Standing under the historic archways of Taal, Rabin Angeles is living the dream he once only whispered to himself — leading a major film adaptation under Viva Films.
The ‘Seducing Drake Palma’ breakout star now takes on the titular role in ‘A Werewolf Boy’, a reimagining of the 2012 South Korean hit that starred Song Joong-ki and Park Bo-young.
For Rabin, the news came as both a surprise and a challenge.
“I didn’t expect that I’d be leading a movie this soon,” he shared with LionhearTV during the film’s shoot in Batangas. “It’s such an honor to take on a story that people already love so deeply. The pressure is there, but it’s also motivating.”
Portraying the “werewolf boy” — a character both primal and innocent — required intense emotional and physical preparation.
“I studied a lot of films and series to understand how to express emotion without words,” Rabin said. “But I didn’t want to copy Song Joong-ki’s performance. I wanted to find how a Filipino would feel and express that same instinct and purity.”
Under the direction of Crisanto B. Aquino, who also helmed ‘Seducing Drake Palma’, Rabin underwent workshops with acting mentors Sir Neil and Ms. Ana Feleo to connect more deeply with the role’s emotional core.
“We worked on how to show raw emotion — hunger, fear, longing — without speaking,” he explained. “Every movement, every glance had to mean something. It’s exhausting, but it’s worth it.”
When asked why he believes ‘A Werewolf Boy’ deserves a Filipino retelling, Rabin reflected on the story’s universal message.
“It’s a story about love and acceptance. Those are feelings we Filipinos know so well. We feel deeply — we give love even when it hurts. That’s what makes this version special.”
He smiled when asked about a possible Filipino title for the film.
“Siguro, Ang Lobong Lalaki,” he said, laughing. “Literal, pero may dating!”
Now known as one of Viva’s fastest-rising stars, Rabin admits he still feels the weight of expectations from fans and producers alike. Yet, with his humility and dedication, he’s proving to be a young actor with not just potential, but purpose.
“This is my biggest challenge yet,” he said. “But I just want to give this role justice — for everyone who believes in me, and for everyone who loves this story.”
Rabin Angeles stars in Viva Films’ ‘A Werewolf Boy’, directed by Crisanto B. Aquino — soon in theaters nationwide.
