Aljur bares it all

Eight years since winning reality-talent search StarStruck, Aljur Abrenica is no longer a novice to the limelight. A carefully-crafted career has eased him into the public eye, collecting for the 23-year-old actor a slew of lead roles, motion picture deals and high-profile endorsements.

Now, Aljur hardly ever displays the inhibitions of a neophyte. He is considerably more confident, more mature and more primed to take on the rigors of showbiz.

 â€œComing from a middle-class family sa Pampanga, tapos nakarating sa Manila, it’s overwhelming to be where I am right now,” he gushes. “I’m very lucky. Ngayon, I’m more excited kung ano ba talaga ang magiging purpose ng buhay ko. I’m glad that I’m able to inspire a lot of people.”

Shooting for his newest primetime soap is a test of his resolve as an actor. For Kambal Sirena (which recently premiered on GMA Primetime), Aljur had to undergo diving lessons and dolphin workshops to breathe life into his character Kevin, a wealthy ocean park heir and dolphin trainer.

Intensive training in skin diving, scuba diving and swimming was necessary to craft his character, says Aljur. For that, the producers tapped former actor Jess Lapid Jr., who helms the underwater training for the entire cast. Jess is now a member of the World Underwater Federation, an international organization that runs underwater sport events, scientific research and extensive dive training systems.

He is all praises for his instructor. “Napaka-swerte ko na nakatrabaho ko si Sir Jess. Alam ko na lahat ngayon ang parts ng scuba diving. Pinag-aralan ko talaga. He gave me opportunities to access everything, to be a licensed diver.”

Although his father taught him basic swimming, Aljur says Kambal Sirena has propelled him to tread just outside his comfort zone. His deepest dive so far: Twenty feet.

Taking on the role was a challenge in itself, but he was more than willing to push himself in the name of professionalism. He also prepared physically using a combination of high-intensity workouts, running, surfing and Mixed Martial Arts including Muay Thai, Jujitsu, Judo and Kickboxing.

“My character is like Adam Sandler in 50 First Dates. Go with the flow lang, carefree, but he is very dedicated to his work. Kahit family niya yung may-ari ng place, he does janitorial work, cleans the aquarium, trains the dolphins. Nag-se-security guard din siya, kahit di naman kailangan.”

He plays opposite Louise delos Reyes who portrays twin characters Perlas (a human being with gills behind her ears) and Alona (a mermaid shrouded in the underwater kingdom of Sirenadia). 

This is Aljur’s first time to be paired with Louise who, likes him, has headlined a number of primetime and afternoon soaps on GMA. “Personally, magkaibigan talaga kami ni Louise pero ngayon ko lang siya nakasabayan umarte. She’s very professional. She’s very energetic, cheerful, at sobrang kulit kahit umaga na sa taping. Nakakahawa yung passion niya for work.”

Their familiarity with each other is due to in large part to being teammates in the Sunday afternoon variety program, Sunday All Stars.

He says he finds Kevin particularly challenging to play because his sensible personality in real life is very different from the happy-go-lucky persona he is portraying on screen. He also factors in the timing of the project, which came shortly after wrapping up his recently-concluded primetime starrer, Prinsesa Ng Buhay Ko.

Kambal Sirena was offered to him in the middle of taping for Prinsesa Ng Buhay Ko, which aired its finale last January. “Yung shift ng roles, yung distinction for each character, yung effort na kailangan magbuo ulit ng panibagong character, medyo mahirap yun,” he reasons. Still, he is quick to thank GMA for entrusting him with another ambitious production.

Joining Aljur and Louise in Kambal Sirena are Wynwyn Marquez, Mike Tan, Polo Ravales, Rich Asuncion and Pancho Magno, and seasoned actors Lotlot de Leon, Gladys Reyes, Mickey Ferriols, Angelika de la Cruz, Tessie Tomas, Nova Villa, Chanda Romero and Yul Servo.

Eight years and several accomplishments since his debut in the industry, Aljur wishes to be seen as a serious actor who exemplifies versatility in his craft. His dream role: “Parang Denzel Washington sa Training Day, mga ganong klaseng movie. Action pero smart. Something na kakaiba.”

He names international stars Denzel and Leonardo DiCaprio, as well as local legends Christopher de Leon and Aga Muhlach as his idols in the business. He also wants to be paired with Heart Evangelista sometime in the near future.

“Or Kylie,” he answers boldly. Kylie Padilla, Kapuso lead actress and daughter to Robin Padilla, is his real-life paramour. “I haven’t experienced working with a girlfriend. Challenging siguro. Natatakot din ako na baka mapasok yung relationship sa work. It’s easier said than done.”

There are plenty more things that Aljur wants to accomplish, but for now he admits not having a clear goal in mind. “I just live in the present, seizing each day and making every heartbeat count.”

Every day opens a new door to better himself and his career. “As early as 5 a.m., gising na ako. Start na ako ng workout. Also, I do photography. Doon ko nakita passion ko sa art. Minsan, I study my character, or spend quality time with my family.”

What keeps him grounded is his renewed Christian faith. In describing himself, thinks for a while and answers matter-of-factly, “Son of God.”