Miguel Tanfelix gears up for the big time

TANFELIX. Doesn’t like girls who put on an act.

Miguel Tanfelix is only 16 years old—but, he’s been in the limelight for 11 years now. He recalls, “I was chubby as a kid. When I was 5, I would drag my mom to watch mall shows and imagine myself performing in them (laughs)! That’s how I ended up joining ‘StarStruck Kids,’ even if I was very shy!” (He placed second in 2004.)

We first noticed Miguel in Krizzie Syfu’s 2012 indie drama, “Tahanan,” where he portrayed a neglected child who catches lead star Lauren Young’s attention.

The role didn’t require him to do a lot, but he held his own beside Young and veteran actor Mark Gil.

After career-boosting roles in “Niño” and the teenage romance, “Once Upon A Kiss,” the young matinee idol is bound for bigger and better things at GMA 7—but, he’s not in a hurry: “I’d like to try action and appear in a fantasy series. But, while acting is important to me, I also want to enjoy my youth! So, in my downtime, I play basketball and indulge in extreme sports.”

Education is one of his priorities. He explains, “I like math. I enjoy learning and discovering new things. Young people in show biz should make time for school (he finished high school last March), because they can bank on it if things don’t work out in the acting business. You can’t rely on good looks alone to see you through tough times!”

What about love? Miguel admits, “I have crushes, and Bianca Umali is one of them. But, love isn’t something I want to rush into. We shouldn’t look for it—it’ll come when you meet the right person.”

What should girls do to attract his attention? Miguel beams, “The first thing I notice is a nice smile. I don’t like aggressive women. Just be yourself. Girls who put on an act just to get noticed turn me off!”