THE KING IN THE MAKING FEATURING MIGUEL TANFELIX

By Ed Lorenzo
9 years ago in EXCLUSIVES
1 Comment

It was way past six in the evening when he arrived at the location, just the perfect timing to set the mood for our editorial.

Miguel came from his Saturday class and that’s fully understandable. Joggling the celebrity life as a teen and injecting school as part of his growing priorities was indeed impressive. His energy was never ending; he showed us some moves, played card tricks and amused us with his interesting stories. This kid is truthfully a charmer.

He’s beaming with a large smile on his face, while he greets everyone on the set. Miguel Tanfelix is truly a Romeo of his generation, a candid lad who sings his heart out to One Directions “History” in between layouts and Zayn Malik’s “Pillowtalk”, then gleefully admitting that he really doesn’t understand the lyrics because of Zayn’s accent, and a fresh talent with so much potential to ladder up his way.

The boy we used to know as a famed-winged-kid in Mulawin as Pagaspas has now become a teen fixture on the television giving millions of hearts a romantic jolt with his boy-next-door appeal. And whatever this year brings him, it is obvious that Miguel is set to take greater heights in his career able to claim a righteous spot in the industry.

How did you start in the entertainment industry?

I started out in Starstruck Kids when I was 5. I placed 2nd, I was the “First Prince”. After that, I became the “sidekick” of Richard Gutierrez in Mulawin. I played Pagaspas. After Mulawin, I got bit roles and supporting roles for many GMA teleseryes ’til I got my first lead role playing Niño.

What is it like to grow up in the public eye?

It is a privilege because not everyone is given the chance to do so. It’s an honor because a lot of teenagers and kids look up to you as their role model and eventually as an icon. It inspires me to be better and do my best everytime.

What is your very first role and how did you prepare for the character?

I didn’t actually prepare for it. At that time (when I was 5) it was just mere playtime for me. My first role was playing Pagaspas in the phenomenal GMA series Mulawin.

How do you find the industry you’re in?

It’s a competitive and fun industry. I get to perform and act for my audience and it’s so fulfilling. I like it when I make people happy through my roles and performances. Again, It’s a competitive industry: All eyes are set on you, your fans, the bashers, plus your contemporaries, and you just want to be better as an actor.

So far, what’s the most challenging role you’ve portrayed?

The most challenging was when I got to play the lead role in the GMA Primetime series Niño. It was fun and challenging at the same time. Fun because it was my first lead role and I got to work with my friends. Challenging because I wasn’t a normal kid in that serye. I was portraying a mentally-challenged kid and it wasn’t as easy as it looks like.

What are your hobbies aside from acting? Top 3 things that your fans don’t know about you.

wakeboard and play basketball. Before I got too busy with work, I used to go to Nuvali to wakeboard. I also play basketball, I play with friends and family.
I can play the drums and a little of the piano. I’m not expert, though.
I like to collect gundam (robots). I like the idea of getting all the small pieces together to make a robot. I have a few robots in the house.

Who’s your favorite local and international actor, why?

Local would be Pen Medina. He’s a great actor. International, Leonardo Dicaprio! With or without an Oscar, he’s one of the best actors out there.

What is your dream role?

My dream role aside from playing characters such a Niño. I’d say, I like to be Aguilus if given a chance to remake Mulawin, ‘cos I was part of it when I was a kid.

Who is your celebrity crush?

Bianca Umali no less. (laughs)

What is your go-to style staple?

I follow accounts on instagram (yes, instagram!) which can help me with my styling. Sometimes, I try to copy.

Who are your style icons and why?

I don’t have a style icon. I usually dress up on my own. But I have my stylist for special events.

If you’re not an actor what would you want to be and why?

I’d be a pilot or a businessman. I’m taking up entrepreneurship in De Lasalle University and I want to own and manage a business someday. A pilot ‘cos I like to travel and go places.

You’re taking up Entrepreneurial Management in De La Salle University, how do you manage your time from tapings and school works?

-I work almost everyday. Like 6 days a week. I get lucky if I get 2 days off from a week. I go to school mostly Thursdays and if I don’t have work on Saturdays. I still would like to think that aside from this career, it is always better to invest on your education.

At an early age, you’ve been exposed to the industry, what is your most favorite part of being in the industry? What is the least thing that you like?

-My most favorite part is doing what I love most: That’s acting and performing. I’m also inspired when people (fans) get inspired by my work. I also like building good relationships with people, meeting new friends, celebrities or not. I get inspiration from them. I also love the perks of being in this industry, of course.

The least thing I don’t like? False judgements by people. Though it’s part of the industry, I still think people shouldn’t be rude to people.

What is next for Miguel? Any upcoming movies, endorsements and what not (just a hint)

What’s next? Hopefully endorsements and movies. But now, I am still focusing on my tv shows and a few endorsements. Soon, an upcoming… (I can’t tell yet). *laughs

What is your message to your fans?

My biggest Thank You to them. I appreciate all their time and attention and how they make me feel special in many ways. I trend everyday, when I have guestings or my show is airing. They are present in my mall shows, travel far from their homes just to see me perform. Also, without them, I wouldn’t be here today.

What is your guiding principle in life?

A lot. Let me count it!

Be a good person. My family would always tell me to be good to others always. They taught me respect, for the elderly and the younger ones.
“Value the people who value you. Value your values.” My handler, Mike, would always tell me this. He keeps me grounded, he keeps me on the right track. Values are very important.
Inspire and be inspired. Inspire people and maybe I can in my little way change their life.

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Ed Lorenzo

Edryan Lorenzo, a PR and Marketing practitioner with 13 years of solid experience in the industry of lifestyle, fashion, and e-commerce. I'm into visual arts which includes photography, painting, and sketching. During my free time, I'd prefer to travel to keep my self fueled by different cultures and information. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter at @edryanlorenzo.

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