For now, Jake Cuenca has no plans to enter politics. Speaking to the press last Saturday at SuperSam in Quezon City, he shared that despite multiple offers to enter the political ring, his heart belongs to acting.
“I’m an artist at my core,” Jake explained, adding, “I can’t turn my back on it; hindi ko pwedeng talikuran ang pangarap ko (I can’t abandon my dream).” While his family has a political history, including the late Manoling Morato, he emphasized that it’s “not my thing.” For now, Jake’s hopes are with the country’s future: “For me, my wish and my prayer is maupo natin ang mga tamang tao (that we put the right people in place).”
Jake recently renewed his ties with ABS-CBN, his home network of over 18 years, with a three-year extension. Over the years, his commitment to his craft has propelled him to become one of the industry’s most respected actors, known for bringing depth and intensity to a wide range of characters. His portrayal of conflicted soldier David “Dave” Garcia Jr. in the 2009 hit “Tayong Dalawa” captivated audiences across Asia and Africa, setting a high standard for his later roles.
In 2022, Jake made waves again in the action-packed teleserye “The Iron Heart,” playing Eros del Rio, the central antagonist of the show’s second season. Following this, he was featured in a key role in the critically acclaimed thriller “Cattleya Killer,” before reclaiming leading man status in the Viu original “K-Love.”
Most recently, Jake starred in the Philippine adaptation of the K-drama “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim,” portraying the enigmatic Cyrus “Morpheus” Castillo. While the show’s primary focus was romance, Jake’s character added a layer of complexity, providing the series’ main conflict and significantly elevating the emotional stakes of the narrative.
Jake’s film career is equally impressive, with acclaimed performances in indie projects like Mulat (Awaken), which earned him Best Actor awards at the International Film Festival Manhattan and the World Cinema Festival in Copacabana. His versatility also shone through in mainstream hits like In the Name of Love and My Neighbor’s Wife.
Looking ahead, Jake is poised to take center stage in the highly anticipated Prime Video series What Lies Beneath, which will also air on the Kapamilya Channel. Preparing intensely for the role, he spent two months immersing himself in the Mandaluyong jail to better understand the life of a convict. Directed by Dado Lumibao and produced by the ABS-CBN business unit RCD Narratives, What Lies Beneath revolves around a murder mystery involving six women and two men, with Jake’s character adding a crucial layer of suspense as viewers grapple with the question: Did he really do it?
Jake’s next project, the Netflix original film The Delivery Guy, directed by Lester Pimentel, will see him play a ruthless mafia boss in a high-octane thriller following an ordinary man caught in an extraordinarily dangerous situation.
With upcoming projects on two of the world’s largest streaming platforms, Jake Cuenca’s in-demand status is undeniable. His ability to take on complex, challenging roles continues to push the boundaries of his craft, solidifying his legacy as one of the most respected and formidable actors in the Philippines.
