Hey there, Snoop!
For Anthony Jennings, a typical day wouldn't be complete without being called in public by the name of the character he popularized in the television series, Can't Buy Me Love.
"Oo, mas Snoop na kaysa sa pangalan mo," Anthony tells PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) while lounging in the conference room of the Summit Media office in Mandaluyong.
Not that it bothers Anthony. In fact, he finds it amusing how people could get so emotionally invested in a persona they see on television: "Nakakatuwa kasi minahal nila yung character."
Read: PEP'S Best Bets for Stardom 2024
While conceptualizing a role is one thing, bringing it to life and making it resonate with the audience is another challenge.
Anthony deserves credit for breathing life into the character of the street-smart and unassuming Snoop Alfonso Manansala—and owning it.
He and Maris Racal charmed viewers with their titillating portrayal of Snoop and Irene Tiu.
Together, Snoop and Irene, rich, spoiled, and an alcoholic, lit screens.
Fans dubbed the pairing "SnoRene," and viewers couldn't get enough of their love-hate, from enemies to friends, taguan ng feelings dynamics.
It took a bit of time, however, before Anthony realized he was becoming famous and people started recognizing him on the streets.
As Anthony recalls, "Yung pag sumasakay ako ng bus, gano'n. Iyan kilala na ako ng driver, kilala na ako ng mga tao, ng mga kasama.
"'Pag sa Laguna, sa amin, hindi ganun yung pansinan, walang pansinan ang mga tao. Pero ngayon medyo nakikilala na ako. Sa Manila pa kaya? Happy naman ako na kilala nila si Snoop."
He laughingly adds, "At hindi naman sobra, di naman Anthony talaga yung sigaw nila."
Read: PEP BEST BETS 2024: The Scene Stealers
INSPIRED BY "DA KING"
Born on November 1, 2000, to a Filipino mother and a British father, as a kid, Anthony Michael Jennings resided for a time in Kabankalan, Negros Occidental.
He relates, "Actually, tumira lang naman kami sa Negros, hindi ako talaga lumaki dun. Pero natutunan ko yung culture nila dun, kung paano sila mamuhay, yung kabuhayan ng mga tao doon."
Anthony remembers his grandfather teaching him how to fish, which was their bonding time.
He also enjoyed playing on the beach in the company of the neighborhood kids.
But for the young and curious Anthony, living in a sleepy town offered limited access to recreational activities and entertainment such as television and cinema.
He shares, "Para makapanood ka ng movie dun, kailangan mong mag-rent ng mga discs, mga CDs... parang paulit-ulit lang mga pinapanood ko nun."
Anthony was so drawn to action films, particularly those starring Fernando Poe Jr., and the Ip Man series starring Hong Kong-based actor Donnie Yen, that he started dreaming of becoming an actor himself.
"Sila lang kasi napapanood ko nun," says Anthony about FPJ and Donnie.
"Wala na akong ibang kilalang artista nun since naka-isolate din kami, walang Internet, wala namang wi-fi dun, hindi naman dun uso yun."
STRUGGLES AND DOMESTIC PROBLEMS
Watching movies might have served as a temporary escape for Anthony from the realities of a hard life.
Money woes and constant relocations affected every aspect of the family's everyday life, so much so that Anthony only finished Grade 2 and didn't know how to read and write growing up.
"Okay naman sila," Anthony says about his parents' relationship, adding, "Hindi naman kami broken family."
He continues, looking back:
"Pero that time kasi nahirapan kami financially. So, palipat-lipat kami ng bahay, palipat-lipat kami ng lugar. So, yung school ko, na-i-stop palagi."
The family was always on the move, including a brief stay in the United Kingdom, his father's home country, before a return to the Philippines and relocation to different places in Metro Manila and the provinces in a span of only a few months.
"Kung bibilangin ko nga siguro yung natirahan ko, wala na, hindi ko na mabibilang yun," he laughs.
In his youthful folly, Anthony admits to enjoying being idle, free from the obligation of waking up early and attending school daily.
He remembers telling himself, "'Okay ito, ah, wala akong ginagawa.'"
But Anthony soon realized he was missing out by not being in school, admitting:
"Feeling ko out of place ako. Kasi yung iba pag pinag-uusapan nila about school, hindi ako nakaka-relate."
Read: Anthony Jennings on biggest regret in life: "Hindi ako nag-aral. Hindi ako marunong magsulat."
But there's a silver lining in his experiences, no matter how bleak they seem.
