JM de Guzman on Working With His Co-Actors in “Linlang”

Linlang actor JM de Guzman admitted that he was nervous as his latest contract renewal with ABS-CBN came about. The Kapamilya artist was reminded of his beginnings and realizations, and is thankful that he became a component of the media company.

“Nu’ng una kasi, parang ang akala ko lang, pag-aartista lang ’yung pinasok ko and ’yun lang ’yung meaning sa’kin ng pagpasok ko sa ABS and pagiging isang Kapamilya,” JM began. “Pero nag-evolve siya sakin na nabigyan niya ko ng purpose na kung anuman ’yung natatanggap kong tulong o pagmamahal, gawin ko rin sa trabaho ko—gawin ko rin sa kapwa ko.”

As to what his biggest challenge is when it comes to building around his career, JM has always been sure of the answer. “Siguro ang big challenge for me is consistency sa sarili ko at to better myself every day, to improve para mas makapag-perform pa nang maayos—maka-deliver nang maayos,” he shared.

At the “Solid Kapamilya: Network Contract Signing” affair, JM expressed his gratitude and excitement toward his showbiz family. “Overwhelming po ’yung nararamdaman kong emotions ngayon. Hindi ko po alam kung ano’ng uunahin kong emosyon na yayakapin ngayon—kung tuwa ba o sobrang grateful,” he said, tearing up.

“Akala ko kasi, ilang beses na sa buhay ko na wala akong mari-reach or wala kong mapupuntahan. Pero ever since, ginuide ako ng ABS sa tamang daan and hanggang ngayon, I’m still so grateful na pinagkakatiwalaan pa rin ako and I’m here.”

Apart from his passion for acting, JM noted that his newfound purpose makes him proud of what he has become. “Sobrang halaga po [ng pagiging Kapamilya ko] kasi dito ko nahanap ’yung purpose ko sa ABS-CBN. Dito ko nahanap ’yung kung ano ’yung dapat kong at kailangan kong gawin sa buhay ko at sa buhay ng ibang tao.”

As he bounces back from controversies and challenges in life, JM promises to lead a better life. To back up his talent, he, too, commits to being consistent in all aspects. “I will continue to be a better person, better actor every day, and hoping na maka-inspire ng mga kagaya ko na nagdaan din sa pareho kong pinagdaanan, and maging leksyon din sana.”

As for JM’s performance in the series Linlang, he has proven yet again that throughout his years in acting, his talent has never toned down. He can deliver a character so well it seeps through people’s skin. “Pati sa labas ng bahay, ’pag nag-go-grocery ako, nanggigigil sila sa’kin, naiinis sila sa’kin,” he told DJ Jhai Ho at the press conference. 

“Sasabihin ko: ‘Anong ginawa ko sa’yo? Naggo-grocery lang ako dito.’ Tapos ’yun nga, napanood nila ’yung Linlang and sobrang affected sila,” he continued. “So nakakatuwa rin kasi na-e-engage namin ’yung audience du’n sa storya, du’n sa storytelling.”

In terms of his relationship with the Linlang team, JM revealed how deep his respect is for his fellow stars. As it is his first time working with Diamond Star Maricel Soriano, he, too, is thrilled to take creative risks. “Gusto ko ring magpasampal sa kaniya,” he cracked, laughing. “Sobrang nakakakilig!”

“Hindi ko ma-explain kung ano ’yung feeling na naramdaman ko nu’ng una kong malaman na makakatrabaho ko si Miss Diamond Star. Actually, sa set, para lang siyang nanay. Pinupulbuhan niya kami ni Paulo. Pinupunasan niya ’yung likod namin ’pag pawis na kami, tapos pinapakain niya kami ng pagkain na dala niya.” 

JM looks up to Maricel’s work ethic as well. According to him, the veteran actress values companionship in the workplace, and is completely attuned to her co-actors. “After ng mga takes, gusto niya, magkakasama kayo sa tent. Lagi niya rin akong pinapangaralan sa buhay. Sobrang packaged talaga ’yung experience working with Inay. Hindi lang sa acting.”

While making an impression in Linlang, meanwhile, JM’s intimate scenes with co-star Kim Chiu was no picnic. “Nahihirapan ako du’n, actually, kasi [I’m] taking my meds so ’yung preparation ko physically, medyo nahihirapan ako sa pagpapapayat,” he narrated. “Up until now, actually. ’Yun ’yung battle ko ngayon.” 

Despite the initial difficulties, JM took comfort in knowing that the cast members trust him, and he means the same. “Wala naman akong naging problema kasi sobrang professional nila, lalo na si Kim. Sobrang professional ni Kaila Estrada rin. Give and take [lang kami],” he spelled it out. 

Lead photos from @1migueldeguzman and by @niceprintphoto via @starmagicphils