A more mature, intense Jake

MANILA, Philippines - When Jake Cuenca said his acting has distinctly matured in Green Rose, his latest ABS-CBN soap with Anne Curtis, Jericho Rosales and Alessandra de Rossi, it sounded like his previous roles were no match with his current one. 

Does it have something to do with his three award-winning co-stars?

Jake clarified, “I definitely have no regrets about all the projects I’ve done. That’s the best I could’ve done at the time, kumbaga kung ano sa panahon na ‘yun, ‘yun ang pinaka best ko.

“And I have learned a lot especially in my three or four years here in ABS (-CBN) — from directors Ruel, Olivia Lamasan, Jerry and Jerome — I am applying everything here now. So, dalawa lang yan — it’s either you will like my portrayal or not.”

Working with Jericho, Anne and Alessandra, he added, will help him as an actor. But for Green Rose director Manny Palo, Jake’s acting is intense enough to meet the requirements of the job. In fact, Jake got so carried away, he accidentally broke a mirror while taping one of the scenes.

With Green Rose co-stars (from left): Jericho Rosales, Anne Curtis and Alessandra de Rossi

Starting tonight, televiewers will see Jake not as a knight in shining armor but the complete opposite. They will see him as an arrogant, ruthless man bent on reaching his goals even if it means betraying those who trust him.

Jake watched the original Koreanovela of the same title, from which the Filipino adaptation is based, several times “because this project was offered to me even after Palos and Tayong Dalawa. But I won’t do exactly what the Korean actor did. The essence of the character is still there, maangas din ako dito.”

The show took all of nine months to finish. Thus, Jake assures everyone each scene is well-executed; every role played with passion.  

Does he feel any pressure working with equally-talented stars?

Jake replied, “I believe in my capabilities. I believe as long as you’re sincere with the scenes, if you are honest and you put to heart what you’re doing, you can never go wrong and there will never be bad acting. I took this project because I know acting alongside them will make me more mature in terms of acting.”

Jake also plans to leave for the US after wrapping up a movie with Aga Muhlach and Angel Locsin. He will be taking a course in film acting and directing in either Berkeley or New York Film Institute to further hone his talent.

 “I always want to fulfill my curiosity in acting, that’s why, I don’t stop learning. I still take some workshops.”

As for his love life, he finally admits having a smooth-sailing relationship with Melissa Ricks for almost two years now.

“My love life has been an open book but this time I think it works well if there are things you keep to yourself. We’re happy now and I just live one day at a time. We’re busy this Valentine’s. She has a new show but if ever we get a free time, we’ll definitely go out. ”