Francis Magundayao goes big time
Francis Magundayao has graduated from minor player to leading man status. The 13-year-old Star Magic talent plays one of Ella Cruz’s love interests (the others are Paul Salas and Domiique Roque) in ABS-CBN's "Aryana".
"Nararanasan ko na ngayon 'yung pressure. 'Yung mga first acting ko po kasi, puro mga roles ko yung mga young characters. I feel challenged kasi ngayon lang ako nagka-love team," Francis said in a pocket interview held recently.
Although he was only five when he started acting, Francis had to adjust to his new role.
"Natutuwa po ako. Nahihirapan lang rin po kasi first time ko lang na mag love team. Sa DSP pa lang nachallenge na ako, kasi first time ko na magpakilig ng mga tao, hindi mo rin naman kasi ginagawa iyon. But i like challenges, it makes me a better actor," he said.
How he got the role
His short team-up with Ella in the defunct "Dahil sa Pag-ibig" earned them a big following and helped Francis land the “Aryana” role.
Is he expecting criticism from fans of Ella's love team with Paul and Dominique?
"Hindi naman po. Kasi marami rin namang fans na gusto sila Paul at Ella, then Ella and Dominique. Pero nauna po kami. Feeling ko mas marami kaming napakilig," Francis replied.
He feels that his inclusion in the cast sits well with Paul and Dominique, who warmly welcomed him on the set. Francis shared that he and Paul know each other way back during their GMA7 days.
"First taping day ng Aryana, akala ko ma-a-out of place ako. I was surprised na very welcoming sila. Naging madali para sa amin na makisama sa kanila. Professional naman po kami. Tuwang-tuwa po kami kasi matagal na kami (ni Paul) hindi nagkakasama," Francis said.
Strongest chemistry
What does he think of Ella’s opinion that among her leading men, it is him she has the greatest rapport with?
"Iba-iba kasi yung nabibigay namin na chemistry. Kung sa tingin niya na mas malakas yung chemistry namin, hindi ko pa masasabi kasi magkakaiba kami."
Francis hopes to work with the likes of Coco Martin, John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin someday.
"Gusto kong matutunan kung paanong nagiging natural yung mga emotions nila. Alam na alam nila yung mga gagawin nila. Ngayong nabigyan na ako ng opportunity, I will give justice to the roles I will be assigned to."
