As the adrenaline-charged Netflix series “Incognito” wraps up, director Lester Pimentel Ong once again proves he’s a force to be reckoned with in the world of action entertainment.
With roots in business, showbiz, and martial arts, Lester Ong is not just a director—he’s a man on a mission. Every project he takes on is a battlefield, and he charges in with one goal: push Philippine action content beyond its limits and onto the global stage. “Incognito” is his latest weapon in that war—and it’s hitting hard.
Starring big names like Daniel Padilla, Maris Racal, Kaila Estrada, Richard Gutierrez, Ian Veneracion, Anthony Jennings, Baron Geisler, and more, “Incognito,” an ABS-CBN Studios, Star Creatives, and Studio 360 production, shot across epic locations: Baguio, Atok and Itogon, Benguet, El Nido, Palawan, Matera, Italy, Yamagata, Japan, Tacloban City, and Marawi, Lanao del Sur. The scale alone makes it clear: this is not your average Filipino series—this is action redefined.
A lifelong martial artist and former competitive Wushu Taolu athlete, Direk Lester brings real combat credibility to every frame. His action isn’t just flashy—it hits with precision, power, and authenticity.
“I hope the Philippine action drama can break barriers and reach foreign shores. We’re hoping that someday, the other people from other countries will watch and enjoy our action dramas the way they’re enjoying the Korean and Thai dramas. Yun ‘yung pangarap natin,” Direk Lester shared.
He’s not sitting back waiting for it to happen—he’s actively making it happen.
“I wanted to be part of the whole journey na sana isa ako sa mga taong makapagdala sa Filipino series or films sa screens ng mga ibang bansa.”
That grit shows in his body of work. Before “Incognito,” Lester was already behind genre-defining shows like “La Luna Sangre,” “Bagani,” and “The Iron Heart.”
He’s also flexed his entrepreneurial muscle, producing the Amazon Prime Video original series “One Good Day” and the Netflix romance “Love You Long Time” through his own company.
But Lester’s talents aren’t limited to film and TV.
He has also made a mark in business, founding the Binondo Food Group and launching Rice in a Box back in 2000.
He later expanded into ventures like Kyukyu Ramen and Wangfu, and introduced international brands such as Udders Ice Cream and Dean & DeLuca to the Philippine market.
He’s a builder—of brands, of stories, of worlds.
From the lens of a camera to the world of commerce—and every fight scene in between—Lester Ong Pimentel is leading the charge to elevate Philippine action to international standards. He’s not just telling stories; he’s building a legacy of bold, world-class entertainment.
