He is young and stylish. Smile, congenial. He’s got a demeanor that screams private school educated.
My impressions of Iyo Canlas are spot on. Adding more to his premium, a Communications degree holder from the Ateneo de Manila University, a former tennis player part of the national team, speaks the King’s language with grammatical perfection, and answers queries with so much gusto.
To be in Philippine show business is a dream he is all set to realize. This young, who previously worked as a social media specialist, has television commercial credits that started with a soft drink brand and the most recent one, for a telecommunications company.
Iyo begins: “I was part of the corporate world, as a social media specialist. I left that job because I see myself doing something else. Even when I was in my corporate job, offers to do commercials and print ads came my way. I took it as a sign that another world is calling me. That I can do something more than just being a face on print and a product brand ambassador on TV. I know in my heart that the next big world to conquer is show business. ”
“Then, the pandemic arrives and of course, we know what that means, not only for me but to all of us,” Iyo says.
“At first, the quarantine and all that is happening took a toll on my mental health, I would say, like everyone else, he shares. “It was a big blow not only for me, but for the entire entertainment industry and all the other industries, and everyone of course. I really had to re-assess myself and find what I can do for the time being.”
“Since I am passionate about food and cooking, that is what I did and continue to do,” Canlas goes on with a smile. “Because of this pandemic, I revisited something that I love to do, and the fact that our goodies received a lot of love and sales.”
He wants to be in show business not because of the fame and popularity that it will bring.
The aspiring actor explains, “I transform into a different person when I am in front of a camera/ In commercials, whether the part is comedic or will require me to do heavy emotions, I enjoy it. You know, there is always something interesting and humbling when you put yourself in the shoes of a character and give him life the most truthful way I can.”
What makes you different from other newbies? Iyo’s reply: “I know that to survive showbiz, one has to be emotionally healthy, intelligent, and grounded, and the core values you hold dear, are intact in hour heart. The industry is cutthroat and harsh, but once your goal is set, and mine is to give life to characters that are unforgettable, then with hard work, lots of prayers and luck, I know that realizing my dream is not impossible I will not give up easily no matter what life in showbiz will throw at me. I am entering it prepared. I can sing, dance, do hosting, I also paint. I am a creative person. I will do my best in whatever is given to me.”
His thoughts on the current boys love drama craze: “I am open to doing it. It must have a well-written story though, with a great artistic and production team. I am an ally of the community and I know there are still so many stories that have not been told. I must believe in what it is telling. I want that when you watch the BL, a positive representation of the people in the community is what people will view.”
On intrigues, bashers and haters, Iyo comes clean: “With my personality, I am not easily affected by things. I am very level-headed. Things that do not matter, and since I am aware of my truths, they will not affect me. I know myself better, and those who truly love me know me well, and they are the ones that matter.”
In conclusion, the millennial "It Boy" Iyo Canlas declares: “Entering show business will surely bring more challenges and excitement in my life. I know it may be even frightening but it is the good kind of being frightened because I am only starting with my baby steps. You know, love acting because I want to tell stories that inspire."
"I want to give life to characters that people will see no matter how flawed he is, inside his heart, he is a good person. I want stories coming alive on screen that are truthful. If the characters I give life to manage to make people think, strike a conversation with themselves, see the world and what is going on differently and become a compassionate and passionate person at the same time, I know I have done something good," he ends.