Anthony believes they've molded him into a street-wise and resilient individual, qualities that, unknown to him at the time, would prove invaluable in life.
He muses:
"Iba yung inaral ko sa buhay. Mas nag-focus ako sa diskarte ko, yun yung kinapitan ko."
JOINING THE ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS
Anthony would need all the diskarte he could muster when he decided to try his luck in Manila to find work.
"Pagdating ko sa Manila, hindi naman ganun kadali," Anthony says candidly.
Aside from being a dance trainee, Anthony started auditioning for commercials and attending numerous screen tests at the prodding of a talent scout.
"Siyempre, dumaan ako sa workshops, marami rin akong dinaanan na mga procedure para matuto akong umarte.
"Marami akong inaral, acting lang talaga yung pinakamagaling ako, e," he remarks.
Star Magic, the talent arm of ABS-CBN, discovered Anthony after spotting him in a commercial for a telecom company.
He initially thought he was being pranked after receiving a message inviting him to ABS-CBN for the Star Magic bosses to take a good look at him.
"Baka hindi ito legit. Kukunin ba ako ng Star Magic?" Anthony recalls asking himself in disbelief.
Interestingly, Anthony reveals that before getting the invitation from ABS-CBN, he had tried auditioning for rival network GMA, but failed to make the cut.
"Since hindi ako nakuha dun, parang hindi na ako nag-e-expect," Anthony says about his mindset while contemplating whether accept Star Magic's invitation.
In the end, he went for it, saying, "Try ko lang ulit. Baka iba naman ito. Wala namang mawawala."
Accepting Star Magic's invitation, he met big boss Johnny Manahan, known in the industry as Mr. M and renowned for his role in shaping the careers of celebrities across many generations: Piolo Pascual, Claudine Barretto, Bea Alonzo, Kim Chiu, Jericho Rosales, John Lloyd Cruz, and Kathryn Bernardo, to name only a few.
In 2021, Mr. M moved to GMA Network, where Anthony once auditioned, but failed to make the cut, to serve as a consultant for its talent arm, Sparkle.
Read: Johnny Manahan names his most admired artists: Jericho, Piolo, Bea, Alden, Sanya
Anthony, laughing, recollects his "awkward" moment during his meeting with Mr M. "Sabi sa akin, 'Ngiti ka.' Tapos tiningnan niya ngipin ko."
He recalls Mr. M asking questions, examining his features and personality, generally sizing up his potential to become a star.
He must have made a good impression because he was signed up by Star Magic to be part of its batch of talents introduced in 2019.
Joining the then 18-year-old Anthony in that batch were Gillian Vicencio, Kyle Echarri, JC Alcantara, and Belle Mariano, among others.
Read: Belle Mariano reveals Donny Pangilinan did have promposal, but, "amin na lang iyon."
In an interview with PEP.ph published in February 2021, Mr. M included Anthony as one of the newbies with the potential to be the next big thing.
The respected star builder said this about Anthony: “Si Anthony, parang Lloydie iyon, e. Hindi naman siya talagang guwapo—compare John Lloyd and Piolo, di ba?
"Hindi naman talaga siya gwapo, pero ang galing na artista. So, ganun si Anthony Jennings."
Read: How A Star Is Born, according to Star Magic founder Mr. M
Anthony was launched in Star Magic Circle 2019 as a talent of Rise Artists Studio.
Rise Artists Studio, which grew out of an arrangement between Star Magic and ABS-CBN Films, functions as a holding area for talents exclusively slated for projects of Star Cinema and Black Sheep, two movie companies under ABS-CBN Films.
Anthony was understandably elated, but he managed his expectations, fully aware of the challenge of distinguishing himself in a batch teeming with equally, if not more, talented individuals.
He says, "Hindi ko naman in-expect na baka sumikat ako. Parang go lang nang go— handa naman ako sa challenge."
True enough, Anthony had to work hard by undergoing training workshops under Star Magic, including the acting classes.
"Hindi rin agad nag-bloom," Anthony says about his showbiz career.
"Nag-workshop pa ako ulit dun. Tapos hanggang sa yun, eventually, naging love ko na yung craft, yung ginagawa ko, yung kung paano umarte. Nagtuluy-tuloy na siya."
But there were many moments when Anthony grappled with his doubts about a future in showbiz.
He recounts feeling disheartened with the quick turnaround of talents and seeing fellow aspirants-turned-friends depart and drop showbiz dreams to pursue other goals.
