The prince in waiting

He may not be as popular as fellow Kapuso stars  Richard Gutierrez and Dingdong Dantes. JC de Vera, however, is on the right track in making a name for himself in the drama department while Richard and Dingdong explore the action and fantasy genres, respectively. JC remains the prince in waiting and he  doesn’t mind if that means his career will last a long time.

For now, he wants to savor every bit of his character on GMA 7’s Babangon Ako’t Dudurugin Kita which will have its finale this month.

“Derek’s love for his family gets even stronger,” offers JC when asked about the latest development on the life of his character. “He will avenge the death and suffering of his loved ones. Televiewers have also to watch out how Derek and Salve will get back to each other’s arms. Or will they be given another chance at love. Their relationship has gone through a lot in the previous episodes. They couldn’t be lovers because they are technically siblings.”

Although there’s nothing that will stop Babangon from saying goodbye to its followers, JC is still clueless what’s next for him.

“I might go back in the afternoon timeslot from primetime,” he quips. “Honestly, I have no idea. Practically, all shows have been replaced by new ones. But I’m happy GMA 7 has proven somehow that drama also clicks in primetime with Babangon.”

At this point in his career, JC entrusts everything to his manager (Annabelle Rama) and his mother network. Given the chance, JC would love to work again with Yasmien Kurdi whom he has established a good working relationship and a degree of comfortability in doing sensitive, challenging scenes. Babangon is their third teamup after Pasan Ko ang Daigdig and Pati Ba Pintig ng Puso Ko. His portrayal as Carding and Aldrin has shown his acting mettle, not to mention his dark, psychologically-challenged character in White Lady.   

Is JC ready to veer away from the tried-and-tested love team?

“I am not rushing things,” replies JC. “Every actor’s dream is to have his own show or to be in the title role. It’s also my wish. I think the right time will come. Besides, I’m still new in the business. I will wait for my turn. What is important to me is that I have continuous work but I won’t be bothered if I’ll have a minimal role in my next show.”

Meantime, JC also looks forward to a possible downtime after Babangon. It will allow him to study his craft more by watching the works of veteran actors like Christopher de Leon. As an actor, JC considers what others say on his performances. His mom, an avid follower of Babangon, is JC’s worst critic. Like Hollywood actors, the young actor hopes to study drama in a school setting. He also attends workshops conducted and designed by GMA 7.

JC will take advantage of his spare time to make his body firm and trim for the Bench fashion show next month where he will model the new jeans collection of the brand.

“This is the mature role I have ever done,” says JC whose Derek character lives in the scheming, manipulative world. He has gone out from his comfort zone as he fires a gun and does action scenes in Babangon.

“I have a different take on the character originally played by Bembol Roco on the big screen. We have to remain truthful to some highlights of the movie. I was told from the start not to totally copy the character and make my own style. With direk Joel Lamangan on top of everything, we have to come on time and prepared. I’m happy with what I have done so far.”