‘90s heartthrob Jao Mapa gets second wind in showbiz
Getting another chance in playing a lead at this point in his career came as a surprise for ‘90s heartthrob Jao Mapa. But more than being a surprise, the former Guwapings member considers it a blessing.
“I’ve been praying every day and to be given a second chance is God’s way of giving me a second wind,” said Jao in our interview via Facebook messenger.
The actor, who garnered a Gawad Urian best actor nomination for “Pare Ko”, is very happy being offered the male lead in “Paraluman”, a film from Yam Laranas that will begin streaming Sept. 24 on Vivamax.
“I have gone through many trials where I can draw my emotions. I believe my experiences through the years have molded me as an actor and I could proudly say my acting has evolved and I am prepared to tackle challenging roles.”
Jao added that he learned a lot working with Rhen Escaño. “It was a great experience. There had been many changes with it comes to shooting a movie, acting-wise and when it comes to discipline. Rhen is a very dedicated and passionate actress that’s why she’s being blessed for having so much projects.”
How is it working with Direk Yam? “Direk has brought filmmaking to a higher level. He’s been a fan of national artist Amorsolo, and is applying his lighting into the film, so it’s like making Amorsolo into a filmmaker. Direk Yam has a certain discipline with his production staff. I see the respect he gets from them and vice versa.”
Before he shot “Paraluman”, Jao was shooting the period movie “Balangiga” which is now 90 percent finished but they have yet to resume filming. In recent years, he mostly did support and bit roles. Jao said his last full-length film as lead is probably “Matrikula” when he was still active in the ‘90s.
The Covid-19 pandemic brought Jao closer to God. He started praying the rosary at the start of the pandemic last year and he hasn’t stopped or missed since then. “I believe this film is one of the blessings He has given me,” he said.
His life is now completely committed to the Almighty Father, and ever since he started praying, he feels God has protected, guided, cared and loved him and his family. “I have never been closer to God in my life until now,” shared Jao.
***
R Multimedia Entertainment Productions is home to many talents wanting to try their luck in showbiz since it opened its doors nine years ago. Headed by its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mr. Roi Ira Jude Diego, the young talent and management agency had been discovering and helping newcomers hoping to carve a name in the biz.
“I would like to continue discovering talents who have the potential to make it,” said Roi. “I am inspired to help artists who have the passion and the drive to pursue their dreams. If I can see they are determined to make it, then I am more than willing to help them achieve their dreams.”
The company celebrates its 9th anniversary this year by taking in two new talents under its fold. They are Vietnam-based singer-composer Rico Means and Red Mendoza, who won second place at Starhunt’s “BIDASTAR: Boy Next Door.” He is also an actor, social media influencer and content creator.
“I am very happy to have won second place in ‘Starhunt.’ It was worth all the challenges that I went through and the sacrifices that I needed to endure. My motto is to never give up but to continue and fuel the passion within me. I’ve always told myself that my time will come. I will continue to pursue my dream and never let go of it.”
Rico and Red are just two of the artists that R Multimedia Entertainment Productions is launching this year. They are featured in a new digital show via the KUMU app titled “Marupok Brothers” where they will talk about timely topics with a resource person and share their views on the topic at hand. This will start airing on Friday, Sept. 24.
Red is currently undergoing an acting workshop under PETA and is set to record his version of a song popularized by a top band. Rico, for his part, will record seven of his original compositions for an album that will be released on digital platforms.
R Multimedia Entertainment Productions remains committed to its vision of helping discover new talents that can be the stars of tomorrow.
- Latest