"Marami rin kasi akong naging kasama before na akala mo sila yung makakasama mo all throughout. Pero parang ikaw lagi nag-i-stay, nakakalungkot yung ganun," says Anthony.
He continues, "Siyempre, sabay-sabay kayo nag-start. Parang yun [Star Magic workshops] yung naging school, e. Kasama ko pa rin naman yung iba, pero marami na rin yung wala."
"Iniisip mo sa sarili mo, 'Sh**, magtatagal ba ko dito? Dito na ba talaga ako?' Sobrang unsure pa ako that time. Hindi ko alam kung saan tatahakin yung buhay ko.
'Okay na ba ako?' Feeling ko kasi, dapat nag-aaral na lang ako—yung mga ganung doubts."
Good thing Anthony didn't give up, for his hard work would soon pay great dividends.
Anthony was seen in the 2019 blockbuster movie, Hello, Love, Goodbye, top-billed by Alden Richards and Kathyrn Bernardo.
Read: Alden Richards talks about closeness to Kathryn Bernardo
This was followed by The House Arrest of Us in 2020 starring Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo, and the 2021 Cathy Garcia-directed film, Love at First Stream.
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Anthony's first TV series was Make It With You in 2020 starring Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano, and directed once again by Cathy Garcia.
Read: Liza Soberano grateful for Dolly De Leon's advice, mentorship as she pursues Hollywood career
LANDING HIS BIGGEST ROLE TO DATE
On October 16, 2023, the romantic drama series Can't Buy Me Love premiered on television, with the popular love team of Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano leading the cast.
Anthony was part of the supporting cast, tasked to portray the character of Snoop Alfonso Manansala, the best friend of the male lead character Bingo (Donny).
Always hustling, hardworking, street-smart, and coming from humble beginnings — Snoop couldn't be more like Anthony in real life.
However, the role suits Anthony well, and in the eyes of viewers, he appears entirely at ease with the character.
But what made Snoop a big hit was his kilig chemistry with Irene, portrayed by singer-songwriter-actress Maris Racal.
Read: Maris Racal reveals auditioning for Darna
Anthony, previously paired with fellow newcomer Daniela Stranner, said he was surprised by the public's enthusiastic reception of his pairing with Maris.
Sure, they knew that as the story unfolded the two characters would be paired romantically, but they didn't expect the tandem to translate so well onscreen.
"Nabasa naman namin ni Maris yung script," says Anthony. "Meron nang kilig that time na parang, 'Okay, magpapakilig din tayo. Okay, sige, gawin natin.'"
Scenes of their interactions, some spontaneous and unrehearsed, have gone viral, with people falling in love with SnoRene, boosting the show's viewership.
Remarks Anthony, "Sabi nga namin ni Maris, thankful kami sa isa't isa kasi gumaganda nang gumaganda yung career namin parehas nung nagkasama kami."
Read: SnoRene hilarious bardagulan moments
He describes Maris as "sobrang galing" and "mabait siya talaga, sobra."
Anthony looks up to Maris as a kind of mentor, and he credits the "Abot Langit" hitmaker for guiding him and helping make their tandem more engaging.
Smiles Anthony, "Para lang akong student. Pero happy ako na siya yung ka-partner ko sa show."
ANTHONY AS ONE OF STAR MAGIC BEST BETS FOR 2024
What Anthony didn't know at the time of his interview with PEP was that he had been handpicked as one of Star Magic Best Bets for 2024.
This is based on PEP's exclusive interview with Laurenti Dyogi, head of both Star Magic and TV Production of ABS-CBN.
Laurenti says that the hit love team of Anthony and Maris was an unexpected discovery even to ABS-CBN top management.
"So, that was a surprise because Maris was not sure to accept that role," Laurenti recalls.
"Although nandoon na kami [Star Magic] sa point na, 'Nako baka magtampo ang ABS-CBN' kasi we've been rejecting a couple of projects already.
"But si Maris kasi, unless she connects with the character, hindi niya masabi, 'Gusto kong gawin iyan.'"
Not knowing that a love team can be born from the show, Maris decided to take on her supporting role in Can't Buy Me Love.
"So, nung nakita ko yung unang few episodes, sabi ko, 'Ang galing ni Maris dito.'
"Tapos yung Anthony naman, coming also from a lot of trials namin kung saan namin siya ilalagay at saka kung sino partner niya, biglang nag-work sa [show]. So, lumabas kasi authentic self ni Anthony. Tapos magaling din naman. They're just support characters, pero talagang pinag-usapan."
