MANILA, Philippines – Ken Chan is overwhelmed as he receives his career's biggest break so far.
He will play the titular role in the upcoming GMA-7 afternoon drama series “Destiny Rose.”
But he won't be a simple leading man, as Ken will play the role of a transgender woman.
“Sobrang akong masaya na isa po ako sa mga napili,” he replied when asked about his big break, which even made him emotional during the press conference for the show on Tuesday.
Ken added: “Sobrang masayang masaya po talaga ako na nabigyan ako ng GMA ng ganitong klaseng role. Parang sobrang na-overwhelming lang po na nakatrabaho ko 'yong mga batikan na actor.”
It was in 2011 when Ken started in the industry, first as a co-host in the late-night show “Walang Tulugan,” until he became part of the TV series “Tween Hearts.”
READ: Michael de Mesa on Mark Gil: I still haven’t accepted he’s gone
He has also done a number of support roles in films like in “Just One Summer” in 2012. But he proved his acting skills in the Cinemalaya 2014 entry “1st Ko Si 3rd.”
Despite the long wait, Ken didn’t lose hope and faith in his home network.
“Never ako nainip, kasi kahit hindi lead role binibigyan ako ng project ng GMA,” he said. “Actually ang gaganda nga ng mga naging role ko sa teleserye.”
He also added that “I’m very thankful for that, lalo na sa GMA network na nakatulong sa akin financially and bilang isang actor, ‘yong passion ko sa pag-acting na-fulfill ko naman.”
Ken also pointed out that he didn’t hesitate to accept the role given to him, even if he knows it will touch upon sensitive issues.
GMA-7 has recently produced homosexual-themed shows, namely 2013's "My Husband Lover" and this year's "The Rich Man's Daughter."
“Naniniwla ako na ang Destiny Rose ay magiging instrumento para buksan ang iba pang mga isip lalo na dito sa Pilipinas, na buksan ang isip nila sa same-sex marriage, sa LGBT, para magkaro’n tayo ng equality,” he explained.
“Destiny Rose” also stars Michael de Mesa, Manilyn Reynes, Jackie Lou Blanco, Joko Diaz, Irma Adlawan, Fabio Ide, Katrina Halili, Sheena Halili, JC Tiuseco, Jeric Gonzales, and Ken Flores. It will air starting September 14 on GMA’s Afternoon Prime program block.