Considered as one of GMA-7's most promising young actors, JC de Vera candidly talked about how exciting it is to work alongside with other talents belonging to his home network's rival station.
"Wala akong kaso dun," said JC to PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) when we visited the set of Regal Entertainment's upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival entry, Shake, Rattle and Roll X at the old Regal office in Valencia St., San Juan.
Taking up a different partner for the film project, JC is paired this time with ABS-CBN's Roxanne Guinoo where they portray lovers caught up in a tumultuous affair.
"I find it interesting talaga ‘pag may shooting," said JC, his eyes glimmering with excitement. "Parati akong looking forward na makatrabaho parati sila and makita ko sila, kasi siyempre bagong pakikisama, bagong friends."
When it comes to the longstanding bitter rivalry between ABS-CBN and GMA-7, the goodlooking young actor simply leaves all business matters to the network bosses. As professional actors tapped to work on a project, JC said that their priority remains simple: carry out the job required to the best of their abilities.
"Siyempre ‘pag nagkita din kayo sa labas parang huwag na lang natin isipin ‘yang network war na ‘yan, parang at least magkasama tayo dito sa ganito maging friends tayo parang ganun," explained JC.
TRYING OTHER PARTNERS. "'Pag tinitingnan ko siya sa TV lagi kong sinasabi, ‘Ang ganda-ganda nito!'" smiled JC, pertaining to screen partner Roxanne.
As expected, the two stars had an awkward start right on the film's first day of shooting. "Siyempre kinakabahan ako dahil hindi ko pa nga siya kilala, first time ko lang siya na-meet dito," explained JC in recollection of their first meeting.
JC and Roxanne also had to shoot a light kissing scene on their initial meeting. "'Yong pinakaunang eksena namin may halik kaagad, may kiss agad," smiled the young actor, "so naging professional siya, ako din naging professional."
The tension, however, didn't last long as all the stars—not just JC and Roxanne—found themselves feeling comfortable with each other as the shoot dragged on.
Said JC, "Parang ganun pa din ‘yong feeling ko nung first time ako nakatrabaho ng taga-ABS [-CBN], parang very friendly, very approachable silang lahat. Masarap ‘yong pakiramdam na napagsasama ng Regal ‘yong mga artista from both networks."
Although largely identified by the viewers as Yasmien Kurdi's screen partner, JC welcomes the challenge of being paired with other female celebrities. Just like every actor's desire to try out various roles, having different partners will also bolster one's artistic growth according to him.
"Personally mas okay ako dun na may choice akong makatrabaho ‘yong iba't ibang leading ladies kasi different experience ‘yan lahat, e. Matututo ka sa iba't ibang leading ladies, siyempre iba-ibang acting ang ginagawa ng mga 'yan so maggu-grow ako as an actor."
DEFENDING ANNABELLE. We took note of JC's sexy photos in GMA-7's newest drama anthology Obra. The sight of him baring skin prompted some to conclude that JC is now gradually taking the sexy route to separate himself from his contemporaries in terms of image and packaging.
Totally aware of some people's observation, JC quickly reiterated that his role in the series requires him to go sexy thus explaining the sudden image shift. Still, and despite doing Obra, there is still no concrete plan for him to go daring for other upcoming projects.
"Hindi ako nagde-decide ngayon kung ano talaga ‘yong gusto kong mapuntahan in the future," he pointed out. "Ako naman kasi, mahal ko lang ‘yong trabaho ko and pipilitin kong gawin ‘yong mga mahihirap na bagay for the sake of my work, 'tapos siyempre by approval din ng manager ko. Kung ano rin ‘yong gusto niya para sa ‘kin ‘yon din yong susundin ko.
"Kumbaga, nirerespeto ko lahat ng decisions niyan ni Tita Annabelle. Pero sa ngayon, sa nakikita ko kasi, napapasabak ako parati sa drama. Hanggang ngayon, ‘yon pa rin yong dini-develop ko, ‘yon pa rin ‘yong pinag-aaralan kong mabuti and dun ko ginagalingan talaga."
JC regards Annabelle more like a mother to him rather than a mere manager. In light of all the negative publicities and criticisms earned by the feisty Waray because of her alleged constant meddling when it comes to the career of her talents, especially her children (Ruffa, Raymond, and Richard Gutierrez), JC instinctively defended the controversial manager.
"Hindi ko siya ma-describe as a manager," answered JC, shaking his head. "Kaya ko siya idescribe as a mother kasi kung ano ‘yong trato niya sa akin, ganun din ‘yong pagtrato niya sa mga anak niya. Kasi siyempre ako din nag-iisang lalaki lang din ako na mina-manage niya aside from her sons."
Talking about Annabelle's "overprotectiveness" when it comes to her wards, JC painted a strict yet sympathetic image of the Gutierrez matriarch: "Sobrang protective siya. Sobrang mapagmahal. Minsan nga nararamdaman ko parang tunay na anak na din niya ako kasi siyempre, kung ano 'yong gusto niya para sa anak niya, ganun din ‘yong gusto niya para sa ‘kin.
"Gusto niya ‘yong best para sa ‘kin, so kung anuman ‘yong maging decisions niya nirerespeto ko talaga kaya wala akong masabi sa kanya. Kumbaga, lahat naman ng ginagawa niya may rason kung bakit, kung nagagalit ba siya, lahat 'yon may rason, e. Kaya hindi ako nakikipagtalo sa ibang tao. Siyempre poprotektahan ko siya kasi manager ko siya. Sinasabi ko nga sa ibang tao na, 'Hindi masungit ‘yan sobrang bait ‘yan!'" JC said in closing.