Seventeen-year-old Mico is also an engaging conversationalist. He speaks clearly, enunciating words like a young debater – making sure his verbal punches hit the target.
Tomorrow, Mico plays Jerome Sala, Search for a Star in A Million champion on Charo Santos’ Maalaala Mo Kaya (ABS-CBN, 10 p.m.)
How did he get the role? "Naglalakad po ako sa Loop (within the ABS-CBN compound) at bibili sana ako ng pagkain. Nakasalubong ko si direk Toots Mariscal who asked me kung willing akong magpakalbo." He asked why and when told that he was being considered to play Jerome on Maalaala Mo Kaya, he said yes.
This was to be one of his biggest roles on television. He played the young Walter Navarro, the young April Boy Regino also on Maalaala Mo Kaya. But this was a lead part and Mico was excited. But he held back, "Ayokong umasa, hanggang hindi pa nag-uumpisa ang taping. Dati naranasan ko nang umasa."
He was therefore ecstatic when he was told that he was indeed playing Jerome.
He immediately did his homework. He watched Jerome on ASAP, on Search for a Star in A Million and on Pipol. He studied Jerome intently, both as a person and as a singer "Pinag-aralan ko yung mga kanta niyang Dakilang Lahi at One In A Million." He sings both songs in the show. His favorite scene is the one when Jerome goes home to Bohol after having been booted out of the contest. He walks toward his father (played by Gardo Versoza) who doesn’t notice he is approaching him as he is busy making hollow blocks (their small family business). He stands in front of his father speechless and defeated. He breaks down with a broken dream. "Rehearsal pa lang ng eksena, umiyak na ako. Nadala po ako." Jerome Sala came back to Manila, became the wild card, and went on to win the grand prize.
Mico was and still is fascinated by Jerome Sala’s story. "He and his father would compete against each other in amateur contests," he revealed.
Just like Mico and his dad, Felix Aytona. At home, they would do sing-along contests, "Nagpapataasan kami ng score ni Daddy sa videoke."
"Laos ka na," he would tease his dad. Mico’s mom (Leslie Aytona) and his siblings, 13-year old Fiona and 15-year- old Marco, who is also a budding actor, are an appreciative audience. "We’re like a barkada," he fondly described his family. "May mga tampuhan din. Pero sandali lang."
He taped for the Jerome Sala story for three days. He enjoyed it immensely as he enjoys work passionately. Mico has been with Anime for two years now. He loves his group. "They’re great. They’re my best friends. I’m proud of them and I’m proud to be part of Anime."
On ASAP Fanatic, there is Clashroom. It is a hotly-contested showdown among young dancers and actors. Competition is fierce. "Taguan ng steps," as Mico would describe it. But it was no surprise given the drive and focus of this young man that he was undefeated for one straight month on Clashroom, beating the likes of Joseph Bitangcol and Rafael Martinez. How did he do it? Binigay ko po ang lahat," he quipped.
Considering that he is slowly making a name in showtown, he is surprisingly risqué about his career. He even wanted to join Search for a Star in A Million but he was advised against it. "Artista ka na," he was told. Perhaps, in his gut, he knows he’s going to win by singing his all. Just like in everything this young man does.
"Did you ask how much you’re going to be paid for Maalaala Mo Kaya?"
"Hindi po. Talent Center takes care of that. Alagang-alaga po kami. I just do my work!" he replied.
Noticing that his hair was untouched even after the Maalaala Mo Kaya episode on Jerome Sala, I asked, "Bakit hindi ka nagpakalbo?"
"Sabi nila, sayang daw po."
"Pero payag ka sana?"
"Opo."
Mico Aytona, at 17, is sure that he wants to be a star.