‘Anak ng Macho Dancer’ star molded by childhood trials

It is fun talking to Sean De Guzman, the Clique 5 member playing the lead in “Anak ng Macho Dancer,” the maiden offering of Joed Serrano’s Godfather Productions. The 21-year-old newbie actor is ready to answer any question thrown at him in an interview, no matter how intriguing or difficult it may be. Sean tries to answer every question the best way he can. He is also willing to talk about his childhood and growing up without a father at the age of 9.

It is his love for dancing that made him a member of Clique 5. When he was younger, he danced in front of the mirror, mimicking the steps he watched on the computer. Hiphop is his favorite.

Sean describes himself as brave and a risk-taker.

“I am not afraid to gamble on life,” he said. “When our father left us, I became independent-minded. I had to be brave for myself and my siblings. I had to be tough to face the numerous challenges that I encountered growing up. I guess I was able to develop my character through those challenges.”

Sean reveals that when their father left them, their mother was abroad. There was no one to take care of them. They were forced to live with other relatives who can take care of them. But the siblings had to be apart.

“It was a lonely time for us that’s why I often say that had our father not left us, we would still have a solid family. But I am thankful for that experience because I was able to mold myself as a person. If I didn’t go through that, I would not be where I am today.”

Sean says his best trait is his being patient and understanding of the people around him, or of the events happening around him. He believes in waiting for the right time. He is not in a hurry to achieve success. He is willing to wait and work hard.

“If you are willing to wait, the big break will eventually come. You just have to be patient,” said Sean who confessed that, despite his good looks, there was a time he felt insecure. He used to be thin so he forced himself to work out regularly to improve his physique. His effort paid off since he is now buff and more attractive.

Sean grew up in Taguig where he had a happy childhood with his friends. Since he entered showbiz, he still makes it a point to visit his former place to meet and bond with his childhood pals. “My friends are happy for me that I am slowly achieving my dreams. Sometimes they tease me that I am already popular so I should greet them on video. I don’t know if they are serious or they are just teasing me,” he shared.

Luck smiled on Sean the day he auditioned for “Anak ng Macho Dancer.” He just wanted to be part of the support cast but the lead role was given to him. It was such a pleasant surprise.

On how he prepared for the film’s daring scenes, Sean said, “I studied my script very well and followed the instructions of Direk Joel (Lamangan). Dinadama ko palagi sa puso ko na si Inno ako. Na yung katotohanan ni Ino ang dapat maipakita sa pelikula. I think I was able to portray my role well with the guidance of Direk Joel,” related Sean.

From the reluctant macho dancer who is not comfortable with what he is doing, Sean’s character was able to transform himself into a confident show person. It was the first time for him to experience being watched by men, gays and matrons.

“As an actor you know they are lusting on you. It’s something hard for me to do because I am not like that in real life. I realized being a macho dancer is a hard life and the role is truly challenging,” he said.

“Anak ng Macho Dancer” is due for release very soon.

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Postscript to the 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival:

We were not able to watch all the entries. We only got to watch a few, so we are sharing mini reviews of those we liked.

“The Boy Foretold by the Stars”: Boasts of good performances from Adrian Lindayag and Sean Johnson. It also has a good story that is very relatable. Anyone who has experienced being in love will like the movie because love is a feeling that makes you feel good.

“Magikland”: Has spectacular special effects, cinematography and sound. It is a costly movie as shown by the quality of the finished product. It is an adventure film comparable to past MMFF entries of the same genre.

“Isa Pang Bahaghari”: Powerful ensemble acting and story of forgiveness, acceptance and love. Good direction and fine script.

“Tagpuan”: Good performances from the cast and a beautiful script by Ricky Lee.

We will try to watch the remaining entries if we still can.