Champion surfer Luke Landrigan ventures into acting

Luke Landrigan: pro surfer, newbie actor. Photo by Don Lejano/INQUIRER.net

It didn’t take a lot of convincing to get professional surfer Luke Landrigan on board the movie “Siargao,” his first-ever appearance on the big screen. 

“It wasn’t really a hard decision to make because I knew it was going to be more like a holiday than work,” the 34-year-old father of two told INQUIRER.net in an exclusive interview.

“Siargao” is director Paul Soriano’s entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, starring Jericho Rosales, Erich Gonzales and Jasmine Curtis-Smith.

Set in the picturesque island of Siargao in Surigao del Norte, where Landrigan spends a lot of time surfing, the movie tackles the love triangle between the characters of Rosales, Gonzales and Curtis-Smith. 

Landrigan plays the role of Rosales’ childhood friend Edong, a local surfer guy who never left the island. He said he felt at home shooting in Siargao since he’s been going there since 1999. 

Here’s the rest of our conversation with the Fil-Aussie model: 

How was the experience shooting your first-ever movie?

I had the best time hanging out with everyone — from the crew to my co-actors. They made me feel comfortable since I’m a newbie here. It was a fantastic experience, I must say. 

I know you’re good friends with Jericho Rosales, but how is he as a co-actor?

He’s a natural. What you see is what you get. He inspires everyone to be better at their craft, plus he’s always fun to be around with. I didn’t feel like I was working whenever we had scenes together. 

How about Erich Gonzales and Jasmine Curtis-Smith?

I haven’t met the two girls prior to this movie and we didn’t have a lot of scenes together… but I observed that they’re super cool and really down to earth. We went surfing during their first day on the island and they had so much fun. 

What should people look forward to in this movie? Why should they watch it?

If they want to see Jericho‘s body then they would really have to watch this movie! Hahaha! But seriously, it’s a nice romantic movie set in a very gorgeous island starring three gorgeous actors. You are going to want to go to Siargao, if you haven’t yet, after seeing this movie. 

Do you see yourself acting in more movies or a TV drama perhaps?

To be honest, I haven’t really thought about it. I’m also busy with my family, my kids and running my surf school in La Union. So let’s see if there will be offers. 

Aside from a new movie, you also have a new baby. Tell us about your new bundle of joy.

Yes, I have a new baby girl. She’s such a happy baby! She loves the water also. I can’t wait to take her out on her first wave. 

Which is harder: staying up late because of shooting or staying up late looking after a baby who keeps on crying?

Taking care of the baby for sure! Hahaha!