Pancho Magno reveals more about himself

MANILA, Philippines - Of course, you already know that Pancho Magno plays a supporting role in Andrea Torres’ topbiller Ang Lihim Ni Annasandra that airs weekdays on GMA 7’s Afternoon Prime slot, don’t you? Pancho is Enrico, Annasandra’s (Andrea) close friend who falls madly in love with her and willingly submits himself to a curse in order to be an awok just like his ladylove.

But do you know that Pancho still feels jittery and conscious on-cam even if he has already appeared in several TV drama projects? Ang Lihim Ni Annasandra is his seventh. Pancho admits he has a hard time assessing himself if he was able to deliver what was required of his role as an awok. It was shown recently how Enrico transformed from a meek human being to a fiery wild boar.

“I kept on asking our director if I was living up to the character,” says Pancho about his transition to an awok. “It’s funny because I’m not a violent person and then suddenly I have to be one onscreen. Good thing, it turned out well based on their reaction na after the take pinapalakpakan nila ako.” Thanks to acting coach Rowens, who, according to Pancho, helps him deliver in his every role. He, too, never fails to study his lines before going to the set.

“I also watch movies online. I admire Tom Hardy (an English actor notable for his acting in Star Trek: Nemesis, Inception, Black Hawk Down and Warrior). His eyes alone can act. I also like Johnny Delgado.”

But between offbeat and matinee idol roles, Pancho finds more freedom in acting out the former “because I don’t think I’m effective in kilig roles. I prefer those types where I can experiment with my looks and acting.” Besides, his rugged good looks complemented with his towering height and muscular physique are ideal for action parts.

Pancho reveals that it was GMA Films’ exec and lawyer Annette Gozon-Abrogar who broached to his mom, GMA exec Redgie Acuña-Magno, the idea of him  entering showbiz. He was working as a registered nurse then when he thought of giving acting a try. His first acting assignment was a role in Amaya. “Initially, I thought why not try it so I gave myself five days if I could do it but when it was my turn to go on-cam to say just a short line, ‘Magandang Gabi,’nabulol ako and I wanted to back out because I was so nervous. Daniel Fernando pa ang unang ka-eksena ko. But all of them (in the cast) told me that I can do it. I just needed to relax.”

Good thing, Pancho didn’t give up. Otherwise, he won’t be able to discover the actor in him. By the way, he used to model for clothing brands before and until this day, he is visible on the runway during Bench and Cosmo magazine’s events.

“I can say that my confidence level has improved probably because walking on the ramp helped me to be more at ease in front of many people. Still, I need to brush up on drama since it’s really tough for me to cry like other artists that in a snap, you’ll see tears welling in their eyes.”

That’s why, Pancho recalls how delighted he was when tears rolled down his cheeks in a dramatic scene in Magdalena. “I called my mom right away to tell her that I was able to cry; it was my first time.” Find out more about Pancho as he completes the sentence below:

Acting for me is an everyday learning experience. You learn new things from your co-actors. They always give you acting tips and I take them for me to know more about the craft. For me, I’m competing with myself and not with them. I have this mindset na kung maganda ang pinakita ko ngayong taon dapat next year, mas mag-improve ako.

When I was younger, I wanted to grow up to be a fireman because when I was young I admired firefighters risking their lives putting out fire even in high-rise buildings. Isip ko nun astig ito pupunta sila talaga sa loob ng mga bahay na nasusunog.

The one thing that scares me the most is losing my family. They are my strength.

The one thing I miss most now that I’m in showbiz is family bonding. Before, we often go on a vacation but now after we booked a flight, say, a month ago, it can be cancelled due to other commitments. It’s good that my sister who is based in Australia will be coming home for a vacation so at least we can be together this Holiday season.

My hidden talent is I can hold my breath for a minute underwater.

Whenever I have a free time, I love playing basketball and working out in the gym to relieve stress.

The one thing I can’t live without (material things) are my cellphone because everything is there and of course, my wallet. And may I add my contact lens.

My biggest crush is Kate Beckinsale. She’s classy and very sophisticated. Locally, I like Max Collins, sobrang grounded and she’s so beautiful.

I get pissed off easily when I committed a mistake then I heard comments like, ‘Ah, kaya andyan ‘yan, dahil sa mom n’ya.’ They can say what they want pero huwag na nilang idamay mom ko.”

My indulgence is melted cheese ever since I was young.

My fave TV show is Ang Lihim Ni Annasandra, s’yempre hahahaha.