Teen actor on the rise

CEBU, Philippines - Star Magic artist Aljhon “Jon” Andres Lucas debuted on the big  screen via an indie teen flick that delves on the Pinoy’s love for everything K-Pop.

The 19-year-old Kapamilya heartthrob performed last Saturday night at Ayala Center Cebu’s The Terraces to promote his movie “#EwanKoSau Saranghaeyo” along with co-stars Francis Magundayao, John Matthew, Joshua Davis and Jhayvhot. Kapuso teen actress Barbie Forteza topbills the said film.

On his first major lead role, Jon shared: “Sobrang saya kasi mababait yung mga artista at staff na nakatrabaho ko.”

Before entering showbiz, Jon tried his hand at modelling and pageants. He joined Mr. Olive-C in 2012 and won the title.

The young actor said that at first, he just wanted to be a university basketball player but after his pageant success, friends encouraged him to pursue a career in acting.

He joined a Star Magic audition in 2012, and was selected among 500 applicants to make the Top 25 cut. He remembered being the 129th in a long, long line of showbiz aspirants.

In 2013, Jon was officially introduced as a new talent of Star Magic along with other rising celebri-teens Julia Barretto, Liza Soberano, Jane Oineza, Janella Salvador, Jerome Ponce, Khalil Ramos, etc.

So far, Jon is best known for his role as Dominic in KathNiel’s 2013 TV series “Got To Believe.” The same year, he was seen in “Kahit Konting Pagtingin” as Angeline Quinto’s younger brother. He also became part of the longest-running show “Be Careful With My Heart” and appeared in few episodes of “Wansapanataym” and “Maalaala Mo Kaya.”

In “#Ewankosau Saranghaeyo,” Jon plays the bad guy named River Mondragon, a high school heartthrob who’s an achiever and a student leader, and who will make the life of Francis Magundayao’s role miserable.

“#Ewankosau Saranghaeyo” is a K-Pop-inspired independent film centered on the life of four teens as they go through the joys and pains of high school – of experiencing young love and heartaches, taking chances and making dreams come true. Kapuso and Kapamilya teen stars were teamed up in this project that tells a story of a young man (played by Francis Magundayao) struggling with the unwanted attention of his school’s crazy, KPop-obsessed bully.

Under the direction of Roman Perez Jr. and a screenplay by En Villasis, “#Ewankosau Saranghaeyo” is under the Bagong Buwan Artist Collective Production. Also part of the cast are Elisse Joson, Nadine Samonte, Alwyn Uytingco, Eric Quizon, Alice Dixson and Eddie Garcia.

The eldest of two siblings (she has a younger sister), Jon’s grandmother is a pure Cebuana. However, he grew up in Manila with his parents. “Yung daddy ko may sariling business. Hindi naman sa bread winner pero tumutulong na rin kasi kumikita naman ako.”

Jon graduated high school at Taytay United Methodist Christian School, but has quit schooling to concentrate on showbiz. He’s not giving up on plans to finish college though. “Siguro next school year pa’g nakaipon. Gusto kong kuning kurso ay Mass Communications para related pa rin sa showbiz.”

Among his Star Magic batchmates, Jon said he is closest to Julian Estrada and Alex Diaz.

Among today’s actors, Jon looks up to Jericho Rosales. “Bata pa lang ako nasubaybayan ko na siya at naniniwala ako na magaling siyang artista.”

Jon admitted he is timid around girls, but he did not hesitate to reveal that his ultimate showbiz crush is Erich Gonzales.

Asked what sets him apart from other teen stars, Jon answered without a second thought. “Siguro hindi ako masyadong pa-showbiz.”

“Sa ngayon, hindi ko pa naiisip ang hirap sa pagiging artista kasi ini-enjoy ko pa ang pagiging actor. Pero siguro yung puyat, nagkakasakit ka pero masaya naman ang trabaho ko,” he added.

The actor is an Iglesia Ni Cristo who usually goes to church on Thursdays and Sundays. When not taping, he enjoys playing basketball, dancing, singing, and playing the guitar.

Next on his plate is the upcoming Wattpad movie adaptation titled “The Bet” with Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano under Star Cinema. He is also part of the afternoon drama “Nasaan Ka Ng Kailangan Kita.” (FREEMAN)