Anton Vinzon talks about sacrifices to topbill ‘Kamao’
Anton Vinzon’s heartfelt and action-packed scenes in “Mga Batang Riles,” his first-ever TV series, somehow prepared him for the sports drama “Kamao,” his first solo lead project.
As part of the ensemble supporting cast of “Mga Batang Riles,” the Sparkle Teens’ Heartthrob displayed his potential to headline an Afternoon Prime serye one day. Viewers will further appreciate that with “Kamao” premiering today at 3:20 p.m. on GMA and airing weekdays thereafter.
“Talagang ang bilis ng pangyayari (things are happening so fast),” said the young actor about his career journey, which started in “Mga Batang Riles” and then continued on in “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0,” in a recent group chat.“Parang nararamdaman ko pa rin yung second lead kasi hindi ako nasanay na, ito na pala yung first serye ko na hindi ko kasama ang barkada, yung mga Batang Riles’ (It’s like that I’m still in the supporting lead mode because I’m not used to working without my ‘Mga Batang Riles’ friends and co-actors, and that I’m doing my first lead TV show).”
“I’m just pressured, but (it’s a) good pressure,” added he, who is also sharing the screen with his father, seasoned actor Roi Vinzon. “Kasama ko ang tatay ko na nag-aalalay sa akin (I’m also with my dad, who is guiding me). All the cast (members) are (also) hands-on with me. Tinuturuan nila ako (they’re also teaching and lending their hand to me).”
Anton is collaborating with established stars like Amy Austria, Wendell Ramos, Neil Ryan Sese and Katrina Halili. Also in the cast are Bruce Roeland (who also starred in “Mga Batang Riles”), Therese Malvar, Matt Lozano and Euwenn Mikaell, Chanty Videla, Tito Abdul and Tito Marsy.
The afternoon series is directed by L.A. Madridejos and Richard Arellano, with Kevin de Vela as associate director.
In “Kamao,” Anton takes on the character Makmak, described by the show’s publicity team as “an amateur boxer,” with an aspiration to become a champion.
“His toughest battles happen outside the ring,” it added. Makmak will get “caught up in the lies and controversies” involving his dad, a former boxing champion, and his grandfather (played by Neil and Roi, respectively).
As for the work expectations that come with the territory of being a lead star, Anton shared that according to his dad, he’ll eventually get used to them, and the Sparkle GMA artist is glad with the way things are going in his career.
Asked if the “Kamao” offer came before or after his stint in “PBB: Celebrity Collab Edition,” he said that it happened “after po,” and he was initially surprised upon learning the good news.
“Sabi ko lang sa sarili ko, ‘Talaga. Lead ako. Wow.’ I was surprised (I told myself, ‘Really. I’m playing the lead role’),” recalled he. “Hindi ako makapaniwala (I couldn’t believe it). Hindi ako makatulog (I had hard time sleeping) for one week. Nagpupuyat talaga ako kung paano i-re-research yung boxing (I would stay up late to do research on boxing).”
His joy turned into enthusiasm, leading him to watch previous matches of Pinoy world boxing champion and legend Manny Pacquiao.
“Sabi ko kailangan ko ng mag-train (I told myself that I needed to do training),” said he. “Kailangan ko talagang paghandaan ang character ko na ‘to (I had to prepare for my character).”
Anton shared that he needed to work on his character’s fighting stance and posture because Pinoy audiences are very familiar with boxing as a sport. It is another way for him to look and play the part. Coaches of Pacquiao also taught him, Anton said.
Aside from the physical training, what other sacrifices did he make for the role of a promising boxer and champ?
“Hindi po talaga ako kumain ng mga junk foods (I didn’t eat junk foods),” answered Anton. “Hindi ako kumain ng mga sweets (I didn’t have sweets). Talagang… chicken breasts talaga every day (I had chicken breasts every day).”
“Ayun po maging disiplinado ka talaga ‘pag dating sa character mo kasi ang mangyari ayoko ng make-up talaga, eh, (I had to be disciplined with my diet),” added he. “Yung mini-make-up abs ko (I don’t want to use make-up for my abs). Hindi. Gusto ko talaga yung totoo, natural talaga (I don’t want to. I want to have real abs).”
And Anton achieved it by committing to and preparing for his “Kamao” role. As an actor, he knows the responsibility of bringing “truth” to the portrayal of Makmak.
“Kailangan ito talagang paghandaan para sa mga tao na maniwala sa ‘Kamao’ at sa buhay ko rin as a boxer (I had to prepare for it so that viewers would believe in the ‘Kamao’ story and the boxer’s life I’m portraying),” said he.
Since the sports drama is about chasing one’s dreams, “Kamao” will also serve as an inspiration to young people, who may find it relatable.
Please watch “Kamao” on GMA, Kapuso Stream and GMA Pinoy TV.
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