How Equus changed my life

MANILA, Philippines - It only took one day to change my life completely.

 My brother had always wanted me to be a video jock. His passion for rap, hip-hop, pop and K-Pop was contagious. When my managers told me to audition for the MYX VJ Search 2010, I knew it was not a chance to waste. Of course, since it was such a huge opportunity, my managers knew I had to be the best I could be on the day of the auditions. And that included the dreadful “makeover.” I was never one to really care about my physical appearances. But through time, I learned that how you look really says a lot about who you are. It speaks of your dignity, your respect, your humility, and your intelligence. So, I knew it was time to produce Marco version 2.0.

As I was having my makeover in the morning, my managers told me that the final audition for the Repertory Philippines’ staging of Equus was also taking place that same afternoon. They asked me if I was interested in the role of Alan Strang, popularized by Daniel Radcliffe in the Broadway version. I told them it is actually a role I desired to play ever since I heard about it a few years back.

I did not think I had any chance of getting the role, but I decided to audition anyway, to experience professional theater firsthand and to test myself.

I entered the office of Repertory and they gave me the script, told me which scenes we would be doing, and I started studying. It was the first time I had ever read the script so the complexities of the given scenes were so new to me. I was excited, and at the same time, I was panicking like a headless chicken. Then, it was finally my turn to audition. I gave it my best shot. I interpreted the character and the script the best I could, and I did not hold anything back. I went out of the audition room proud because at the very least, I was fearless.

We then rushed to the MYX auditions and barely made it in time. I was the second to the last person to audition for the entire search. I thanked God I made it. I told myself that I would enjoy, be comfortable in front of the camera, and express my love for music the best way I could. I had to nail it. It’s the best job in the whole world we’re talking about! And I pretty much stuck to the game plan. I danced. I sang. I talked and talked and talked (honestly, sometimes I just can’t stop.) Ultimately, I was once again very pleased with my performance, not necessarily because I thought I was awesome, but because I knew that I gave both auditions everything that I had to give at the time. And I wanted both so badly.

Then, things just started falling into place. On the same night of the auditions, my managers told me that I got the role of Alan Strang for Equus. I was to be one of the two alternates for the character. Then, during the same weekend, I was informed that I will be one of the MYX VJ Search finalists. I could feel cute naked cartoon angels playing oversized trumpets and harps behind me. What a rush… being given the shot to do what you love.

Both endeavors have been both challenging and fulfilling.

For Equus, I really had no acting background to begin with, so I basically had to learn and absorb everything I could from my fellow actors, who are the best in this field, and direk Audie Gemora, hailed the king of local musical theater. Fortunately, I was blessed with such a wonderful cast who are supportive and very generous to a newbie like me.

For the MYX VJ Search, it has been one wild ride. The finalists are all amazing people who have become my “close, close, close to the tenth power friends.” They are unique, special in their own way, but equally talented, all of them. Plus, the MYX team is just so professional, skilled and pleasant. I never feel out of place, really.

Whether it is — portraying Alan Strang in one of the greatest psychological thrillers of all time, or trying to get a job as a MYX VJ to give Filipinos the music videos they want, I know I am at a happy place. Everything just feels right. I don’t know what lies ahead of me. Right now, I am just sincerely hoping that the public will give me this chance to be of service to them and to live out these dreams of mine.

I have been blessed double-fold in the past few weeks, and I am trying my best to not let anybody down, most especially those people who have been supportive from the very first day. I would also like to acknowledge my first sponsor Sujiivana Salon, Westgate, Alabang and the members of the press for all the help.

I love what I’m doing. I can’t blow it. I won’t.

Equus opens on July 9 at 8 p.m. and thereafter on July 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 and 25 also at 8 p.m. Matinees at 3:30 p.m. are on July 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25. Venue is Onstage, second floor, at Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City. For ticket inquiries, call 887-0710 or log on to www.repertory.ph.

(Continue voting for Marco at the MYX VJ Search by texting “MYXVJ 10” to 2366.)