WE are excited for the resurgence in the film career of one of our favorite actors, Carlo Aquino. Often described as underrated, Aquino is one man who is very secure with who he is as an artist.
He has truly evolved as an actor, and has been recognized numerous times for his galvanizing talent, from the time that he was a child actor up to the present. Who can forget his turn as the son of Vilma Santos in Bata, Bata Paano Ka Ginawa? We adored him in Minsan May Isang Puso. He was profound and almost perfect in Kahapon May Dalawang Bata. He was in his best elements in Mater Dolorosa. He was both brave and brilliant in Porno.
His second movie this year, Jerrold Tarog’s Goyo, has just opened in local cinemas and word- of-mouth is starting to lure the younger set of audiences in, specifically the student population.
A few months ago, Aquino starred in Meet Me in St. Gallen, a romance-themed movie that did quite well in the box office.
His third film for the year, titled Exes Baggage, is starting to create a buzz, and Aquino is keeping his fingers crossed that the film will do well when it finally opens in cinemas later this month.
We can cite many reasons why Aquino should feel confident about this new film directed by Dan Villegas, but the primary reason is because he shares the film with his real life ex-girlfriend, Angelica Panganiban.
Aquino and Panganiban have had two chances on love, but both did not last very long.
“It was a mutual decision in both instances.
It was definitely not a messy break up. We moved on our separate ways after, but we kept in touch,” he shared.
He is happy that he gets this chance to work with Panganiban on the big screen.
“The subject is very close to home, and we get to contribute our personal experiences to some of the scenes.” But he is quick to point out that the film is definitely not based on their love story.
Aquino just turned 33 a week ago and he said that he is happy with the way things are going. “I’m glad that everything is smooth, priorities are in place, and life has become manageable,” he said, adding, “I think I’ve also reached a stage where I’m confident enough to politely turn down a project if I feel that it won’t benefit me as an actor, or I won’t be happy doing it. I would like to think that everything is a decision—the roles I accept to portray, the projects I take on, the people I work with.”
He told us that he’s not rushing to falling in love again. “I like going with the flow. If something is meant to be, it will unravel by itself and we do not have to push anything just for it to happen. I also believe that life has its own way of surprising us—we just have to be ready to embrace all the opportunities that come along.”
Carlo Aquino is a rare treasure in Philippine cinema. His star will continue to illuminate the big screen as the years go by.