Bida na si Buboy

MANILA, Philippines - He’s been dreaming about playing a lead role someday. Thus, when Robert “Buboy” Villar got a text message from his manager, director Maryo J. delos Reyes, who said he will be doing a lead part in GMA 7’s latest adventure series Panday Kids, he instantly felt excited and happy. He couldn’t believe his dream will soon come true.

“I’ve been praying for this. Thank you, Lord for answering my prayers. To GMA and Atty. (Felipe) Gozon, thank you po at masusubukan ko na maging bida,” says Buboy who bid goodbye to his Ding character in Darna’s final episode last Friday.

Although the transition from support to lead is a welcome change in his career, Buboy admits the task of bringing his latest character Oliver to life is not a walk in the park. Preparations are doubly harder. The action scenes also require him to fully learn the right moves and techniques in martial arts his Kuya Larry, the Chinese fight instructor, gives him during training sessions. Dramatic scenes, on the other hand, require him to cry buckets. 

But Buboy is not complaining. Instead, he takes to heart every detail he needs to know to play the role well. He even gives pieces of advice to two other Panday Kids, Julian Trono and Sabrina Man, who were chosen from the 800 aspirants who auditioned to play Hadji and Charlie.

“’Di po kasi lahat ng batang artista may ganitong break kaya sabi ko galingan nila, gandahan ang moves nila,” he offers. “Kaya po sobra pasasalamat ko napagbigyan ako. Kaya sa lahat ng batang gusto akong tularan, pagbutihan din nila.”

Of course, there were times the three kiddie stars feel tired and drowsy on the set and Buboy knows what to do: Make them laugh through funny stories. But sometimes they can’t help “but fall into slumber.”

Acting, Buboy shares, has brought comfort to his family. The newly-bought house and the Starex were fruits of his labor. Life, he says, is easier now.

Asked about his studies, Buboy says he is a fourth grader under a home study program.

“I always bring my books and answer them on the set while waiting for my take,” he relates.

Does he feel pressure as a Panday kid?

“Yes, because this is my first lead role but I will make sure televiewers will enjoy watching our show.

Will he miss working with Marian Rivera?

“Opo, pero sabi ni Ate Marian pagbutihan ko lalo at mag-ingat ako lagi. Mami-miss ko siya kasi una ko siyang best friend at lagi n’ya kong   binibigyan ng chocolates.”

Panday Kids, a spin-off to Carlo Caparas’ komiks masterpiece Ang Panday, premieres tomorrow, Feb. 22 after 24 Oras. It is directed by Mike Tuviera.