Because of Gabby

MANILA, Philippines – Gabby Concepcion is proving that you can be in your 50s and still enjoy romantic leading-man status.

The actor, who is in his early 50s, topbills the upcoming GMA 7 primetime series Because of You, where he is paired with Carla Abellana. The light romantic drama will debut this Nov. 30 after Little Nanay on GMA Telebabad.

Gabby told The STAR that he accepted the project because “it’s nothing like any teleserye I’ve done ever since I returned to showbiz in 2008” after living in the US for many years. “I cannot say no because it’s exciting to do something like this.”

Because of You, he noted, is a feel-good teleserye. “It’s very light actually, no heavy drama; it’s not the usual teleserye,” he added.

Asked to describe his character, he said, “He’s a good man … but he is someone heartbroken who meets a girl who is heartbroken as well. They meet not knowing if there’s anything going to develop between them because there’s no attraction at first.”

Gabby with Carla Abellana and Rafael Rosell, his co-lead stars in the GMA 7 primetime series Because of You, which premieres on Nov. 30

Gabby said he never thought he’d get to do the series considering 2015 is about to end and normally, no teleseryes are launched during the tailend of the year.

He was also supposed to do shows abroad, particularly in the US and in Europe. He had to rearrange his schedule to make room for Because of You.

Nevertheless, he said he feels very blessed to be given good projects since he decided to resume his showbiz career in 2008 after a 13-year hiatus. “When I got back I didn’t even think I was coming home to a career, because to me, my life in showbiz ended when I left.”

And what he came home to wasn’t just any showbiz resurrection.

The ’80s matinee idol has been paired with younger co-stars, giving the younger generation of leading men a run for their money. Gabby calls it a “bonus over a bonus.”

He added, “My only regret is that my dad died in 2008. He didn’t stay long enough to see the warm welcome and (success) because he died six months after I arrived. He was sad when I left for the States. But I saw the happiness in his eyes when I came back.”

According to Gabby, the title of his new series, Because of You, best encapsulates his second wind in the entertainment industry because “all these blessings happened because of him (my father).”

Meanwhile, Gabby feels fortunate to be working again with Carla. They first worked together in the 2011 movie Yesterday Today Tomorrow.

“(Rey) PJ Abellana (Carla’s father) is a good friend from way back when and now I’m working with his daughter. But it feels a little funny because if I think about Carla’s age (she’s still in her 20s) and then I look at pareng PJ, I’m living a dream, right? In a sense, I’m lucky and I feel good about that, especially because the younger generation now is very professional.”

Gabby was also asked if he’s open to work with ex-wife Sharon Cuneta. “I’ve wanted it to happen from the day I arrived but until now it has not happened,” he said. “I won’t be the reason if it doesn’t materialize.”

Their hit ’80s tandem still has a loyal following who would like to see them “even just for one shot, yung pagbigyan lang sila. I’m also curious -— as an outsider -— what will be the theme of the movie or teleserye or what. That’s one project I want to see.”

As for his daughter with Sharon, KC Concepcion, Gabby denied that the young actress is taking a break from showbiz. He said that his daughter is just trying to find and figure out the right projects for her.

“Just like any actor, we try to look for ourselves, we try to look for the right project. Sometimes, things are just not right and you’re feeling, ‘I’ve done this, done that, I want to do something else.’ I think she’s at that stage. She’s exploring her possibilities.

“I don’t know what her plans are, but I also went through that. I’m only gauging it from my own experience … we only want to better ourselves. I think she’s trying to look for that niche. So, let’s wait for her diskarte (next move). You’re going to see a different KC when she gets back.”