CEBU, Philippines - At 15, GMA Artist Center talent Miguel Tanfelix still carries that good boy charm that endeared him to the audience of “Starstruck Kids†ten years ago. His sweet visage still radiates on screen – but with a tinge of maturity this time. After being dubbed as Starstruck Kids’ First Prince and playing minor roles in a slew of drama series, a lot has changed in Miguel.
Miguel’s portrayal in GMA Telebabad’s “Niño†is a testament to this, and his friend Bianca Umali bears witness to this. Before “Niño,†Miguel and Bianca had worked together in “Paroa: Ang Kwento ni Mariposa†and “Mga Basang Sisiw.â€
While Miguel enjoys the praises he gets, he is taking the compliments in stride. He says his lead role as a mentally challenged boy is not the easiest he has portrayed, but he’s taking it as a challenge.
“I’m really blessed to have been given a break like this. Matagal din po akong naghintay na bumida sa isang drama series. Iniisip ko po noon, may perfect timing naman sa mga pangarap ko, kaya tiyaga-tiyaga lang. Bonus pa po ‘yung magkasama kami ni Bianca sa ‘Niño.’ Siyempre mas masaya, may long-time friend at familiar face. Kumbaga, at ease po ako lalo na kapag magkasama kami sa eksena,†he said.
“Niño,†a family-oriented drama revolves around a mentally challenged boy who becomes his town’s source of inspiration. Upon meeting a boy named Tukayo who is an incarnate ofSanto Niño, (played by Kapuso child star David Remo), “Niño†will prove that nothing is impossible as long as faith and hope are kept alive.
For Miguel’s role as Niño, he took inspiration from his portrayal of Boyito, a special child featured on GMA’s Sine Novela titled “Tinik sa Dibdib.†He immersed himself in workshops, diligently mastering his craft. He’s also driven to hone his acting skills, especially now that he’s working alongside veteran actors such as Gloria Romero, Dante Rivero, and Angelu de Leon, to name a few.
Catch Miguel as he takes on the role of Niño, weeknights after “24 Oras.†(PR)(FREEMAN)