Gil Cuerva
Ever since doing that shower scene in his first TV series “My Love from the Star,” newbie actor Gil Cuerva has been getting a lot of compliments from fans about his physique.
“Can we expect a topless scene?” This is a question he is often asked.
But while it’s flattering and all, Gil said he hoped to go beyond being known as someone who peels his shirt off.
“Thank you if people think I have a nice body. Yes, I’m comfortable in my own skin, but I don’t want to overdo it—I don’t want to be that guy who always has to go shirtless to get noticed,” Gil told reporters at a press conference for GMA 7’s late morning, musical-romantic comedy series, “My Guitar Princess,” which airs weekdays starting today.
For the long haul
The 22-year-old model-turned-actor stressed that he was in the business for the long haul. And someday, he would love to be known as a serious artist.
“But I have a lot to learn in terms of acting and experience. Hopefully, when I get older, I get looked at as more than just someone being pa-hunk,” said Gil, who compared his journey in the biz to schooling.
“We can put it this way: ‘My Love’ was Grade 1, and now, with ‘My Guitar,’ I’m in Grade 2,” he added. “I love what I do, and I’m just enjoying the ride and trusting the process. Baby steps.”
Preparation
After “My Love,” he had some time to reflect on the work he did—and admittedly—was left wanting.
“That’s why I wanted to be better prepared for my new show. I took workshops with different teachers,” Gil related. “I want to continue learning.”
In “My Guitar,” which he headlines with Julie Anne San Jose, Gil plays Elton, a pop star in Canada who returns to the Philippines after receiving an offer too good to pass up.
Gil found the character relatable—they’re just about the same age and are both passionate about work.
It’s the singing part where things start to get tricky.
“Singing isn’t exactly my forte, so apart from acting lessons, I undergo voice training, too,” he said, adding that being paired with Julie Anne is a breeze. “I’m quite shy, actually, so I’m lucky that Julie initiates conversations, which made me feel more comfortable.”
Androgynous
Meanwhile, Gil heaved a sigh of relief when he was told that he could keep his long hair, which he considers an asset. It made him look androgynous, he said, which works to his advantage when modeling overseas.
“Luckily, they wanted this kind of styling. I feel comfortable with long hair because it’s who I am. I’m also thankful I was given the liberty to express myself in such a way,” he pointed out.
But he’s more than willing to cut it if there’s a good reason.
“I wouldn’t cut my hair just for the sake of it. But with the right role, I will. As an actor, you have to be open to anything,” Gil said.