(CDN Photo/Xavier Solis)
FAST-rising actor Vin Abrenica got his biggest showbiz break to date when he joined the popular afternoon series, “Wildflower.”
He said he did not expect that his first major project with the Kapamilya Network after transferring from TV5 in 2016 (he won TV5’s talent search “Artista Academy” in 2012) will be loved by the public in its yearlong run.
The 26-year-old actor, who plays the role of Jepoy Madrigal, a close ally of Lily Cruz (lead star Maja Salvador’s character), shared his thoughts about working on the series as “Wildflower” reaches its most-awaited finale this Friday.
What are the things he will miss most?
“The bonding. First time na magkatrabaho na you are together almost everyday for a year,” Abrenica told Cebu’s Entertainment Press last Sunday during rehearsals for the “Maja on Stage” dance concert held at the IC3 Convention Center.
Abrenica revealed that they have a Viber group and now they are starting to experience separation anxiety.
“Nalulungkot na lahat ng tao. Kahit ako, honestly ngayon hindi ako makapaniwala na matatapos na kami,” he said, adding that he thought the soap would only last for three months, the usual one-season run for a TV series.
The Kapamilya actor said “Wildflower” also taught him how to respect his craft.
“Respect sa craft mo especially mga kasama mo ay mga beterano like Tirso Cruz, Aiko Melendez, and Maja Salvador. Kapag dumating ka sa set, dapat you are ready,” he said.
Being part of the one of the most-watched TV series, Abrenica said more people now recognize him and would even call him Jepoy Madrigal off screen.
This is a far cry from the time when he could just go out of the house wearing boxer shorts, stay at the park and eat barbecue.
“Dati nakaka-pag mall ako. Ngayon dinudumog na ako. Dahan-dahan. Sobra akong natutuwa. Dati nakikita ko lang ‘yan sa ibang tao (artista). Sana ganoon din ako. Hindi naman ‘yung grabeng dumog. Ngayon may nagpapa-picture na sa akin at tinatawag na akong Jepoy,” he said.
Even if he is busy, Abrenica said he still finds time to do other things, including reading books to keep him on the right track.
Currently, he is reading “Awaken the Giant Within” by Anthony Robbins.
“Yung mga binabasa ko mga inspirational. ‘Yung pag remind sa ‘kin to look forward and not to stop. Alam mo minsan kasi may time na may araw na ang lakas ng inspiration mo and after two weeks parang nawawala,” he said.
Amidst his newfound fame, Abrenica said his family keeps him grounded. And his anchor tattoo on his left arm is a reminder of the old days when life was still simpler.
“To keep me rooted, to remember, to go back to the days when me and my Kuya (Aljur) used to hang out lang sa garden,” he said.
He revealed that when he was nine years old, he and Aljur who was 10 years old would lie on the grass in their garden and talk about their dreams.
“Nakatingin (kami) sa stars. Nangangarap siya (Aljur) na gusto niyang maging artista. Tinatawanan ko siya kasi hindi mangyayari ‘yun. Walang ibang artista kasi sa pamilya,” he said. But dreams did indeed come true for the two brothers, who are both now doing projects with ABS-CBN.
After “Wildflower,” Abrenica’s next project is a Star Cinema movie with Bea Alonzo, Derek Ramsay, and Paulo Avelino.
“Hindi siya masyadong lead pero support (na character). Pero sino ba naman ang hindi gustong maging part ng Star Cinema,” he said.
Used to doing drama and action, is he open to trying another genre, like romantic comedy?
“I can’t say I’m funny. Ako gusto ko ‘yung intense ‘eh,” he said.
He, however, has a dream leading lady. “Liza Soberano,” Abrenica said.
