Carlo sees the light

MANILA, Philippines — Carlo Aquino wakes up each morning with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. And that’s not just because the actor-musician’s real last name is Liwanag, or light.

The Kapamilya actor is practicing the art of ignoring bashers who attack him for reportedly dashing ex-girlfriend Angelica Panganiban’s hopes of a renewed relationship. Rumors of a new romance with non-showbiz Trina Candaza also fanned the flames of controversy.

Carlo admits he has personally apologized to Angelica for whatever wrong he has done her. The burden is off Carlo’s chest. He wants to offer the hand of friendship, even if she tweeted that a reunion project with him (as part of the CarGel love team) is out of the question.

The rants and bashers don’t hurt that much anymore. Carlo has learned to live with them. 

“You can’t handle bashers,” he tells media at the presscon of his first major solo show, Liwanag in Concert at Music Museum on Aug. 31. “If they’re happy spreading hate (let them be).”

His face doesn’t show a hint of bitterness, only joy. Every day, he explains, is a good day. He can’t help but feel grateful. Carlo cites Dimples Romana’s Rated K interview with Korina Sanchez-Roxas, where the actress said all she feels is gratitude when she wakes up in the morning.

“I feel the same way,” reveals Carlo. “I’m always thankful for everything that’s happening in my life right now. I’m happy with my family, my career. My heart is happy.”

Carlo, however, refuses to directly answer a question about the real score between him and Trina. He only answers with the cryptic “I’m happy” when the subject crops up.

But he loosens up when talking about his concert. After all, Carlo is finally going back to his other love (besides acting): music. The self-taught guitarist (care of his band member-brother) looks forward to performing old songs he has written and new ones, solo or with his guests.

“I will perform fillers from my musical inspirations like boy groups, alternative and acoustic artists and old hits,” he says.

By old hits, Carlo means covers of tunes his singer-father used to play at home, like those of the Beatles, Engelbert Humperdinck, Bee Gees and Matt Monro.

Carlo will also wipe the dust off his dancing shoes and bring back those days when he, John Prats and Stefano Mori of the JCS dance group lorded over the stage with their upbeat numbers.

You can’t blame Carlo for feeling edgy. It’s his show. He’s not sharing spotlight with anyone, the way he did in his 2018 concert with Matteo Guidicelli.

Carlo only hopes he can inspire his audience to seize the moment and chase their dreams, the way he did.

“The most important thing is for the audience and myself as a performer to enjoy. I don’t even know if this will be my first and last (concert),” he admits.

All Carlo knows is he’ll be busy for the rest of the year recording a remake of Rico Blanco’s hit Balisong, and shooting Isa Pa With Feelings, his first movie with Maine Mendoza.

Carlo is happy that his first team-up with a Kapuso star could be a sign that the the bitter war between ABS-CBN and GMA 7 is ending.

“It’s best not to have a network war. This way, all of us (actors) can make people happy,” Carlo explains.

Yes, the light of joy and understanding is shining brightly on him.