What’s Akihiro up to?

MANILA, Philippines — Not much has been heard about Akihiro Blanco since TV5 mainly focused on sports and became Sports5. There was not even a buzz when the Artista Academy alum transferred to another network.

It turned out that Akihiro decided to become a freelancer. He finds it much better to work in different film outfits and TV networks or accepts projects for TVCs without worrying about any exclusivity contract. He, too, is open to take on roles for cable shows and indie films, among them is The Fate, directed by Rey Coloma.

“I am happy with the acting projects that I am getting at nagpapasalamat ako na tuloy-tuloy naman,” said Akihiro before the presscon for The Fate, produced by Star Films Entertainment. The indie film is one of the entries to this year’s Urduja Film Festival and Mindanao’s Inding Indie Film Festival. Its premiere night is set on Aug. 25 at the Cinema 4 of SM Megamall.

Akihiro continued, “The Fate is an advocacy film and I can say that it’s worth-watching because it will raise awareness on what is happening around us, hindi ito basta simpleng istorya lang. Actually, we already completed shooting the film last year.”

He will play the character of a rich guy named Eugene who will directly affect the lives of brothers Karl (played by Kelvin Miranda) and Eric (Ken-Ken Nuyad) who are forced to live on the streets and make a living by collecting cans and bottles when their mom leaves them under the care of their father who dies not long after. Also starring in The Fate are Gaye Piccio, John Matthew Uy, Lewis Simpson, Gab Lopez, Cris Bacula, Atheena Santamaria, JC Montecarlo, Jethany Miranda, Ryan Arizala, Aaron Concepcion and Ejay Fontanilla, with the special participation of Christian Vasquez.  

“I admire direk Rey for his work kasi sobrang alam n’ya yung gagawin para maging maganda ang kalabasan. Sobrang chill din n’ya as a director na kahit baguhan lang siya, alam n’ya ang tamang paraan. He also welcomed our suggestions,” said Akihiro of direk Rey. The actor added that he also hopes to direct his own film someday.

“Ever since when I was just starting, I remember observing directors while working on the set especially with direk Joel Lamangan who handled Artista Academy and he’s also our director in Madam Chairman. I also worked with him in the Regal movie This Time I’ll Be Sweeter with Barbie Forteza and Ken Chan. I would often ask direk Joel for tips in directing.”

Now that The Fate is ready for screening, Akihiro is busy taping for HIV that is set to air on Cignal soon. The show is also the first directorial job of Ping Medina.

Televiewers will also see Akihiro in a supporting role in the ABS-CBN drama series The Killer Bride.