At 30, Ken Chan is already recognized among more consummate actors of his generation.
That in itself is enough for some but not Ken. He wants to do more, achieve more.
He believes he still has a lot to learn.
“Nakakataba ng puso ang mga papuri, ang mga awards, pero marami pa akong gustong marating at maabot,” he said.
It is as such that he continues to accept roles that demand only the best from him.
His latest is the drama “Papa Mascot,” now showing in theaters.
It is the first time he is flying solo – no love team.
Why?
“Hindi naman na kasi tayo bumabata,” Ken reasoned. “Siguro it’s time na rin na i-explore ko yung mga avenues na hindi ko pa natatahak.”
Is he worried at all as to how audiences will react to it?
“May kaba po pero malaki ang tiwala ko sa pelikula. Maganda siya. I think magugustuhan ito ng marami,” he said.
“And I like it na mas may laya ako rito bilang aktor,” he added.
He explained, “Lingid po sa kaalaman ng lahat na talagang pagdating po sa TV, may mga limitasyon po. Ang paggamit ng mga bad words. Ang paggamit ng sigarilyo. Talagang hindi po natin iyan maipapakita sa TV. Pero dito nagkaroon po ako ng kalayaan bilang isang aktor na maipakita yung matagal ko nang kinikimkim. Nailabas ko po dito sa pelikula na Papa Mascot.”
“Papa Mascot” is about a man who abducts a young girl, going on to form a bond with her.
It’s a complicated story, no doubt.
As Ken said, “Kakaiba ito but I think it’s also very heartwarming. Nakakaantig ng puso.”
“Ang sarap po sa pakiramdam na makagawa ng mga ganitong pelikula na may aral, relatable,” he added.
This early, many are already praising his performance in the film.
Foremost among them is film director Louie Ignacio who insists Ken is going to win many awards for it.
According to Ken, he took inspiration for it from one of his earliest mentors in showbiz, German Moreno.
“Si Kuya Germs kasi naging parang tatay ko talaga. Ipinaramdam niya sa akin ang pag-aruga ng isang ama na napakahalaga sa akin lalo na noong nagsisimula pa lang ako sa showbiz.”
