Teen star Enzo Santiago has shared some insight on how he got to where he is today.
In an exclusive interview with LionhearTV, the 19-year-old actor said he started as a freelance talent in various TV shows until he was discovered by TV host and talent manager Boy Abunda, who absorbed him into their talent agency, Asian Artists Agency Inc.
“In February 2018, I began my journey as their contract artist for two years. Those years have been a big help for me to work on my foundations as an artist. I learned many things from Tito Boy and the agency. They trained me, helped me to hone my craft and to realize my passion for acting,” Enzo said.
“After my contract expired, God offered me a new opportunity to work on my craft and grow as an artist. I was scouted by Mr. Kristian Kabigting (CEO of Asterisk Artists Management). Then, I have been offered a place in their family of artists and received multiple projects from AsterisK Digital Entertainment,” he added.
Enzo’s first acting experienced was the LGBTQ theme web series entitled, “Young Love.”
The young actor admitted that playing a gay character was hard for him.
“It’s definitely a challenging role because that’s the complete opposite of my personality since I’m straight,” he said.
“But in acting, we have no sense of morality, religion, etc. We break our walls to do our roles,” he added.
Enzo said his passion for movies was what inspired him to become an actor.
“As a kid, I really loved watching movies. I am always amazed by the people in the movies because they make everything seem real and relatable,” he noted.
“Then I grew up. My life had many ups and downs. I saw acting as a way to provide for myself and my family, while also enjoying the work that I do. Acting is very therapeutic for me. My family, my friends, and the people who trust me are my inspirations to strive harder as an actor,” he added.
The actor said he hoped that one day he could become an action star.
“My dream role is to act in an action genre with a deep drama sense,” he noted.
“I am very fascinated by actors and directors who do these kind of films,” he added.
When asked about his favorite actor, Enzo said he adored veteran actor Mon Confiado.
“He’s a very versatile actor and I love the way he acts,” he said.
“He is also a living example of an actor that I want to be. He is very dedicated to his craft and a good, responsible person,” he added.
Enzo is set to star in two upcoming TV series on TV5, “My Extra-Ordinary” and “A Kiss To Remember” and an online digital travel vlog show, “The Amazing Adventures” with actor Axel Torres.
“I have two new projects for TV5/OneTv. I will lead in those two series. The first is ‘My Extra-Ordinary’ and the second one is ‘A Kiss To Remember’,” he said.
“I also have an upcoming digital travel vlog with Axel Torres. Stay tuned guys! I have more projects that I’ll be doing with AsterisK Digital Entertainment,” he added.
Keep reading below to get to know Enzo better:
REAL NAME
Anthony Lorenz S. Dazer
NICKNAME
Enzo.
BIRTHDAY
February 19, 2001
WHEN YOU WERE LITTLE, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
I wanted to be an actor or a basketball player ever since I was a kid.
HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A ROLE?
I prepare by doing tons of research about the project. I socialize with my co-artists and directors to see their own perspective of the project. I observe, learn and absorb all the infos that could help me to do my role right. I also train and prepare my body for the role. As a wise teacher once said to me, “Your mind is the control, and your body is your vessel in acting.”
IF NOT AN ACTOR, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR PROFESSION WOULD BE?
I would probably be still studying and would have pushed my passion for basketball. I was once a varsity basketball player in my old school.
DESCRIBE YOUR MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AT A TAPING
When I had the chance to act with veteran actors and actresses in a film. I had realized that I have so much to learn. They inspired me to work harder.
WHAT’S THE MOST ADVENTUROUS THING YOU’VE DONE SO FAR?
My most adventurous trip was a summer getaway in Baler with the person I loved before. It was my first time to travel without my parents and it was very liberating and exciting.
ON YOUR FREE TIME, WHAT ARE YOU MOST LIKELY DOING?
I love spending time with my family, and my dogs. I also like to work out and play basketball with my friends. I also drink occasionally.
WHAT’S THE MOST EXPENSIVE THING YOU HAVE EVER BOUGHT?
A motorcycle. It’s an Aerox 155. I love motorcycles because it’s a cost-efficient and fast way of traveling from my home and to work
IF YOU COULD INSTANTLY CHANGE ONE ASPECT OF YOUR PERSONALITY WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Nothing. Because I believe that my personality is what made me different and unique from anyone else. I also believe that God made us this way for a reason.
WHAT’S YOUR STRANGEST/HIDDEN TALENT?
I have no problem sleeping anywhere and in any kind of position. Ha ha ha!
DO YOU HAVE ANY STRANGE PHOBIA?
I’m always afraid of flying cockroaches.
WHAT’S THE BRAVEST THING YOU’VE EVER DONE?
The bravest thing I’ve done was to get over my fears that had held me back before. It has pushed me to grow and be stronger.
WHAT DOES THE WORD “LOVE” MEANS TO YOU?
Love is something that we can’t easily explain. But for me, I express my love through being transparent and caring to the people I love. I do believe in the saying “Love can move mountains” because the power of love is a powerful element that made many marks on our histories.
DESCRIBE IN ONE TO TWO WORDS YOUR CURRENT LOVE LIFE
Freely committed. Because I’m single and deeply in love with my work right now.
FUTURE DREAM
I want to be successful, give my family a great future, and help others along the way. I don’t dream to have a mansion, a fancy car or such. I dream to make a difference in society and try to help anyone in need.
YOUR ADVICE TO ASPIRING ACTORS
Never give up. In every hardship that you face, find the thing that drives and motivates you to overcome that obstacle. Keep your head high, but never lose yourself in your achievements. Always remember to keep your feet grounded and keep your heart open.