Despite his typically masculine roles, Royce Cabrera tapped into his vulnerability for a viral scene in the popular Kapuso series, ‘Makiling.’
In Episode 59, Cabrera’s character, Ren, confessed his love to Oliver, played by Teejay Marquez, portraying emotions that deeply resonated with viewers due to his portrayal of a character desperate for affection.
During a virtual media conference on Thursday, April 25, Cabrera, a 2020 Gawad Urian nominee, revealed that director Conrado Delgado Peru urged him to showcase the emotions of a person on the brink.
“Ang bigat din po talaga nu’n sa totoo lang. Kasi ang hinihingi ni Direk na atake doon is parang ano talaga eh, ilalabas mo ang tunay na lambot mo; wala ka nang iho-hold back. Kumbaga sa harapan ni Oliver, ipapakita mo ang tunay na ikaw, kung gaano ka kalambot, kung gaano ka ka-desperado na makuha ‘yung loob niya para samahan ka sa kabila ng mga taong iniwanan ka,” he explained.
The scene’s impact rippled through the LGBTQIA+ community, earning appreciation for Cabrera’s portrayal of a character grappling with a profound secret, especially given his character’s profession as a policeman.
“Happy naman po na talagang magandang feedback ang nakuha namin dahil doon. Kasi alam naman natin, ako, kami, bilang ally ng LGBT community, napakalaking bagay na naipakita ni Ren ‘yung ganoong emosyon niya. Kasi marami sa community na talagang hirap sabihin, hirap i-please ang pag-ibig na hinahanap nila,” he expressed gratefully.
In addition to audience acclaim, Cabrera received commendations from seasoned actors, including co-star Mon Confiado, an experience he found deeply moving and inspiring.
“Parang sobrang thankful ako na hindi sapat ang salitang salamat sa mga comment na ibinibigay nila sa’kin. Kasi kumbaga ang mga veterans natin, ito na po iyon eh, tapos mga nilu-look up mong mga tao and then sasabihin na parang you did a great job. Para sa akin po, napakalaking bagay nu’n and ginagawa ko talagang inspiration and motivation para lalong galingan pa,” he gleamed.
As ‘Makiling’ approaches its finale, Cabrera admits he’ll miss embodying a character as complex as Ren. The role provided him with the freedom to explore nuances and add depth, ultimately earning appreciation from fans and peers alike.
“Bilang aktor po, napakalaking bagay po na p’wedeng malaro-laro ‘yung character mo. Marami kang nuances, adlib, mga iba’t-ibang action na p’wede mong ibigay na papasa. Kasi ‘yung ginagampanan mong character ay crazy,” he reflected.
‘Makiling’ is set to conclude its run on April 29.
