Glad to be back after long break

MAKISIG Morales

“I passed the so-called awkward stage – all young artists do,” explained Makisig Morales on his three-year absence from television.

The young actor was last seen in the sequel to the adventure series “Super Inggo” in 2009. “Utoy,” the drama show he made with comedy veteran Dolphy that same year, was shelved.

Makisig, now 15 and in junior high school, has joined the cast of the weekly youth horror show “Oka2kat” on ABS-CBN. He said that he focused on his studies when TV work was scarce. “I’m glad to be back.”

“Oka2kat” is inspired by the hit 1990s series of the same title. It tells the story of Andrew, (played by Paul Salas), who is sent to live in a small town, Pueblo Peligro. He finds himself drawn to cursed objects stolen from their ancestral home on the night his grandfather was murdered.

Together with new friends Neil (Makisig), Luna (Sue Anna Ramirez), Princess (Jane Oineza) and Joey (Joshua Colet), Andrew embarks on a mission to find justice for his grandfather.

Don’t you feel insecure playing support to Paul Salas?

I’m happy that everyone is given a break. I understand that viewers want variety. Paul is one of my best friends.

Do you feel that much is expected of you, since you’re working with mostly first-time actors?

Yes, the pressure is high. We all try to help one another. I had to adjust, to attack the role differently, now that I’m already a teenager.

You’ve played more serious roles. Are you still challenged by this one?

Neil is kind of nerdy. He finds clues to solve the gang’s problems. We’re different in the sense that, though I love reading, I also spend time with friends.

What happened to “Utoy”?

I just heard that our producers weren’t happy with the pilot episode. We already finished taping one season. I learned a lot while working with Tito Dolphy.

What’s your dream project?

I want to do another action series. I’m also hoping to get more exposure as a singer since that’s how I started. (At age 5, Makisig and sister Mayumi competed in “Duet Bulilit,” a singing segment in the defunct show “MTB.”) Mayumi and I are gathering materials for an album.

Your younger brother Maliksi is getting good feedback as an actor.

I’m so proud of him. He’s now in “Eboy.” I guess the times he spent watching me on the set of “Super Inggo” finally paid off .

(“Oka2kat,” codirected by Theodore Boborol and Neal del Rosario, airs Saturdays at 4 p.m.)