New showbiz hottie Gil Cuerva is very grateful to all the fans who constantly support his soap on GMA7, the local adaptation of the hit Koreanovela My Love from the Sta, opposite Jennylyn Mercado.
“It feels good that we have solid viewers who stick it out with us on a daily basis,” he says. “It’s because of them why all of us in this production are doing our best to come up with an exciting and fun-filled episode in each passing night. Anyway, that’s our main goal: to entertain and make them happy.
“From someone who is just new in the field, I feel proud especially when we learn that our ratings are successively high. It just proves that the viewing public likes our offering and at the same time, all our hard work is paying off. It’s no secret that we’re really exerting our best efforts just to make the show a must-see especially that the original was highly successful.”
The fashion model-turned-actor reveals that since the airing of the maiden episode, he wanted to know the viewers’ honest feedbacks about his portrayal of the male lead.
“Actually, I’m open to all kinds of comments when it comes to my acting. I’m interested to know what people really think of my performance. Whether positive or the otherwise, I would take all their opinions in. I don’t want the pleasing or cheesy cliché praises alone.
“I would rather hear both the pros and cons about my work. It’s good to know where I need to improve at based on people’s feedbacks. As a new actor, that’s all you can ask for. It’s important to my growth in the ‘biz.”
So far, what’s the best comment he has received about his portrayal?
“It concerns my voice! Some quarters say it’s kind of thin and I don’t enunciate the words clearly. For me, those are points for improvement. As I’ve said, I take opinions that are full of sense. Those two I take seriously.
“I’m aware as well that I need to improve in my Tagalog. You guys know that it’s not my first language. I guess it’s normal if I still stammer when delivering my lines in the local vernacular. I’m still learning. But what’s good about me is my determination to practice speaking it every day. I really try to improve in this department!”
Undoubtedly, he’s one of the hottest new finds these days. Proof is the very warm reception the fans gave him during the recently-concluded Artist Center Grand Fans’ Day.
“Oh, thank you! That’s nice to hear. But honestly, I don’t think that I’m already that popular. I’m just thankful to be part of a hit program like My Love from the Star. Actually, it’s more of the show that’s gathering attention, thanks to everyone’s concerted effort.
“I would like to give special credit to Jennylyn (Mercado) who’s doing very well as the female lead. Her acting is something to rave about. The story revolves around her and I can say she’s carrying the show. Kudos to Jen and of course, to all who are involved in the production. That’s why it’s a great show,” ends Gil.
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According to McCoy de Leon, it was Coco Martin who inspired him to try doing an indie project like Instalado, one of the finalists in the 2nd TOFARM Film Festival 2017.
“That’s right!” he says. “He told me that it’s one effective way to start honing your acting skills before conquering the mainstream. He started as an indie actor, remember? But look at him now!”
The newbie got the chance to work with Martin in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano where, in the story, they play brothers-in-law.
“Actually, Coco is easy-to-deal-with. On the set, he’s very accommodating. He won’t let you feel that he’s the main star. He’s so kind not only to his co-stars but to the whole staff and crew as well. You can see that he has a soft spot for the masses. It’s no wonder why he’s at the peak of success right now.”
Many say that he has resemblance to the award-winning actor.
“That’s flattering! It’s a good feeling getting compared to Coco. But definitely, I still have a long way to go before I reach even half of his accomplishments. He’ll always remain to be my idol on and off cam,” De Leon states.