Ian Veneracion, known for his rugged charm and undeniable talent, has captivated audiences for decades. From his early beginnings as a child star to his current status as a sought-after actor, Veneracion has consistently delivered compelling performances that have solidified his place in Philippine entertainment.

‘Incognito’: A new chapter in action

Currently, Veneracion is gearing up for the highly anticipated action series Incognito, a project he describes as “the biggest production of his career.”

“The pilot episode blew us away,” he shared in an interview at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport before departing for an international shoot. “The action sequences are incredible. ABS-CBN’s support has been phenomenal. The storyline, the cast, the stunts… it’s all on a massive scale.”

Veneracion emphasized the team’s ambition to elevate Filipino action series to international standards. “We’re hoping to compete on a global level,” he declared.

To prepare for the demanding physical roles, Veneracion and his co-stars underwent rigorous training in various combat disciplines.

“We trained in firearms, firing techniques, tactical combat, airsoft and martial arts,” he explained. “We bonded as a team, just like the characters we portray. The entire crew, from the staff to the trainers, was incredibly efficient. It significantly helped us execute the challenging scenes.”

Veneracion also praised the dedication of his co-stars, particularly Maris Racal and Kaila Estrada, who quickly mastered the demanding techniques.

Incognito boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Daniel Padilla, Richard Gutierrez, Baron Geisler, Estrada and the breakthrough tandem of Racal and Anthony Jennings.

A family man at heart

Beyond his successful acting career, Veneracion cherishes his role as a devoted family man. He credits his father, the renowned painter Roy Veneracion, for instilling in him the importance of family.

“My father was always available for me,” he shared. “I never heard him say ‘Don’t bother me’ or ‘I’m busy.’ He was a painter, so he was always at home. I could play with him anytime, talk to him anytime. That availability meant the world to me.”

Veneracion strives to emulate his father’s example, prioritizing quality time with his children. Whether it’s engaging in conversations, going on motorcycle rides, or enjoying cycling adventures, he always makes time for his family.

“I learned from my eldest son, Tristan Draco,” Veneracion shared. “He would say to me, ‘Dad, I’m really interested in what you’re going to show me, but let me just finish this so that I can give you my full attention.’ I learned to use that approach myself.”

From child star to family man

Veneracion’s journey in showbiz began at a tender age. He entered the entertainment industry at just five years old, transitioning from a child star to a matinee idol and eventually establishing himself as a respected action star.

His career experienced a resurgence with his role in the remake of Pangako Sa ‘Yo, where his on-screen chemistry with Jodi Sta. Maria captivated audiences. Their successful pairing led to several successful film projects together.

The private life of a public figure

Despite his public persona, Veneracion values his privacy. He rarely discusses his personal life in interviews, preferring to keep his family life private.

He met his wife, Pam Gallardo, when he was just 18 years old. “I remember seeing a pile of calling cards at a friend’s house,” he recalled. “As a young actor, it was tempting to get carried away. But I decided to be different.”

He picked a card at random and asked his friend about the person. “He said, ‘That’s Pam. She’s my girlfriend’s best friend. And she’s a bit feisty,’” Veneracion recounted. “That intrigued me.”

He dialed the number, expecting a more welcoming response. “I said, ‘Hi, Pam, it’s Ian, Ian Veneracion,’” he recalled. “She simply replied, ‘May ginagawa ako,’ and hung up.”

This unexpected response only fueled his interest. Their initial encounter eventually blossomed into a lifelong love story. Veneracion married Gallardo at the young age of 22.

Reflecting on his life, Veneracion believes marrying Gallardo was the best decision he ever made. “She’s like a part of me,” he shared. “I understand myself better with her in my life.”

Settling down early has allowed him to enjoy a close and fulfilling relationship with his children. “I can do so many things with them now,” he said. “We play basketball, ride motorcycles, go paragliding. It’s something I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy as much if I had married later.”

More than his acting career, Veneracion cherishes his roles as a father and a husband. He has found true fulfillment in his family life, a testament to his enduring values and his unwavering commitment to those he loves most.