Zoren Legaspi  breaks into new  acting territory

Zoren Legaspi remains one of today’s reliable and visible actors. He is continuously charting and navigating familiar and unfamiliar territories, role-wise.

His Cesar in the GMA 7’s Apoy sa Langit is a solid testament to that and has allowed him to veer away from playing another nice guy role. Some fans consider it his most daring one, while the actor finds it the most challenging so far.

“The project was mentioned to me way back,” said Zoren of how the Kapuso Afternoon Prime drama series, which airs Mondays to Saturdays at 2:30 p.m., landed in his lap in a virtual interview with The STAR. “From what I know, I was actually being cast first because they really wanted me to play Cesar. They told me that the role was very intriguing, may pagka-bad boy and they thought I could do the job.” Due to the pandemic, the initial taping of Apoy sa Langit was moved to different dates, but eventually took off.

“And it was only then that I realized how heavy the role was, sa pag-pa-pa-sexy, yung pagiging bad boy niya dun and everything,” recalled Zoren, “dun ko lang nalaman nung nag-script reading na kami with direk Laurice. Cesar is one of a kind, the role is really different from what I normally do, that’s why I accepted (the offer).”

With actor’s director Laurice Guillen, Zoren received guidance to further build the character Cesar.

“I like portraying Cesar kasi kakaiba siya,” said he, “If you’re an artist, you would want (to do) a role like this. (It’s) very interesting to (play) Cesar.” The character, whose ways of surviving life and making things happen are questionable and unconventional, has required Zoren, who doesn’t smoke, to puff at a cigarette in some scenes.

“He has dreams and wants to be successful in life, but he is doing it in a wrong way,” said Zoren. “Kaya lahat ng babae sa kanya, kailangan meron siyang makuha na advantage (That’s why he sees all women as a stepping stone and takes advantage of them), secondary na lang yung love sa kanya or kung gusto niya. Nangingibabaw sa kanya yung priority niyang yumaman, maging successful.” Material wealth is the end-goal that Cesar aspires to achieve, but showcasing their calibre — and making a mark — is what inspires actors like Zoren to take on “less-traveled,” yet engaging roles. Zoren continues to challenge himself and see what he is made of as an actor, who also directs.

“I did Magpakailanman,” said he, “After this soap, I might make a request. Ang gusto ko talaga is to direct the twins, it’s one of my dreams. If the opportunity comes (and presents itself), I will take on it.”

Zoren was referring to his and wife Carmina Villarroel’s children, Cassy and Mavy, who are among GMA 7’s Sparkle talents. According to him, the twins had no plans of entering showbiz at first. He and Carmina wanted them to take another path other than acting. But doing entertainment runs in the family. So, when Cassy and Mavy expressed their intention to give it a try, and showed potential for it, Zoren encouraged and supported them. At that time, GMA was looking for new talents and the former host of Sarap, Di Ba? looked for greener pastures. Mavy, Cassy and mom Carmina took over and became the show’s new faces. During the pandemic, the show had its home edition and included Zoren as the director and the new host. From there, the twins scored their first teleserye and the rest, as they say, is history.

“They enjoy and love their work, hindi yung napipilitan lang sila,” said Zoren. “I see their dedication and how they study the script. (Their) workshop is also continuous, hindi naman sila pasaway and they are on time.”

As a proud father and a showbiz veteran, Zoren reminded them to come prepared on set and to look presentable and he believed that their natural talent (either in acting or in performing) has to be honed.

As for playing Cesar, Zoren said, “It’s very, very challenging and it requires a lot of concentration.” The conversation with Zoren revealed that he had to be on his toes to know direk Laurice’s creative process and be on the same page with her. He said that the lady director is lenient when “she knows you know what to do,” but she can also sense when actors have not done their homework. Artists’ full commitment to acting is vital.

“First of all, nag-artista ako because of the art,” he looked back on, “not because of fame, money, nag-artista ako kasi gusto kong maging artista, I want to portray characters.”

However, as compared to actors like Carmina, Zoren thought he is not as gifted as they are. Some possess expressive eyes and can shift effortlessly to their characters. That’s why he would give himself ample time to prepare, so he can deliver.

“It requires a lot of preparation, (while waiting for my take), I study the script, the dialogues and how I will deliver each word,” said he.

When work is done, after a lock-in taping, Zoren said he will spend time with family, do his hobbies such as biking and motorcycling, play with the dogs, sleep early and do workout. He does all of this to recharge and be ready for the next acting assignment that comes his way.