‘BRGY” took on a more heartfelt and compassionate tone in its November 7th episode, as Kapamilya actor JM de Guzman spoke with host Bianca Gonzales about his career progression, struggles, and redemption.
Beginning the conversation on a bright note, Bianca gave JM two placards, each featuring the name of one of his breakthrough projects, to be used in describing specific moments or eras in his life.
The first placard read “Tadhana,” a nod to his starring role with Angelica Panganiban in the 2014 romantic comedy film “That Thing Called Tadhana.” Raising this placard would signify a chapter in his life where, no matter what happened, certain moments felt destined—they were meant to happen to him.
The second read, “Mula Sa Puso,” references the 2011 remake of the 1997 Philippine TV series of the same name, in which he starred, representing the achievements he worked hard for and manifested to fruition.
Unpacking more of JM’s acting background before entering the mainstream, the first question revolved around his time as a Theatre Arts major at the University of the Philippines Diliman. He chose to raise the “Mula Sa Puso” placard, meaning that the experience was fated for him.
At first, he explained that it felt like he had no choice, as he didn’t pass the college entrance exams and decided to pursue theatre for the opportunity it offered to earn a completion certificate. It was there that he took part in a Shakespearean play for his university’s college-based theatre group, Dulaang UP—the first of many sparks that ignited his love for acting.
For JM, it was also the humbling and raw experience of working as a production staff member that made him appreciate the art form and eventually develop his craft as an actor. “Mas lumalim ‘yung pagmamahal ko sa pag-arte… The people there, na alam naman natin na hindi ganun kalaki ang bayad sa [kanila]… They’re so happy and fulfilled. Sabi ko, gusto ko rin ‘yun,” he expressed.
When asked if he would be open to doing another play in the future, he emphasized that it was more a matter of “hoping,” as the demands of the theatre profession require a significant amount of time, which doesn’t fit his current schedule. The Kapamilya actor also mentioned having a strong preference for musicals and straight plays, should he ever get the chance to be in one.
Transitioning to his eye-catching performance in the 2009 Cinemalaya film “Last Supper Number 3,” JM celebrated the role with the “Mula Sa Puso” placard. It was for this independent film that Director Lauren Dyogi, head of Star Magic and ABS-CBN TV production, took notice of him and had a staff member contact JM to audition for the program “Precious Heart’s Romances: Midnight Phantom.”
Getting more heartfelt, he was asked how he would describe his success in mainstream TV and film, to which he humbly responded, “Tadhana.” Expanding on his answer, he explained that he didn’t feel deserving of the roles at the time, yet they were given to him unexpectedly.
“‘Yun actually ‘yung nag-spark sa akin to do better. To prove myself, [and it was when] nabigyan na ako ng opportunity,” he added.
Adding more twists to the get-to-know session, host Bianca prepared a block tower, with each block featuring a different word. JM could select a block to describe the next events in his life before placing it on the half-built tower.
When further encouraged to define “acting,” JM chose the word “self-worth,” pointing out that it was through acting that he was able to deal with his insecurities and, in turn, build his self-worth.
Bianca then brought up that he had previously stated in an interview that every character and project has been transformative and healing for him, continuing even with his current work on the Kapamilya suspense-thriller series, “What Lies Beneath.”
In his journey of building self-worth, the actor is clearly relentless in his efforts to improve. JM elaborated on his recovery from past struggles, saying, “I learned to forgive myself… Hindi ko na dapat ginagawa ‘yung mga bagay na would destroy me mentally, physically, [and] spiritually.”
Although acting has been the actor’s primary way of building self-worth, he continues to explore other ways to grow.
He also reflected on how he proved wrong those who had doubted his choice of acting as a career, recalling that it was hard to persevere on the path, especially when your support system was the one degrading you. “[Basta] alam mo sa sarili mo na mahal mo ‘yung ginagawa mo… [may] calling, may bumubulong sayo. Ginamit ko na fuel ‘yun,” he said.
When approached with another personal question, JM chose the word “honesty” to describe the period when he was seeking professional help for his mental wellness. “Doon kasi siya nagsa-start. If you want to seek help, you have to be true to yourself. You have to be transparent [and] honest sa mga taong willing na tumulong sa’yo,” he articulated.
Beyond honesty, he elaborated on how accountability stems from it, noting that confronting destructive behaviors becomes easier. JM added that being honest grew more manageable, particularly when he worked on addressing his arrogance during rehabilitation. “I realized na ‘yung arrogance ko is just a facade para hindi ako ma-hurt,” he stated.
Focusing on his present self, JM tenderly described himself with the word “forgiveness.”
“Without forgiving yourself, laging may resentment… Hindi titigil ‘yung pagbe-blame sa sarili, [so] mahihirapan ako mag-move-on,” he stressed. JM also extends forgiveness to those who have hurt him, as he seeks to make space for lessons related to his sense of self and personal growth, ultimately allowing him to heal enough to have a family of his own someday.
With “What Lies Beneath” gaining unparalleled attention from viewers, JM shared his reasons for accepting the project. First, the show was produced by RCD Narratives, an ABS-CBN TV production unit he trusts to deliver high-quality stories. “Alam ko very truthful, very madamdamin ‘yung ginagawa nilang mga istorya,” he clarified.
For the latter reasons, he cited the excellence of the cast and, of course, the relevance of the story.
Diving deep into his character, Lucas Santiago, Bianca sought out how JM embodies him, particularly given that, unlike the character’s revenge arc, JM experiences more of a personal redemption arc in real life.
“Kinulit ko sila sa backstory. Kung hindi ako minsan maka-relate sa character, gusto ko masustansiya ‘yung backstory niya. So, doon ako humuhugot, [sa] objectives ni Lucas,” he further stated.
On the topic of his on-set performance with his co-actors, he insisted that, despite everyone having their own acting habits and creative processes, he never felt even an ounce of intimidation.
He also compared his past self to highlight his growth, noting that previously his selfishness had affected the performances of other actors. “Dapat ‘yung attitude and work ethic mo nakakapagbigay din [ng chance sa mga] tao sa paligid mo [na magawa ‘yung] best nila,” he expressed.
Undeniably, the fellow actor he most enjoys working with on set for “What Lies Beneath” is the talented Jake Cuenca, who plays his character’s older brother, Edong.
“Nagte-thank you ako kay Jake kasi pinapakita niya ‘yung old me sa kanya… Parang ganyan din ako ka-passionate noon,” he shared.
JM also shared what he hopes lies ahead, specifically wishing for more opportunities to promote his mental health advocacy and take on more meaningful roles connected to it.
Tune into JM de Guzman’s performance as Lucas Santiago in “What Lies Beneath,” weeknights on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), A2Z, TV5, and iWant.