Anton Vinzon is moving from breakout newcomer to leading man as he headlines GMA’s new sports drama “Kamao,” a project that marks both his first solo lead role and his first major on-screen pairing with his father, veteran actor Roi Vinzon.
The young actor, who drew attention for his dramatic turn in “Mga Batang Riles” and later gained wider visibility through “Pinoy Big Brother,” now takes on the role of Makmak, an amateur boxer chasing a championship dream while carrying the weight of family conflict, public scrutiny, and personal pressure. GMA has positioned the series as a major Afternoon Prime offering, airing weekdays at 3:20 p.m. on GMA-7 and Kapuso Stream, with international availability through GMA Pinoy TV.
For Anton, “Kamao” is more than a career assignment. It is a coming-of-age moment. At 18, he steps into his first lead role in a physically demanding drama, sharing scenes with the same father whose action career helped shape his own view of performance.
“Siyempre, para sa akin, kinakabahan. Kasi talagang makakasama ko talaga yung tatay ko sa isang series and first pa,” Anton said during the show’s press conference.
The pressure is personal as much as professional. Anton said he considers the project a tribute to Roi, whom he described as both his hero and best friend.
“Para sa akin talaga, tribute ko po talaga ito para kay Papa. Sana pagkatapos ng pilot, maging proud siya sa akin. Siya yung superhero ko and he’s really my best friend,” he said.
That father-and-son dynamic gives “Kamao” a stronger emotional hook than the usual boxing drama. In the series, Anton’s Makmak idolizes a champion boxer, played by Neil Ryan Sese, while also grappling with controversies tied to his former boxing champion father and the rigid discipline of his grandfather, played by Roi. The setup turns the boxing ring into more than a sports arena. It becomes a test of inheritance, pride, discipline, and self-worth.
Anton admitted that the first day on set came with immediate pressure, especially with Roi present. But he said his father became a source of guidance rather than intimidation.
“First day pa lang, pressure. Talagang nandiyan siya para sa ’kin. Inaalalayan niya ’ko. Ganun po talaga, todo support sa ’kin,” Anton said.
Roi, for his part, expressed pride in watching his son take on a milestone role. In interviews, the action veteran said he was impressed by Anton’s ability and even suggested that his son had already surpassed him as a performer.
“Mas magaling siya sa akin, hindi hamak. Hindi ko siya masyadong tinuruan, to tell you the truth,” Roi said.
The series also gives Anton a different kind of test after “Mga Batang Riles,” where he was part of an ensemble action-drama built around young characters facing hardship and danger. Entertainment reports noted that the intensity of that earlier series helped prepare him for the emotional and physical demands of “Kamao.”
“Malaking responsibilidad na mabigyan ng ganitong project and hindi mawawala siyempre yung pagod, yung takot, yung kaba, yung challenge. Pero para sa akin, nangingibabaw pa talaga yung kasiyahan ko sa ginagawa ko,” Anton said.
Directed by L.A. Madridejos and Richard Arellano, with Kevin de Vela as associate director, “Kamao” is billed as GMA’s first sports drama series and brings together veteran actors, young stars, and online personalities. The cast includes Amy Austria, Katrina Halili, Wendell Ramos, Neil Ryan Sese, Bruce Roeland, Therese Malvar, Chanty Videla, Matt Lozano, Tito Abdul, Tito Marsy, and Euwenn Mikaell.