Chains of the Soul: Gerard Pizarras Breaks Barriers in CBN Asia’s Holy Week Special Tanikala Presents “Preso”

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As the sun sets on Good Friday, a powerful story of pain, prison, and ultimate redemption rises to challenge the hearts of every viewer. CBN Asia’s Holy Week Special Tanikala returns with its latest offering, “Preso”, a riveting true-to-life telecine that goes beyond the cold steel bars of a jail cell—and deep into the soul of a man bound by more than chains.

Premiering this Good Friday, April 18, at 5:30 p.m. on GMA, Preso features the transformative performance of veteran actor Gerard Pizarras, who embodies the harrowing yet hope-filled journey of Wendell Tolibas, a man who once walked the path of rebellion and destruction—only to find salvation in the most unlikely place.

From Darkness to Deliverance

Wendell’s story is not fictional—it is heartbreakingly real.

After witnessing a traumatic event that shook his world, Wendell descended into darkness. Resentment and pain fueled his choices, leading him into a life of drug addiction and crime in the underbelly of Davao. His arrest in 2017, marked by public humiliation, wasn’t just a fall from grace—it was a complete shattering of a life.

But this isn’t just a story of despair. It’s a story of awakening.

“When I first read the script, I said, ‘This person’s story is inspiring. Lord, thank You for this story because it encouraged me,’” Gerard shared, his voice thick with emotion.

Having portrayed prisoners before, Gerard knew this role would be different. “This isn’t just about being behind bars. Preso is about breaking the inner chains—those invisible prisons we all struggle with.”

A Family Affair—On and Off Screen

Adding depth and authenticity to the film is the inclusion of Gerard’s real-life wife, veteran actress Jan Marini, and rising actor-influencer Jericho Arceo. Their synergy on-screen mirrors their passion behind the scenes, bringing Wendell’s story to life in a way that’s visceral and deeply human.

“Many people can relate—even if they’ve never seen the inside of a prison,” Gerard emphasized. “We all make mistakes. We all feel stuck sometimes—by guilt, addiction, anger, trauma. But there’s a way out.”

And that way, he says, is through God.

A Message for Holy Week and Beyond

Preso is more than a film. It is a mirror—a reflection of the broken parts within us, and an invitation to surrender them.

“This film is perfect for Holy Week,” Gerard affirmed. “It’s a time to look back, acknowledge what went wrong, and ask, ‘What can I make right with God today?’”

Director Timmy Yee, who co-wrote the film with Gilbeys Sardea, echoes this sentiment. For him, Preso is meant to serve as a catalyst—a trigger that prompts viewers to break free from their own personal chains.

“During this Holy Week, reflect on the areas of your life that need freedom,” Yee shared. “This story is not just Wendell’s—it can be yours too.”

A Wake-Up Call, A Turning Point

In an age where entertainment often focuses on the sensational, Preso stands out as sacred storytelling—raw, redemptive, and real. It invites the viewer into a sacred space of reckoning, reminding us that no one is too far gone, and no prison too fortified for God’s grace.

As the country slows down for Holy Week, Gerard Pizarras and the entire Preso cast extend an invitation:

Break free. Heal. Start over.

Because sometimes, the most powerful resurrection doesn’t happen in a tomb—but in a jail cell, a broken home, or a tormented heart.

This Good Friday, watch Tanikala presents “Preso” at 5:30 p.m. on GMA—and let yourself be set free.

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