Asked whether the Aswang is a psycho-cultural invention of a people who know death intimately from past invasions and natural disasters, Reggie replied, “I believe, specifically with the island regions, that these tales exist to protect the people on the island from being taken over by much larger countries. I certainly remember periods of time as a kid in the Philippines being afraid of monsters and death. So when the creators of ‘GRIMM’ asked if there were any Filipinos tales, I said, ‘Are there!’ They centered the Aswang tale around my character, and boy, did I relate! All those memories of sleeping in my bed with the kulambo (Tagalog for mosquito net) over me, afraid of monsters, came flooding back.”

Mr. Greenwalt and Mr. Kouf added, “It was important for us to do a story that touched on his Filipino culture and Reggie was a major part of choosing the right story. Having him as a collaborator helped us tell a story that we hope the Filipino community feels is authentic and exciting.”

The Aswang story is both a tribute to Filipino folklore and a professional breakthrough for Reggie. The episode adds backstory to the Sergeant Wu character for the kind of sophistication that challenges Reggie’s acting chops.

“You will see a lot of development in the Aswang episode and beyond,” he said. “It’s a gift really to have the pleasure of experiencing it for a third year now. The character is feeling incredibly real because of time.”

Each week, millennials can anticipate a night to suspend disbelief without suspending critical thinking. Going out every Friday can be hard on the wallet and waist. “GRIMM” is an unregretful way to transition from a crazy work week into a wicked weekend.

Doing Good

New fans of “GRIMM” can take solace that Reggie and his colleagues on both sides of the camera are good people in real life. Reggie recently spearheaded the GRIMM Gives to Typhoon Haiyan Relief event through Crowdrise and the Red Cross. Fans joined the cast and crew on Twitter to support typhoon victims.

Reggie wants this article to call attention to another favorite cause. “I’m also helping to fundraise for Kusewera, a nonprofit organization that empowers and educates kids in orphanages in Malawi, Africa and the Philippines through active and creative play.”

Success Becomes Him

Looking back, Reggie knows how different his life might be today had he stayed in Ohio. His physician father, Jesus, Valdez, and mother Zeny, thought their oldest son would be a good influence on his two brothers by pursuing a medical career and eventually assuming his father’s medical practice.

“I think my parents were reacting in the best way they knew how. I do believe a lot of the Asian cultures base their life choices on stability and security. And why wouldn’t they?” Reggie recalled, “Even when they said acting was a ‘hobby not a profession’, I pursued it, diligently.”

Reggie says he inherited his father’s tunnel vision once a dream beckons. “I have blinders on when I get interested in something. There’s nothing that can stop me from putting my whole heart and soul into it.”

At the start, Reggie’s parents could not have guessed that they were as much enablers of his impractical passion as obstacles. “I sought out whatever was available to me, whether they were acting classes at The Cleveland Playhouse, auditioning for community theatres, commercials, you name it. My parents always took me to these activities, though they thought I’d grow out of it. But eventually, I wanted more.”

The ultimate validation of Reggie’s life choice might be the burgeoning careers of his brothers. Rhoel “RV” Valdez made art his calling to the gratitude of fans of the book and video game “The Equation,” which is coming to the screen. Nathan Valdez is making his mark as a talented guitarist.

The three Valdez boys may have started a forceful wave of Filipino youth taking risks to be true to themselves. In the nearer future, Filipinos everywhere might organize Friday night parties with friends to view and celebrate the March 7th airing of the Aswang episode on NBC.