Young drama actor on the rise

MANILA, Philippines - When he was seven, Juan Miguel de Guzman or more popularly known as “JM” to his growing hordes of fans, landed a lead role in a Jollibee TV commercial. It was for the campaign, Kaya Mo, Kid, where he was shown flying a kite.

Metaphorically, that kite represented JM’s dreams and ambitions. He held on to it tightly so it could soar high, careful no to let it fall. The kite did not instantly fly as high as JM would have expected it or wanted it to.

At times, the kite had to go against the wind to take to the air. At other times, it had to battle rough weather to stay afloat. But throughout all obstacles, the kite remained sturdy and strong.

Such was the plight of JM’s showbiz career. Before he started getting the good breaks, JM toiled the long and hard road to be where he is now, with stardom just within his grasp.

He was only six when he started doing TV commercials. From mere extra to lead, JM has charted more than 20 ads to date.

At the time the likes of Geoff Eigenmann, Rayver Cruz and Serena Dalrymple were doing their respective sales pitch for different products, then virtually unknown JM also had his share.

When he was 14, he was cast on Ang TV 2, where Shaina Magdayao, Denise Laurel and even Igi Boy Muhlach were his batchmates. However, the said TV stint was short-lived.

JM’s biggest showbiz heartbreak was when he didn’t make it to Star Circle Batch 11. “I cried when I learned about it,” he recalled, down but not totally out. “I was really disappointed, but I didn’t give up.”

Instead, when college life commenced at the University of the Philippines, JM found an outlet in stage acting and joined Dulaang UP, the theater arm of the university. Adopting the discipline of theater, he got to display his innate talent in plays like Isang Panaginip na Fili, Orosman at Zafira and the Floy Quintos musical, St. Louis Loves Dem Filipinos.

The eldest in a brood of four boys, 22-year-old JM does not boast of any formidable showbiz background. Neither was his name hinged on any famous showbiz relative, who became his “passport” to enter the business. Whatever fame and success he is now enjoying, JM did it on his own merits.

His acting talent is innate. His passion is inspiring. His determination to succeed is remarkable. The conscious effort to remain grounded is apparent. With hard work and perseverance, he knows he can never go wrong.

When JM did the 2009 Cinemalaya indie film by Veronica Velasco, Last Supper No. 3, ABS-CBN director Lauren Dyogi immediately took notice of his performance and asked him to audition for Precious

Hearts Romances: Midnight Phantom. That led on to two other roles in Martha Cecilia’s dramatized novels — Alynna and Kristine.

While waiting for big projects, JM does not mind accepting other acting challenges. This, he does, up to this day. In another indie film, Danny Añonuevo’s Rekrut, he played a Christian among a Muslim group recruited to go to Sabah in Malaysia. The film was based on the Jabidah massacre, which happened during the late ‘60s under the Marcos regime.

JM’s latest indie film was Mate, made by communication arts students of Colegio de San Juan de Letran. He is slated to be seen in two upcoming projects — Basted, which will launch the tandem of Matteo Guidicelli and Maja Salvador; and Ang Babae sa Septic Tank, which marks JM’s second time to work with Eugene Domingo after Tahi.

Expectedly, JM has also had his share of successful commercial films under Star Cinema, like when he appeared as Maricar Reyes’ younger brother in the John Lloyd Cruz-Bea Alonzo starrer, Miss You Like Crazy. He also played John Lloyd’s barkada in My Amnesia Girl, with Toni Gonzaga in the title role.

Last March, JM got a major TV acting break in an episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya, where he played the lead as an OFW who met several tragedies while working abroad. He showed off his intense acting ability in the drama anthology which earned him raves as a young actor.

Early this month, JM got his biggest TV role so far, this time as leading man in the early evening ABS-CBN series, Mula sa Puso. He plays Gabriel, a role once made memorable by the late Rico Yan, who starred opposite Judy Ann Santos.

JM cannot be thankful enough for being given the chance to topbill the remake of Mula sa Puso.

JM, however, does not merely bask on his acting talent. The guy is multi-faceted, as he is also a mixed martial arts fighter on top of being a singer, playing the guitar and stringing beautiful lyrics and melodies together. In fact, one of his compositions, Carried Away, was used in Midnight Phantom.

The original musical piece has registered over 30,000 hits on YouTube. No wonder Ivory Records lost no time in signing up JM to an album contract.

Admirably enough, JM has been taking everything in stride. He welcomes every offer, big or small, that comes his way and considers it a blessing in his career.

“Expect nothing,” this has been the attitude he has always kept, living his mantra from a poem by Alice Walker, noted author of The Color Purple.

“I know this is my time,” JM beams. “I am ready for the world. Opportunity only knocks once, so you better grab it and make the best out of it. Otherwise, you might never get that chance again.”

Still probably holding on to his “kite” of dreams and ambitions, JM is apparently ready to soar.