Richard Quan’s enduring power

After more than two decades in the acting industry, Richard Quan still endures. But he says there is no conscious effort to be relevant.

“I always stick to the basics – discipline, hard work and professionalism. I am happy with the status of my career. All I want is to maintain my status as it is now. If there will be a way to upgrade my career then that would be a bonus and is most welcome,” said Richard, who made his acting debut in the Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta starrer “Saan Ka Man Naroroon” under Reyna Films.

Richard considers his passion for his craft as his strength as an actor. He is happy with what he has achieved, but this doesn’t mean he doesn’t find ways to further improve his craft. Whenever he gets the chance, he always makes sure to experience things that he can use to create a character.

If there’s a movie of his which he believes made a mark among viewers, it would be his debut flick “Saan Ka Man Naroroon.”

“It was my first film and I was still excited. It was still personal for me. Now I treat acting as a job I am passionate about,” he said.

If he had any weakness, Richard cited his tendency to sometimes act laid back. He needs to keep himself motivated. He is the type who’d take on any interesting or challenging role. He might also go into directing. He is just waiting for the right material, hopefully a project that will mirror the struggles of the Pinoy and how he deals with it – something inspiring that will touch people’s hearts.

He is also open to nudity for as long as he believes and trusts his director, producer and the project. “As long as it is not exploitation that will be used for commercial purposes…as if there’s someone interested to see me naked,” Richard said with a laugh.

He has also explored the idea of doing product endorsements. Right now, he is endorsing Gamboa’s sports cologne and Cyclehouse, the first and only motorcycle and franchising company in the Philippines. Another endorsement deal is forthcoming.

In the meantime, Richard is doing a new indie film titled “AWOL,” starring Gerald Anderson and directed by Enzo Williams. “I think he is a very talented director. He studied filmmaking in Hollywood and won a Best Picture award for his first film ‘Bonifacio.’ He has another film in the works and he said I will be in it as well,” he remarked.

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The fourth UST Unified Games 2016: Special Olympics was held on April 22 and 23 at the UST Grounds. It had Ms. Brina Kei Maxino as keynote speaker. Brina, a 19-year-old senior college student, is a pre-school Teacher Assistant and a special bowling athlete. She has been the Special Olympics Global Youth Ambassador since 2013.

In her pep talk to the athletes participating in the games, Brina said, “People asked how I can be all that. After all, I am a person with intellectual disability because I have down syndrome. Is it difficult? Yes. Is it a problem? It is a challenge, but it is not a problem. My family taught me to always try my best to achieve my dreams even if I need to work harder and longer than the others. I grew up thinking my disability can slow me down but it is not an excuse not to look up. Believing is the key. Believe to achieve. Believe in God – that He has a noble purpose for me. With God, nothing is impossible. I believe in myself, that I can do it. And I am sure, others like me can do it too. I believe in others, that they have the good heart to believe I can. Just like all the amazing people here who believe we can.”

The Unity Games was conceptualized to cater to the needs of Persons with Disabilities from the partner communities of UST and at the same time, to raise awareness within the Thomasian community. It was thought that it will be an educational and enjoyable experience for the PWDs to participate in sports activities that will enhance their abilities in the playing field.

This project of the GuTS (Guild of Thomasian Speducators, home organization of special education major students) also aims to extend awareness on PWDs among the Thomasian community. GuTS, for the past six years, has been active in serving and conducting socialization with PWDs. This time, extending this kind of project with an organization not much familiar with PWDs, more Thomasians will then be involved and be more aware about this special sector of society.