Kapamilya actor Kyle Echarri shared how working on his film, The Ride, became a turning point in helping him discover his purpose as an actor.
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, Kyle described his experience as a journey both on and off screen.
“Working and doing The Ride was such a ride, as corny as it sounds, honestly. Sa dami naming pinagdaan sa set, ito actually, 2 years in the making. Shinu-shoot po namin ‘to, may COVID pa na nangyayari. After the first cycle, na-tengga kami dahil nagka-COVID din ‘yung director namin, so we still had that factor. Also, I was going through a lot in my personal life during the shoot, so it was such a ride to be honest, to say the least,” Kyle said .
The Kapamilya star said the project allowed him to reflect on why he chose this career.
“Lagi kong sinasabi sa mga kaibigan ko, sa mga taong nasa paligid ko, The Ride really taught me my purpose as an actor or kung bakit ko ginagawa ‘tong trabahong ‘to. Siyempre ‘pag bata ka at nakikita mo ‘yung iniidolo mo sa industriya, yung mga singers, mga actors, you know. They’re cool to you, they’re all just really cool people. Iba ‘yung dating nila pero na-realize ko, it’s so much more than that,” he expressed.
Kyle explained that telling stories through acting gave him a deeper appreciation for his craft.
“Nakaka-inspire kami ng mga tao through our stories that we are able to tell, and that’s such a dream to do to be able to connect to different people all around the world just through your craft. Sobra kong na-enjoy at I started to have such a bigger appreciation for the passion that I have,” he added.
In The Ride, Kyle plays Leo, the troubled son of Barry (played by Piolo Pascual). The film follows their unexpected journey together as father and son while trying to escape danger, blending action with heartfelt drama.
Talking about his preparations, Kyle expressed gratitude for the guidance and friendship he found in working with Piolo.
“Nagpapasalamat lang talaga ako na, Piolo was there through the whole process, of course, he’s a brother of mine now, but he was really there for me when I came to what I was going through my personal life and throughout the whole process. To be able to differentiate what I am going through and not bringing it to set but also being able to use that for my character din as a drive,” Kyle stated.
For the role, Kyle said he even tried method acting for the first time.
“In terms of preparation naman, we really just immerse with our characters. First time ko mag 'method acting', dumadating kami sa set ng dugyot, ng hindi naliligo kasi ‘yung mga character namin is hindi pa naka-ligo, so hindi kami maliligo. Dun ko lang na-appreciate ‘yung talagang acting process ko,” Kyle recalled.
Prior to their Kapamilya series Pamilya Sagrado, the two actors first worked together on the film. Having the chance to work more closely with each other, Kyle shared how their dynamics changed as actors and close friends.
“Well, obviously, The Ride was shot a year or two before Pamilya Sagrado, and sobrang nagbago talaga ‘yung dynamics namin because we started to understand each other’s acting process. From The Ride, tinutulungan niya ako to Pamilya Sagrado na hindi kami magkausap bago dumating sa eksena kasi magkaaway ‘yung mga character namin ayaw namin magusap,” Kyle said.
He went on: “For the most part, talaga, I just was able to absorb and watch and learn through him, who’s been in this industry for a long time now. He has so many different tools that he was able to show me without having to teach me, and I’ll always be appreciative of that.”
READ: Here’s a peek at Piolo Pascual and Kyle Echarri’s action-packed film ‘The Ride’
Back in 2023, Piolo and Kyle talked about The Ride during an interview on Magandang Buhay.
"Gumawa kami ng pelikula The Ride. ... We filmed last year and we finished a month or two months ago. It's an action film. Nakakatuwa. First time namin together," Piolo shared.
Kyle added: "Sobra po akong excited for the first time ko po gumawa ng ganung movie. First time kong mag-action talaga so I am excited for people to see it. It's a very different kind of project that I don't think you've even seen Piolo do before."
Directed by Thop Nazareno, The Ride opens exclusively in SM Cinemas on September 24.