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The Arrival of Jin Macapagal

The Arrival of Jin Macapagal

To look at the night sky is to look into the past. We look at stars, not as they are now, but as they were thousands or even millions of years ago. However, some stars just burst into life. We see them as they are now with light reaching into our souls that assures us they will continue to shine far into the future.

VP Spotlight April 2020 Print Cover

Jin Macapagal is a beacon of light in the vast entertainment scene. He adorns the clear night sky along with already-established heavenly bodies. Although a quaint and modest star, he does not hide his brilliance. Unaware of his own potential, Jin finally arrives with discerning eyes watching his every move.

VP Spotlight April 2020 Digital Cover

Jin Macapagal: Soaring high as a rising star

We all knew about Jinwhen he joined and won the Ultimate Bidaman, a segment on the noontime show It’s Showtime. However, that show wasn’t his first try to get his big break in the Philippine entertainment industry. He first tried to show off his talents into the limelight in a reality singing competition called Pinoy Boyband Superstar.

 

“I’ve been here in Manila for one year na at tinatry ko talaga makapasok sa showbiz… Dahil wala pa rin namang nangyayari, I grabbed the chance na sumali ako. Then, ayun, hindi ko ineexpect na ganito mangyayari sa lahat. Buti na lang talaga, sumali ako.”

Although ecstatic, Jin felt worry and anxiety the moment they announced his name as the winner. The weight of the title made his heart feel a thousand times bigger. Although he became the shiny new star that everybody wants to look at, he wanted to prove that he is more than his title.

“Nung inannounce na ‘yung winner, hindi ako makapaniwala. Hindi ko mapigilan na umiyak talaga kasi sobrang bigat ng pakiramdam habang nasa stage. Nandoon ‘yung anxiety, pumapasok rin ‘yung doubt sa sarili mo. Parang nakahinga ako ng malalim dahil sa sobrang ecstatic ko na ako ‘yung nanalo. Pero parang 15-seconds ko lang naramdaman ‘yun. Kasi after, na-feel ko na kaagad na ‘Oh no, lalo ko na kailangan i-prove kung bakit ako ‘yung nanalo.'”

On being compared to one of his inspirations

Rico Yan was only a twenty-year-old student when he became one of the promising commercial models in a well-known agency. He, then, later become one of the most sought out matinee idols. During one of the episodes, judge Edu Manzano compared Jin Macapagal to the late actor who turned out to be one of his inspirations.

“Na-flatter ako. Siyempre, masaya ako. Kasi, bata pa lang ako, ‘yun na parati ‘yung sinasabi ng mga kamag-anak ko na kamukha ko daw si Rico Yan. Unti-unti, naging idol ko talaga tuloy siya. Isa rin siya sa mga dahilan kung bakit ko gusto maging artista. Tapos, ‘yun sabi ni Tito Edu na kamukha ko daw, kaya sobrang na-flatter talaga ako.”

On his big break

Jin has been envisioning to be a part of the showbiz industry. He also thought that he couldn’t do that during his high school or college due to him living in Cebu. He never really thought that his dream could happen in a spur. Joy may be an understatement to describe the emotion he feels at the moment.

“Ngayon, may ginagawa na akong pelikula, it feels surreal. Hindi ako makapaniwala pero naeenjoy ko naman habang ginawa ko siya. Pumapasok na lang sa isip ko na dati nagde-daydream lang ako. Ngayon, it’s a reality na. Sobrang happy ko na natutupad na ‘yung mga pangarap ko.”

There was a time that he only wished to become a star. Now, he literally is. One of Jin’s challenges at the competition involved a stint with Jane Oineza. His performance went viral online and a lot of people felt every emotion that they wanted to convey.

Jin

“Ang turo kasi sa amin, mag-substitute kami ng tao na pwedeng babagay sa eksena para maging natural at totoo siya sa’yo. So, inisip ko lang na may special someone akong kilala na na-insecure. Siyempre, ang ginawa ko lang inimagine ko siya si Jane. So, naisip ko na ipaparamdam ko sa kanya na she’s enough at mahalaga siya sa akin.”

On his own insecurities and anxieties

Jin, of course, wouldn’t have been the winner of the competition if he let his own insecurities and anxieties take over his mind. At first, his confidence level was at the roof. However, when the production announced the final six, things started to crumble. Although he has been enjoying his time at the show, there was a time that he wanted to quit.

Jin

“Nung unang round, talent ‘yung tinitingnan nila. Sobrang confident ako doon kasi matagal na akong sumasayaw at nag-eenjoy akong gawin ‘yun. Then, nagfinalize na ng Top 6. Bumagsak ‘yung mundo ko, ang bigat na ng katawan ko, hindi na ako makahinga. Sinasabi ko na sa mga kapwa contestants ko, mga make-up artist at hairstylist na ayoko na talaga, gusto ko na mag-quit.”

“Pero sila pa mismo ‘yung nagsabi na ‘Hindi, ituloy mo lang. I-push mo lang.’ Sabi pa nila, ‘Bro, just take it one moment at a time. Just be there, be present. Focus ka lang. Mamaya mo na isipin ‘yung susunod basta ‘pag andun ka na, enjoyin mo lang.’ Kada salang ko sa stage, gumagrabe ‘yung kaba ko. So kung anong sinabi nila, tinry ko na lang sundin na to be there in the moment lang.”

Jin Macapagal: A triple threat’s plans for the future

Jin can sing, dance, and act. Since he has started to penetrate the entertainment industry, it would be understandable that he would focus on one thing. However, for Macapagal, he would rather do the three things at the same time. Aside from his stint at It’s Showtime, he also attends a weekly workshop.

Jin
Suit – @josekarganilla; Pants – @erwinspfloresatelier

“Kung pupwede naman, gusto ko siyang pagsabayin. Ang pinaka-priority ko right now is acting. I want to learn more, I want to experience more. Mas gusto ko pang mag-grow at mas lumawak pa ‘yung kaalaman ko sa pag-arte. Thanks to It’s Showtime, parati kaming may production number kung saan pwede akong kumanta or sumayaw. So, ang ginagawa ko naman, every Sunday, mag-tatake ako ng dance classes or workshop for exercise. Para mas ma-improve ko pa rin ‘yung pagsasayaw ko.”

Jin admits that he has yet to have an actual goal. However, he continues to go at his own direction to grow.

Jin
Coat – @neilanthonie; Suit & pants – @josekarganilla

“Wala pa talaga akong pinaka-goal. Ang direksyon ko lang ngayon ay mag-grow as an individual and as an artist.”

To look at the night sky is to be reminded that Jin Macapagal’s future is in the stars, written with a bright light across a black inky canvas. This is his arrival.


Produced by Angela Baltan

Photographer | Abbe Kane Carungay

Videographer | Ryan Gutierrez

Stylist | Chino Aguilar

Makeup Artist | Guillano Valenzuela

See Also


Hairstylist | Mae Castillo Saavedra

Shot in Go Hotels Timog

Special Thanks To Joshua Cajulao Yasay, Mario Colmenares, and Primetime Events & Talents Management

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