Marco Gumabao expects to play more lead roles after management switch

Marco Gumabao

Not being able to spend Christmas with his father at home is always tough, Marco Gumabao admitted. But his dad’s absence, the actor added, has only made him stronger.

“We’re getting used to it,” said Marco whose father, former actor and politician Dennis Roldan, is serving a life sentence at the New Bilibid Prison for his involvement in the kidnapping of a Chinese-Filipino child in 2005.

This year, Marco and his family visited Dennis in prison on Dec. 8 to bring him some holiday cheer.

“We can’t go on the 25th, so we usually do it on an earlier date,” he told reporters in an interview for “Aurora,” his first Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry.

“As much as possible, we try to have everyone go. And my mom sees him often,” he added.

While Dennis can’t follow his son’s career closely, Marco said his dad does see bits of his performances in the drama series, “Los Bastardos.”

“He tells me that he’s very happy about how things are going for me. He gets to watch the show and he thinks I have improved my acting a lot,” he related.

“Knowing that he supports me means a lot to me,” the 24-year-old actor said of Dennis, who bagged the best supporting actor award at the 1983 MMFF for “Hot Property,” and starred in the Nora Aunor starrer, “Bakit Bughaw ang Langit?”

Last Christmas, Marco and his family opted for a hotel staycation. “But I would love to take them to a beach next year if possible,” he said. “We haven’t had a vacation in a long while. That would be my gift to them.”

After spending five years with Star Magic, Marco decided to switch management and sign up with Viva Artists Agency. The move was made hoping to take his career to the next level.

“I’m happy with my pace at the moment, but of course I’d like to keep things moving. Star Magic manages a lot of talents, so you don’t get into all the shows you want. They understood that I wanted to do more,” he related. “I thought it was best that I transfer management companies.”

Now, as a Viva talent, Marco is expected to play more lead roles—a prospect that excites and makes him nervous all at the same time.

“It’s overwhelming, the expectations. I want to prove them right and do all my projects well,” he said. “I don’t want this to get into my head, so I will just  give my best.”

Marco’s wish for 2019 is for “Los Bastardos” to get even higher ratings, despite the departure of costar Diego Loyzaga earlier this year.

“I miss being with him (Diego) on the set. He’s going through something difficult. And if he wants to disconnect from the rest of the world at the moment, then go—it’s his way of coping,” Marco said. “We have been friends for quite some time now. I’m praying for him, and I wish him well. I hope we can all get together soon.”