Pancho Magno setting his sights on action projects with relevance

Pancho Magno

If he were to describe his decade-long show biz career, Pancho Magno said it has been a “humbling experience.”

“I have had the opportunity to work with many talented actors and directors. How can you not love this job? There were times when things were difficult … roles that were heavy. But going home, knowing that you did a difficult scene well is fulfilling … It’s a feeling I can’t describe,” he said in a virtual conference for his recent contract renewal with Sparkle GMA Artist Center.

While he has tried leading-man roles in the past, most of his projects these days have him playing character roles. He’s perfectly happy with that. As a cinema lover, Pancho said he’s open to different possibilities. “I super love movies … watching Tarantino and Scorsese, ‘Star Wars’ and Marvel movies—everything about cinema. I get inspired,” he said.

Never ending

“I’m thankful to have gotten the chance to do heavy drama, sexy, something light and fun and intense action projects. The more roles you explore, the more you learn. And these things you bring with you to your next roles,” the 35-year-old actor said. “It’s a never-ending learning experience.”

Pancho has done several drama series for GMA 7, but movies is something he has yet to penetrate. Given the chance, he said he would love to do an action film.

“I would be excited and happy with whatever role I’m given, and I will do my best as I always do in my past roles. But given the chance, I’d love to do action. It would be nice if it’s an action film na may pinanggagalingan … something that tackles what’s going on in our society,” related Pancho, who cited movies like Erik Mattis’ “On the Job.”

Pancho is part of the upcoming Sanya Lopez-Gabby Concepcion starrer “First Lady,” the sequel to the rom-com series “First Yaya.” He plays Conrad, a member of the Presidential Security Group.

Hindered

“I miss the physicality [of the character’s scenes], which was hindered by the pandemic. But I’m thankful that the show and its characters were received warmly,” he said. “I’m excited about how things will unfold. Even I get surprised by the twists in the story,” he added.

Outside work or during breaks from the taping bubble, he devotes his time to his 1-year-old son, Skye Anakin, with his wife, fellow Kapuso artist Max Collins.

“During locked-in taping, I chat with my costars who also have children, because we understand each other’s situation. But if there’s no taping, we make sure we go on vacation with Skye. I hope that, when everything’s OK, I can bring him with me to work,” he said. “He loves watching television, and I would love it if he could watch me play character roles in the future.”