Albie Casiño
Four years since his last project with ABS-CBN (the primetime soap “Mara Clara”), young actor Albie Casiño was given an important role in the top-rating teleserye, “On the Wings of Love,” with no less than one of showbiz’s most popular loveteams, JaDine (James Reid and Nadine Lustre).
Albie played the role of Jigs, boyfriend of Nadine’s character, Leah. Eventually, Leah and Jigs’ cousin, Clark (James) would meet and fall in love.
It was a welcome break for Albie, who years before had been embroiled in a paternity issue with ex-girlfriend, Andi Eigenmann. His portrayal of the cocky Jigs made fans notice him again after a brief hiatus.
Kicking off Ayala Center Cebu’s “Happy, Colorful Summer” campaign last March 11, Albie showed that he has indeed moved on from the past controversy and is bent on doing good in whatever role he is given. He has been doing indie films and is enjoying the experience, appreciating his chosen career much better than when he first started out in the industry.
“During ‘Mara Clara’ I didn’t know how to act. I would do the scene and hindi ko iniisip kung saan nanggaling ito. Kaya ngayon pinaghihirapan ko na at pinag-isipan ko na talaga,” he told the Cebu press in an intimate chat backstage.
The 22-year-old actor has indeed shown maturity in tackling roles. Responding to angry reactions to his portrayal of his role as Jigs, Albie told ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Chat: “Ang sa akin lang, kapag may nagagalit sa akin, ibig sabihin tama ‘yung ginagawa ko. ‘Yun ang character ko ‘eh, it’s my job to play that. If you will get affected, I’m doing a good job.”
Ayala Center Cebu ushered in the season with the unveiling of the official marquee for its “Happy, Colorful Summer” campaign. From left (second row): Metafit Bootcamp’s Alan Choachuy, Cebu Music Learning Center’s Ryan John Cadungog and Sandra Namocatcat, Cebu Artists’ Inc.’s Guido Lubanga, Brown Academy of Music’s Adam Brown. First row: Albie Casiño, Ayala Center Cebu’s Mikmik Corvera and Celeste Dy, Kenn Sports Academy’s Kenneth Toledo and Selfi’s Kisha Czechowska.
To further hone his acting skills, Albie is taking several workshops in between projects. He also said he is open to doing mature roles, even working with a loveteam, if the management deems it fit for him.
What’s next for your fans after “On The Wings of Love” ?
I finished shooting one indie film and I’m finishing another one right now. ‘Yung isa, I’m taking the lead role while ‘yung isa—‘yung “Pagtanggol”—nasa ensemble cast ako.
Tell us more about “Pagtanggol.”
It is a political film. Tom Rodriguez, Ejay Falcon and I are siblings. I play the black sheep of the family. The movie also stars Dina Bonnevie, Denise Laurel, Yam Concepcion and William Martinez.
Before you were cast in OTWOL, what were you busy with?
I was in school and I was doing two shows with TV5. I was in college. But I stopped going to school because of OTWOL.
How has OTWOL helped you in terms of your career?
It was my comeback project in ABS-CBN. Parang naalala lang ako ng old fans and na introduce ako sa mga bagong fans ng ABS-CBN.
Since loveteams are very popular now, are you open to having a reel screen partner also? Do you have somebody in mind?
Well, ‘yung nag end ang OTWOL, pinag-pair kami ni Ysabel Ortega. I like working with her. We get along backstage and off cam. She’s very approachable. She listens to you. Nakikipag-usap siya sa ‘yo. Kung papipiliin ako then siya ‘yung pipiliin ko.
Which do you think is better: Having a loveteam or going solo?
Sa tingin ko, any. Ako mahilig ako gumawa ng indie. I have done three already and if may love team ako okey lang kasi I still continue doing indies naman, no matter what happens. Na excite ako sa indies kasi ang gaganda ng mga role. Iba ang stories.
How old are you?
I’m 22! (laughing)
How would you assess your acting skills in the past?
During “Mara Clara,” I didn’t know how to act. I would do the scene and hindi ko iniisip kung saan nanggaling ito, saan pupunta ‘to, anong pakiramdam … wala akong pakialam! Hahaha! Nag wo-workshop ako dati pero wala akong pakialam ‘eh! Kaya ngayon pinaghihirapan ko na at pinag-iisipan ko na talaga.
Do you sing?
(I’m taking) voice lessons. I also do dance workshops.
Are you open to doing mature roles?
Of course, yeah. I also discuss with the team and management on the roles that I should take.
Any limitations in the kinds of roles given to you?
Hindi naman. It depends naman. For example kung may love scene, kung may reason naman, bakit hindi?
What’s your dream role?
Have you watched the “American History X?” ‘Yung mga ganoon. Mga medyo baliw!
Who are the stars you want to work with?
Siguro, like mga friends lang sa industry. Like Diego Loyzaga, Jerome Ponce and iba pang friends ko sa showbiz.
Dream leading lady?
Si Ellen Adarna! Na meet ko lang siya sa Christmas special (of ABS-CBN).
How’s your lovelife?
Wala, zero. Namalas ako sa lovelife. Wala rin akong type ‘eh. ‘Yung kahit sa school noon, wala ‘eh. I had girlfriend in 2013 pa. Super tagal na.
What are the qualities in a girl that you are looking for?
Easy going, laid back, hindi maarte. I want someone who adapts to the situation. Like if we go to a black attire event and bagay siya doon. At kung mag Burger Machine kami, okey din siya doon. Kasi ako, you can put me in any type of situation. I can get along with people.