By NEIL RAMOS
Not long ago, Tony Labrusca was being touted the next big thing.
He lived up to the hype too, showing considerable acting acumen in appearances on both TV and film.
It didn’t hurt that he also has the looks as with the physique.
Then came the fall.
Kind of.
The actor was charged with act of lasciviousness, physical injuries back in 2021 and it proved quite a scar.
Many thought he was a goner.
He did so, too.
He told us, “I almost had my career taken from me.”
Although the cases have been dropped since, Tony is still reeling from the same.
“To be honest it was pretty traumatic,” he admitted.
Then again, Tony is not one to play victim. Rather than mope, he simply worked on getting his mojo back.
“So, I won my case, (but) sexual harassment is like, such a very serious thing. Being blamed a sexual harasser when, in fact, I’m not, is a huge thing. I’m just grateful to be in a place where I’m still doing amazing projects. I simply look at it as a test of sorts and I’m thankful that I’m still here. God is still giving me the opportunity to be an actor, to be in amazing projects and I aim to show my worth.”
Tony is now back doing what he does best in Joan Lopez-Flores psychological drama thriller “What He Did,” among entries to this year’s Sinag Maynila filmfest.
He is playing a dual role in the film and he admitted it “is one of the hardest” portrayals he has ever done.
“I was apprehensive to take on the roles because honestly, I was so scared. I felt like if I didn’t do a good job it would be just like, wala. Everyone would readily dismiss me like, ‘Yeah, Tony is a terrible actor.’ Yung feeling niya is parang, I bit off more than I could chew, parang ganoon.”
All that said, he is now more than happy to have landed the role.
“This is officially the project that I’m most proud of. I think this is my best acting piece by far.”
The film delves into the crushing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It also touches on the sudden popularity of social media.
“I think a lot of people would be able to relate because we’ve all experienced the pandemic and it’s not too long ago,” said Tony. “Then there’s social media, which is a huge part of our lives today.”
Said Joan, “’What You Did’ explores the devastating effects of trauma, the relentless pursuit of validation, and the harsh reality of dreams being shattered by a global crisis.”
Sinag Maynila runs from Sept 4 to 8 in Gateway, SM Manila.
