Hi Jake! Thank you so much for taking the time to speak to me! To start us off I wanted to ask what drew you to acting? When did you know that this was going to be the path you perused?
Jessica Chastain Theatre GIF by Tony AwardsGiphyThank you for your time as well. Watching a musical play in Grade School brought me to acting. I remember vividly the silence in the theatre, the space, the awe that I felt watching a live performance. I pursued it through this medium all throughout my teenage years and could only dream of being in the movies. I realised then the importance of training by experience by joining a variety of Theatre groups in Manila. I landed in an Educational TV show in the 90's but fell back to investing in and honing my skills in Musicals. By 2007 the Independent Film Industry opened its doors for actors like me and I eventually became an active auditionee and participant.
Your upcoming show, ‘No Escape’ has released in a few countries and within the next few weeks is going to be available even more widely! What is it like leading up to the release of a project? What emotions are involved right before the show then belongsthe viewers?
I have been feeling extremely restless, both in the past and presently. I am slowly trying to teach myself not to be concerned, even though I am, and it's unnecessary. This is a period of heightened anxiety, and despite my efforts to persuade myself to relax, my naturally curious nature keeps me eagerly anticipating positive updates, which is quite amusing!
Tell me a little bit about Colonel Justin Reyes. What do you think the character brings to the show?
Relaxed Rachel Brosnahan GIF by The Marvelous Mrs. MaiselGiphySo, Reyes is tasked with finding the unlikely ransom thieves – who turn out to be a bunch of young western travelers, yachting and partying their way around the Philippines. Reyes presents as a noble but lonely figure, fighting for justice in a world of injustice. A man of principle. At least he was. And what remains of those principles tell him that the world he lives in stinks.
Still on the topic of Justin, what is your hope fans take from the character? What was the most valuable thing you took from playing Justin?
That he is just human with ideals that contradict itself. It is a recognition that he, like any other individual, is fallible and subject to the complexities of human nature. His ideals, although admirable on the surface, often reveal inherent contradictions or inconsistencies when closely examined. This acknowledgement highlights the inherent complexity and contradictions that can exist within a single person, emphasizing the inherent flaws and struggles that are part of the human condition.
If you had to sum up the plot of ‘No Escape’ in three words to hook my readers what would they be?
Bill Hader Snl GIF by Saturday Night LiveGiphySurvival, Chaos, Escape.
I would love to talk a bit about Metro Manila, what has it been like seeing the response the movie has gotten in the decade (!!) since itsrelease?
One of the most interesting experiences in my career was working on the film Metro Manila, which won at Sundance. It was unexpected on all fronts, considering its low budget and guerrilla-style production. Despite the challenges, the film surpassed expectations and received well-deserved recognition. Being part of this project was an extraordinary journey that showcased the dedication and talent of the entire team. It taught me the power of perseverance and collaboration and solidified my passion for storytelling. Working on Metro Manila was a transformative experience that continues to shape my career.
I know that representation in media is something that is so important to you (and should be to everyone!) and what i wanted to ask along those lines was in your opinion, what strides can we as consumers make to assure that’s something that only keeps progressing?
Power To The People Peace GIF by INTO ACTIONGiphyI follow new voices like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's lectures, it is educational, brave, and sharp. Try to listen and educate yourself about the importance of representation, the challenges faced by marginalized communities, and the impact of media on society. Stay informed about current issues and developments in the field of representation. This knowledge could empower you to contribute more effectively to the ongoing progress. Remember the progress of representation in media requires sustained effort from consumers, creators, and industry stakeholders. By actively participating in these strides, you help create a more inclusive and equitable media landscape.
Thank you so much for taking this time to answer my questions! Is there any other projects you’d like to plug? Anything fans can look forward to as we come up on the last half of the year?
Currently, I am involved in multiple exciting projects, and one that stands out is a compelling drama centered around the trafficking of undocumented Filipino immigrants in Los Angeles. Let us celebrate diversity, we are creating a culture that values and appreciates human experiences.
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5 Respectful And Empowering Ways To Handle Rejection
Not everyone will like you, but not everyone has to.
You work hard, you do the right thing, and the inevitable happens. Someone comes along and begins to give you a backhanded compliment, or if you have the misfortune, a backhanded comment. You are left with a bad taste in your mouth and your day starts to turn sour. When people belittle you and your efforts, here are five respectful and empowering ways to sweeten those moments of rejection.
1. Never give someone a reason to not like you.
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People will say what they want and think what they want, no matter the subject or person of choice. It will not matter who you are or what you do, someone or another manages to pay you their two cents. You have to remember, you did not give them reasons to justify their words or actions towards you. These people who exhibit unwarranted thoughts about you are just another drop in the ocean. They do not define your good intentions or self-worth. They are not for you and you need not place any investigation or worry into the mystery of why they do not like you. You do not have to reason with them any further. Simply look forward to the people who care to be curious and open-minded about you.
2. Kill them with kindness.
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The dead push up daisies, but you plant the seed. Some people will smile proudly knowing they have said something cruel or disheartening to get a rise out of you but look at this as an opportunity. Every moment is a chance for you to choose how you react. Ten percent of life is what happens to you, it is out of your control. Ninety percent of life is what you do about it. Use your words to encourage, not discourage, civil discourse. Say what matters and say it with an honest purpose. State your case and let them respond how they will; you cannot control others, but you can control yourself. Be a good example others have yet to show themselves.
3. Turn the "No's" into a "Yes."
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The poet Sylvia Plath had this to say about rejection: "I love my rejection slips. They show me I try." She was talking about the process of writing literary submissions for publication, but her attitude still stands. This is the mindset it takes to find the success you want out of life. Despite all the people that deny you and your work, there are people that see potential and promise in you. It does not matter how many people say "No" to you. What does matter is the number of times you can get back to work and look forward to that one "Yes." You are working for the "Yes's" in your life. Forget the dream-killers and eye-rollers, they lack the hope and drive you have in what you do. They do not do what you do and do not do it like you do. For every "No" there is a "Yes."
4. Let your work speak for you.
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Sometimes no matter how endearing your elevator pitch sounds or how carefully crafted your resume is, people still find fault where there might not even be any. Your accomplishments are your own and that is something to take pride in. Of course, the right amount of pride separates you from the rest and for the better. Pride and confidence must not become virtues or vices that exceed who you are. The work you put out is an extension of who you are and no one can take that away from you. Work speaks for itself and yourself best, so focus on your goals and let your results stand in for your words people did not value. Your best is rarely seen at the moment of inspiration, usually after the final stroke of the brush has wet the canvas. It is your goal to show that stalwart work ethic in good times and in bad.
5. Your process will protect you.
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Keep working. Rule out the distractions and the doubts, the fears, and the flippant fools. Know that your process will save you in trying times. Work against all odds. At some point, things turn even and add up, but you have to be dedicated and diligent. Your sights are seen only through your eyes and your need is to show others what you see. Until then, your skill, your talent, will be honed with consistency. Show up to your work even when you have not been hit with inspiration. The Kodak moment will present itself through your process. Due diligence is the price of success. Eyes on the prize and nose to the grindstone. No one knows your work better than you.
Be the trampoline that bends the will of gravity-like rejection long enough until you can fly.