Why Mike is back in the ball game

By Jerry Donato

Mike Tan is back in the ball game. His

Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Langit

is doing well in the afternoon-drama block with 46.8 percent (household share) ratings in Urban Luzon last Oct. 10. He has been showing his bite in the drama department. Since

Kung Aagawin

is his biggest break to date, Mike will do everything to meet expectations, especially those that he has set for himself. (By the way, Mike’s

Kung Aagawin

leading lady Carla Abellana won the 2010 Young Critics’ Circle’s Best Performance of an Actress award for

Shake, Rattle & Roll XII.)

“For others who have played leading man roles, they tend to be relaxed (with their performance),” says Mike of his latest small-screen assignment. “In my case, I feel pressured. I have to prove that I deserve the break and I can deliver.” 

Showbiz watchers were surprised by Mike’s performance as Jonas Alejandro in the first-week airing of Kung Aagawin. They agreed that there’s more to his good looks and well-chiseled body.

“Before I had difficulty in doing dramatic scenes like crying before the cameras,” Mike recalls. “I’m also surprised that I can do drama. Maybe (I could attribute it) to the years I have spent and experiences I have gained in the business, or it could be (the time I devote in) studying the character. With that, playing the part is easy.”

Mike adds that going to the set prepared is a big help. Knowing where the character is coming from — his present state of mind — is part of the job.

with GMA 7’s Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Langit co-stars Carla Abellana and Michelle Madrigal

“I also look back to my failures (in the past) and assess what experience is closest to my character’s situation,” Mike shares. “Sometimes, I act based on the script. (The plot) in itself is already heartrending and touching. I always listen to the director’s instructions. I try to understand them well and know how to execute them. To do that is to ask people I work with. Having the likes of direk Ricky Davao and Shamaine Buencamino around, there’s always room for learning.”

The GMA Artist Center talent looks for variety in future projects. Mike is not only bent to explore drama but also other genres like comedy and action. Whatever role that comes his way, Mike will give his heart to it. He doesn’t mind doing supporting roles again. Besides, there’s no small or big role to an actor.

“I experienced doing few projects and sometimes no projects at all before,” Mike says. “I just waited for a call for possible assignments and workshops. Resuming my studies also crossed my mind then. I stayed at home and did a lot of thinking. Para sa akin, tama lang yung pag-aantay. It’s different if you do something and then you’re not ready for it.”

This time around, Mike will face every project with maturity. That’s why manna from heaven comes his way like hosting a segment on GMA News TV 11’s Good News. “So far, I’ve done features on electronic cars and alternative (fitness) regimen to exercising in the gym,” Mike says.

What are the lessons Mike learned in his six years in the biz?

“Don’t be lax,” he replies. “Don’t ever think you’re the best and the most famous. Be nice to others. Be serious with your work and love it.”

Below, Mike shares with The STAR readers what keeps him busy on and off cam:

Weekdays — I’m up and about at 4:30 a.m. for a 6 a.m.-call time. I prepare for the day’s shoot. Sometimes, my wake-up time varies because it depends on how far or near my place is to the location of the shoot. I should be off an hour before call time.

For breakfast, I prefer cereals, oatmeal and corn flakes.

I avoid rice for my mid-day meal. If I crave for it, I eat brown rice instead. I have to maintain my weight.

If I’m part of every scene, I go home morning of the following day. I tape Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for Kung Aagawin. I do my Good News every Thursday. I should be on the set after lunch and I’m done by 5 p.m.

Weekends — I grace regional shows in places like Iloilo and Cebu. I go out with my barkada or we stay in a friend’s house. We pig out and watch movies.