Laurenti Dyogi is John Arcilla’s real-life hero, having salvaged his career and allowing him to have Ara Mina’s first TV kiss.
During his appearance on Philstar.com’s web show “Slam Book,” the “Ang Probinsyano” actor revealed these juicy revelations.
“He saved my career,” John stated of ABS-CBN’s president of TV Production and executive producer of the hit reality show “Pinoy Big Brother.”
“When I had my first Best Actor Award in 1996 at the Manila Film Festival, after that there was this parang chismis about me na ako ay mataas na humingi ng talent fee and ako ay not easy to work with because I’m from theater and I’m a swell-headed actor,” John said.
In 1996, John appeared in the star-studded film “Mulanay: Sa Pusod ng Paraiso.” The video tells the tales and hardships of doctors who work in the barrios and in the communities they serve. Jaclyn Jose, Nonie Buencamino, and Gina Alajar also appear.
Lino, a native “bangkero” (boatman) in the town of Mulanay, Quezon, where the narrative is set, was played by John. He won the Best Supporting Actor Award at the 1996 Metro Manila Film Festival for his work in the film.
John stated that he had no idea where the rumor originated. He came from the theater and was attempting to get into mainstream television and film.
“Suddenly after my award, nawalan ako ng project. Walang kumuha sa akin for several months because ganu’n ang tingin nila sa akin. Sabi lang sa akin ng isang publicist, maybe they don’t want to get me in the film industry baka meron kang mga ka-kumpitensya kaya ka ginagawan ng issue,” he shared.
After that occurrence, the “Heneral Luna” actor acknowledged being depressed. He expected his acting citation to be a promotion that would lead to more projects, but the reverse occurred.
John was prepared to let it go until a TV director named Laurenti Dyogi phoned him for a job.
It was a watershed moment for John, who was cast opposite then-newcomer and attractive star Ara Mina in the weekly criminal investigative documentary show “Calvento Files” (1995 to 1998).
“Pagkatapos ng shoot, sabi ni Lauren Dyogi sa akin, ‘Okay ka naman pala ka-trabaho e.’ Napatulala ako. That was after several months na wala akong trabaho,” he said.
John would frequently reflect and tell an amusing tale regarding his comeback endeavor.
“‘Yun nga ang palagi kong bina-brag kay Ara Mina. Sabi ko, ‘Ara Mina, I was your first kiss sa Calvento Files.’ Bagong-bago pa lang si Ara Mina noon. Bata pa siya,” John added.
Surprisingly, they both appear in the current smash drama “Ang Probinsyano.”
“Bumalik ang confidence ko kasi muntik na akong mawalan ng spot noon sa industry,” John explained. “Bumalik ‘yung sigla ko at dumami ‘yung projects ko.”
He went on to appear in TV series such as “Pangako Sa’Yo” (2000) and “Encantadia” (2005).
John stated that it is difficult for him to select his favorite part. “Heneral Luna” is undeniably memorable since it established him as a pop cultural reference. “OTJ” is another outstanding project that earned him the coveted Copa Di Volpi award at the 78th Venice Film Festival. He is the first Filipino to get the prestigious acting prize.
