What keeps Carl busy

MANILA, Philippines - It was two years ago when his exclusive contract with GMA 7 — his previous home network for three years — had expired. But unlike other artists who were left without work after they got nothing to renew, Carl Guevarra has never been idle.

Thanks to TV5 for dangling an offer to Carl to do several acting projects for the network under the per-show contract basis. The offer was so irresistible that it didn’t take the 25-year-old actor to think long and hard. Carl initially landed a role in the Philippine adaptation of Pretty Little Liars but for some reason, the project has been put on hold. Then came Trenderas where he played a supporting role to Isabella de Leon, Lara Maigue and Katrina Velarde.

Carl also appeared in the drama series More Than Words topbilled by Sarah Lahbati.

The Kapatid network also tapped Carl for a lead role in Wattpad Presents: Almost A Cinderella Story opposite Eula Caballero and Mistakenly Meant for You with Isabella. He, too, became a regular in the weekly gag show Tropa Mo Ko Unli with Ogie Alcasid.

“I’m happy that I am now working non-stop; sunod-sunod dumarating ang blessings,” says Carl on the opportunity to do one project after the other.

And since his TV5 contract is non-exclusive, Carl still has the freedom to accept projects in other networks. Just recently, he appeared in one of the episodes of Wagas on GMA News TV and in one of the Kapuso blocktimers Maynila.

“It’s nice that I can crossover (to other networks) since I’m on a per-show contract here. What if GMA offered a new contract then why not, but of course, everything still depends on my manager (Perry Lansigan, who handles a stable of artists under his PPL Talent Management). Right now, I’m contented that I get to work in shows here at TV5.”

Apparently, Carl is set to star in Heartbreaker, one of the four mini-stories in the second season of Wattpad Presents, with Donnalyn Bartolome and Joseph Loyzaga. It will air for a week beginning tomorrow, March 16.

“I truly enjoy the stories in Wattpad that mostly have the kilig moments and portraying the characters onscreen is a challenge because their personalities are somewhat similar like ako sa unang Wattpad role ko parang konti lang ang pinagkaiba. It will be up to me how I will deliver my part; dapat ibang atake so I have to experiment with my looks and gestures.”

In Heartbreaker, Carl is Dustin, a good-looking young man who works in 4hartbreakrdotcom. It is a “special” website for those who want to mend their broken heart by hiring someone who can render help. Carl is assigned to work for Summer (Donnalyn) who wants to get back at her boyfriend Jason (Joseph). Summer is surprised to find out when the guy he hired can possibly make her fall in love again.

“Dustin is much different from me,” says Carl in comparison to his character. “Makapal ang mukha n’ya kasi he has to deal with girls who are broken-hearted. In real life, I can’t easily talk to girls; mahiyain ako especially to someone special to me. Mahina ang loob ko na manligaw so the girl has to express or show that she likes me, too, before I can make a move.

“It’s harder for me when I really like the girl. I avoid talking to her as much as possible.”

Asked if he is content with the flow of his career, Carl says he still yearns to do roles that will leave a lasting impression to the audience. “Right now, Tropa Mo Ko is a real test for me. It’s really tough to do comedy than drama. Comedy requires right timing and slowly, I’m learning it from Kuya Ogie.”

If given a chance, Carl wants to prove himself in an action genre.

Off-cam, Carl devotes most of his spare time sweating out excess poundage by joining marathons. He started running in 2012 but stopped for a year due to a heavy workload.

“This year ulit, bumalik ako. It was only last Sunday when I joined RunRio United and I placed 15th in the 21 km. (category),” shares Carl who is the current ambassador of Skechers Run. “Aside from enjoying those running events, marathon keeps my body fit. So I can do action (role) anytime.”