RK Bagatsing and Raymond Bagatsing
Do you know that RK Bagatsing got his first acting workshop from elder brother Raymond?
Award-winning director Lav Diaz had wanted to cast the young RK in a movie, so he told Raymond to train the boy.
“Sadly, the project did not push through, but I discussed with RK about how to access emotions, especially in drama, and how to be truthful.
“Those were the two basic things I taught him. I’m very proud of him.”
Both ABS-CBN contract artists, RK is a cast member of the drama series “Wildflower,” while Raymond appears in “Pusong Ligaw.”
Since “Wildflower” is RK’s first big break on TV, Raymond said his brother spoke with him prior to accepting the project.
“He told me he was nervous and asked me what he should do. Being my brother has put added pressure on his shoulder ever since. I got here first and was able to make a good name for myself,” Raymond pointed out.
“I admire RK for being brave enough to try to make his own name, even though he knows that he’ll always be compared to me.”
Raymond said his brother had always loved acting. “Our dad said RK considered me his idol,” recalled Raymond, adding that his brother joined the biz at age 10 via a talent show on GMA 7.
For a time, RK tried doing corporate work, but “his love for acting prevailed. He had to sacrifice earning good money so he could do something he really loved,” the older Bagatsing said.
“He didn’t have money, but he went to auditions for commercials and indie films. I was in the United States when he decided to take this life-changing risk. When I got back, I gave him some tips, but he worked so hard to be where he is now,” Raymond shared with the Inquirer.
“All his life, he has been practicing what he learned from me. He’s a good actor, no doubt, but that will be the exciting part of our (would-be) project together.”
If ever such a project would push through, would Raymond let his younger brother outshine him, or would he face RK head on?
“I’m not the type who outshines my coworkers. I believe that your talent will come out if you give your best, and if your coactor accepts it and gives it back to you,” Raymond explained.
“I cannot act on my own. I will just look stupid. I am good only because I work with reliable coactors.
Viewers will see this, and that this project will be something very special.”
When not at work, the Bagatsing brothers enjoy hanging out. “We’re super kulit when we’re together,” said Raymond, who’s five years older than RK. “We’re both interested in body-building and martial arts.
We also love books.”
They’re part of a family of eight siblings. Raymond is the eldest of three boys, while RK is the youngest. “Our other brother is in Australia and already has a family. We’re all very close,” he said.
Raymond said he’d also love to hear from RK what the latter thought of him as an actor.
“I’m one of those who inspired him to become an actor,” he said. “I’m sure he respects me, since he always asks me for tips. I’m also his go-to person when he wants to share his observations about what’s happening in the industry.
“He can always tell other members of our family, but since they’re not in show biz, they can only sympathize.”