Why Akihiro Blanco now optimistic about getting big break in the biz

Akihiro Blanco

It has been 10 years since Akihiro Blanco finished as a runnerup in the reality talent competition “Artista Academy.” But while he’s never without projects, he has yet to land that big break that could turn him into a household name.

And he hopes that signing with Viva Artists Agency can help him pursue his goal.

“I don’t really feel frustrated about it,” he said when asked in a recent Zoom conference if he has ever grown impatient with the gradual pace with which his career has been moving. “Quitting has never crossed my mind.”

The 27-year-old actor is a firm believer that everyone moves on his or her own unique timeline. “I think it’s just about the right timing. I’m a patient person. My love and passion for acting will always be there. You can’t lose hope. You have to continue making good relationships with people in the industry,” he pointed out.

It also doesn’t bother him that some newer and younger actors are moving forward at a faster pace. “That’s a challenge for me. Talagang may mas aangat sa ‘yo. I just have to keep believing in myself and doing things I haven’t tried yet,” he stressed. “You have to have focus. Prayers are important. It also helps to have your family’s support.”

Akihiro has starred in such movies as “This Time I’ll Be Sweeter” by Joel Lamangan and “Born Beautiful” by Perci Intalan. He was also part of the television series “Madam Chairman,” “Spirits: Reawaken” and “The Killer Bride.”

Nervous and excited

The pandemic-related lockdowns in 2020 and 2021 hit many actors hard. But he’s grateful, Akihiro said, that despite working as a freelancer during that time, he still managed to book roles in shows like “Tadhana” and “Maalaala Mo Kaya.” “I also took the opportunity to start businesses. I have a coffee shop and I’m a partner in a bar,” he related.

In joining the Viva talent roster, Akihiro looks forward to honing his skills by trying different genres. “I’m nervous and excited. I believe acting is my strength. I want to do romantic comedies, heavy dramas and psychological thrillers,” said the actor, who’s a fan of Christopher Nolan’s works. Doing villain roles a la the Joker is also something that interests him.

He’s also excited to collaborate with Viva celebrities. “I have already worked with some people here, such as Diego Loyzaga and Donnalyn Bartolome. It would be nice to reunite with them because it has been a while since our last projects… I also dream of working with Nadine Lustre,” he said. “But I will do my part whoever gets paired with me. There are lots of actors I have yet to work with.”

In the 2019 film “Immaculada”—directed by Arlyn de la Cruz and starring Ara Mina—Akihiro willingly did a butt exposure. Asked if he was willing to go sexy, especially since Viva’s streaming platform VivaMax is popular these days for such content—he said it’s something he would have to think about.

“My career direction was a bit different back then. Now I have to think about it. It will have to depend on the script. If the story is good, then maybe I can consider it,” he said.