Breaking his villainous vow

MANILA, Philippines - Gabby Eigenmann has the build of a character actor. But it doesn’t mean he can’t be the Knight in Shining Armor.

On GMA 7’s Broken Vow airing weekdays on GMA Afternoon Prime, Gabby has broken the contravida vow err stereotype. Although the viewers need to train their eyes watching him without hatred in his heart but only love, Gabby has made the smooth shift to bida role.

“I didn’t have a week or three days to think (about my new character) or to prepare physically,” offers Gabby on his latest assignment. “That was challenging to me. It’s a 180-degree turn from being mean Desmond to loving Roberto (Sebastian). I never had (a break) from my last assignment. The project was offered while I was doing (Munting) Heredera. (Even then) I’ve had to set my mind to look good and to look different to give my (take on the new) character (I’m playing).”

Help becomes handy since Gabby has leading man-friends like Dingdong Dantes and Dennis Trillo to give him a crash course on How-to-Get-that-Trophy-Boyfriend-Look-and-Ways on TV.

“I think it’s hard (to be a leading man) because the actor has to carry that admirable, nice and clean-cut image even off-cam,” says Gabby. “That’s opposite of me. When I’m not working, I’m just myself. I just go (to places) na hindi kailangan nakaporma… (As to meet the demands of a leading man) pinapa sa Diyos ko na lang yun. I always make it a point to pray.”

Though Broken Vow is an uncharted territory for him, Gabby considers it as a career challenge to explore. After all, he carries the badge of an Eigenmann. Thus, Gabby should always be on his toes. 

Asked if he is a gentleman in real-life, Gabby replies, “Ako’y likas na gentleman. Long before we started taping, I called up people I think I should talk to and I asked for their permission. So there will be no issues.” In the afternoon drama, Gabby is paired with Bianca King and Rochelle Pangilinan. Bianca is romantically linked to Dennis while Rochelle is the girlfriend of Survivor Philippines castaway-jury member Arthur Solinap.

With (from left) director Gil Tejada Jr., Rochelle Pangilinan, Bianca King and Luis Alandy

“He called me up (telling me how) very happy and proud he was of me,” recalls Gabby of his phone conversation with dad Mark Gil. “He always tells me to treasure the craft and that I have to always take my job seriously. He told me that I should inform him when it will be aired so he can watch it. He is proud that I have finally achieved what he dreamed of me doing. This is much awaited for my dad.”

Recently, Gabby won the Enpress Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series award for his stellar performance in Munting Heredera, one of GMA 7’s biggest hits in 2011. It got its highest audience share of 49.5 percent in Mega Manila, 48.3 percent (Urban Luzon) and 43.7 percent (nationwide) according to AGB Nielsen.

“It was my first acting award,” he says. “My dad feels that I’m (beginning to take) things seriously.” When he received the trophy, Gabby couldn’t help but say, “I’m finally part of the Eigenmanns.”

“For one to stay long in this business, one has to wait for the right opportunity or the right time and pursue the path one wishes to take,” says Gabby. “When you wait, the right time is there. This is the right time (for me).”