Describing how Maris and Anthony complemented each other's acting ability, Laurenti adds, "Galing, e! Actually, yung galing ang nag-work talaga dito sa Snorene na ito, and the timing, and the right project."
He says this year is going to be good for Anthony and Maris, with fans clamoring to see more of the MaThon tandem.
"So, meron din kami mga sunod-sunod na projects for them. At hinihingi rin sila sa labas, so alam mo na na, 'Oh wow! Gusto silang bigyan ng content nito.' They're highly requested right now."
Anthony has also been chosen by the PEP Editorial Team in PEP Best Bets for 2024 under the category of The Scene Stealers.
Read:
PEP's best bets for stardom 2024
PEP's best bets 2024: The scene stealers
Who are the Star Magic Best Bets for 2024?
ON FANS SHIPPING for ANTHONY JENNINGS AND MARIS RACAl
As is the usual case with love teams, fans can get so carried away with what they see onscreen that they want the co-stars to date in real life.
Anthony understands the psychology at play. Fans will be fans, and the blurred line between reality and fiction serves to validate their effectiveness as actors.
However, Anthony reminds fans to respect the stars' personal lives, particularly when it comes to real-life romantic relationships.
He stresses, "Parehas kami na in a relationship [with other people]. Siyempre, respeto rin sa personal relationship namin.
"May boundary na siyempre pagdating dun. Yung pag-ship, hanggang SnoRene lang. Naiintindihan ko naman sila. Pero, siyempre, pag may natatapakan na tayong tao [hindi na tama yun]. Dapat yung mga nasa paligid natin, hindi nasasaktan."
ANTHONY JENNINGS KEEPS FEET ON THE GROUND
Certainly, Anthony has come a long way from that young man forced to move from place to place because of poverty to what he has become: one of today's most sought-after young actors.
He did learn to read and write on his own and with his mother's help, and he later did homeschooling when he started earning in showbiz.
Anthony tries to ignore the fame, something that gets increasingly difficult as his popularity soars even after Can't Buy Me Love ended.
"Hindi nga, e. Parang chill-chill nga lang ako," beams Anthony, when asked if the sudden attention has become bothersome for him nowadays.
Despite his efforts to remain oblivious, Anthony finds himself unable to escape the reality of his newfound fame. Going to places he hangs around in is no longer as simple as it once was.
Anthony recalls an incident when he was mobbed at the bus station after people in the area recognized him.
"Nakatambay pa ako, kinuyog ako. Buti na lang kinuha ako ng secuity guard. Nagulat ako, 'Oh, s**t, ako nga pala si Snoop," laughs Anthony.
Yet, Anthony, despite his celebrity status and susceptibility to its pitfalls, aims to remain grounded and keep his head on his shoulders.
Anthony says about fame: "Dealing with it, siguro mga kaibigan ko totoo talaga yun. Alam ko naman kung sino yung mga sasamahan ko, e.
"Tsaka siguro relax ka lang. Take it slow. Tsaka huwag masyadong ma-hype na sobra. Kalma lang. Balanse lang."
PRODUCTION CREDITS:
SHOOT PRODUCER: Karen Pagsolingan
TEXT: Bong Godinez
INTERVIEW: FK Bravo, Bong Godinez
COORDINATION & SOCIAL MEDIA: Nikko Tuazon
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Igi Talao
PHOTOGRAPHER: Stephen Capuchino
PHOTOGRAPHER'S ASSISTANT: Jobo Antonio Nakpil
VIDEO PRODUCERS: Jez Villapando & Micah Moleno.
BILLBOARD PRODUCERS: Rommel Llanes, Katrina Gangcuangco
STYLIST: Joey Espiritu
STYLIST'S ASSISTANT: Gigi Gumapac
HAIR & GROOMING: Ryan Ko
SPECIAL THANKS: Thess Gubi, Francis Joson, Pat Rigodon of Star Magic
READ MORE:
- Is funnyman Anthony Jennings ripe for more serious leading man roles?
- Anthony Jennings on biggest regret in life: "Hindi ako nag-aral. Hindi ako marunong magsulat."
- Anthony Jennings addresses "sapawan" issue with DonBelle in Can't Buy Me Love
- Anthony Jennings on new onscreen partner Vivoree Esclito: "Si V alam ko siya kung paano pasayahin."
