It all began with a dream of a young man from Malolos, Bulacan. A then-six-year-old Anthony Sayo realized his passion for performance and storytelling, especially after watching American professional wrestler Hulk Hogan. Subconsciously, he wanted to become like the celebrity he saw on-screen, and so began his pursuit despite any roadblocks.
His first challenge, however, came from within his home. Since he and his parents hail from the province, they limited themselves to the Asian mindset, where they encouraged their children to become doctors or lawyers. Sayo didn’t blame his parents for this perspective, but he admitted he was discouraged.
During college, he became further inspired by Hollywood movies because, for him, they have deeper storylines and broader genres. So even though he graduated from the University of the Philippines Diliman with a bachelor’s degree in political science, he still sought to achieve his dream of being a Hollywood actor.
“It seems like I am more creatively challenged with the stories that they make. Yung gusto ko na maging part of that movie business abroad,” he said during an interview.
Eventually, Sayo found a school in Mactan, Cebu, the International Academy of Film and TV. While studying there, the then aspiring Hollywood actor met the international faculty.
“My acting teacher was an American with experience in European and American showbiz. From him, I was able to get general information on how to start a journey. He told me, ‘Anthony, if you want to pursue a career in Hollywood, you have to fly to LA and enroll in an acting school,’” Sayo said.
Now more knowledgeable about acting and the Hollywood entertainment industry, Sayo traveled to Los Angeles in 2019 to realize his dream of becoming an actor. He enrolled in the Los Angeles Performing Arts Conservatory in Santa Monica. He met new people with different backgrounds and perspectives, which added to his mindset as a film actor.
While there, Sayo also realized that the key to becoming a good actor, especially a leading man, lies in how he works well with the director, cinematographer, and other production team members.
He explained that without the right team, any actor, even if they’re skilled ones, won’t get the limelight they deserve. Fortunately, Sayo always maintains a good relationship with the production team he works with and listens intently to what the director tells him to do.
Some of Sayo’s notable works include Good Day (2021) and Kaiketsu (2021). He also received the Best Actor award at the Hollywood Blood Horror Festival for his performance in The Withered Ghoul’s Ceremony (2021). His other films include Mantis Club (2022), Tears at the Edge of the World (2022), and Daughter (2022).
Unlike most actors looking to land a leading role, Sayo doesn’t jump on every character he gets. Instead, he determines which one suits him to a tee. For instance, during the casting call for Mantis Club, Sayo felt optimistic that he met the role’s criteria, hence his confidence and efficient performance in the short film.
More importantly, he remains authentic to his personality and acting style to prove his acting abilities while representing Filipinos through his platform in Hollywood.
From Bulacan to Diliman to Cebu and, finally, to Hollywood, Sayo came a long way to realize his dream of being a film actor and leaving an impact on the industry in his way. With his authenticity and professionalism towards himself and the people he works with, it’s evident why Sayo deserves to be the leading man in films.