Sky’s the limit for Kiko Estrada

CEBU, Philippines - Coming into the entertainment industry, actor Kiko Estrada means business.

Come to think of it, everything he sets his eyes on is serious game for this young man.

Currently starring in the spinoff to the 2005 hit fantaserye “Mulawin” in “Mulawin vs Ravena,” now down to its last three weeks, Kiko isn’t willing to cut himself some slack—not even a little bit.

Portraying Rafael Montenegro, Kiko is the archenemy to Alwina and Aguiluz’s son Almiro (played by Derrick Monasterio) and is hell-bent in outdoing his other roles as an antagonist in the show.

To cap it off, a love triangle between Kiko and Derrick’s characters for Anya (a strong yet stubborn Mulawin played by Bea Binene) also loomed in the series like an impending storm.

Kiko, who had to undergo physical preparations like fight training, presses that although it can be tough doing a fantasy show, his co-stars and colleagues’ sheer talent and professionalism make it all better.

“Yes it’s challenging but kapag kasama mo yung mga magagaling na artista, minsan madali siya. Pupunta ka nalang doon para umarte. I think it’s the easiest job in the world,” the 22-year-old said during a recent interview with the Cebu press.

Kiko, who descends from a family of actors, doesn’t like to think about the competition (read: the long-running ABS-CBN primetime series “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano”) all that much and if anything, thinks of himself as his own rival.

“We focus on the quality of our work. The producers like what we do, and at the same time sana magustuhan rin ng tao,” Kiko muses, adding that the show had a lot of ammunition plot-wise despite being a reboot.

When talk came to former GMA stars leaving the network, Kiko and his co-stars all wish them the best.

Kiko admits to being ambitious, and maybe even takes pride in it. Before his grandfather, veteran actor Paquito Diaz passed away, Kiko didn’t even think about becoming an actor, saying that it was impossible to surpass his lolo’s achievements, describing Diaz as a legend.

“I’ll do my best. If there’s any pressure, it would be the pressure to do good because there are high expectations,” says the son of actors Gary Estrada and Cheska Diaz, and the nephew of another actor, Joko Diaz.

“I expect a lot from myself too. I’m ambitious,” Kiko says matter-of-factly, with a shrug of his shoulders.

The Diplomatic Affairs student of Benilde’s admits that he’s having a ball with acting, and thinks that when you enjoy what you do and do well in the industry, fame is just a bonus.

However, Kiko’s interests doesn’t stop in the limelight. Kiko is thinking of finishing his pre-law degree and dabbling in politics someday—just like his father.

Kiko muses that he could run for a position in the city, and eventually vie for the Philippine presidency – who knows?

“I’m very ambitious. If I focus enough, why not aim for the highest place, right?” Kiko asks.

However, despite his self-imposed standards (which are relatively high and daring), Kiko insists that he’s still a simple young man who is into sports, and above all, values his family.

Kiko believes there is absolutely nothing wrong with reaching for the moon, and moving heaven and earth while you’re at it.

“If you don’t hit the target goal, at least nandoon ka sa taas. Mangangarap ka na lang, lakihan mo na,” Kiko points out, sure of himself and excited with what’s to come. (FREEMAN)