Rocco Nacino takes influencer role seriously

CEBU, Philippines — For actor Rocco Nacino, being tagged an “influencer” goes beyond endorsement duties or having a stunning Instagram feed.

“It’s a big word and it’s a compliment,” says the Kapuso star, recently brought to Cebu City (the ninth city with most selfies in the world) by selfie-centric smartphone brand Oppo as an influencer when it opened its latest concept store at the third level of Ayala Center Cebu.

“To me, being an influencer means that you get to be a role model. With that following, you want to make the right decisions and set a good example.”

Since becoming a showbiz personality, and especially after doing “Encantadia” as Aquil, thus gaining younger fans, the “Starstruck” alumnus has become more cautious about what he does on and off screen.

Although it doesn’t stop him from letting loose and having fun, Rocco still has one eye open and knows that measures have to be taken still. With that, Rocco is glad that those closest to him understand his responsibility. But that doesn’t mean he’s at the mercy of the public eye.

“Tao lang din naman ako. I like having a good time. May ibang taong mas malala pa ang ginagawa. People shouldn’t judge based on what we [celebrities] do to relax, release stress, and be ourselves. This goes out to everyone,” the Nursing graduate explains.

“I don’t want to show them that they can be this carefree at such a young age. I want to show them that they can only do certain things at the right age, at a time where they can handle the consequences that might come with it.”

Mentoring Sanya

Trying his best to set a good example isn’t only directed to his fans, but also to his co-actors.

After their performance in the “Encantadia” remake as Aquil and Danaya, the Rocco and Sanya Lopez love team had been headlining the afternoon series “Haplos” – a follow-up project that neither of them expected.

Having been in the industry longer than Sanya, Rocco took it upon himself to help his 21-year-old screen tandem learn the ropes.

“Sanya is really fresh and raw. It’s surreal that we get to do this. I’ve never been consistently paired with anyone, it was always someone after the other. But ‘Encantadia’ happened, and nakakagulat ang reception so we knew we had to do a great job even after the show,” Rocco shares.

“Tinuturuan ko siya sa mga do’s and don’ts, kung paano sumagot sa mga interviews. What I know, I impart to Sanya. What’s great is that working with someone new in the industry keeps me motivated. Hungry si Sanya magtrabaho that I have to remind her that she can decline sometimes so she can rest. She makes me motivated and hungry again,” Rocco imparts.

Eye-opening role

It would seem that Rocco has a knack for doing roles that carry an insurmountable weight on their shoulders. Having been part of the recent “Alaala:  A Martial Law Special” as activist, poet, and journalist Jose Maria “Pete” Lacaba – who it turns out is a relative from his mother’s side – Rocco shares the epiphanies he’s had while working on the special that starred Alden Richards, as they learned of and eventually portrayed the abuse inflicted to those against the Marcos regime.

“After knowing that Sir Pete was a relative, it all the more made the project more meaningful to me. It was my way of honoring and respecting him, and making everything as accurate as possible so people could see another side of Martial Law,” says Rocco.

He often thought that if he were in the victim’s shoes, he would probably rat out his members and activities to his abusers.

“Nakakakilabot,” Rocco emphasizes. “Hats off to these people for being true, being strong, and getting their point across. The experience was eye-opening to me.”

He hopes that Filipinos come together and be loyal to the country, to get rid of pride and entitlement and from now on think about solutions and ideas that could better the Philippines; to think of others and the nation first before our own selfish reasons.

Rocco also admits that the project made him more critical politically, and calls on the youth to learn more about Philippine history.

“We [the current generation] definitely have it easy,” he says. “I grew up in Singapore so aminado ako na wala akong masyadong alam sa Martial Law but my parents lived through it. To be honest nahiya ako, may konting guilt. It definitely means a lot to learn about your country’s history to appreciate it, and I hope that more of us use technology to learn about what our country went through.”

Prepping for Bench

As for the influence and success of the Pista Ng Pelikulang Pilipino hit “Bar Boys” last August – which he starred in alongside Carlo Aquino, Enzo Pineda and Kean Cipriano –  Rocco says he was overwhelmed with messages of thanks from those inspired by the movie.

“We would get messages about how these kids were inspired to persevere in school, not just those from law school but in other fields like medicine and engineering. It’s great that we tapped into the school barkada scene and inspire these students,” he says.

Rocco admits he saw the success coming because he believed in the project. “It’s a different kind of barkada film. I love how we were all involved and how our inputs were considered throughout the two years we prepared for ‘Bar Boys.’ It wasn’t just one mind working,” Rocco quips.

Until his next inspiring role, Rocco is focusing on “Haplos,” taking the time to improve his IG feed and travelling as much as he can.

But most of all, Rocco is set to get that upgrade himself—not just in character but also in physique as he prepares for the annual Bench fashion show on November 18.

“I’m 30 so kailan ko pa ba to gagawin? Might as well do it now. It’s a huge leap for me, it’s a new thing. I’m nervous, yet excited.” (FREEMAN)