Neil Ryan Sese and Pancho Magno share trade secrets
Unlike in Hollywood, where actors have ample time to prepare physically and mentally for their roles, Filipino thespians like Neil Ryan Sese and Pancho Magno face tight shooting schedules that prevent them from having the same luxury of time as their foreign counterparts.
However, both Neil and Pancho consistently approach their roles with depth and sincerity in all their projects, the latest being the GMA drama series “Cruz vs. Cruz,” where they portray the male lead characters.
The two actors understand that acting is about performing truthfully within imaginary situations. And doing so requires skill. So, don’t be misled into thinking that anyone who can read and speak can automatically become an actor. The ability to fully imagine, analyze a script and develop a voice that fits the role are part of creating a successful performance plan.
Love for the craft is essential for Neil, but his “main secret” is memorizing his lines, “because how will you be able to act if you do not know your lines, and that’s the main reason why other actors slip up in pacing.”
Pancho, on the other hand, prepares for the role by mentally adopting the character’s persona before heading to the set. It also helps him respond appropriately to situations with his co-star by intentionally keeping his distance and avoiding small talk before the shoot.
Working with seasoned actors has also taught Pancho important life lessons and acting techniques. “Well, more on mga tinuturo sa akin, lalo na ng mga veterans, is to always keep a good relationship with your colleagues. It goes a long way with your acting,” he said.
“You’ll be more comfortable with the scenes if you have a good relationship with the people you work with, as we can openly discuss what works best. And if you show respect toward your co-actors and the staff, then it will be a very conducive environment,” he added.
Aside from acting talent, Neil also believes that building a good rapport with everyone on set is key to getting more projects. “’Yung mahusay makisama, ‘yun ang unang puhunan dito (showbiz) because there are plenty of talented actors. But if you have talent but are difficult to work with on set, and you’re hard to get along with, then nothing will come out well.”
Fortunately, Neil and Pancho find everyone on the set of “Cruz vs. Cruz” easy to get along with.
Thus, they get to focus on their roles in the story that mirrors the realities of life.
“The story is based on real life, where issues of pride exist, warring families, cases of infidelity and emotional conflicts within the family,” described Neil of the drama series.
Pancho said it cannot be denied that some Filipino families are experiencing the same dilemma as the characters in the series.
What makes it more interesting is that the drama series is not just about women but also focuses on children, the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and men like Neil’s Manuel and Pancho’s Joel.
“It’s only now that GMA has once again presented a character like Manuel. ‘Yung role na Manuel usually pang babae ‘yan na siya ‘yung inaapi, siya ‘yung nagiging victim. Ngayon lalaki siya. That’s why I’m grateful that I am given this role, which is very challenging for an actor, as in mabubuhay lahat ng dugo ko bilang artista,” said Neil.
In real life, Pancho and Neil are loving and responsible fathers. Pancho has a son named Skye, while Neil has two children, Kahlia and Gabriel.
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