ASK Phillip Salvador why it takes him a long time to appear in films and the standard reply is: "I am waiting for the right vehicle."

The waiting is over. Phillip recently accepted two projects.

The action star has agreed to star in his first television series called "Codename: Verano," produced by GMA Network Inc.

He says, "Immediately after reading the first few pages of the script, I fell in love with the character Verano. I thought, tamang-tama ito sa pelikula. Verano is some sort of a vigilante whose sole mission in life it to find his son but what I liked most about the series is it gives hope even if the situation seems hopeless."

Phillip was so impressed with the treatment done by writer Bong Agustin that he asked GMA executives to allow Bong to direct the series. "Unang-una, kilalang-kilala na niya si Verano at mayroon na rin siyang previous experience as a TV director," he states.

The experience spelled a big different for Phillip who regards TV work to be both tiring and fulfilling. "We have taped two episodes already. For the first time, I experienced how it feels to finish shooting 14 sequences overnight. Maidlip lang ako ng kaunti, shooting na naman. Kung sa pelikula ito gagawin, it would require two months to do. Talagang walang tulugan ang nangyari. I felt satisfied viewing the rushes and marvelled how the director was able to compress lahat ng aming pinagpuyatan in one episode."

More on the character of Verano: After languishing in jail for a crime he did not commit, he vows to fight for freedom and becomes fanatical in his mission, assuming the role of an underground hero defending the innocent against injustices.

As a fugitive freedom fighter, he hitchhikes from one destination to another. He is also gifted with a sixth sense as awakened by his spiritual guru Apo Lakan.

The location shooting took Phillip as far as Vigan, Ilocos Sur and he calculates that by the time the series ends, he will have toured the entire Philippines. He did not specify how many seasons the series will run but confirms signing a long-term contract with GMA.

For the first episode, the power-packed cast of characters includes Chin-Chin Gutierrez, Michael de Mesa, Mark Gil, Ryan Eigenmann, Dino Guevarra, Pen Medina, Ray Ventura and Patricia Javier, who also sings the theme song.

Ipe welcomes the use of non-violent methods by the lead character he is playing after languishing in jail. It is, after all, meant for television audience.

Soon to premiere on GMA primetime, "Codename: Verano" reportedly cost GMA Network P1 million per episode to produce.

Have there been no offers before "Verano"? What really kept away Phillip for so long? Did he have difficulty coping with personal problems?

"There has been an offer and one of them is the film bio of Chavit Singson which was first offered to my Ninong Ronnie Poe who passed on the project to me as a gift. The script needs some revisions because Singson wants to add more details in his life which he wants his sister to write. At this point, Seiko offered 'Resbak' to me. It's a military term meaning to get back. I found it hard to say no to Robbie. I have done three action movies for Seiko and more or less, Robbie knows the kind of project that would please me. The company gives me a free hand. In short, I don't feel restricted. I can proudly say that may kalidad din naman ang mga pelikulang nagawa ko under Seiko. They were all action dramas with a heart," he explains.

One is amused to learn that he has a dance sequence with Charlene Gonzalez who plays a kept woman of a general in this story of trust and betrayal. "A, yon ba? I have this DI friend in the story who tipped me off that the most wanted man I am looking for is inside the ballroom. I have to disguise myself as a dance instructor kaya naipasok ang dance sequence. If only for that, I think this is one of the most unforgettable movies I have ever made. Years ago, I did 'Ang Mananayaw' but it was more of dirty dancing and Charlene was not my partner. With Charlene, who is a terrific dancer, you have to be on your toes. We danced the Argentine tango," he retells.

Phillip as a singer? Well, last February, he went to Japan with other celebrities where he sang to the delight of overseas workers. Together with Allona, they did a round of the Filipino communities for two weeks.

A very private person, Phillip says he frequents the Adoracion Chapel. "There have been some low moments in my life and He gave me the strength to overcome them. I am not a deeply religious person but I came to realize that prayer is the best means to solve all kinds of problems."

Phillip maintains his closeness to his son Joshua, a right his former live-in partner Kris Aquino does not deprive him of. "Madalas ngang magsumbong sa akin si Kris how naughty Joshua has become," he quips.