On February 7, Star Magic artist Anthony Jennings recounted his early life and struggles before entering showbiz.
During the media event for Star Magic artists at the Limbaga 77 Cafe in Quezon City, which LionhearTV covered, Jennings first discussed how he started as a commercial model and joined Star Magic’s roster of artists.
He cited the difficulties he experienced when he first got into acting, citing his passion for the craft.
“Nakakapagod, pero, hindi mo naman mararamdaman ‘yun pagod. Masaya naman kasi ‘yung trabaho. Kapag mahal mo naman talaga ‘yung trabaho mo di mo naman mararamdaman ‘yung pagod kahit anong mangyari. So thankful ako na na-eenjoy ko ‘yung nagagawa ko.”
Aside from discussing his start in showbiz, he also disclosed details about his childhood. He noted how his family moved around a lot to different places, including Laguna, Negros Occidental, and Pasig.
He also talked about not finishing grade school to help his family out.
“Since grade two lang ‘yung natapos ko, palipat lipat kami ng lugar at talagang hindi ko na-hindi ako nakapag-school talaga. Never akong tumungtong ng High School. So hindi ko naaral ‘yung writing, puro lang ako, ‘yung mga gawaing bahay, tapos trabaho-trabaho kami ng lolo ko. Tapos nag-commission na ko ng maaga.
“Hindi ko na talaga ‘yung focus ganon. Marunong naman ako mag-basa talaga. Hindi ko alam, ang problema ko dati ‘yung sulat. Di nga ako marunong pumirma, sabi ko nga nahirapan ako, baka mamaya maano ako nito eh. So inaral ko kung paano magsulat ng maayos.”
However, he was able to take the Philippine Educational Placement Test so he could pursue a college degree.
Aside from his struggles, he fondly reminisced about fishing with his grandfather while he was in Negros Occidental.
Parang parehas na rin, na-enjoy naman namin siya. So ang ginagawa namin before, kapag nakakapangisda kami, pumapalaot kami, sa Negros Occidental, Kawayan. ‘Yung kalahati, uulamin namin ‘yun, ‘yung kalahati ‘yun ang bine-benta namin.
As for his recent project, Can’t Buy Me Love stars Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano with Anthony Jennings, Maris Racal, Kaila Estrada, Albie Casiño, Joao Constancia, and many more.
Can’t Buy Me Love streams three days ahead of its free TV airing via Netflix. Viewers can watch its regular airing via Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, Jeepney TV, TFC, A2Z, and TV5 for free TV platforms.