Dion: Happy where he belongs

MANILA, Philippines - While there are some who never cease to seek greener pastures to the point of leaving behind the people who initially nurtured their talent and took good care of them, Dion Ignacio is bent on sticking with GMA Network come what may. Moments of doubt coupled with that distressing thought of elusive stardom never did strike upon him even if most of his contemporaries in the first season of the network’s artista search, StarStruck, had all rose to popularity.

“I never thought of transferring to other networks because this (GMA) is where I started to build my career,” says Dion regarding the idea of jumping into another station. “I’ve already become closer to the people here — from directors to the staff. Transferring to another network is like moving in to a new house. For me, it’s hard to leave because I made a lot of memories in that house.”

Besides, Dion never feels being neglected. GMA Artist Center, he adds, assigns him to regional shows while waiting for TV acting projects to come. “I content myself doing supporting roles on TV and then matagal din akong walang work. But now acting projects come one after another.”

This time, his talent is no longer just meant for bit roles. After playing leading man to Bela Padilla in Magdalena, Dion completes the love triangle in the new Kapuso afternoon prime Maghihintay Pa Rin to air beginning today. Televiewers will see how Dion will compete with Rafael Rosell for Bianca King’s affection in the soap.

“I’m thankful first to God for giving me the blessings and next to GMA for the projects. I’m so happy that after 10 years napapansin na nila yung talento na ibinigay sa akin. While others may find it hard to wait for that long, I just keep on praying for my luck to come. You just have to be patient. Ganun talaga e, you have to wait.”

It was in 2003 when Dion started to clinch a spot in showbiz. It was showbiz writer Leo Bukas who spotted him in a resort in Laguna and asked if he was interested to join in the search. “Native pa ko noon,” quips Dion who hails from Siniloan, Laguna.

“Any way you look at it, kahit bali-baligtarin pa, it was he who served as the key for me to be able to enter showbiz.”

And now that Dion gets to enjoy a fair share of the entertainment spotlight, he always reminds himself to give his best in every acting project. More so now that meaty roles are coming his way. “I’d like people to feel my acting, that’s why I’m really trying my best to give the right emotions to my character. I want to convey to the viewers the emotions that my characters are feeling.”

Dion credits director Gina Alajar for the proper technique in plunging into the character and losing himself inside of it. He now knows how to analyze his role in every scene. “Inaalam ko yung emosyon at hinihimay ko talaga yung karakter ng role ko.” That way, Dion adds, the personality of his character is what the viewers will see and not his real persona.

But his life experiences — be it on past loves or family — are effective tools in attacking a role, especially in breakdown scenes. “Pero ako talaga mababaw ang luha ko; maawain akong tao.”

Asked about his similarity and difference to his Orlando Ramirez role in Maghihintay Pa Rin, Dion replies, “Well, we’re similar in many ways. I’m sensitive, loving and a jealous-type like Orlando kaya mabilis pumasok sa akin yung role kasi malapit sa tunay na ako. The difference? He’s a seaman and I’m an artist. But if I’m not here (in showbiz), I’m definitely working as a seaman now.”

(Maghihintay Pa Rin also stars Tanya Gomez, Ayen Munji-Laurel, JC Tiuseco, Diva Montelaba, Julie Lee, Lou Sison, JM Reyes, Daniella Amable and Sachi Manahan. It is directed by Don Michael Perez.)