A new TV series is looming to be the big break that will parlay JC Santos to the big leagues. Ever since we saw Santos in the indie film Esprit de Corps a few years ago, we had this feeling that he would go places. He is charming, pleasant and a hard-working actor. Not to mention that he’s every inch a man—in his physique, voice, manner, demeanor. Add to these his sexy curly locks.
Santos is cast as the third wheel in the new James Reid-Nadine Lustre romantic-drama from ABS-CBN and Dreamscape, titled Till I Met You, taken from the popular eponymous song in the 1980s composed by Odette Quesada.
For now, we won’t let you in on what twist his character will bring, but it will surely be a blast. In fact, Santos was flown to Greece to shoot some of the opening scenes for this much-awaited TV series. With Santos, Reid and Lustre in Greece were Angel Aquino, Carmina Villaroel and Zoren Legaspi, all providing strong support to the new show.
Before he plunged into TV work, Santos was already an actor for film and theater. We remember him playing a small role in the late Francis Xavier Pasion’s debut film Jay, which won many awards at the 2008 Cinemalaya Film Festival. A sought-after indie actor, Santos had brief, but memorable, roles in films, like Sakaling Hindi Makarating, Paglipay and Imbisibol.
Now 27, Santos told us that he is “extra excited” about this new show. Although he had a few guest roles in Ipaglaban Mo and Wagas, plus a defining role in the short-lived afternoon soap Walang Iwanan, Till I Met You will be different for it will showcase his acting chops for an entire season ( and maybe more), playing a role that requires layers and layers of conflicting emotions.
“I didn’t consciously wait for this break,” he shared, adding, “I just continue to do my best as a working actor, going from one project to another with the same passion and excitement. I guess I’m just fortunate to have been chosen to play Ali [his character] for this soap.”
Santos had to go through a series of auditions before he bagged this pivotal role. In the final casting, Santos was up against three other promising actors: a two-time best actor awardee, a homegrown actor of the network’s, and a much sought-after TV-commercial actor.
As destiny would have it, JC Santos was the chosen one.
DARING DERRICK
Our Fil-Chi businessman-friend Calvin Chua shared that he is a coproducer for the upcoming concert of four GMA artists, billed as Oh Boy!, happening at the Music Museum this September.
“We have put together Rocco Nacino, Aljur Abrenica, Jake Vargas [thank heavens, he finally dropped the ‘h’ in his first name!] and Derrick Monasterio. And we are making sure that it will be a most memorable and fun-filled show!” Chua said.
Of the four featured artists, it’s reported Monasterio is the most gifted, especially as far as live performance is concerned.
Talking to Monasterio is always an enjoyable experience. He is direct to the point, doesn’t mince words, is consistently warm, and even his sense of humor is natural. The tallest and the youngest among the four artists, Monasterio also coyly admitted that he is the sexiest, because he really prioritizes fitness and well-being. “I love eating, but I make sure that everything I take in is in moderation. It makes me feel good to be fit. That’s why I hit the gym, instead of extending my sleeping hours.”
He also shared that the concert will expose the hidden skills of each of the artists, and he promised that it will be a night of musical fun, sexy grooves and hearty laughter.
“We will definitely show more than what the audience can take,” he teased.
SECOND CHANCES
After a few guest appearances on TV5 programs, like Wattpad Presents, we didn’t hear anything anymore about Artista Academy alumnus Alberto Bruno. From their batch, we thought Benjo Leoncio and this Italian-Filipino hopeful would move on and become a fixture on film and TV since they look pleasantly unique and showed a lot of promise.
We bumped into Bruno recently and he told us he went back to Italy when his fledgling career stalled. It’s also good that his Italian family doesn’t live anywhere near where the big earthquake happened. “I don’t come from a rich family in Italy, that’s why I want to be able to help in any way I can and be able to provide for myself and those I love to at least have a comfortable life.”
Now that he’s back in the country, he wants to explore as many avenues as possible to be able to face the cameras again.
“I’ve always dreamt of becoming an actor, and after the artista search I was part of almost four years ago, I thought a big door had opened. Sadly, it didn’t. I remain hopeful, though, what with the many independent films and TV dramas being planned and produced. I think I might be able to find one that will make people take notice of me again,” he told us.
In his voice, we could feel the urgency of his need to be able to find his place in this showbiz jungle, so we advised him to find the right people that will help open doors for him. And we sincerely hope that there will still be a second chance for Alberto Bruno.