How the seasoned actor has evolved, always by his own standards
Star Magic artist Jake Cuenca moves through his career guided by standards he sets for himself. Now, more than two decades in show business, he still brings the same energy he had at the beginning, only this time with a sharpened focus on his goal as an actor.
Currently part of the top-rating action-drama FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, Jake approaches his role with full immersion.
“When you’re an actor, it becomes more natural when you go through a transformation,” he said during a special Star Magic Spotlight, a monthly event featuring the talent management’s trending artists.
“Whether it’s gaining or losing weight, once your body feels different, the character starts to come alive,” he went on.
That level of dedication is evident in his approach. “I live by a standard,” Jake shared. “I immerse myself completely. I completed a project before, and I spent seven months in the city jail to gain an understanding of the environment. For Batang Quiapo, even when we don’t have a script, I’m already there early, watching, listening, becoming the character.”
He marks his 23rd year in the industry with the mindset of someone just hitting his stride. “It takes twenty or thirty years to truly understand acting. I’m on my 23rd year now, and I finally get it.”
Jake also embraces moments of spontaneity, such as the now-viral Miguelito Dance, which originated from fun exchanges with Chie Filomeno.
“I’m not a dancer by training, but when Chie and I were hanging out, she kept doing this TikTok dance. I tried it in the show, and within two days, over seventy thousand people were doing it. I have to thank Chie for that,” he recalled.
When it comes to choosing projects, Jake keeps his options open. “If the script is strong and the director is someone I admire, I’ll take the role,” he said. “BL stories? If the timing and material are right, I’m open to it. A May–December romance also sounds exciting.”
He constantly finds ways to grow. With two big projects underway, Jake is already looking forward to doing theatre again.
“After these, I want to go back to the stage. Theater grounds you. It’s a space where you reset and reconnect with your craft,” he said.
Even with years of experience, Jake remains driven by curiosity and passion. He stays committed to learning, evolving, and embracing every new challenge that comes his way.
As he put it best: “You keep playing the game—as long as you can still score.”
And Jake continues to score, living each chapter of his career on his own terms.
