Arron Villaflor: Answered prayer

Now it can be told: There was a time when Arron Villaflor felt like he wanted to quit show business. This was about four years ago, he recalls, and lasted some six to eight months, when he wasn’t getting any projects.

He actually told his parents that he felt his career — which began when he finished first runner-up in Star Circle National Teen Quest (he came in second to Erich Gonzales) in 2005 — had hit a plateau and that there was nothing more left out there for him. In the meantime, other young actors were coming into their own. It wasn’t a good place for Arron to be, and he felt it. So on visits home to Tarlac (where his parents are based) or the occasional phone call, he would pour out his frustrations to them.“I told my parents that I wanted to quit,” said Arron, teary-eyed, as he recalled that time in his life.

He confesses that he lost his enthusiasm for show business. “When I had a long break, that’s where I began to lose my interest,” he says. “Nawalan ako ng gana sa pag-aartista. Panahon ‘yon na six to eight months, totally wala akong trabaho. “

He had a hard time coping. “Ang hirap kasi every day nag- iisip ka, nu’ng SCQ, grabe halos di na kami natutulog, tapos biglang ganoon,” he reflects. “It was a hard feeling for me, nalungkot talaga ako ng sobra.”

Arron tried positive thinking. He also tried praying. “Nahirapan ako sa desisyon ko, but I tried not to entertain such idea. I told myself, it’s better to ask help from the Lord.”

And it worked. “Pinakinggan ang dasal ko, doon na nag-start,” says Arron. “With God’s grace, projects were starting to come in like Juan dela Cruz (opposite Coco Martin, in which Arron played the villain Kael to Coco’s title-roler).”

All of a sudden, he was back in business. Not only did the show rate exceptionally well, Arron even won an award as Best Drama Supporting Actor in the 27th Star Awards for Television of the Philippine Movie Press Club for his portrayal of Kael. He also had some big breaks recently, including a pivotal role in the historical biopic Heneral Luna.

“Akala ko pa-cute lang ako na may loveteam,” laughs Arron. But he is excited over the thought that he is now more into this “character actor thing.” Recently, he wrapped up All of Me, in which he played a doctor. Arron really studied the role, to the extent of researching how doctors talked — not just to other doctors, but also to their patients. “I’m very, very thankful to have this project,” he says, adding that he has gotten positive feedback from viewers, something he took as an encouraging sign.

Since then, he has made prayer a big part of his life. “I have left everything to Him. I’ve learned to talk to Him,” he says.

Now, he has renewed energy and enthusiasm for his career. From that time in 2012 before Juan dela Cruz came along until now, he considers himself to be “very, very blessed” and is thankful for the support of his management and all the people who have his back, particularly his parents. “I’m thankful to be part of these projects, and that I’m still here kahit nawalan ako ng pag-asa at dahil sa dasal,” says Arron, who will be meeting with his management in the coming weeks and months to discuss forthcoming projects.

Most of all, it’s his parents that he wants to thank. “Ang Nanay ko, ‘pag tumatawag, sinasabi niya, ‘Anak, ang galing mo. Iba ‘yung nakikita namin sa iyo ni Papa mo, kaya paghusayin mo pa.’ Sobrang supportive nila.”

Arron expects 2016 to be a “good and great year” for him. He promises to double his efforts and work even harder to pay his supporters back. “Sisiguraduhin ko di sila mapapahiya,” he promises.