Despite having what many describe as a wholesome, boy-next-door look, newcomer Kurt Veneracion has chosen to enter the industry through VMX, where he is already being noticed as one of the platform’s “guwapings” or modern-day Adonis figures.Veneracion, who is currently managed by producer and talent manager Len Carrillo of 3:16 Media Network, makes his acting debut as the lead in the film Sagaran. The movie also stars Ashley Lopez, Marco Gomez, Mon Mendoza, and Yda Manzano, and is now streaming on VMX.

Asked why he chose VMX instead of building a conservative or wholesome image, Veneracion was candid about his decision.

“Mabilis po kasi ang oportunidad dito lalo na bilang first film at lead role po. Stepping stone po para mapansin sa industriya. Challenge ito sa sarili ko para maipakita ang acting range ko,” he said.
“Bukod pa rito, mas malaya ang platform sa mature at daring roles, kaya mas marami akong natutunan at mas na-explore ko ang craft ko kumpara sa mas safe o conservative na wholesome projects.”

He also admitted that breaking in as a wholesome actor comes with intense competition, prompting him to take a more direct route into showbiz.“Mabilis po kasi ang oportunidad dito lalo na bilang first film at lead role po. Stepping stone po para mapansin sa industriya. Challenge ito sa sarili ko para maipakita ang acting range ko,” he said.
“Bukod pa rito, mas malaya ang platform sa mature at daring roles, kaya mas marami akong natutunan at mas na-explore ko ang craft ko kumpara sa mas safe o conservative na wholesome projects.”

He also admitted that breaking in as a wholesome actor comes with intense competition, prompting him to take a more direct route into showbiz.Veneracion described his experience working on Sagaran as overwhelming but deeply fulfilling, especially since it marked his first film and first lead role.

“Na-overwhelming ako sa simula kasi lead agad ang role ko at first film ko ito. Sabay-sabay na dumating ang pressure at expectation,” he shared. “Mabigat pero sobrang fulfilling ang experience dahil kinailangan kong mag-adjust sa workload at sa overall na takbo ng trabaho sa set.”

He added that the challenges helped shape his work ethic and mindset as an actor.

“Maraming moments na challenging at nakakapagod, pero doon ko rin mas natutunan kung paano maging mas disiplinado, patient, at open sa learning process,” he said. “Mas naintindihan ko kung gaano kahalaga ang teamwork at respeto sa bawat tao sa production.”

Veneracion also opened up about his initial reaction when he was told he would have to do revealing scenes.

“Medyo nakakahiya nga nu’ng una, pero habang tumatagal, naging comfy na,” he said. “Natutunan kong i-focus ang isip sa role at sa eksena kaysa sa sarili ko, kaya unti-unti na ring nawala ‘yung awkwardness.”

He credited director Sid Pascua for making him feel secure on set, saying trust played a big role in delivering his performance.

When asked about his showbiz crush and who he hopes to work with under Viva, Veneracion did not hesitate.

“Crush ko si Ashtine Olviga. Pangarap ko na makasama ang AshDres sa project nila. Kahit pampagulo o third wheel,” he said with a laugh.

As for being labeled “gwapo” in VMX, Veneracion said he takes it as a compliment but does not dwell on it.

“Natural lang na ma-feel ang compliment, pero wala akong gaanong iniisip,” he explained. “Sinasabi ko lang madalas, ‘Wala pa ’yan,’ kasi alam kong marami pa akong pwedeng i-improve. Mas gusto kong ma-develop ang pag-arte kaysa tumutok sa hitsura.”

Looking ahead, Veneracion plans to further hone his craft by joining a summer acting workshop. While he is currently exploring mature roles, he hopes to eventually transition to more wholesome projects—at the right time.

“Gusto ko munang mahasa sa pag-arte. Darating din ’yung tamang panahon para doon,” he said..