenes ko, iba rin ‘yun. ‘Yun ang dapat niyo ring abangan,” he added, referring to their finale scenes shot in Marawi.
He also emphasized the strong bond the Incognito cast and crew developed over the course of the show. “Iba na ‘yung samahan naming lahat. Kahit saan kami dalhin basta magkakasama kaming lahat, okay kami. At talagang nagtutulungan. Totoo ‘yon, on and off sa set,” he said.
Baron Geisler, who is also part of the series, called ‘Incognito’ his redemption. “First show natapos ko na hindi ako nagwala. First show hindi ako pumasok na nakainom. I am celebrating, nakaka-adik ‘yung feeling. I will be reaching for that goal,” he said.
He added, “Because of the team naging grounded ako. They gave me this chance to redeem myself totally. And here we are, they are proud of me for finishing ng walang problema. Milestone for me.”
Business unit head Des De Guzman shared how real-life challenges mirrored the journeys of the cast members. “Incognito is a story of second chances, worth, and family. Alam naman natin pinagdaanan ng superstar cast natin. Hindi kami lumayo sa tunay na buhay, instead lumapit kami,” she said.
As the high-stakes finale approaches, Incognito continues to captivate viewers with its powerful storylines and character arcs. And for Daniel, it’s more than a career highlight—it’s a personal victory.
“Salamat sa Panginoon, ang galing talaga Niya,” he concluded.
