Slowly but surely

Being haughty or a snob was perhaps the worst thing said about Luis Alandy. But after five years in showbiz, the 23-year-old actor is fortunate enough not to have been a victim of nasty intrigues or even the perennial gender issue most often hurled at rising male stars. By this time, Luis has learned to take the rumors in stride. He is thankful that he has managed to keep an intrigue-free career all these years and enjoy fame at the same time.

"You don’t have to broadcast anything that you do just because you are in showbiz," asserts Luis. "In the short time that I’ve been in the business, I’ve learned to draw the line between my private life and my career."

In fact, the young actor has maintained his relationship with singer Tin-Tin Arnaldo for two years now, sans any controversy. Tin-Tin even joined Luis and his family during their recent vacation in the US, where he visited cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas.

"My family and I were on vacation for a month and Tin-Tin just joined us on our third week," Luis said.

Fresh from that vacation, Luis is raring to take on new career endeavors. This good-looking contract star of ABS-CBN’s Talent Center will soon be seen in three new shows. At present, he is busy with guesting stints on other ABS-CBN programs.

For someone who doesn’t have a formidable showbiz background – except that former Sampaguita Pictures actor Romeo Vasquez is a distant uncle – Luis dauntlessly made the move to try it out in the business. And he has made impressive strides in his relatively young showbiz career.

"I wanted to be on That’s Entertainment or Ang TV before," said Luis, who is of Spanish-Filipino descent. But it was in GMA 7’s now-defunct drama series L where he launched his acting career, with Ruffa Gutierrez, Sunshine Cruz, Gary Estrada and Bing Loyzaga as his co-stars. The series, directed by Mac Alejandre, was patterned after Hollywood’s Melrose Place.

From GMA 7, Luis moved to ABS-CBN where he was launched as part of a special batch of talents with Danilo Barrios and Michelle Bayle. He is now co-managed by ABS-CBN’s Talent Center and June Rufino.

With his talent and good looks, Luis has emerged as one of the screen heartthrobs who have joined the league of today’s young leading men. He is fortunate to have been paired with today’s hottest young stars. On TV, he used to appear in the ABS-CBN soap series, Pangako sa ’Yo, opposite Kristine Hermosa, before he clinched the role as Clarence, the boyfriend of Angeli, played by Claudine Barretto in Hanggang sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan. In the latter part of the series, Luis also played Matet de Leon’s boyfriend.

On the big screen, Luis worked with Judy Ann Santos in May Pag-ibig Pa Kaya. That only proves his chemistry with several leading ladies and his ability to adjust to whatever role he is given. He recently wrapped up Viva Films’ suspense-drama, Keka which stars Katya Santos with Wendell Ramos, Bobby Andrews, Ryan Eigenmann and Vhong Navarro.

Luis expresses his desire to venture into serious roles, "similar to what Albert Martinez does," he says.

With his good-looks and well-built physique, will he go bold or daring?

"No," Luis replied. "I want to do good in drama or try even action. I don’t think I have the guts to bare on the big screen. But I am willing to accept film offers from different production outfits provided that the role will suit my image."

Although his studies have taken a backseat to his entertainment career, Luis doesn’t regret it. He has yet to complete his Business Management course at AMA Computer College, but he is currently enrolled in a culinary school in Ortigas.

"I learned how to cook through my mom," shared Luis, the third in a brood of five. "When I was younger, we had no maid at home, so when my mom was in the office, all of us had to learn how to cook. Today, whenever I feel like cooking, I prepare pata for my family and close friends at home."

Luis is aware of the dog-eat-dog competition in showbiz. Slowly, he has been fulfilling his dreams. He is biding his time and is in no hurry to get to the top. In fact, he is constantly thankful for all the good breaks coming his way. He has stayed humble in his achievements and hopes that he will soon be part of new shows ABS-CBN, his home station, will be launching soon.

"I know there are so many new talents in local showbiz today," Luis said. "It’s hard to compete, but if you show them your best, then maybe people will notice you. In due time, I know I will also be rewarded for all my efforts and hard work."