Sylvia & Arjo: Like mother, like son

MANILA, Philippines - Like mother, like son. This is how many people best describe Sylvia Sanchez and her son Arjo Atayde who is now getting notice as a new drama actor.

Sylvia has proven to be a durable, sought-after and multi-awarded actress — a career achievement that son Arjo wants to follow.

It was 1992 when Sylvia won her Best Supporting Actress award at the Metro Manila Film Festival for her performance in the Ang Lalaki sa Salamin episode of Takbo, Talon, Tili, a trilogy topbilled by Sheryl Cruz and Romnick Sarmenta.

Arjo, on the other hand, got nominated and won Best New TV Personality last year at the PMPC Star Awards for Television for his performance in the Bangka episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya. It also gave him a nomination for Outstanding Breakthrough Performance By An Actor from the Golden Screen Awards of the Entertainment Press Society (ENPRESS).

Last year’s PMPC Star Awards for Television also gave a double victory for Sylvia and her son.  Because aside from Arjo’s win, Sylvia won the Best Single Performance award for the Aswang episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya.

It was Sylvia’s second acting trophy from the same category in the PMPC Star Awards for Television. The first was in 1997 for her role on ABS-CBN’s crime series Calvento Files.

Just a couple of months ago, Sylvia also won in the Golden Screen Awards for her performance on TV5’s Untold Stories.  

Sylvia’s current project, as the mother of Jodi Sta. Maria and Aiza Seguerra in Be Careful With My Heart, made her well-loved by fans.

She now has a fans club called Sylvianians and a Facebook fanpage (“Sweet Nanay Sylvia Sanchez”) with thousands of followers.

Like her mom, Arjo can’t help but feel overwhelmed by the good breaks he is getting since he started in showbiz more than a year ago. He is very thankful to the ABS-CBN bosses for casting him in the Dugong Buhay series.

Arjo admitted that during the first few taping days, he was challenged by the pressure brought about by being entrusted a big role in the series directed by Toto Natividad.

But he doesn’t want to lose focus. He tries not to be bothered by the pressure he feels. He just wants to be able to prove that he is worthy of the acting break.

The mother and son are always taking on the challenge to shine in every role they play.

But what could be more challenging for them as actors is working together in one project. A mother and son tandem? That would be great to watch.