Former athlete finds new love

MANILA, Philippines — Martial arts expert and former varsity player Miguel Villasis, 22, a graduating student of the Trinity University of Asia never imagined that he would find himself tucking away his jerseys for good.

“All my life I was an athlete. I was only six years old when I became a member of the karate Philippine team and I was 14 when I joined the basketball team in Letran where I had the opportunity to play at the NCAA,” Miguel recalls, admitting that he was then deadset on becoming a PBA player. However, the odds were not in his favor, so to speak.

“Maybe that’s not my path so I decided to try my luck in showbiz. I hope this is finally it,” says he who was first runner-up in the 2018 Face of the Year search aired on ABS-CBN last July.

Miguel, who takes inspiration from Shanti Dope, Sam Concepcion and James Reid, is into rapping and R&B music, and looks forward to collaborating with them.

“I was more into Parokya ni Edgar and Sponge Cola before but when I discovered that I can rap, mas nagustuhan ko na yung R&B. I want to share my music to the millennials kasi sa nakikita ko ngayon, they prefer upbeat music.”

Miguel adds he is thrilled about having his own concert and performing in front of many people. 

“It would be a fulfilling experience to perform in front of your fans lalo na kung sumasabay sila sa kanta mo.”

Soon to be available via Spotify and YouTube is his debut single Date Tayo composed by rap sensation Rapido and musically engineered by Von Florida. Miguel, who loves writing songs, will also be releasing his debut album which includes his own compositions.

In fact, he co-wrote the soundtrack of his upcoming film Two Strings Down where he is one of the lead stars. The production of the film, which was shot mostly in Hong Kong and Macau, is into its final stretch. It is also the film debut of PSRstudios, which is the sister company of Philippine Showbiz Republic (PSR.ph). It aims to produce films, music and hone talents with Miguel as its first “baby.”

“Two Strings Down is also my first-ever film and I will be starring with CK David and JD dela Cruz, an actor from Macau. It will be submitted as an entry to film festivals here and abroad,” relates Miguel who also hopes to see himself on the small screen, pitting talents with established actors like his idol Jericho Rosales.

Miguel is currently attending acting workshops and singing lessons under Viva Films director Elson Montalbo. He is one of the endorsers of Café Marla located in Tomas Morato and is excited about his upcoming TV endorsements.