At 29, Alex Diaz continues to embrace the learning experiences on his acting journey, especially now that he has chosen to become an independent artist.
In January of this year, Alex officially announced his decision to go solo after spending nearly nine years with Cornerstone Talent Management.
Reflecting on his showbiz path and his decision to go independent, Alex shared, "You know, being 29 years old, I just wanted to learn more about my career.
"So, in December [2023], I went independent as an artist. So, now I handle my own bookings, my own business."
In addition to his acting career, Alex has also stepped into the role of producer through MAM Media, a company owned by his father, Michael McDermott.
One of his first major projects with their family's media company was the local distribution of his debut international film, Glitter & Doom.
"Yung co-producer of the distribution [sa] Pilipinas with Speak Productions sa LA, is actually my company, our company, MAM Media.
"So, it's been such a learning experience. But it's been very fruitful, yung pakiramdam na pinaghirapan mo, tapos on the day itself, you have to go back to being an artist.
"So, it's very surreal, and I'm just happy to be part of the experience."
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) had a quick chat with Alex on June 5, 2024, at Bang Pineda's State of Bang fashion show held in Makati City.
ALEX DIAZ IN GLITTER & DOOM
Though it was filmed in 2021, "Glitter & Doom" made its local debut just this month.
Directed by Tom Gustafson and penned by Cory Krueckeberg, this fantastical romance is narrated through the music of the Indigo Girls.
Alex referred to the movie as his "love letter" to the LGBTQIA+ community, especially in honor of Pride Month.
"It was amazing... grabeng experience, and masaya ako na nagustuhan ng community, masaya ako na maraming nag-enjoy, and ano talaga siya, love letter ko siya sa community for Pride Month.
"So, masaya ako na mainit yung pagtanggap, and sana supportan siya, kasi we need more queer stories in mainstream media talaga."
In the movie, Alex takes on the role of Glitter, a free-spirited performer dreaming of attending a prestigious clown college in France.
He stars opposite Alan Cammish, who plays Doom, an angsty rocker.
Alex considers his role one of the most challenging he has done so far due to the skills required, both emotionally and physically.
In his words, "Napaka-honest, napaka-vulnerable ako doon, compared sa iba pang mga roles.
"So, I think you'll really see a side of me that's very like, ibang Alex yun, very earnest, very soft."
Alex further noted putting in extensive preparation for the film, including learning how to juggle and perform acrobatic stunts.
"Very extensive talaga," he emphasized.
"As in, we were in the studio for like... indie [movie] siya e, technically, indie siya. So, there's a time limit.
"But we were in the studio for two weeks, dire-direcho like, no breaks.
"And then I went straight to learning how to juggle fire, and then I went straight to learning how to do the acrobats."
ALEX DIAZ: GOING GLOBAL
Alex also feels grateful to have worked with such a talented cast, especially with American-Chinese actress Ming Na Wen, who played the role of Ivy, the mother of Glitter.
Apart from her role in Glitter & Doom, Ming Na Wen is known as one of the voice actors behind the animated film series Star Wars: The Bad Batch, and playing the role of Fennec Shand in The Mandalorian.
She is also set to take part in the 2025 release of the movie Karate Kid.
Witnessing her work as an actor, Alex feels inspired to pursue his acting career on the international stage.
"Grabe si Ming Na Wen talaga. And she's really diversifying the space for Asian talent. She just finished doing Karate Kid, and she did Star Wars.
"So, you know, if she can do it, what I want everyone to know is like, tayo mga Pilipino, why can't we? So, she makes it possible for us. Makes it possible."
With his debut international film, he keeps his fingers crossed that more acting opportunities come his way.
"God-willing. I mean, once nakatapak na tayo dun, you know, as an artist, as someone who misses my craft, you have to leverage the mileage, the media.
"You have to learn how to kind of evolve into that space. So, hopefully, we'll see. No promises, but hopefully we'll see."
READ MORE:
- Alex Diaz considers BL series with Kokoy de Santos his second wind in showbiz
- Alex Diaz recounts the moment he realized, "I don’t just like girls...I like guys, too."
- Kokoy De Santos falls for Alex Diaz in BL series; pairs up with Maris Racal in TV5 series
- Alex Diaz after coming out as bisexual: “I feel like I'm finally starting to be an adult.”