Armed with determination and a new hope, Wendell at 23 is ready to move forward.
He is not exactly a newcomer in showbiz. He has been around for six years now but claims it is only now that he is getting noticed and given the breaks.
"I’m excited at the way things are going. A new start and a new packaging and I’m ready," he says.
Now on the second wind of his career, he is being packaged anew as a wholesome boy-next-door who’s more into comedy roles. "I’m more serious and focused in my career now. I believe I am in the right direction and I know what I am doing," he says.
He was discovered by his manager Douglas Quijano during one of Richard Gomez’s sports tournaments. Wendell was one of Soda Club 7 models who eventually joined show business. Today we see him on TV shows like Bubble Gang, Kasangga, Larawan, etc. He was in the movie Most Wanted with Jomari Yllana.
Everything is turning up roses for Wendell. He also has a new soap, Sana’y Ikaw na Nga, with Dingdong Dantes and Angelu de Leon on GMA 7 where he plays a serious role. In Hubog, a Good Harvest entry to the Metro Filmfest Wendell takes the sexy route this time. Top-billed by Assunta de Rossi and sister Alessandra with Jay Manalo, Hubog casts Wendell as Assunta’s driver-lover who gets jailed for fooling people.
Asked why he thinks all these blessings are pouring in, Wendell says, "My prayers are being answered."
Born under the Leo sign, Wendell is the second of six children from the first of two families. "I’m the simple down-to-earth madaling pakisamahan type of person," he says.
Wendell hails from Pangasinan but grew up a city boy. He lives with his mom in Quezon City. He describes his childhood as fun.
During his free time he plays basketball, keeps fit by working out and draws a little on the side. He finished high school at St. Mary’s Academy in Quezon City and he intends to enter college next year.
Wendell got his Spanish features from his mother. But good-looking though he may be, he shuns having a girl friend at this point. "I don’t like to get into relationships, mahirap with the work I have," he states.
Wendell’s attention is focused on working hard to provide for his two-year-old son (his namesake), by a non-showbiz girlfriend.
Considered by Hubog director Joel Lamangan as the new lead actor in the making, Wendell wants to excel in action movies. His trust in his director and manager is so evident he doesn’t mind being known first as bold actor as long as the story calls for it and it is well-done. "My role in Hubog is very daring and it would be hypocrisy if I say I didn’t get turned on by Assunta during the shooting because I did. I even watched her grow up and now crush ko na siya," Wendell adds.
In preparation for a good performance in Hubog he did not only do the usual body and facial cleansing for the passionate scenes but took the script to heart. "I really prepared for the role with Assunta not only physically but mentally and emotionally. I want to give it my best," he says.
Among his showbiz friends, it is Jomari Yllana Wendell runs to for advice. He also looks up to Richard Gomez and hopes to be like him someday. Among actresses, Wendell admires Ara Mina and Rica Peralejo.
Wendell has a lot of people to thank these coming holidays. One is Mother Lily Monteverde for the mature roles coming his way, and direk Joel whom he finds great to work with.
Five years from now he hopes to see himself successful, with at least two acting awards. "Habang maaga pa sana magka-award na ako," he says. Someday he also wants to have a wife and family. "I hope the blessings I now enjoy will continue and my talent be appreciated more."