Finally, weight becomes ‘an advantage’ in Matt Lozano’s show biz career

Matt Lozano

There was a period in Matt Lozano’s career where he contemplated quitting show biz for good. Up until 2012, the then teen actor was landing good roles in big projects, like the movie “When I Met U.” Then, he started gaining weight—and the offers dried up.

“I reached a point when I wanted to give up acting. And I did stop because I got depressed. I wasn’t getting work anymore because of my weight gain,” he said in a recent Zoom press conference for his new self-penned single “Kwarto,” under GMA Music.

It was tough, the 27-year-old singer-actor said. Because despite doing his job to the best of his abilities, he felt that his body was the only thing people noticed. “It’s sad because even if you’re giving your best, some people still won’t like you because of your weight,” he said.

“People would tell me, ‘You have gotten fat. You have to do this or that,’ he added. “And it was difficult to take because they don’t know what’s really going on with me and my body.”

Not an issue

During his acting hiatus, Matt focused on music and played with his former band, Cygnet. There, he felt that his looks weren’t an issue. “I was happy because I thought that people didn’t care about my weight, and music was the only thing that mattered,” he related. In 2016, he won the “Eat Bulaga!” singing contest “Spogify ft. Singing Baes.” His group has since disbanded, but he continued pursuing music as a solo artist. Matt’s new single, “Kwarto,” was written during the pandemic and revolves around self-love. “It’s about a failed relationship,” he said. “I want people to remember that being left by a loved one is experienced by many others. And I want them to carry on after a breakup,” he said.

“What’s important is to continue loving ourselves even if we’re hurting,” added Matt.

“When I was young, I listened to Parokya ni Edgar, Mayonnaise and Kamikazee. But as I grew up, I started writing songs and played for a band. That’s when I started listening to artists like Gary Clark Jr., John Mayer and Tom Misch.”

Good opportunity

Now more confident, he decided to give acting another shot. And the role of Big Bert in “Voltes V: Legacy” seemed to be a good opportunity. “I realized that this may be the chance to use my weight to my advantage, so I tried it out,” he said. “I feel lucky to have this opportunity.”

Determined to give justice to his character, Matt took it upon himself to start training. “I practiced arnis before the auditions. I wanted to have a head start,” pointed out Matt.

While he thinks that actors of different sizes in leading roles have been gaining more acceptance, he knows that not everyone will feel the same. “There are those who instantly assume you’re just there for the comedy; that you’re not to be taken seriously,” he said. “You just have to continue believing in yourself and giving your best. If they still don’t like it, at least you’re satisfied with yourself.” INQ