Rising young artist Jeremiah Lisbo was close to tears, recalling the start of his career up to now, where he gets to star in his very own Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry, Tuesday, December 14.
In the virtual media conference for his titular movie Love at First Stream, Lisbo admitted it was a surreal moment for him to be part of this year’s MMFF.
“Grabe, dati hinahangad ko lang maging artista, mapanuod sa big screen. Ngayon andito na ako, masama sa MMFF na ginagawa namin ng mga kapamilya ko bago i-celebrate ang pasko,” he started.
Lisbo recalled starting his career, reminiscing the pain of being rejected, attending countless auditions, and becoming a talent. He then expressed his gratitude to Olivia “Inang” Lamasan and to his management for the trust that they have endowed in him.
“Alam kong sobrang cliche na blessing, grateful, pero totoo eh. Na-experience ko rin kasing maging talent, rejections, auditions…wala eh. Salamat sa tiwala Inang, salamat Star Magic, RISE Artists, sir Micko, salamat sa tiwala at pag-gabay niyo sa amin and I hope marami kayong mapulot na aral sa pelikulang ito,” he expressed.
Being dubbed as the “Next Leading Man.”
Lisbo was honored to be dubbed the “next leading man” by the press, thanking everyone who supported him throughout his acting career.
“Wow! ang bigat no’n. Pero kung nile-label nila ako as leading man, maraming salamat kung nakikita niyo yung potential na ‘yon sa akin at wala, nagpapasalamat ako sa suporta niyo,” reacted Lisbo.
Reaction to replacing Rhys Miguel in Love at First Stream
Earlier in October, ABS-CBN released a statement revealing that Lisbo would now lead the Love at First Stream movie alongside Kaori Oinuma instead of Rhys Miguel, who opted out due to “personal matters.”
When asked about his reaction being the “replacement” for the lead role, Lisbo considered it an opportunity given and entrusted to him.
“Grabe kasi binigay sa akin ‘tong opportunity na ‘to and sobrang grateful ko lang na makatrabaho ko yung mga kaibigan ko and si Direk Cathy.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa Diyos at sa tiwala ng management, kay Inang, maraming salamat po,” he explained.
The RISE talent also revealed that he was hand-picked to reprise the role, admitting that he did not have any second thoughts about accepting the project because of the story and the movie’s director, blockbuster filmmaker Cathy Garcia-Molina.
“Hand-picked,” he answered. “Pinabasa muna sa akin yung script and then sobrang nagustuhan ko. Sino pa ba ang magiging picky ‘di ba? Ang ganda na noong kwento and si Direk Cathy pa ang magdidirek.”
Produced by Star Cinema and video-streaming platform Kumu, watch Love at First Stream in cinemas nationwide, December 25.