It is safe to say that Marco Gumabao is no longer a stranger. He’s now a sought after leading man and a blockbuster breakout who is now shaking up the industry with his larger-than-life presence, acting chops, manly charm, and yes, his chiseled physique.
“I feel flattered whenever people notice me for my physique. Of course, I am proud. I work hard to achieve this ‘body goal’ but it gives me more pleasure when they notice me because of the things that I do onscreen, acting is my first love and I feel glad some people now appreciate me for it,” Marco told Manila Standard in an interview at the Viva headquarters in Ortigas.
Marco Gumabao was playing bit roles on TV and movies.
The 25-year-old Viva artist is now one of the country’s newest certified heartthrobs. He has just been catapulted to stardom via the blockbuster movie Just A Stranger with Anne Curtis.
Marco stepped in front of a camera for the first time in Toda Max (2012) then rose to popularity in the TV series Luv U both in the same year (2012 to 2016). The then teen actor also performed in supporting roles in numerous films such as She’s Dating the Gangster (2014), Just the Way You Are (2015), and several other films.
He had special participation in popular television series such as Forevermore (2014 to 2015), Pusong Ligaw (2017 to 2018) and FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano (2018).
In 2017, Marco left Star Magic agency after five years and signed a management contract with Viva Artists Agency in September 2018 together with his two siblings, Michele Gumabao and Kat Gumabao.
After being launched in his first major lead role in Para sa Broken Hearted (2018), he starred in the top-rating sexy drama Los Bastardos, which aired its finale last Friday.
Following a supporting role in the 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival entry Aurora, he appeared in the Nadine Lustre starrer Ulan early this year.
These appearances put Marco on the map, but it was only recently when he starred in Just A Stranger that everyone, most especially the critics, started noticing his undeniable presence.
“There’s so much more here than a thirst trap,” notes CNN Philippines in a feature article. Veteran film critic Oggs Cruz of Rappler goes even further in his movie review, declaring that “Gumabao is a revelation. A man baby who is not just believable but also charming in his immaturity. Audiences were similarly smitten, noting how Marco held his own against his award-winning co-star. “
“I can’t thank Viva and all the people who support me enough for giving me the chance to grow, spread my wings. It motivates me to work harder because of the push that I get from them,” he said.
Marco is already preparing for his follow-up film and it will be another dramatic sizzler, a sexy love triangle with Lovi Poe and Tony Labrusca titled In Between Goodbyes.