Marco takes showbiz career slowly but surely

MANILA, Philippines — Marco Gumabao is a dreamboat with acting chops. His roles in Los Bastardos, Para Sa Broken Hearted, Aurora and the upcoming Just A Stranger all point out to his ability to become a bida, kontrabida or both (bida-kontrabida). The local tinseltown has been generous in giving him the ground to play meaty roles on the small and big screens.

“All I can say is, I’ve been in showbusiness for eight years now, for the past two to four years lang talaga totally (ko ito) na(tutukan),” said Marco of the rate his career is going in an interview with The STAR. “I’m happy. Hindi naman ako nagmamadali, I’m happy and I’m not in a rush na gusto kong sumikat agad and to get all the good roles right away… I want (to take things) slowly but surely. So, I’m really happy with the rate (my career) is going.”

Marco was one of the Viva Artists Agency talents who graced the two-day recently-concluded Viva Convention (VivaCon) 2019, wherein this newspaper was among the media partners. The actor gladly joined The STAR in its booth for a Facebook live and granted a one-on-one.

Although he has tried his hands at comedy, drama and some hybrid genres, Marco said he wishes to topbill an action-packed project. One which is replete with fights, car chases and stunts. You know similar to those movies that launched the careers of Robin Padilla, Sen. Bong Revilla, Jeric Raval and Victor Neri.

“I really want to do action, gusto ko yung role na fighter, like an MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter,” he said. “I really want to train for that also. (I’m game) basta anything action.”

Asked about a particular narrative he has in mind to place his dream character in, Marco replied, “Well, nothing in particular, anything action. Gusto ko talaga (action).” Well, given his physique and drive (to take on this genre and bring his acting to the next level), Marco could do a Brad Pitt-inspired role in Fight Club (with Edward Norton as bored individuals who engage in underground fights to break away from the routines of life) or a good-looking MMA fighter with an intriguing past. 

“Every role is different,” shared Marco, who has done a myriad of diverse roles. “So, I also believe in workshops, especially when you’re getting ready for a role. I believe that you need to do a workshop with the director, writers and co-actors.” He also hinted at the importance of establishing onscreen and off-screen chemistry or rapport among stars and creative people. Marco added that workshops can break the ice (or any form of wall that hinders actors from giving truth to their performances or being in the moment).

As for what one may call familiar roles that need no (elaborate) preparations, Marco had this to say: “Siyempre walang ganun (There’s no such a thing). You need to prepare for every role. Even though you can say that this role is the same as (that) role, magkaiba pa rin yung hugot ng bawat character (they come from different contexts and have their own emotional baggage). I think that’s a way you build your character.”

Actors, Marco agreed, need to create the background for their characters, especially in rare cases where writers do not provide the base information for their roles. By doing so, actors may have a deeper understanding of their roles, “para mas lumalim ka. Hindi porket sinabi nila na businessman ka, it doesn’t automatically mean he is happy with his life, you may be successful in business, but you’re not in your love life, personal life,” he said. “Sometimes, you have to create your own (circumstances) for your character.”

In the sexy-drama Just a Stranger, Marco’s character gets involved with a woman twice his age (May-December, Spring-Winter love affair). The couple plays beautiful music together and is challenged on how to keep it playing.

When it comes to romantic relationships, does age matter?

“For me, it doesn’t,” said Marco. “You can fall in love with someone kahit anong age yan. Age is not really important for me, unless na lang kapag minor. Siyempre ibang usapan na kapag minor. For me, age is just a number. Sometimes, you can find someone older and mature… para sa akin, kahit kanino tumibok ang puso ko… even if she is 40 years old or 35 years old, you can’t say no to it (love) right away.” Yes, love knows no boundaries, it knows no age.

“For me, I don’t really look for love,” he added. “I just wait for it. For the meantime, habang wala pa (that I’m not yet committed to someone), I will focus on my work. Now, I just want to focus (on my career) na wala akong iniisip. For example, if you have a girlfriend, minsan kailangan mong magpaalam (You need to consult her on the work that you do like) ‘Can I do this role? Can I do this scene?’ What if she says, ‘You can’t.’” Once Marco has found that mood for love and that lucky girl, he will find time for it and for her.