Nick comes full circle

MANILA, Philippines - Lately, some have been critical about teleseryes including a few columnists who rue the fact that these programs now dominate the airwaves. But if there’s one thing positive about this development, it is that these teleseryes have opened the door to the return of familiar names and faces from stage and films of old.

Many are playing character roles side by side with the new crop of acting talents. Among them is Nick Lizaso who is playing character roles in at least four teleseryes aired on ABS-CBN, namely Be Careful With My Heart, Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw, the just-concluded Aryana and Princess & I. Televiewers have noted that while he is cast in supporting roles, his acting still stands out. It’s been heard that in one of the scenes in which Nick had to deliver kilometric lines, he was applauded by the cast and crew for doing it right in one take.

From being an acclaimed stage actor in the ’60s, Nick has since gone on to directing for TV and film. Now that he is back as an actor, Nick says he has come full circle. “Once an actor always an actor,” he quips. Asked what he thinks about acting in a teleserye, Nick says that it’s fun, adding that he is glad because it gives him the opportunity to hone his acting craft. “Acting is in my blood, and I am always driven by a desire to improve my craft.”

He thinks acting in teleseryes is as natural to him as fish to water. “I guess my experience as a stage actor for many years has prepared me for this. Onstage, you play the same role over and over again but it’s up to you to make it fresh every night and turn it into a masterful performance every time.” On the set, one finds him waiting for the next take, quietly putting himself into character and unobtrusively taking metal notes. He is also happy to see people whom he has worked with before moving up the ranks as executive producers or directors.

Asked if he is willing to direct a teleserye if given the opportunity, he says why not? And with an enigmatic smile and a wink, he leaves it at that.

Young talents who happen to work with seasoned actors like Nick during shooting would be well advised to seize the opportunity to learn from these masters. They ought to realize that every time they act with these seasoned actors and actresses, they are taking free lessons. Little do they know they are having a virtual workshop. Learning by observing is the best acting school.