Bagani brings Makisig back to first love

MANILA, Philippines — Just when Makisig Morales thought that his five-year absence from the entertainment scene had completely put him out of the showbiz radar, the offer to star in the ABS-CBN primetime series Bagani came along and swang him back to TV acting.

“This is my comeback sobrang salamat kasi di ko ini-expect pero nung tinawagan nila ko without hesitation, I said yes,” Makisig told The STAR after the thanksgiving presscon for the Kapamilya fantasy series.

The actor also revealed that he missed acting so much since the day his family migrated to Perth, Australia in 2013. No wonder, he could not be thankful enough when his parents told him that ABS-CBN and Star Creatives got in touch with them and asked if he was interested to play a role in the said series that also topbills Liza Soberano, Enrique Gil, Sofia Andres and Matteo Guidicelli.

“Acting is really my first love that’s why I didn’t hesitate about accepting the role. I’m thankful to ABS-CBN and Star Creatives because I got an opportunity to act again. I love singing as well pero ‘yung singing po tuloy-tuloy pa rin since I get to do covers on YouTube.”

With co-stars (from left) Matteo Guidicelli, Liza Soberano, Enrique Gil and Sofia Andres.

He recalled that his last TV appearance was in Mirabella with Enrique. Right after the show, Makisig said that his dad decided to work in Australia. Luckily, after a year, his dad was able to process the papers for him, together with his mom and his nine other siblings, to live in Down Under. “My grandmother is also with us.”    

Makisig shared that never did he dare to oppose whatever decision his dad made because he knew that it would always be for their own good. “Ever since, sumusunod ako kay mom and dad. Besides, moving to Australia led me to focus on my studies which I found tough to do before. Napaghuhulihan na ako ng mga classmates ko dati. And I told myself, anytime naman I can go back to the Philippines like now,” he said.

Before flying back to Manila, Makisig finished a Culinary Arts course at the Murdoch University. “Actually, good timing po that the offer came after I graduated from school kaya tinago ko muna yung resumé ko because I was planning to apply as a chef.”

In Bagani, Makisig plays the adventurous Dumakulem who belongs to a tribe living in the forest. His role requires him to be fit all the time. “When I came here, we underwent a series of trainings that focused on forms and stunts. I enjoy portraying my role and I’m really happy to be back.”

On March 28, Makisig will have to fly back to Australia to renew his papers so he can continue his stay in the Philippines. “I’m only required to stay for three months then I have to renew so I can go back here by April 1.”

Is he willing to stay for another acting project?

“As of now, I don’t know yet but after Bagani who knows. I am willing to act as long as there is an offer,” Makisig assured.

Meanwhile, Makisig and the rest of the cast members of Bagani expressed their heartfelt gratitude to televiewers for their support to the show which enjoys consistent high ratings on the primetime block.

Now on its third week of airing, expect a more intense action and interesting plots as the battle among the five tribes of Sansinukob has begun.

(Bagani also stars Zaijian Jaranilla, Rayver Cruz, Ryan Eigenmann, Dimples Romana, Ana Abad Santos and Diether Ocampo. It airs weeknights after FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.)