Chavit Singson’s son Christian embraces the acting bug

You probably know that Luis “Chavit” Singson is a businessman, politician and former governor of Ilocos Sur. He had his eyes set on running for a senatorial seat in the May 12 midterm elections, but dropped out last January following a bout with pneumonia. But did you know that Chavit also wears another hat, as a movie producer? 

Which brings me to the main subject of this story, which is not Chavit. Rather, it is about one of his 24 children, Christian, 28, who is now being launched as a leading man in the inspirational action flick “Beyond the Call of Duty,” produced by Chavit Singson and daughter Stephanie. 

I recently had a chance to chat with the handsome Christian, whose pumped-up physique is one-third covered with colorful tattoos. So how did this accidental actor end up as one of the five leads in a film that he hopes will jumpstart a movie star career? 

Let’s backtrack a bit to the year 2003, when Christian played himself in his dad’s biopic “Chavit,” and then to 2006, when Christian was 10 years old and cast in the horror film “Barang,” also produced by his dad. Those two forays aside, Christian didn’t really take showbiz seriously, and even went to Australia for college to take up graphic design.   

The 28-year-old ‘accidental actor’ with his proud dad.

That all changed a few years ago when the hit series “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” was taping in the Singson residence in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, and Christian was invited to appear in a few scenes. He enjoyed himself so much that soon afterwards, he realized that the acting bug had finally bit him.

And now, thanks to his supportive movie producer/father, Christian finds himself reluctantly doing press conferences and chatting with a room full of reporters, answering questions about the movie and about himself.         

Per the press release, “Beyond the Call of Duty” promises to be a gripping tribute to the bravery, sacrifice, and camaraderie of police officers and firefighters. Christian plays the second lead in the film top billed by Martin del Rosario, Maxine Trinidad, Paolo Gumabao and Devon Seron, under the direction of JR Olinares. 

To give the film added authenticity, Chavit’s production company, PinoyFlix Films, has partnered with the Philippine National Police, Philippine Public Safety College, Bureau of Fire Protection and the PNP Officers Ladies Club Foundation to accurately depict the challenges, sacrifices, courage and triumphs of these heroic public servants.   

So did Christian prepare for the shoot? Did he have a trainer who ensured that he could perform dangerous stunts? Christian replies that he didn’t have a trainer, and that he didn’t undergo special training for action scenes. He adds that he is already a very physical guy who boxes regularly and has the toned physique to show for it.

Asked about his love life, the charismatic Christian reveals that he is now engaged to Camille Guiriba, who hails from Davao and is not from showbiz. He admits that he was once a “womanizer” — like his dad — but that he became a “changed” man when he met Camille, his “right one” and one true love. Though they are engaged, he says there is no rush for them to tie the knot soon. 

On the topic of family, what’s it like to be one of 24 Singson siblings? Christian claims to get along with his other half-siblings, who do their best to gather as one very big and happy family at least once a year during the Holy Week break. 

As my brief time with Christian ends, I ask what the best lesson is his father taught him. “To help people,” he replies, without skipping a beat. 

He then explains that since returning from Australia, his dad has been showing him the ropes, bringing him to meetings and detailing what it takes to be an effective public servant. He hopes one day to be as selfless as his dad, whom he says is always ready to help those in need without expecting anything in return. While Christian did not undergo special training for the action scenes demanded by “Beyond the Call of Duty,” it’s evident that his father is providing him with invaluable real-world training for a life of public service.

(“Beyond the Call of Duty” will open in cinemas on May 28.)