Royce Cabrera on his variety of roles, professionalism, and passion
More than a hunk oozing with manly appeal Royce Cabrera proved his acting skills in his last film that got nominated in this year’s Gawad Urian. Yes, he’s one of the nominees for the Best Actor category because of his performance in the Cinemalaya entry Fuccbois.
Let’s get to know this promising young actor through a quick Q&A!
Royce Cabrera on his dedication to his artistry
In a short period of time, Royce has done a lot of projects that showcased his prowess so we got intrigued and ask him this:
Among all the characters you portrayed, which one is your favorite character, and why?
“Siguro si Ace Policarpio sa Fuccbois kasi Cinemalaya yun eh. Marami akong ginawang immersion at research para character ni Ace kasi based based on true events nga, medyo controversial. Gusto ko ma-justify at ma-portray yung character nya ng maayos kaya naging challenging say para sa’kin.”
How did you prepare for every role you portrayed?
“Ako kasi hanggat maaari nagiging method ako eh. Kung ano yung role na binibigay sakin, nire-research ko talaga sya. Inaalam ko kung ano yung back story nya. Inaalam ko kung pano sya mamuhay. Kasi kailangan kong alisin yung Royce Cabrera tapos maipasok yung role na binibigay sakin. Para mapanood ng tao na sya yun, hindi si Royce yun. Talagang effort at totoo yung ginagawa ko sa trabaho.”
What do you consider before accepting a role?
“Unang-una yung material, yung script. Kase dun mo makikita kung paano yung takbo ng story. Kung ano yung role na ibibigay sayo, kung ano magiging kwento nun. Syempre maraming considerations, titignan mo kung sino magiging director,yung producer, kung kaninong movie company yun. So far ako naman, yun lang. Blessing pa din yan, trabaho. Sa gitna ng pandemya binibigyan ka pa din ng trabaho so wag na imaging maarte diba?”
What is the biggest challenge for a young actor like you?
“Sakin naranasan ko mapalinya sa mga beterano na. Yung medyo matatagal na. Kase mararamdaman mo pa rin konti, yung discrimination. Na ikaw bago ka lang, sila matatagal na. Syempre, kailangan mong ipakita na may ibubuga ka. Di ka naman pumasok dito para maglaro, magpasikat kundi umarte talaga bilang aktor at gawin 100% yung trabahong binugay sayo.”
Can you tell us more about your dream role?
“For the dream role, gusto ko talaga yung mala-psycho, yung parang Joker, Joaquin Phoenix, Split. Yung mga tipo na aalis talaga ako sa pagiging Royce Cabrera ko, ibang dimension.”
What sets you apart among other young actors today?
“Hindi ko alam eh, pero ako seryoso ako sa trabahong ginagawa ko. Kung sinasabing passionate, eto yun eh. Pare-parehas naman lahat seryoso. Dumidipende lang sa effort na binibigay namin sa bawat trabahong binibigay sa amin.”
This year, you are nominated for Gawad Urian’s Best Actor, do you consider this as one of your career highlights?
“Sobra. Kasi dati nanonood ka lang, padaan-daan ka lang tapos nakikita mo yung mga awardees. Especially Gawad Urian. Sabi nila ma-nominate ka lang sa Gawad Urian, panalo ka na eh. So this year, ito na yung umingay yung pangalan ko as nominee for Best Actor. Kung manalo, bonus na lang. Salamat sa Diyos ng sobra.”
A simple man who values and appreciates his supporters
After talking about his views as a professional actor, we also asked some questions about his personality off-camera. This is just to have a glimpse of how he knows himself and his fans, of course. It went on like this:
Who is Royce Cabrera behind the camera?
“Simple lang naman, kung paano yung ibang normal na tao. Syempre pag tapos ng work, off na yung camera. Ikaw na talaga yun eh. Simple lang.”
How do you handle negative comments on social media?
“Lagi naman po yan eh. Kahit hindi ka influencer, simpleng tao ka, may sabihin ka lang sa [social media] magkakaroon ka na ng negative comments. Diba? Depende na lang sa bawat tao kung paano i-hahandle. Ako kasi, pag trabaho lang, trabaho lang. Kasama yan eh, nagiging public figure ka.”
Describe yourself in three words.
“Patience. Hard work. Trust.”
What’s your message for the fans who believe in you?
“Maraming-maraming salamat. Solid na salamat. Di ko din kasi aakalain na magkakaroon ako ng fans. Yung effort na binibigay nila, yung pag aappreciate nila sa bawat trabaho na ginagawa ko. Pati yung pagbibigay nila sakin, yung simpleng mga messages nila, lahat yun na-aapreciate ko. Kaya sabi ko after this pandemic, babawi ako. Magkakaroon kami ng kahit small gathering lang.’
Indeed, Royce is a young actor who knows the value of good work ethics in the showbiz industry. He seeks to learn and master his craft on his own. We’re definitely excited about how far his career will soar in the future.
The best of luck to you, Royce!
PHOTOGRAPHER: JAI MURCILLO
VIDEOGRAPHER: POGS TORRES FRANCISCO
HMUA: JERICO VALENZUELA
DESIGNER: BESSIE BESANA
STYLING: JOWIE NAMAYAN
LOCATION: VP STUDIO
SPECIAL THANKS TO DUDU UNAY
