What makes JB a little champ

MANILA, Philippines -  It looks like ABS-CBN has found another child wonder in seven-year-old JB Agustin who plays Caloy in the fantasy drama series Little Champ. Beneath his “just-another-ordinary boy” look is the type who could automatically catch one’s attention as soon as he starts to mingle and talk. In fact, he instantly turned one drab and sleepy afternoon into a lively banter inside one of the conference rooms of ABS-CBN’s Corporate Communication office with his wittiness and intelligence yet keeping his innocent charm intact.

No wonder, JB easily clinched the Caloy role in the fifth round of auditions held inside the Kapamilya network’s compound two years ago.

“Truth is, we already had a shortlist of children but the (show) directors felt that not one of those kids possessed that certain character they were looking for,” shared executive producer Celeste “Tetet” Villanueva. So we decided to hold one last round of auditions and there we found JB. The director saw in him the rawness and innocence. That time pati, ang liit-liit nya pa noon.”

“I want my Nanay Minay to see me on TV,” was JB’s foremost reason in trying out for the part. According to his mom Ann, Nanay Minay is JB’s paternal grandmother who lives in Bukidnon and took care of JB until he was three.

“Besides, most of the kids gave ‘scripted’ answers that, according to them, they wanted to help their families. And then there were some who were too mestizo (for the role),” added Ronald Padriga, ad and promo head of Raymund Dizon’s unit. “JB really stood out. ‘Yung sagot n’ya napaka-inosente at totoo para sa edad nya. Caloy is the son of a horse jockey and we need someone who is simple yet bibo at cute kaya JB really fits the part. Coincidence din na sa Bukidnon ang setting ng show.” 

But prior to playing Caloy, JB’s first foray into the limelight was at a local fashion show. He was spotted at  SM and was offered to take part in the mall’s catwalk event. Mom Ann agreed right away, knowing and believing in his son’s talent and ability. “JB loves acting to the point of imitating the characters in May Bukas Pa. I often asked him if he wanted to be like Zaijian (Jaranilla) and he said yes because he wanted his lola to see him on TV. So when SM got him, we thought of enrolling him in an acting workshop.”

As if Heaven was bound to intercede, Ann chanced upon Zaijian’s manager Bryan Ancheta through Facebook. “We chatted and he advised me to enroll JB in the acting workshop facilitated by Papu (Edward Bragasin) who eventually became JB’s manager.”

“I saw JB’s potential. He was too keen to learn, makikita mo yung interes n’ya kaya tinutukan ko s’ya for a year,” Papu said.

JB was five when he auditioned for Little Champ but it didn’t mean he has no inkling yet on what on-cam acting is all about. His acting stint began when he was chosen to play cameo roles in such TV shows as Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin and 100 Days, and in the Gerald Anderson and Sarah Geronimo starrer Won’t Last a Day.

What initially challenged JB was the horseback riding scenes. Tetet said they needed to get a double for JB because he’s afraid to ride a horse.

“But when he saw his double enjoying the horseback ride, I told him that he can also do that and he was inspired to do it himself. Kaya ngayon kahit si Super Chalk na yung kabayo wala na s’yang double.”

In the story, Caloy has a horse named Chalk which earns supernatural abilities after a meteor strike. Chalk will help Caloy fight the evil forces.

Didn’t he audition for the Kapamilya kiddie gag show Goin’ Bulilit? Tetet replied, “We wanted to introduce him fresh for Little Champ. Maybe after this, he will be seen next in Goin’ Bulilit.”

Little Champ earned 17 percent in the ratings game when it premiered last March 18, a clear validation of its endearing story to televiewers. It also made a sudden change in JB’s life.

“Marami na pong nagpapa-picture,”related JB. “’Yung teacher ko tuwang-tuwa po sila pinag-kukurot ako. Masaya din po ako kasi nakita ako ng mga kamag-anak ko.”

And though, in his own words, “I am working because I am getting a salary,” JB still finds the time to go biking around their neighborhood in Fairview with his playmates. He, too, bought a toy gun and clothes when he got his first paycheck.

Asked if he thinks he’s already a star, JB smiled and replied, “Sikat na po pero di pa po masyado. Gusto ko pa pong sumikat para makita ko pa ‘yung ibang artista. Mayaman? Di ko alam si mommy po nag-tatago ng pera sa bangko.”

JB wishes to follow in Coco Martin’s footsteps “because he’s kind and good in acting” while he deems John Lloyd Cruz as the most good-looking actor in showbizlandia.

Aside from acting, JB is into singing. He recorded Batang-bata Ka Pa for the fantasy drama series’ soundtrack album.

As regards to his other dream, JB said, “I also want to be a sacristan for God to give me more blessings.”

(Little Champ, airing weeknights before TV Patrol, also topbills Sen. Lito Lapid, Jake Roxas, Precious Lara Quigaman and Jhong Hilario.)