NO doubt about their huge potential as artists, our subjects for this week certainly know how to combine their God-given gifts with wonderful traits like humility, sincerity and patience.
Josh Santana, Inno Martin and Jun-Jun Quintana have got what it takes to succeed in this business—the right mindset, natural performing skills and a positive attitude. All they need are the good breaks and the right projects so that their talents can be appreciated.
Josh Santana took a leave of absence from the entertainment industry just as his career was starting to shift to the fast lane. When he was at his teenage prime, ABS-CBN picked Josh to star in Bituin, the drama series that starred Nora Aunor. Josh was paired with Carol Banawa and the tandem scored well with the viewers.
“I wanted to finish college and I felt that I had to do it while I was still young,“ he told us over dinner recently, adding, “Many did not agree with my decision since my career was then already on an upswing, but I had to make that difficult sacrifice.”
Josh said that he has no regrets now that he has finished his AB English diploma course. His parents want him to go into law school, but Josh remains undecided. “I like to continue where I left off. I like singing and performing. I guess I am more mature now, and I can manage my time better. I’d like to give show business one more shot and hopefully the doors will open again for me.”
Josh is currently recording a few songs for his planned comeback CD. “I am a balladeer and I’d like to focus on being one. It might seem simple and that all I need is one hit song, but that’s not even a sure thing these days. Still, I remain positive and hopeful.”
While on the comeback trail, Josh released a CD titled Eres Tu which carried some Spanish songs, and he also dabbled in musical theater by way of the recent staging of the hit Broadway musical Aida. He got very good feedback and it added more fuel to his desire to take another shot at making a name for himself as a singer-actor.
“I dream of being heard more often, singing the songs I love, and performing in concert halls and other such venues. If there are good acting roles that come along, I’ll embrace those wholeheartedly, too. For now, I’m taking each step at a time, carefully choosing the path to tread and the people to trust.”
New name, new game
Inno Martin wants to change his screen name. His former bosses at Star Magic thought he looks strikingly similar to current hotshot actor Coco Martin, so they gave him that name. “But I want to have my own identity, so I plan to change my name. A trusted friend and showbiz expert suggested Inno Iñigo and I like the sound of it. Besides, there’s also a young actor carrying the Martin surname in GMA, so baka hindi na ako matandaan masyado.”
Inno did a few appearances in the teen variety show Shoutout, but the show was so short-lived that nobody even remembers there was even such a show. His hopes were high when he was chosen to join the main cast of the high-rating afternoon soap opera Maria La Del Barrio but Inno and his onscreen partner, a teenage actress, were replaced after three weeks for reasons not very clear to them. “They said we were too young for our roles but then again, they should have known that from the time they were casting the show,” he intoned. Rumors have it that network politics was the real cause but Inno honestly does not care anymore.
The good thing is, he knows when and how to move on. “The things we cannot change and we do not like, we simply leave behind,” he told us, speaking with so much maturity despite his youth.
While waiting to strategize his career, Inno ventured into theater and auditioned for Peta’s William. He landed one of the lead roles and when we caught the musical drama on students learning about the writings of William Shakespeare, we were blown away by Inno’s performance. The young guy had flair and clarity, and he understood his character very well. He was a natural indeed, and if television and movies would give him a shot, then “Inno Iñigo” might not have to wait long for his time to shine.
Waiting for his big break
Jun-Jun Quintana is glad that he heeded the call of theater. “I was initially hesitant since I had been properly briefed that getting into theater in this country is a thankless job, not to mention the meager fees given to actors. But I know that acting in theater will provide me with the training and discipline that a new actor like me will need, so I decided to give it a go.”
Although Jun-Jun admits that the income from his theater stint cannot even buy him a decent mobile phone, he remains grateful for being talked into trying it out. His baptism of fire came through El Fili and he was immediately cast among the main cast in Ibong Adarna, both productions under Gantimpala Theater Foundation.
He shares that his experience was priceless and the reaction of the audience (mostly high-school and college students) was immediate. “They always make me feel like a popular rock star every time I take a bow during curtain call. And when we meet them after the show, an hour was never enough for photo opportunities. Nakakataba ng puso.”
Recently, Jun-Jun was handpicked by prolific indie filmmaker Adolfo Alix to play an important role in his new film Haruo, about a member of the yakuza (played by Jacky Woo) who escaped the criminal organization to live a quiet life in the Philippines. Alix says he was impressed with Jun-Jun. “Given the right breaks, Jun-Jun will go a long way. He is charming, and his eyes speak volumes. He just needs to choose his projects well.”
Jun-Jun volunteers that he’d like to do a regular role on TV. “I think having a regular drama show will continue to improve my still very raw acting skills and help me develop confidence.” Rough, charming and earthy, Jun-Jun admires the likes of Nonie Buencamino and Coco Martin, and wishes to be in a project with Angelica Panganiban and Grecthen Barretto.
Long live the master
WE would like to share this statement from the Office of President Aquino on the death of National Artist Salvador “Badong” Bernal:
“We are saddened by news that National Artist for Theater Design Salvador Bernal passed away in the afternoon of October 26, 2011. We join our countrymen in mourning the death of one of our cultural pillars, and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and the entire artistic community.
“Badong Bernal’s life consisted of him showcasing, time and again, the creativity and ingenuity inherent in Filipinos. His resourcefulness and meticulous pursuit of perfection on the stage will be missed.
“Beyond his impressive career as an artist, he made it his mission, as a teacher, to pass on his knowledge to those who will have to stand in his place in the coming generations. He did his part to ensure that Philippine Art will continue to be dynamic and relevant, even as the torch is passed from old masters like him to emerging talents in the nation’s artistic landscape.
“May his life and work continue to inspire Filipinos in all fields and endeavors, and may we all continue to strive to live up to the standard of excellence he has set.”
In Photo: Inno Martin and Josh Santana
