No more than 5 feet 7 inches tall, Carlo Cruz may not have received the gift of height but he is certainly blessed with a lot more good qualities that allow him to stand tall in his many showbiz pursuits.
One of the most pleasant and decent new actors I have met recently, Carlo strikes us as very grounded and uncomplicated, despite the sheltered and comfortable life he grew up with.
Genuinely humble too, not many know that Carlo is a product of the Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute of New York, and a consistent dean’s lister when he was still a Communication Arts student at the De La Salle University in Manila.
His foray into acting for film and television came as a surprise to his many friends who thought Carlo would take the corporate route. But he says acting is his passion and he’d like to focus on how he can be a professional, competent actor.
In the few years that he has dabbled in the acting business, Carlo has done quite a number of good projects and worked with award-winning directors as well. He was in Arnel Mardoquio’s Alienasyon, Erik Matti’s Rigodon and Alvin Yapan’s Mga Anino ng Kahapon.
With his amiable personality and natural acting skills, Carlo is also a favorite of many young filmmakers. Gino Santos got him for a second lead role in his debut feature, The Animals. Borgy Torre gave Carlo a good supporting role in his award-winning film, Kabisera. Jono de Rivera got him for Balang Araw, and Derek Cabrido included Carlo in his Cannes Short Film Corner entry, Mga Engkantong Laog sa Mahabang Dapithapon.
“I can’t really explain why I’m drawn to acting. All I know is that I love watching films and I’m fascinated with how actors give life to their roles,” he said, adding, “And when I started to experience being an actor and learning about the filmmaking process, my enjoyment and involvement just escalated with every new project that came along. I guess I like the process of creating something from just ideas and concepts, that’s why I am happy if I’m part of the creation process.”
Feisty female filmmaker Arlyn de la Cruz liked her experience with Carlo doing her first feature film Maratabat that she got Carlo again for Mandirigma, which she wrapped just recently. We learned that Carlo has been cast anew in her third project, a biopic about Communist Party of the Philippines founder and front man Jose Maria Sison.
In between preparing for his roles, Carlo is also exploring possibilities about becoming a chef. He is now enrolled in a top culinary institution. “Lets see where this takes me,” he said.
Carlo is included in the cast of a new film by an Asian-American filmmaker that will see him pitting talents with award-winning actors Sid Lucero, Bembol Roco and Liza Diño. “Every serious actor dreams of being recognized but I’m not in a hurry. At the moment, I’m craving to learn more about being a good actor. I already feel very blessed with what has been entrusted to me, and to be able to work with my coactors. That’s more than good enough for now.”
STANDING TALL
We had coffee recently with high-profile Filipino-Australian model Vince Ferraren who told us that he hopes to get a TV assignment, and also try acting for the big screen.
Towering at 6 feet 4 inches, Vince came to Manila three years ago with nothing definite in mind. “That time, I simply wanted to know more about the Philippines since one half of me is Filipino. [Vince’s mom is from Bicol]. Then the runway beckoned so I gave it a try. I enjoyed the dynamics involved in being a fashion model and the constant changing of things, so I just decided to stay on,” he revealed.
Vince has also gotten used to the lifestyle in the metropolis. “Oh, after a few years, traffic has become the normal—although, of course, I still hope that things would be done to ease the daily congestion because so much time is wasted. Also, people in the industry love to talk—about themselves, about others, small talk, big talk, you know.”
He has also developed a fondness for our local cuisine. “I like adobo and laing, and I surely have the appetite for the variety of food we have here. That’s why it’s a plus if my girlfriend can cook,” he teased.
As of this writing, Vince is very much single. “I had a girlfriend for some time but there were things we had to thresh out.”
Vince continues to be a sought-after model because he clearly stands out from the rest, but he said that sometimes his height is a disadvantage. “Because I am so stall, some local designers feel that I don’t fit their market. But I’m glad that Manila is so fun and eclectic that it embraces both Western brands and Asian markets.”
Now that Vince has learned to speak basic Filipino, he hopes to land a hosting job soon, and maybe even a role in the movies. “I feel that I can be comfortable in lifestyle shows, like travel, food and adventure. For film, I can start being the mestizo boyfriend,” he said, before letting out a big, hearty laugh.
BIGGEST Lego EXHIBIT IN MANILA
Most of the kids I know and my Lego fanatic adult friends are looking forward to one of the biggest Lego exhibits they will ever experience.
The so-called BRICKXhibit presents the largest public display of Lego creations not only in Manila but also in the entire Philippines. With over 250 base plates of original Lego creations from the Philippine Lego Users Group members, the exhibit aims to blow away the attendees with never-before-seen masterpieces and dioramas.
Meanwhile, another big event, dubbed “aBRICKadabra”, will be the first-ever Philippine Lego Convention that will feature activities, games, demonstrations and talks by various builders about the now iconic building blocks.
BRICKXhibit is ongoing until May 3 at the ground level of Newport Mall in Resorts World Manila and is open to the public. Meanwhile, the one-day-only aBRICKadabra event will take place on April 25 at The Plaza of Newport Mall.