Kean Cipriano: The singer, the actor, the budding director

MANILA, Philippines - Kean Cipriano is having a blast with his dual career within the show business industry.

While still into singing with his band Callalily, Kean is also busy with his acting projects including the one that he is currently working on, the upcoming indie film "Tumbang Preso."

The indie film is his second following "Ang Babae sa Septik Tank."

Kean said that at first, he was just giving acting a try when he did the defunct TV5 series “BFGF” with Alex Gonzaga in 2010.

He recalled when his manager told him to audition for the lead role in the show. “Hindi ko naman alam na ganito ang mangyayari, hindi ko naman ine-expect."

“No’ng una parang, ‘ano ‘to?’ Nagsimula naman lahat dahil kay direk Joyce [Bernal] din, e. Sabi niya sa akin, parang naghahanap sila ng character to fit in sa show nila dati na BFGF. So tinawagan lang kami tapos ayun na.”

But after doing the TV show, Kean said acting became his passion.

Upon this realization, Kean opened his doors to film and did the “Ang Babae sa Septik Tank," which opened more doors and film projects, indie and mainstream.

Kean said that he took the "Tumbang Preso" project because it is for a good cause. The movie is about human trafficking.

He said he is enjoying both acting and singing.

“Masaya lahat, e. I’m one of those people na sinuwerte, I must admit. Pareho, e, hindi ko siya pipiliin na mas gusto ko ‘yong film making kasi ganito siya—gusto ko sila pareho. I’m really blessed to have doing it for quite some time,” he said.

Aside from acting and singing, Kean is also slowly venturing into directing.

Unknown to many, the singing actor has directed two music videos for his band's "Pansamantala" and "Darating" by Ney Dimaculanagan, Kleggy Abaya, and Loonie.

Both music videos were nominees in the recently concluded MYX Music Awards 2014.

He said he is currently taking a short course on film making at the MOWEL Fund.

“Hanggang ngayon tuluy-tuloy pa rin naman, I’m starting na with my scripts,” he said.