Tony Labrusca
I learned a lot about humanity and what humans can do to each other,” said actor Tony Labrusca, when asked what the controversial incident in January involving him and an immigration officer has taught him.
The actor has already issued an apology when reports came out that he shouted at an officer of the Bureau of Immigration after he was given only 30 days to stay in the country.
The incident became so controversial that it prompted the bureau to review and issue a statement on its rules on individuals of Filipino lineage availing of the so-called Balikbayan privilege.
“I also learned a lot about this industry. This is what I signed up for. I can’t complain now,” Tony told reporters during the media gathering for the upcoming Dreamscape series on ABS-CBN titled “Sino ang May Sala? Mea Culpa.”
Tony was also not spared from rumors related to his sexual orientation, especially since people at the airport saw that he traveled only with his best friend, actor Alex Diaz. “They simply put two and two together. This didn’t affect our friendship at all, but of course we had to take precautions,” the actor pointed out, explaining that the two of them had to “lie low,” or make sure not to be seen often together.
When it came to handling bashers, Tony said: “I try not to waste my time on them. People will bash me no matter what so I focus on work instead. I don’t read the comments anymore because I know I will only get hurt. It’s true for all human beings. What I did was be with my family and turned the negative into something positive—that’s what I always do.”
Tony, an American passport holder, added that he naturally felt scared that the Philippine government would no longer allow him to stay and work here after the incident. “In my career, I always talk about destiny, about the stars lining up. I’m a firm believer that what’s yours will always be yours, and no one can take that away from you. I just took things day by day. I told God, ‘Kayo na ang bahala.’ As human beings, we all make mistakes. We experience life our own way.”
Tony said he was excited to be part of the mystery drama series, which also features Bela Padilla, Sandino Martin and Kit Thompson.
“It’s my first time to play lead in a primetime program. We have been working on this since November, after I made ‘Glorious.’ I’m glad that people will finally see the fruits of our hard work,” he said of the series that will premiere on April 29.
Tony reminded his supporters that his role here is “wholesome. I’ve toned down the sexiness—that has been my image in a lot of my past projects. Pati ako nandidiri na sa mga pagkakataong palagi akong shirtless. I’m happy that I get to try different things.”
However, he clarified that he was not completely turning away from projects with “skin exposure.” He said: “If it’s done with taste and will help the project, why not? Pero huwag naman basta-basta naghuhubad lang.”
In the series, he will be working closely with Bela. “To be honest, it’s intimidating being paired with her. Ang galing n’yang artista. It’s a good challenge though. There’s no way I can grow if I don’t put myself in uncomfortable situations. As you can tell, right from the beginning of this year that I had a lot of growing up to do.”
Tony said he found it funny to learn that Bela wasn’t comfortable doing “sweet scenes.” He explained: “She isn’t OK with people being touchy with her. It took us more than an hour for her to get ready for this particular scene. We first had to get comfortable with each other.”
Tony will also be seen in the comedy film “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2: #ForeverIsNotEnough,” opposite Eugene Domingo.
“We’ve already finished filming and are just waiting for it to be shown in iWant,” he shared with reporters. “I told Ate Uge (Eugene’s nickname) that it’s so crazy to find myself working with her when I used to just watch her when I was younger. It’s so wild just thinking about it. I honestly didn’t want to accept the project because I’m not a comedian. I can’t explain further for fear that I’d spoil the story.”
The 23-year-old added: “Recently, I was a little emotional because God has been so kind to me. I’ve gone through so much, yet my dreams are still happening. Ang galing talaga ni Lord!”