Up-and-coming teen actor Kent Gonzales had to quit school for the time being in favor of a promising showbiz career. And why not if you’re starring alongside screen icons for your first big-screen project?
‘‘Some people might find it weird but for me, a big break in showbiz is a rare opportunity. Not everyone is lucky enough to be given a meaty role for his first big screen appearance. This kind of break is something that you cannot just let slip away. I can go back to school anytime,” said the 17-year-old budding actor.
The showbiz green apple proves he has what it takes to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with big stars in his film debut, Kuwaresma, a joint venture between Reality Entertainment and Globe Studios. The movie unspools in cinemas nationwide on May 15.
Co-stars Sharon Cuneta and John Arcilla together with master writer-director Erik Matti only had good words for Kent throughout the shooting of the epic horror film.
"I was scouted by Erik Matti,” Kent revealed.
The director stumbled upon this fresh talent by accident. He was then scouting for a young actor to play Sharon and John’s son when he spotted Kent during a singing audition at Reality Entertainment’s office.
He doesn’t have any experience in acting. He has done s few commercials but when I asked him to read the script, nakita ko na ‘yung lalim niya at nag-iisip. Raw, organic and acting niya. He’s got big potential,” the director shared.
First scene pa lang niya”•Homecoming, si Sharon ang ka-eksena. Iyakan. Hindi ito artista, ha. He doesn’t do TV. I gave him a five-page monologue, panalo siya,” he added.
Sharon shared her own praises for the newcomer saying that Kent was all-in from the very beginning to end.
We didn’t encounter any problem with Kent. I felt na ako ang mommy niya pag magka-eksena kami,” Sharon carried on, “At first, I asked him if he would mind na alalayan ko siya. Pag kailangan, tini-tension exercise ko siya. Kailangan kasi galit siya. Si Kent, napakabait na bata. Tinakot ko. Pagkatapos, niyakap ko siya.”
As a mother and son, Sharon and Kent’s scenes were mostly tearful and confrontational. But the neophyte managed to stand his ground in scenes with the Megastar.
Meanwhile, Kent’s scenes with John are even more highly charged. But he then again, passed them with flying colors.
Kent was very good. He didn’t get intimidated. I like his attitude towards his craft. Salamat at siya ang napiling anak namin ni Sharon sa movie,” said John.
The newcomer is naturally overwhelmed by his co-stars and the film director’s kind words.
In this movie, grabe ang pinagdaanan ko. I had the most challenging, thrilling role. Napakasaya ko. Hindi sila nagkulang sa akin ng pag-guide,” said Kent.
As a result, Reality Entertainment bosses Dondon Monteverde and Direk Erik Matti are now mapping out Kent’s follow-up assignment and charting his career as the company’s “Next Important Young Actor.”
Another thing to look out for from Kent is the release of his very first single, Who You Ka!, produced by Virtual Music.