GABBY Eigenmann (MNS photo)
GABBY Eigenmann is ready to take his biggest challenge on television – portraying a gay man in the newest afternoon series “Dading”.
In his almost two decades in the entertainment industry, he has played similar roles but the 36-year-old said this is still something new to him as the project will run for months as a regular series.
The actor recalled that he was in Japan vacationing with the whole family when his manager, Perry Lansigan, told him that there’s a show lined-up for him.
It become apparent to Gabby that this project is something special as he started to get congratulatory messages and tweets from co-actors and friends in the business.
“Pagbalik ko, hindi ko akalain na ganito. People started texting me, people tweeting. Ako I didn’t know that it’s going to be a big deal kasi nga sa akin unang inisip ko na trabaho lang,” he said.
“I’ve been patient for the longest time, and it’s not like I’m patient and not doing anything because marami naman. Patient but working. Kung nakita nyo na maganda yung ginawa ko, thank you. Kung hindi mapansin, gawa ulit tayo ng bago. Kaya nagulat ako na ganito,” Eigenmann added.
In the light drama, he will breathe life to the character of Carding, an adult gay man who decided to raise the daughter of his best friend, played by Glaiza de Castro, and her lover, portrayed by Benjamin Alves.
According to Gabby, he did his own research for the project. But more than his peg for the role, his main concern is how to translate the genuine feeling of a father’s unconditional love to a child.
“As much as possible I want it to be real. Hindi naman ako gay to begin with, pero since marami akong kaibigan. The fact that I know their story, kinalakihan nila, so I learn, observe and absorb.”
“Ang pag-arte kasi akala nila madali. Pag nahasa mo na, pwede ka na umarte ng umarte, pero nawawala yung puso. That’s the thing that I’ve got to learned in this industry. I’ve seen great actors in the industry na magaling umiyak or umarte pero hindi mo ramdam yung puso,” he said.
Eigenmann said he is thankful to director Ricky Davao and support cast Gardo Versoza, Shamaine Buencamino, Toby Alejar, Mymy Davao and RJ Padilla, for making his work an easy and enjoyable one.
He is also grateful to mother network GMA-7 for continuously giving him challenging roles on television.
“I can be contented but there always a difference when you are really satifisfied. Sobrang overwhelming lang talaga kasi hindi ko akala na ganito yung tiwala ng GMA sa akin and hindi ko sila bibiguin,” he said.
“Dading” premiered June 23. (MNS)