Rocco Nacino: Happy where he is at the moment

“Give it to me and I’ll do it.” This, Rocco Nacino says with much conviction as he vocally expresses his desire to take, without qualms, whatever project will come his way. The aim of becoming a versatile actor pushes Rocco to work hard, grabbing every opportunity he deems best for his career.

Proofs to this are two meaty projects where Rocco is set to display his ability to plunge into the characters and lose himself inside of them: Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa, an entry to this year’s Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, and GMA 7’s Time of My Life.

“As Dennis (his role in the indie film), I have to take dance lessons in jazz and contemporary to make myself familiar with the steps. I’m more into hip-hop so I have to be really comfortable swaying slowly as if I’m doing ballet,” explains Rocco, whose co-stars include Jean Garcia and Paulo Avelino.

According to him, the Dennis role was originally meant for Marky Cielo, who passed away years ago. The producer and director specifically chose Rocco as “they saw Marky in me now. They wanted someone who can act and dance.”

Does he see himself getting nominated come awards night considering his complex role where people will see a different Rocco?

“It’s my first indie film so I don’t expect to be nominated agad, much less ma-notice or if I win an award that would be a ‘Wow.’ But if I get to be nominated, that will be a big thing talaga.”

The story of Time of My Life, on the other hand, also involves some footwork where he is expected to pit dancing and acting talents with Mark Herras, Kris Bernal and his StarStruck V batchmates Enzo Pineda, Steven Silva, Sarah Lahbati and Diva Montelaba.

Acting, he shares, is one of the things he wanted to do since he was a child. That’s why Rocco didn’t think long and hard about trying his luck in StarStruck V even if he was already a registered nurse when GMA began its nationwide artista search. He finished as Second Prince with Steven as the grand winner.

On the cover of Men’s Health July issue. – Photo by VER PAULINO

“Looking back, I’m enjoying where I am now because when I was a child, I wished to be a doctor or a performer,” he offers. “I’m glad I’m living my life as a performer now but if things change, I’ll go back to practicing my nursing career then study medicine because I also want to be a pediatrician.”

Asked how does it feel when people say that he has gone far ahead as compared to his contemporaries, Rocco replies, “I’m proud of what’s happening to me, to my career but I make sure that I keep my feet firmly on the ground and to always think positive.”

Having landed on the cover of Men’s Health July issue has thrilled Rocco no end. 

“It was something I longed for, thus, I looked at it as a blessing and no way it would be a reason for my head to become too big for a hat,” he affirms. “To maintain (my body), I really have to work out.”

Below, Rocco tells how he starts and ends his day when free from tapings and other showbiz commitments:

9 a.m. – When I wake up, the first thing I do is stretch for one minute, trying to reach the ceiling. Then, I bend my back to straighten it because I have the tendency to slouch.

10:30 or 11 a.m. – Eat heavy breakfast.

Past 1 p.m. – Lunchtime, usually di marami, about half of what I ate in breakfast.

4 p.m. to 6 p.m. – After taking some rest, I go to the gym or to our rehearsals for Party Pilipinas. Sometimes, I play basketball in our village.

6 p.m. – I go home. I play video games or the drums.

Then dinner, just a little rice and viand because our body’s metabolism is slow at night. After, I watch newscast on TV.

12 midnight – I hop on the bed and sleep.

Rocco’s free day is Wednesday and he tapes four times a week. Rehearsals for Party Pilipinas happen every Saturday.