Learning the ropes of showbiz

Everyone can wish to be a star but not everyone can be one. Yes, it’s true that penetrating showbiz can be easy, but conquering and surviving the business is a different story. Geoff Taylor learned this early and he is determined to prove that he is more than just a ripple in the entertainment pool.

With the help of his manager Vic Felarca, Geoff is definitely in good hands. He played the male lead role in Daisy Siete’s final season titled Adam or Eve, a stint that helped expand his range as a performer. Every Sunday noon, on GMA7’s variety show Party Pilipinas, Geoff performs at least two production numbers, sometimes alongside big names in the music industry like Regine Velasquez, Jaya, Janno Gibbs and Ogie Alcasid.

“Week after week, talagang gusto namin na mas pagandahin at i-improve ‘yong show kaya pinaghihirapan namin lahat ang aming production numbers. Most importantly, for an artist like me, magandang training talaga ‘yong Party Pilipinas kasi we are continuously being pushed to do our best and hone our talent,” said Geoff. 

With the emerging celebrity status that he has, Geoff remains cool, unaffected by the showbiz trappings. He has been featured on a billboard for a clothing line where he shared equal billing with the best and the most famous during its recent annual fashion show. He also had the privilege of being cited by Yes Mag in its list of 100 most beautiful celebrities.

“I know na madami pa akong kailangang pagdaanan and hindi ako pwedeng maging komportable sa kung ano man ‘yong meron ako ngayon. I will always have to prove my worth as a performer at marami pa akong taong gustong mapasaya. Every day is a learning experience na pwede kong magamit para mas mapagbuti ko ang ginagawa ko so andun ‘yong focus ko.”

Geoff has made his first major investment — a gray Toyata Altis he uses for work. Also, the condominium unit he had won from Are You the Next Big Star? is set to be turned-over to his care before the year ends. Geoff is looking forward to moving into his new home and is researching for the best interior design to complement his personality.

Geoff came from modest beginnings. Before he became an actor and a singer, Geoff was into modeling. He made a success in the runway and print advertisements with his mestizo looks and pure Pinoy charm. Then came Are You The Next Big Star?, where he bested hundreds of hopefuls and the rest as they say is history. “Hindi ko talaga dati naisip na pwede kong gawing career ang pagkanta. It was just a hobby back then,” he recalled.

He is determined to make a go of his career which he loves and respects. He is already doing jam sessions with his very own band which his manager helped form. Geoff expects to release his debut album before the fourth quarter of the year commences. Also, more television shows and endorsement deals are on the negotiating table.

Geoff just might be the next big star. And he knows he has come a long way.

Leo Martinez’s acting workshops

Here’s a piece on multi-talented Leo Martinez from Chuck Gomez…“Leo Martinez continues to create a plethora of unforgettable characters that both entertain and enlighten a strong cult following of loyal fans. The polarity of Leo’s eclectic personas on TV, in film, and on stage is unmistakably recognizable specifically the intelligent and irreverent political sketches and portrayals that greatly defines his illustrious career.

“On one hand, his wacky and outrageous reading of Congressman Manik-Manaog rightfully canonized him as an accomplished and respected comedian. Congressman Manik-Manaog is created to expose the varied realities of the landscape of Philippine politics in a highly hilarious yet sensible approach.

“On the other hand, is Leo’s spine-chilling performance of Vice-President Solomon Buenavista in the recently concluded top-rating soap Tanging Yaman on ABS-CBN. Leo’s portrayal of Solomon Buenavista elicited much response from the viewers of Tanging Yaman to the point that a TFC (The Filipino Channel) subscriber from New York City described the character as the most evil he has seen on TV.

“Leo’s craft is anchored and inspired by an acting method based on book called No Acting, Please by Eric Morris. This method is the main theoretical framework that Leo employs to his students in the film and television acting workshops that he regularly conducts for aspiring young actors.

“As head of Film Academy of the Philippines, Leo believes it is every actor’s responsibility not just to entertain but to inform, enlighten and educate as well, every time they create imagined characters on TV, in film, and on stage.

“Acting is a craft that requires continues education and training. Truth is essential in acting and every actor should develop his craft and use the two main tools in giving life to every character — his body and mind,” explains Leo.

For inquiries on Leo’s acting workshops, call Manila Genesis Entertainment and Management Inc. at 706-2170 to 72.