Aljur Abrenica shares ‘biggest revelation’ about fatherhood

Aljur Abrenica has expressed a desire to star in romantic and action-oriented projects again.

“I want to return to doing love stories. I really want to do action,” Aljur told The STAR in an intimate group chat. For the meantime, he currently stars in the psychological thriller The Revelation, as a character suffering from a multiple personality syndrome. Starring alongside Ana Jalandoni, Jelai Andres and his brother Vin Abrenica, the film directed by RayAn Dulay is now showing in cinemas.

“It’s my first time to play this kind of role,” said Aljur. “I really prepared for it. How I separate one character from one another depends on the scene, depends on the people and characters that I’m acting with. I would face each one of them differently.

“I enjoyed portraying this character and how they get away with what they are doing, it’s thrilling! If they watch it, I believe it would be entertaining for them, and I think they can’t wait for the twist and revelation in every scene.”

It’s not easy to let go of a dark character, and Aljur admitted that there were times in the past when he’d realize he almost brought his character home.

“I’m very well aware (that it happens). I caught myself one time, but now I can say I’m aware already (that it could happen),” he said.

His process of shedding off a character includes drawing up a list of things to do before a project then making sure he ticks them off after he’s done with filming so he can “go back” to his non-acting self.

“All of us go through that after portraying a role, a character, and you sometimes bring it home, nadadala sa pagkatao namin, so, tinatanggal ko siya (by doing the list),” he said.

On a more personal note, Aljur was happy to have done The Revelation because of the chance to reunite on screen and bond anew with his younger sibling Vin, whom he described as a stage brother. It’s been awhile since they’ve spent that much time together.

Aljur said, “More than the character and the challenges, what I really loved about this project is the opportunity to work with my brother, Vin. I really enjoyed it because I was with him. It was my first time working with him in a major role. We’re two people from opposite ends, bida and kontrabida.”

According to Aljur, his “biggest revelation” about his brother is “how different he is now.”

“He’s very different now. I’m so proud of him. He has had his inputs when I was doing my scenes, in building my character,” he said.

“I’m proud of his choices in life, I’m proud of his achievements and my favorite part is nanumbalik yung mga kwento namin nung bata kami,” Aljur further said.

“One time, after we had a big scene, we looked at each other and we had an understanding na uy ito na pala yung pinagdadaanan namin sa buhay.

“And there’s that (mutual) understanding (between us), that he gets me, and I get him. There are lines in the film that are somewhat related to the happenings in my life.”

The STAR also had an opportunity to ask Aljur about fatherhood. He has a co-parenting set-up for his two boys — Alas and Axl — with estranged wife Kylie Padilla.

On his “biggest revelation” as well about being a father, Aljur said, “As much as possible, spend time with your kids because the revelation for me about being a father is that time flies. Sobrang bilis tumakbo ng panahon and medyo napapahaba yung panahon na ‘di ko sila nakakasama. (Time flies so fast and the time that I don’t get to spend with them is getting a little longer.)”

He continued, “So, the times spent with my kids, you won’t ever regret it. So, that’s the revelation for me about fatherhood. Sa mga lalakeng ma-pressure to provide for their family, it’s a burden na hindi natin maiwasan… but you need to level up, manage your quality time with your kids.”

“I know we have this burden to provide, yun na talaga ang mga ano ng lalaki. Napansin ko, kahit they have so much, kahit they have enough, ‘di pa rin nawawala sa isip natin how can we make more? Sa future iniisip natin, but (despite that) we have to spend time with our kids as much as possible.”

With his kids growing up to be as good-looking as their parents, The STAR asked if he’s open for them to follow in his and Kyle’s footsteps into showbiz in the future.

He responded, “Hindi ko siya iniisip ngayon na maging open ako sa kanila sa showbiz. What I’m thinking now is how am I going to spend my time with them. I watch them eh, I observe what their interests are. For example, Alas (who’s five years old), he always messages me about motocross. Gusto niya mag-motor, so ayun nagmo-motor kami.

“Tapos yung isa (Axl), gusto niya mag-dagat lagi. Tinitingnan ko kumakanta na yung isa, he’s three years old now. I support them. Whenever I’m with them, we play music, we play the drums and he will sing. Kung ano gusto ng mga bata, yun ang priority ko. Kung ano gusto nila, sinusuportahan ko sila (like) motocross, beach and music.”