SB19’s Justin wants to try acting, directing after ‘Senior High’ cameo

Justin de Dios of SB19. Image: X/@jah447798

Justin de Dios of SB19 admitted that he’s “overwhelmed” with gratitude after his brief appearance in the youth series “Senior High” since his cameo caught the attention of the public nonetheless.

De Dios starred as the “Jared of P-pop” in the show’s Jan. 10 episode, where he was introduced as the prom date of Gela Atayde’s character, Sanya.

Weeks later, the SB19 member told reporters during his private launch that it was a good “opportunity” for his career and hoped that he would get more projects in the future.

“Hindi ko inexpect na kakalat siya sa social media, so thank you, ABS-CBN, for giving me the chance and opportunity. Overwhelmed and thankful ako so sana magkaroon pa ako ng projects,” he said.

(I didn’t expect that it would spread on social media, so thank you, ABS-CBN, for giving me the chance and opportunity. I’m overwhelmed and thankful so I hope that I will get more projects in the future.)

This led to de Dios eyeing the “bigger picture,” and expressing his intention to pursue acting and directing someday. He even mentioned about dreaming to explore the many aspects of the entertainment industry, particularly the world of film.

“Noong na-experience ko ‘yung ‘Senior High,’ it’s a new world. Ibang-iba sa environment sa music. Gusto ko pang i-try ang bigger picture kasi cameo lang ako noong time na ‘yun. I want to experience more,” he said. “Gusto kong ma-venture ang ibang parts ng entertainment industry. Sana ma-experience ko ang acting, directing, and sana makapasok ako sa film.”

(When I experienced “Senior High,” it was a new world. It’s a different environment from the world of music. I’m eyeing the bigger picture since it was just a cameo at the time. I want to experience more. I want to venture into different parts of the entertainment industry. I want to experience acting, directing, and hopefully, get into the film industry.)

Justin of SB19 made his solo debut with “Surreal.” Image: Courtesy of Sony Music Philippines and 1Z Entertainment

But if the “surreal” singer had the option to choose between working behind or in front of the camera, he would opt to work behind the scenes, noting his background as a Multimedia Arts graduate.

“Honestly, off-cam. Mas gusto ko siya kasi less pressure. You’re working inside. Hangga’t hindi ka pa satisfied sa ginawa mo, hindi mo siya makikita outside. Kapag on-cam ka, whatever you do at that time, ‘yun na ‘yun. ‘Yun ang pressure for me,” he said, although he clarified that he’s comfortable doing both.

(Honestly, off-cam. I prefer doing it because it’s less pressure. You’re working inside. Until you’re not satisfied with what you’re doing, you won’t see it on the outside spectrum yet. When you’re on-cam, whatever you do at that time, that’s it. That’s the thing that gives me pressure.)

During the launch, de Dios drew laughs from the press and his special guests after he confessed that he wants to take on a role where he dies in the end. Yet when asked whom he wants to work with in the future, he said he wants to join forces with an actor he deserves to be with.

“Kung papiliin ako ng genre, gusto ko ng coming-of-age. Maraming learnings and medyo drama nang konti. Ang importante, ang gusto ko po is mamatay sa ending. Kaya ayoko pong maging bida kasi mamamatay ako sa ending,” he said. “What I can say is someone na deserve [kong makatrabaho] not just because gusto ko siya or triny kong kunin. Dapat deserve ko ‘yung magiging kawork ko.”

(If I could choose a genre, I want to do a coming-of-age project. There are many learnings and slight drama. What’s important for me is I want to die in the end. I don’t want to be the lead because I died at the end. In terms of actors to work with, what I can say is I want to work with someone I deserve. Not just because I wanted to or tried to get them to work with me. I should be deserving of whom I’ll work with.)

Justin de Dios of SB19. Image: X/@jah447798

De Dios is the fourth SB19 member to make his solo debut with the single “Surreal” after Ken, Pablo, and Josh. During an exclusive interview with INQUIRER.net, he said his goal in his solo pursuit is to try his best no matter what.

Meanwhile, his bandmate Josh, too, is open to acting and wants to take on psycho roles if given the opportunity.