Actually, even in previous films as early as several years before, Alan has already shown his big development as an actor. Parts that were given to him, however, were too brief and small to get noticed. In fact, his last major role was in Maryo J. delos Reyes’ Ang Paraiso ni Efren more than five years ago.
Yet Allan has persevered with the roles that came his way, for he believes "there are no small roles, only small actors." This, he learned in theater, which he also did in-between film assignments and TV drama guestings. Though appearing in drama anthologies on ABS-CBN, it is at the GMA network that he gets to appear in early afternoon drama series, almost regularly, the latest and current of which is Pinakamamahal of Tape Productions, which will end this month.
It is in the latter ventures that Allan gets to hone the talent that he has, the potentials of which Brocka initially saw and showcased in Macho Dancer, in a title role through which he was introduced. With the untimely demise of his original mentor, Allan’s career suffered a dip. But he was determined to make his mark as an actor worthy of the "Lino Brocka protege" tag. And he is slowly but surely succeeding. Proof? He’s still very much around where many of his contemporaries are out. And through the years, he has played a variety of roles.
Allan thoroughly enjoyed his stint in Barcelona, where it was shot in Spain.
"We share many similarities," he says, recognizing the close cultural affinity between Spain and the Philippines. "The people are also warm. You should see the Iglesia de Sagrada Familia. The architecture is unique. It’s elaborate and amazing to see."
Unfortunately, the cast and crew had to stay in Barcelona for only three weeks and they were working most of the time. Almost no time to go around. And the few places they visited, they made as backdrops for their scenes.
"It’s so nice to go back to Barcelona," Allan says, eyes glittering. Late last year, he had been to Toronto, Canada in connection with the showing of Masahista.
Kaleldo, though shot much earlier, remains vividly etched in Allan’s mind. "The atmosphere during shooting was nice. There’s no tension. Magaan kasing magdala ang aming director-producer (Brillante Mendoza). He’s so organized. Alam naming lahat na matino ang ginagawa naming project."
Allan also appeared recently on stage in Perlita ng Silangan, a komedya, directed by Soxie Topacio, where he topbilled with Wowie de Guzman, Miki Hernandes (in the title role), Marcus Madrigal, Kimberly Diaz and Dido dela Paz. He has appeared before in a similar komedya or moro-moro for Tanghalang Pilipino at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Orosman at Zafira, where he also played a Christian prince and did batalla footwork as he does now in Perlita.
Like wine, Alan gets better with age. Let’s drink to that!
It is with the "small" roles that he eventually got the confidence and maturity to perform, such that today, his acting is simple and straightforward, never given to histrionics to get attention, and always truthful and sincere, whether on stage, TV , or the big screen.
Apparently, Allan’s career is picking up. Last year, he was the other lead character in Brillante Mendoza’s Masahista. He played the gay customer of the masseur played by newcomer Coco Martin, initiating the latter to the genre that originally launched him to stardom.
And now comes Barcelona, where he plays an OFW suffering in quiet desperation. Now showing in theaters is Kaleldo, where he is Angel Aquino’s cuckolded husband – varied character roles, more than competently played by Allan with as varied characterizations. Then he does a youth-oriented fantasy-comedy in Quark Henares’ Super Noypi for the Metro Manila Film Festival in December.
In a multi-character film where the principal actors are all good, it is difficult to get noticed. But Allan has managed to shine in Barcelona, where he starred with Robert Arevalo, Luis Alandy, Tina Paner, Chris Martinez and Alessandra de Rossi and in Kaleldo with Johnny Delgado, Cherry Pie Picache, Angel Aquino and Juliana Palermo.
"It is Allan who will get noticed here," Portes says.
The director is also all praises for the actor’s professionalism during the shooting of Barcelona. "He’s always on time and prepared. He doesn’t complain. And sometimes, he even cooks for us!"