WHO does it for you? Keeps you at the edge of your seat, jaws dropping, pulses racing and blood rushing to the head that is. What was that last great action flick – and the guy in it who made it memorable?

It could have been just a smirk, a grunt or a scowl. Or maybe incredible action stunts that defy biology and physics. Is it just screen presence or the real life persona that projects even larger than life in front of the camera? Why have action films been so successful and what is it about action stars that they’re held up as idols, so much admired that they can even aspire for, and even land – the highest office in the country?

True, the average moviegoer is spellbound – as the action film intended. But so are other action stars themselves. And here, SIM asks a number of them who they think stand out as heroes on-screen and off – and why.

Fernando Poe Jr. is the ultimate Filipino action star for me. He was everyone’s hero – he had the skills, the charisma, the acting chops and the undisputed box-office pull. – Ogie Alcasid, singer-composer

My favorite is Angelina Jolie because she simply kicks ass! Hahaha! – Mercedes Cabral, actress

Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Edward Norton, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Aside from being outstanding in action films, they can also show their hearts and reveal the truth when doing dramatic scenes. – Dingdong Dantes, actor

I grew up in the generation where Robin Padilla was lording it over the action movie scene. His movies were all box office hits. He has the charisma – a perfect combination of comedic and romantic wit. The same is true for Chuck Norris, who was considered a household name in the US and international action films during the late ‘80s and early ’90s. – Vincent Evangelista, singer

Hugh Jackman – because he’s hot, sexy and he’s a versatile actor – proven when he hosted the Grammys. He can act, sing and dance. I’ve met him, and he was so nice when I asked to have a picture taken with him after I bumped into him at the Nobu restaurant in West Hollywood in LA. – Gretchen Fullido, TV reporter

Matt Damon, especially in “The Bourne Identity” series because aside from his performance of great action sequences, he’s a damn good actor too. Also, Jason Statham of “The Transporter,” because he’s so cool and fearless. Raymart Santiago, especially in “Batang City Jail.” I like him for the same reasons I like Matt Damon. – Jeffrey Hidalgo, singer

Locally, Robin Padilla and Cesar Montano, because they are also versatile actors. Foreign: Jet Li for his intensity, Jackie Chan for making me laugh, and Mel Gibson for his vulnerability and passion. – Raymond Lauchengco, singer

Bruce Willis in the “Die Hard” series. Action-packed scenes, great stunts beyond imagination and bordering on the impossible. A cat with nine lives personified who lived up to the title of the movie – and I so love it. – Reuben Laurente, singer

I look up to Jackie Chan. After seeing his performance in “Drunken Master,” where he was able to catch flies with chopsticks, I became an instant fan of his action-packed but funny action movies. His movie “Rush Hour” is also in my list of favorites. – Mikee Lee, TV host-actor

Harrrison Ford and Brat Pitt – they are superb actors and always share their blessings through charity.-- Ronnie Liang, singer

I like Lito Lapid. I think he has awesome horse-riding skills; he’s the only one I know who can stand on two horses while they gallop. Isn’t that amazing? I really, really like Viggo Mortensen. In “Lord of the Rings,” all he did was hone his riding and sword skills, especially during shooting lulls in New Zealand. He also did most of his stunts, not to mention the fact that he is a brilliant actor. He was simply wonderful in the film “Eastern Promises.” At par with Viggo is Asian superstar Jackie Chan. I have a lot of respect for actors who do their own stunts. Just like the Thai actor Tony Jaa in his “Ong Bak” movies (1 & 2) and “Tom Yum Goong.” – Sid Lucero, actor

Nicolas Cage, because he doesn’t “act” his role. He lives it and it’s very transparent and believable. Walang pa-pogi sa camera – it’s all real! – Jed Madela, singer

I have the highest respect and admiration for Phillip Salvador and Robin Padilla. They’re not just action heroes on screen, they’re amazing persons. Kuya Ipe can shift from action to drama with ease, and his depth as an actor is truly inspiring for the younger generation to follow. He’s intense but he’s also very giving; he allows his co-actors to shine. Robin is another wonderful idol. He does his own stunts and even directs his own fight scenes. His comic timing is absolutely impeccable and his passion to make a difference in his line of work is unparalleled. I also like Cesar Montano. In the international scene, Sylvester Stallone and Jean Claude Van Damme both rank very high on my list. Stallone is an actor, writer, director and his “Rocky” series has become such a memorable classic. Stallone was able to rise from his starting days as the Itallian Stallion to become the true Demolition Man of Hollywood action movies. He can also be funny even with his monosyllabic way of delivering his lines. On the other hand, the Belgian action hero Van Damme has maintained his physique all these years, something I want to achieve as an actor who values both his health and his craft. – Carlos Morales, actor

Denzel Washington has strong screen presence and charisma, while Fernando Poe Jr. is an action hero with a big heart. – Diether Ocampo, actor

My list includes Jason Statham, Jet Li, Jackie Chan, Matt Damon and the new James Bond, Daniel Craig. They are all effective actors in this genre, but of course, the most skilled are Jackie Chan and Jet Li.—Zsa Zsa Padilla, singer-actress

Jet Li, because he acts real and I guess he does his own stunts. I also like Bong Revilla because he still looks good despite the heavy stunts that he does. And mind you, he smells good too. – Marissa Sanchez, singer-comedienne

My faves are: Brad Pitt because he makes acting seem so effortless; Daniel Craig, very swift and manly; Gerard Butler, carries his role very well. – Greggy Santos, QTV VJ and reality show contestant

My favorite action stars are Will Smith, Sylvester Stallone, and Clint Eastwood. Will is hot. I like Sly Stallone for his “Rocky” movies and Clint because he is suave. – Snooky Serna, actress

Harrison Ford and Jackie Chan because they’re both funny. They have different styles of making the audience laugh. They’re very good at what they do. – Chase Vega, actor

Angelina Jolie and Shia LaBeouf. They are so good! They have unique charisma and unique appeal on screen. – Megan Young, actress