STARDOM IS HARD WORK!

These familiar faces show up on our TV screens, movie houses, and thousands of magazine covers. In the pantheon of modern-day gods, they’ve been idolized, immortalized, and become sources of inspiration to thousands of devoted fans.

But celebrity status did not come overnight. A life that sparkles with the glitz and glam was frequently earned by blood, sweat, and tears. Like the non-showbiz career people, the stars have paid their dues and keep on sharpening their skills. That’s how they can burn even brighter.

Once in a while, JobsDB.com will chat up-close and personal with these celebrities. Though not all of us have been bitten by the acting and concert bug, the values and lessons in their success stories are pretty universal and can prove to be inspirational.

Jake Cuenca:  “KAYA KO SILANG SABAYAN”

Interview by Cora Llamas

It took some time for Jake Cuenca’s career to peak, but now that he has been launched a major star in his own actionserye “Palos”, he has made it known that he’s here to stay, without losing the good solid moral values of humility and hard work that his parents have taught him.  Probably because, according to Jake, this is the one thing he has always wanted to do.  He became a print model as a young boy and then, against the well-meaning counsel of family and friends, entered showbusiness as a teenager. 

His teen idol stint in “Click!”first introduced him to the TV-watching public.  Fame and fortune didn’t come overnight, though, and Jake stuck it out in supporting roles and even made a name as the perennial villain who steals the heroine and plots evil against the gallant hero.  His first lead romantic role happened in an afternoon soap, “Natutulog Ba ang Diyos?”, but instead of grumbling at the time slot which was not exactly prime time, Jake sunk his teeth into the role and garnered the devotion of the audience, his fellow artists, and the career makers in the Kapamilya Network.

He admits that “Palos”, where he plays a secret service agent who harbors enmity against his allegedly treacherous father (Cesar Montano), is his biggest role so far – and judging from the effort and heart he is putting into his craft, it may just be the prelude of even bigger things to come.

What got you started in the biz?

I can’t imagine myself holding a desk job.  After one whole year of pangugnulit, my parents allowed me to model.  I was 9 years old then.  At the age of 15, I went into TV and appeared in the youth-oriented show “Click!”  I didn’t see it as work because we went to the set on Saturdays; it was like hanging out with the rest of the cast.

Tell us about the struggling years when you tried to build a career from teen idol to serious actor.

I believe that if you really want something, you decide to do that one thing, and  pour all your attention and focus and determination to get that goal.  Acting did not come easy, I did my homework, studied movies, and attended workshops.  In my first soap opera, “Hanggang Kailan,” I was honored to work with Lorna Tolentino, Christopher de Leon, and Alice Dixon.  I made it a point to watch them.  You can look at every person and take it as a lesson in acting.  You don’t just say one day that you’ve learned it all.

There was a time when nothing was happening for 3 years and people were asking where I was going. 

Who are your influences?

For looks and charms, there’s Aga Muhlach and Richard Gomez.  I look to Pen Medina and Jay Ilagan when it comes to acting.  I started the show looking up to Cesar Montano as an idol, now he’s become like an older brother.  Papayuhan niya ako about my career and how to take care of it.

How do you keep in shape for “Palos”?

Sobrang pasasalamat ko sa ABS-CBN for the trust they’ve given me, and I want to live up to the trust. I don’t take my work lightly, and I want to pay them back.  We trained in whu-shu and parkour for three to four months before the shoot.

I’ve always loved running, developing my speed and stamina.  I used to be a gym rat, I’d go to the gym more than once a week, every time I was free. Now I just make it a point to do my abs and crunches but I watch my diet.  I just eat fish, chicken, and mini-beef.  I haven’t eaten rice or pork for years.

If younger actors ask you for tips for success, what would you advise them?

Seryoso ba kayo na ako ang tatanungin mo sa ganyan?  (laughs)

I’d tell them na pumunta sila sa call time nila, work hard, gawin nila iyong sinasabi ng director, and pray.  They can learn the skills from the workshop pero ang sa akin, just be motivated, be focused, know what you want, and go for it.

I’m not saying I am better than other actors but alam kong kaya ko silang sabayan. Kung ano ang binibigay nila ngayon, kaya kong tapatan.  At kapag dumating sa akin iyong oras na bigyan nila ako ng pakakataon, then we’ll go from there.

The first time they gave me my chance in ABS-CBN, it was a contravida role in “Sana Maulit Muli”. Hindi ako selective when it comes to acting, I said that I will be the best contravida, and the role got me noticed.  I also played contravida in “Pedro Penduko.”

When I finally played the hero in “Natutulog,” I knew that this was my chance.  I lived as Andrew for three months, internalized the role, dala ko sa bahay.

What’s your dream role?