Newbie actor plays bad boy in ‘Pamilya Sagrado’

With his boy-next-door good looks, Emilio Daez might not have been the first choice to portray a cruel character in the nightly series “Pamilya Sagrado.” The influencer and former banking employee plays hot-tempered Leon Arevalo Jr., who terrroizes neophytes in the fraternity drama from ABS-CBN Studios.

On his Instagram, however, he’s all smiles and sunshine. “It took a bit of internalizing because, sabi nga nila, golden retriever daw ako,” he said in a recent post. This particular dog breed he is likened to is known for its friendly and easy-going nature.

“It’s been really fun playing a bad boy because I had to step out of my comfort zone,” he added.

Before he resigned from his banking job, Mio would chronicle lunches with his office mates in the different restaurants within walking distance of their place of work. He said he still keeps in touch with them, but is now spending more time with his costars.

Since much of the series is shot in Baguio, he revived “lunch break with Emilio” at Hatch, a popular restaurant that serves brunch and cocktails. During a trip to Bohol to promote the series, Mio introduced a new hashtag, #runningwithemilio, with a clip showing him and costar Kyle Echarri jogging along the coast with views of the beach and the sunset.

Styling tips

We caught up with the newbie actor at a Uniqlo event where he said he stocks up on the Japanese apparel brand’s basics.

“I like that they’re very relaxed, simple and easy to wear.” He prefers neutrals like black and white, but added that his look can change depending on the events he gets invited to attend.

“The transition to being an actor has changed the way I dress now. I’ve gotten some help from people, and I have a stylist who helps me out,” he said. “I definitely look more on Pinterest now, I follow people from abroad and here [for styling tips].

Mio will be seen in the music video for Alexa Ilacad’s new single “Kung Naging Tayo” available on Aug. 3.

Asked if his contravida role in “Pamilya Sagrado” will persist or have a redeeming arc, he played coy: “I want you guys to find out. Abangan n’yo yan.”