Mikael Daez reaps fruits of persistence

Everything seems to be going right for Kapuso leading man Mikael Daez. He is a successful host and actor, a sought-after model, a business school graduate, a health advocate and a national peace ambassador.

But success was not served to him on a silver platter, says Mikael. “I had very humble beginnings,  and I won’t ever forget where I came from,” muses the 25-year-old star, who rose to fame sometime in 2011. From a fledgling model, Mikael painstakingly worked his way up the glossy ladder of showbiz, auditioning for minor roles and eventually clinching the much-coveted leading man status.

He attributes his accomplishments to persistence. He appreciates what GMA 7 has done for his career that is why Mikael is working hard. He was glad GMA gave him the chance to do the primetime remake of “Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga” and the morning rom-com “With A Smile” this year. He is also grateful that he was given the chance to fine-tune his acting chops during his early years alongside Kapuso royalty Marian Rivera in the period drama “Amaya” and the suspense-drama “My Beloved.”

He recently tried his hand in comedy as one of the newest additions to the longest-running gag show “Bubble Gang” which is marking its 18th anniversary tonight.

Several have expressed interest, but only few have made the transition. Early this year, Mikael added another feather to his cap when he joined the ranks of select showbiz personalities who forayed into News and Public Affairs. He became a part of GMA’s morning program “Unang Hirit” and banner Saksi’s new food segment “Midnight Snack” which has caught the interest of the public. What was to be an experimental stint that was supposed to run for just a few weeks is now on its third month and is gaining more momentum.

“I am so happy with the way people responded to Midnight Snack,” says Mikael who works for the segment three times a week. Together with the segment staff of five people, Mikael tours the city in search of unique food they can feature in the segment. “We already have a number of episodes in the can but we want to visit more places in the Philippines because for sure we can discover more unique food that we can present to the viewers.”

Aside from “Midnight Snack,” Mikael is also doing a new series titled “Adarna” (based on the folk tale Ibong Adarna) as one of the three male leads opposite Kylie Padilla. He also recently joined the management outfit of Vidanes Inc., headed by Betchay Vidanes, who also handles the careers of Robin Padilla and his daughter Kylie.

Mikael, who is rumoured to be the special someone of Miss World 2013 Megan Young, would not want to talk about the issue but says he and Megan are good friends. Other than that, he would rather keep it to himself whatever is the real status of his relationship with the reigning Miss World although he adds that he is very proud of the accomplishment of his friend.

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Sundance Channel is now in the Philippines. It had been in the United States for ten years and has taken the step in expanding its reach in Asia.

Established by Robert Redford, Sundance Channel offers audiences a diverse and engaging selection of award-winning independent films, documentaries and original programs. Offering a wide array of bold, imaginative and uncompromising programs, the network caters to independent-minded viewers seeking something different.

Sundance Channel exclusively premiered “Breaking Bad” across Asia for the first time last year, and the series has received praise from critics and audiences alike. “Breaking Bad” centers on the character of Walter White who is experiencing a mid-life crisis. When Walt discovers he is dying of lung cancer, the high school chemistry teacher develops a new sense of fearlessness. Desperate to secure his family’s financial future, he transforms from a mild mannered family man into a drug kingpin. In addition to winning the Emmy Award this year for Outstanding Drama, “Breaking Bad” has been recognized by the Screen Actors Guild Awards, Writers Guild Awards, Television Critics Association Awards, Satellite Awards, PRISM Awards, Critics Choice Television Awards, American Cinema Editors Awards and AFI Awards.

Also featured on Sundance Channel is “Rectify,” which explores the life of a man who is released from prison after 18 years on death row. “Low Winter Sun” will premiere on the channel later this year and is a contemporary story of murder, deception, revenge and corruption in a world where the line between cops and criminals is blurred. The network is also home to award-winning films such as “Emma,” “Cold Mountain,” “Goodwill Hunting” and “Hotel Rwanda.”

For Philippine distribution inquiries, call Asian Cable Communications (ACCION) sales team at telephone numbers 636 00670 to 70.

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ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida teleserye “Juan dela Cruz” will give back the love to its loyal viewers tomorrow via ‘Juan Fun Day: The Juan dela Cruz Grand Fans Day’ 5 p.m. at the Trinoma Activity Center.

Coco Martin will lead the special event together with his co-stars Zsa Zsa Padilla, Gina Pareño, Erich Gonzales, Shaina Magdayao, Arron Villaflor, Neil Coleta, John Medina, Louise Abuel, John Regala, and Eddie Garcia. Also joining ‘Juan Fun Day’ are some of the country’s well-loved singers who sang in “Juan dela Cruz” album volumes 1 and 2.

Continue to follow the last two weeks of Philippine TV’s favorite superhero “Juan dela Cruz” weeknights after “TV Patrol.”