Direk Lino tries new field

MANILA, Philippines - By the time this comes out, the watery ABS-CBN teleserye Aryana would have bowed out after rating so well unlike A Beautiful Affair, which ended so quickly that some televiewers hardly felt its existence.

Aryana is also the farewell project for its director Lino Cayetano, son of the late compañero, Sen. Rene Cayetano, who has decided to leave the world of television in favor of politics.

When the announcement was made recently via Kris TV, many were pleasantly surprised. Host Kris Aquino, for that matter, expressed total support for his endeavor. Others, specifically the cast of Aryana, felt abandoned.

One of its stars, Pokwang, shares: “Napakabait niyang director at masyadong maalaga. Importantly, he listens. We share with him our daily problems and he readily lends an ear. He has a soft spot for the masses and he understands what they are going through in life. He is a caring person. Mas gusto namin ito kaysa doon sa puro salita pero salat sa gawa.”

It has been close to a decade since Lino made his mark on television. A quick glance on his resume and you will know right away he is cut out to be a director.

Direk Lino obtained his bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from University of the Philippines Diliman. Majoring in film, he pursued a diploma in directing at the New York Film Academy. He also took comprehensive workshops in screenwriting and studied cinematography in the School of Visual Arts.

Upon his return to the country, he was invited to become one of the lecturers at UP and became one of the youngest members of the UP faculty.

His TV work experience started out with GMA with reality shows like Little Big Star, Stardance and StarStruck, to name a few.

It was at ABS-CBN, however, that his skills as a drama director were recognized. He did Mga Anghel Na Walang Langit, Calla Lilly, Tanging Yaman, Noah, Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo and more.

All these widened his knowledge and experience on directing and at the same time, he became familiar with the everyday problems Filipinos encounter.

He observes: “The story of teleseryes doesn’t just revolve around the love conflict. It mirrors on various social issues such as the plight of the Filipino family, education, the youth and overseas workers.”

“Off camera, these are the things we always talk about. I am very much updated with what’s happening around us,” adds the aspiring congressman for the second district of Taguig City.

Politics runs in the Cayetano blood. His famous dad, compañero Rene, was a brilliant lawyer and public servant, an assemblyman and later, became senator. Following in his footsteps are brother Alan and sister Pia whose stand on the RH Bill, the Catholic Church doesn’t approve of. Both are very supportive of their youngest brother’s political ambition. Others prefer to call it “political dynasty.”

It is important to note that three years ago, Lino, who also gained popularity as the ex-boyfriend of KC Concepcion, served as the barangay captain of his fellow residents in Fort Bonifacio, one of the 28 barangays of Taguig City.

Among his peers, the 35-year-old unattached director is best described as hardworking, dedicated, passionate and someone who brings out the best in the people he works with.

Other than the fact that he is a no-nonsense director, our recollection of direk Lino boils down to three things: Sporting a long hair then, he is the handsomest nerd we have ever seen; when he donated his liver so his dad may live showed his deep affection and even now, the mere mention of Rene’s name makes him teary-eyed; and thirdly, an unassuming and distinguished-looking young man, he has transformed himself now as he moves towards a new chapter in his life.

In our books, direk Lino is an asset to the world of politics and if only his dad could see him now.