Neil Coleta: 'My heart for now is in showbiz'

Fast-rising teen personality Neil Coleta signed up with BNY Bunny Jeans apparel as one of its new endorsers on Wednesday in Quezon City.

First known as the love-struck Nikos in the Nestea Iced tea series, Neil has gained popularity which opened doors of opportunity for his talent. He’s now with ABS-CBN and was given a supporting yet significant role in the ongoing primetime teleserye 100 Days to Heaven.

"I am very thankful to ABS-CBN for giving me this break to be a part of the show. I am learning a lot and my acting skills are challenged. Furthermore, I am able to relate to my role because it’s about having a second chance to make the wrong things right. Sa personal life ko, marami akong gusto hingan ng tawad."

Growing Up, a recently aired ABS-CBN teen oriented TV show is another one of Neil’s big breaks. In the new series, he’s playing Tikoy, the happy-go-lucky guy in the barkada. Major casts include Julia Montes, Kathryn Bernardo and Diego Loyzaga.

According to the owners of BNY Bunny Jeans, they picked Neil to be one of their new endorsers because he is cute, has the boy-next-door-appeal, and is a multi-faceted artist. The BNY Bunny Jeans people also like him for being humble.

"I am very thankful to BNY Bunny Jeans and also to the ABS-CBN management for their trust in me. That’s why I am giving my best to the roles they have given me in 100 Days to Heaven as well as in Growing Up," says the 18-year-old former Information Technology student from Adamson University.

Neil is likewise looking forward to working with Coleen Garcial, also a BNY endorser herself and is Neil’s leading lady in the iced tea TV commercial although they have to meet in the TVC. He is hoping that in the next installment in the TVC, he and Coleen (whom he named as his crush) will finally meet. He is also looking forward to doing a TV show with Coleen.

He was a varsity (badminton) player in Adamson for two years, where he also enjoyed a scholarship. But when he got busy with his showbiz commitments, he had to quit school. But Neil is also looking forward to going back to school. But for now he wants to make the most of his showbiz career.

The youngest in a brood of five, Neil is the only one among his siblings who took the showbiz route. He wanted to make it on his own. His fortune turned for the better first when Neil got an athletic scholarship in Adamson as a badminton varsity player. "It was a big help when I got the scholarship then I got the break to do the commercials, the most notable of which was the Nestea Iced tea," he related.

"Opportunities such as this come only once so I want to make the most out of it," he said.

"I also miss school. Showbiz is not forever. Lilipas at lilipas ito kaya mas maganda kung may natapos ka. Pero habang boom ako, hindi ko sinasayang. I want to make the most out of it. My heart for now is in showbiz."

He has no girlfriend for now as he is concentrating on his showbiz career. Does he feel that he’s already a big star?

"Hindi pa, malayo pa ako sa ganoon. Kung sino man ang nagsabi na sikat na ako, nagpapasalamat ako pero I don’t feel sikat na ako. I don’t consider myself sikat na. Masasabi kong lang na sikat na ako pag nakakuha ako ng award. Natutuwa ako kasi tinatangkilik ako pero I don’t think puwede ko na sabihin na sikat na ako," said Neil.

"I guess the only time I can say na artista na talaga ako o sikat na talaga ako pag nanalo ako ng award. Oo may mga nakakakilala na sa akin pero I can only say na artista na ako pag nanalo na ako ng award. Iyon na ang pinaka-the best. Of course, nakakatuwa pag may mall show kasi tumitili sila, kinikilig, maraming fans na sumusuporta sa akin. Pero kailangan manalo muna ako ng award."

While he seems to be playing mostly comedic roles, Neil says his role in Growing Up has a dramatic tones, especially his scenes involving Maricar Reyes, who plays their teacher. "Most of my scenes with her requires me to cry and I was also motivated kasi magaling siya. Pinaghahandaan ko ang mga scenes namin together."

John Lloyd Cruz is his idol because he’s a natural actor. He’s supposed to do a movie with Regal Entertainment but this did not push through because of conflict in the schedule.

He’s hoping to have a movie contract although his career is being managed by Star Magic of ABS-CBN.