Rap Fernandez: Rising son

He was born into instant royalty in the world of show business, being the son of grand slam Best Actress Lorna Tolentino and the late cinema icon Rudy Fernandez. With a background in filmmaking, many expected Rap Fernandez to take a different route when he entered the industry he was raised in, having done three indie films under his directorial belt. But, as they say, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, so it wasn’t all that surprising when he decided to give acting a try. Given his background, Rap admits feeling quite a bit of pressure, but he came prepared, taking a series of acting workshops from some of the industry’s best. This week, its time we pick the brain of this creative individual, and why he thinks local cinema can give the global market a run for its money.

YOUNG STAR: What made you try out acting?

RAP FERNANDEZ: Hopefully, as a stepping stone into direction someday. It establishes the beginnings of a body of work. My whole life has been geared towards this. I’ve been geared towards giving my life to cinema.

Having worked on independent films, how do you find mainstream show business?

Crossing over: Rap Fernandez takes a break from filmmaking and ventures into acting,

Mainstream show business, I prophesy, will eventually be a global phenomenon. We have a diaspora of international overseas workers all across the globe that could make this possible. Maybe we might be shortchanging ourselves. I think it’s time we play in the global playing field and break out internationally. Remember, we had film in the Philippines, before Hong Kong had film. We had two golden periods, and I think a third one is coming up.

If you were to invite five personalities to dinner, who would they be?

Lorna, Ruffa, Laurice, Sharon, Vilma.

What thought gets you out of bed in the morning?

“The death of ideal love.”

What mantra do you live by?

“Feed people, serve people.”

If you could turn back time, what’s the one thing you would undo?

My lottery numbers.

What defines a good film?

Breaking out: Filipino mainstream show business could be a global hit, he says.

Undefinability.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

Smoking under a lamppost, looking at the moon.

If we were to raid your fridge, what would we find?

I don’t own a fridge. Probably cold water.

If you could live someone else’s life for a day, whose would it be?

My father, so he could live one extra day before I become myself again.

What type of roles would you like to portray as an actor?

Well, for my first show, I’m the kontrabida of Gerald Anderson, but I wouldn’t want to be typecast as one. I’d like to be able to show my capacity as an actor. I also have some screenplays on the back burner, sort of like in the producer aspect.

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Your dad was one of the pioneers of action films. Do you want to get into that genre as well?

I think it needs to be revived and I definitely think there’s a craving for it. It’s just difficult to do that because a lot of cinemas have stricter rules now, which chokes the possibility of reviving the genre.

What advice did your mom give you before you jumped the gun and joined showbiz?

Come on time. (Laughs) And to approach it with a well-intentioned heart.

As a director, what kind of films would you like to make?

Popular films that, through time, would be considered classics, dare I say? I’d like to be able to create good films that will change lives, and give hope to a lot of people.

What’s your favorite movie of all time?

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I can’t answer that. It’s hard for me because I’ve seen so many. We could start talking about genres. But recent ones that I’ve been watching are Alfred Hitchcock’s Shadow of a Doubt and Sean Penn’s Into The Wild.

You’re currently acting in your first teleserye for ABS-CBN. How has the experience been so far?

Well, I’m just getting my feet wet. It’s a good playground to gain experience. I’ve read a lot of books about acting but I’ve practiced more as a director, so this is a good training ground for me — as an actor.

How much of you is your dad?

You know, that’s a good question because I never thought about it. My father was a real kind-hearted man. I’m not that kind yet. (Laughs) But I’m working on it. But I remember he once told me, “Never lose your common touch.” Never be a Kapuso or Kapamilya, but always be Ka-masa.