Actor Carlo Aquino has revealed that, like many other actors, he once faced a period in his career where he struggled to secure projects, causing him to consider leaving the entertainment industry and moving abroad to support his family.
During the Spotlight media conference for Star Magic, Aquino reflected on a time when he was only being offered independent films, which did not provide a stable income.
“Eh, pagka indie kasi hindi ganu’n ka… ‘di ba? Alam naman natin ‘yon. So barely making it. So ayaw ko na. Kahit mahal na mahal ko ang ginagawa ko, kailangan ko ring makapag-provide. So naisipan ko dapat na pumunta ng Amerika pero ’di ko tinuloy,” the actor recalled.
To make ends meet, Carlo ventured into business, starting a tarp printing and signage company. He purchased a printer and, together with his cousin, handled everything from printing to delivering and installing the products. In addition, Aquino also ran a scaffolding business, personally driving the delivery truck and assisting in setting up 15- to 20-foot scaffolding.
“Nagtatayo kami ng scaffolding, 15 feet, 20 feet. Kaming tatlo ‘yung nag-i-install. Umaakyat ako ng scaffolding sa mga gilid ng building, kasama talaga ako. Saka ako ang nagda-drive ng elf. Humihiram ako ng elf, kukunin ko sa San Juan, dadalhin ko sa QC,” Carlo shared, emphasizing his determination to support his family during tough times.
@lionheartv #CarloAquino dumating na ba sa point niya na gusto na niyang iwan ang showbiz at mangibang-bansa na lang? #Crosspoint #EntertainmentNewsPH #TiktokTainmentPH #BestOfTiktokPH #LionhearTV #RAWRNation
Now, Carlo expresses immense gratitude for his return to the entertainment industry. He is currently busy promoting his upcoming film, ‘Crosspoint,’ where he stars alongside Emmy-nominated Japanese actor Takehiro Hira, known for his role in ‘Shogun.’ The film, produced by High Road Creatives and 034 Productions, is set to premiere in theaters on October 16.
In addition to ‘Crosspoint,’ Carlo is also part of the Filipino adaptation of the popular Korean drama ‘It’s Okay to Not Be Okay.’ The actor is thrilled to be actively working in showbiz again.
“Kahit ilang beses akong nawala, nakakabalik ako, tapos mawawala uli ako. Malaki pa rin ’yung mga biyaya, malaki pa rin ang pasasalamat ko,” he said.
Before his recent success, Carlo learned the importance of appreciating even the smallest things in life. “Bago pa naman mangyari ‘yon, talagang naa-appreciate ko na lahat. ‘Yun ang pinakamaganda sa buhay. (Maging grateful) sa ultimo kaliit-liitang bagay,” he concluded, highlighting his positive outlook on both his personal and professional journey.
