Royce Cabrera: Start-Up PH’s smart and serious tech guy

CEBU, Philippines —  After appearing in anthologies and indie films, actor Royce Cabrera will next star in the anticipated Philippine adaptation of hit Korean series “Start-Up PH” top billed by Alden Richards and Bea Alonzo.

Royce has been with GMA for almost two years now – appearing in programs such as “Magpakailanman”, “My Fantastic Pag-ibig”, and “Dear Uge”.

In the “Start-Up PH” series that will premiere on the Kapuso Network this September, Royce plays Jeff, one of the founders of Three Sons Tech, along with college classmates Davidson (Jeric Gonzales), and Wilson (Boy2 Quizon). Of the three, Jeff is the smart and serious one.

Royce had his acting start in theater back in 2012. Even though he is filled with gratitude for securing a spot in one of GMA’s biggest projects this year, he admitted to struggling in differentiating his character from of Boy2 and Jeric.

“Si Dos [Boy2] dito yong kengkoy, si Jeric dito yong seryosong parang mabait, ako yong kailangan gumitna na minsan pakengkoy ako o minsan seryoso o kailangan kontrahin ko silang dalawa, so yon yong challenge for me kasi meron din akong dala dala na mabigat,” Royce told Cebu press during a recent press conference here.

According to the 25-year-old, “Start-Up PH” is his biggest project to date. “Actually, ika-dalawang soap ko na po sa GMA pero so far ito talaga yung masasabi kong maganda talaga yung nalandingan ko na role,” he said.

“Noong pinanood ko itong ‘Start-Up’, ito talaga yung first na pinanood ko na masasabi ko na K-drama talaga pinapanood ko, hindi ko akalaing maiiyak at kikiligin ako,” he added.

When the part was pitched to him, Royce immediately studied his character. “Pagkabigay ng script binabasa ng buo tapos highlight sa mga kailangan na eksena tapos kaunting notes para di makalimutan,” he shared of his preparations.

He further said that “Start-Up PH” directors Jerry Lopez Sineneng and Dominic Zapata have been active and diligent in helping him during heavy scenes.

Royce likewise feels fortunate for the camaraderie they built on set, saying, “Nandiyan sila hindi lang katrabaho kundi kaibigan din yung turing. So may mga advice din and tips na sobrang nakakatulong sa akin kaya thankful ako na ganito yung pakikisama nila sa akin.”

He admitted that when he found out that he’ll be working with Alden, Jeric, and Boy2 – who have been in the business longer than he has – he immediately felt pressured. However, it subsided since his co-stars never made him feel out of place.