It’s been 23 years since his start in showbiz, but actor JC de Vera has retained the vim of someone embarking on a new beginning.
In the upcoming Kapamilya series “Nobody,” JC de Vera is stepping into a role that promises to surprise viewers. He describes it as “definitely different” from his usual characters. Although buzzing with excitement, he’d rather keep the details under wraps, only teasing that it’s “interesting, challenging, and fresh.”
“It’s something really challenging for me, new, fresh, so kailangan na lang talagang abangan,” he said in a recent interview at SuperSam in Quezon City.
The actor welcomes this change, eager to stretch his range and take on roles that will challenge him. This shift marks a significant evolution in JC’s career, as he has been in showbiz since 2003 — an impressive 21 years in the industry. Out of these, he has spent over 11 years with ABS-CBN, where he feels a strong sense of belonging. He said he looks forward to every two years when it’s time to renew his contract with ABS-CBN.
“Hopefully maging forever na,” he said, “pero as of now, sabi nga nila forever Kapamilya si JC and ni-lo-look forward ko na humaba pa – more than eleven years pa sana.”
To prepare for his new role in “Nobody,” JC is undergoing various transformations. While lead star Gerald Anderson —whom JC calls “Kapitan” — is taking firearms training, JC mentioned that he is learning new movements and making external changes, including a significant alteration to his looks. “Meron tayong papalitan sa hair, so something to look forward to,” he shared, hinting that his physical appearance will reflect the character’s demands.
He is also committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of fitness: “I work out every day… I don’t go out late anymore, di ba, no more vices.” This dedication to health isn’t just for his role but also for his family, as he and his wife Rikkah Cruz are preparing to welcome their third child next year. “Last na,” he quipped.
He revealed that he and his wife originally wanted only two kids, but it felt “kulang.” He expressed his excitement about this new addition, saying, “Maraming dinadalang blessings, kasama ‘yung contract signing.”
When it comes to his dream collaboration, JC has a few Kapamilya stars he wishes to work with, although he hasn’t specified any names. He trusts ABS-CBN to place him in roles that suit his skills, stating, “Alam nila kung saan ako nababagay.”
He has accepted another project that he believes will allow him to show another facet, “In Thy Name,” directed by Cesar Soriano and set for release next year. In addition, JC is also involved in a new movie alongside Rhian Ramos and Tom Rodriguez titled “Huwag Mo Kong Iwan.” JC said the movie highlights real-life issues faced by many Filipinos, particularly Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
“Maraming social relevance ito… makaka-relate dito ang mga OFW, ‘yung mga middle-class people na alam mo ‘yan na nagsasakripisyo ng so much sa buhay nila para lang makahanap nang maayos na trabaho,” he said.
“Huwag Mo Kong Iwan” is a reunion of sorts for JC and Rhian, who were paired years ago in the series La Lola when they were just starting their careers in GMA in 2008. “It felt good kasi we’ve both matured already, so nung ginagawa namin ‘yung project, alam namin na we’re both wiser,” he shared.
This comfort stems from their history of working together, which allows them to tackle challenging scenes without tension. “Pagdating sa pag-arte, hindi na kami masyadong nagtantsahan. It went really smooth for both of us, tapos na-enjoy lang namin ‘yung muling pagsasama namin,” he related. “Huwag Mo Kong Iwan” will be released in theaters on November 27.
As he starts his 24th year in the business, JC remains loyal to LVD Entertainment, which was led by the late talent manager Leo V. Dominguez and is now steered by Leo’s business partners, Rey Lañada and Freddie Blasco. “I owe it to Tito Leo so much kung nasaan man ako ngayon,” JC shared. “Malaking tulong at malaking bagay ‘yung ginawa niya for my career, and ah, this is my way of saying thank you to him… Sa LVD management pa rin, and we’re all doing great as in. ‘Yung naghahandle ngayon, si Rey tsaka si Fred, they’re both doing well. Ginagawa talaga nila ‘yung dapat nilang gawin. It’s hard, of course, iba si Tito Leo, pero nagtutulungan kami and alam ko na they will get through this.”
