By Nestor Cuartero
If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves. – Thomas A. Edison
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AYOKO NANG MAKA- RINIG NG LOVE SONG: Newcomer Brian Gazmen admits he has yet to experience an actual heartbreak, but that’s no reason for him not to be able to sing about it.
Fact is, heartbreak is the underlying theme behind the 17-year old’s first single, “Ayoko Nang Makarinig ng Love Song.”
Joven Tan, the song’s composer, said he wanted the song to attract attention. The composer, who’s also a movie director, earlier wrote hit songs as “Ano’ng Nangyari sa Ating Dalawa” (Aiza Seguerra) and “Pare, Mahal Mo Raw Ako” (Michael Pangilinan).
He also directed the song’s video, shot in Misibis Bay in Albay.
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PLAYING EXTRA, GOING TO AUDITIONS: Despite his affluent background (born to a political family in Iriga, studies at the Ateneo de Manila), Brian doesn’t mind starting his career from scratch.
He went to auditions, toed the line, suffered rejections. He has been to so many go-see’s that he has lost count. He has also finished 15 acting workshops, all under the supervision of known talent manager Ogie Diaz.
Brian is managed by Dudu Unay, an associate of Ogie’s.
Among the boy’s credits are bit roles in “Seven Sundays,” “Ipaglaban Mo,” and “La Luna Sangre.”
He speaks about the hardships faced by newcomers, aspiring actors in the biz. “I went through sleepless nights, but I had classes in the morning,” the Grade 12 student said.
His grades suffered. “I failed in Math. That’s when Mom said I would have to stop acting if my grades fell some more.”
Brian uses his mother’s warning as inspiration to do good in both school and showbiz. He had shown interest in performing even as a child. Brian attended workshops under Trumpets and acted in school plays.
In college, he wants to study Business Management, still at the Ateneo.