BEING a relatively new actor, one faces a multitude of challenges. Yet, there are still thousands who dream of becoming a star.
In the local entertainment scene, there are many ways to make that first big step to becoming an actor.
- Connections. One needs not just connections but tight and trusted intermediaries who are close to the few decision-making powers in the industry. Once a door opens, raw talent is never enough to propel one to significant milestones. A new actor needs people in high places to make sure he actively stays in the game. That’s just how things work.
- Bloodline. Being a second- or third-generation actor gives one an edge when it comes to breaking into show business, but sustaining an upward trajectory requires so much more. One has to prove that he is deserving of the opportunities given by those who paved the way for his entry. Over the years, we’ve known many children or grandchildren of stars who were given the break but receded from the spotlight after some time—unable to handle the pressure, embarrassed to be nowhere near the talent and the celebrity of their elders. Or they simply became impatient and hated the long waiting game.
- Talent search. There are many shows that offer instant stardom. Ongoing programs like Pinoy Big Brother, a dance competition called World of Dance Philippines, the Tawag ng Tanghalan singing search are but some of the shows that try to discover new talents. Even beauty pageants are now being used as jump-off points to entering show business. Among the many numbers of hopeful wannabes who were part of previous reality show, talent searches and pageants, only a few survive and stay.
A few days ago, a star search grand winner from GMA got involved in road incident and was detained overnight pending his bail. You see, some can’t even handle a small amount of fame.
In the Philippine entertainment scene, new actors and players exit much faster than the time it took them to enter those doors. That’s the sad reality.
One actor that has played his cards very well is Arjo Atayde, who is getting a lot of wonderful projects one after the other. On top of the list is the digital series Bagman, produced by Dreamscape Entertainment and now streaming on the iWant subscription app. Atayde, who has been getting rave reviews for his acting, plays the title role of a barber turned collector of dirty money for a corrupt and power-hungry politician.
He is also in the main cast of the high-rating evening series The General’s Daughter, essaying the difficult role of an autistic young man from the province. We learned that Atayde was offered a lead role in the upcoming drama series Mea Culpa but he politely turned it down to stay with The General’s Daughter. We reckon it was a wise decision, and it’s good that Atayde is in no hurry to bite everything being offered to him.
We’ve seen his growth as an actor in his various drama outings, from his 2013 launching role in Dugong Buhay to his antagonistic character in Pure Love. And from 2015 to 2017, he was always on a par with more senior and accomplished actors in his difficult role in Ang Probinsyano.
On the love front, Atayde is also on cloud nine these days, falling in love with celebrity Maine Mendoza. His parents, businessman Art Atayde and actress Sylvia Sanchez, are certainly very proud of their eldest son, whom they have raised very well.
Arjo Atayde might still be classified as a relatively new actor but we are certain that he will stay longer than many of his contemporaries. He has depth as an actor, he’s got passion, and the right attitude in dealing with both disappointments and success. He will certainly go very far.