Prince Stefan aspires to be a versatile actor

Since he was crowned First Prince in the reality-based artista search StarStruck: The Next Level in 2007, Prince Stefan has become more visible by playing secondary roles in different soap operas on GMA-7.

Among the projects that he got after his exposure in the 4th installment of StarStruck are the following: Mga Mata ni Angelita (2007), Boys Nxt Door (2007), Maynila (2008), Joaquin Bordado (2008), Magdusa Ka (2008), and the ongoing telefantasya Luna Mystika (2009). He has also shown his hosting skill in the "StruckAttack" segment of Startalk.

In an interview with PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) during the press conference of Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang, Prince tells how grateful he is to be given a chance to become an actor.

"Kumbaga dati, di ba, probinsyano lang ako?" says the Ilonggo Prince. "'Tapos naging [artista] ako. Hindi ko man nararating pa 'yong pinaka-peak, pero malaki na ang naitutulong ng GMA-7."

As someone who loves watching movies since he was a child, Prince said that being in his position right now is already a dream come true.

He said, "Kasi dati, noong student ako, parang napapanood ko lang sa movies. Mahilig talaga ako sa movies, pero hindi ko iniisip na puwede rin pala akong gumawa ng movie, puwede rin pala akong gumawa ng soap."

The 19-year-old actor added, "Super inspired ako sa mga ginagawa ko. Hindi lang sa nakakasama ko ang mga artistang gusto ko, kundi parang, di ba, gusto ko nga ang acting nila? Nagagawa ko naman siya. Kumbaga, 'yong napapanood ko, nagagawa ko rin."

In spite of his experiences in show business, Prince admitted that he still has a lot of thing to learn when it comes to acting. "Gusto ko, siyempre, matuto pa nang matuto na maging isang magaling din na actor," said the StarStruck alumnus.

Prince shows his eagerness to learn more about the craft that he has chosen by improving his other talents.

"Ang gusto ko sana kahit isang araw lang sa buong week mo, may isang araw na nilalaan para sa isang artista para sa hosting, sa singing, dancing, and acting. Marunong naman akong kumanta, pero gusto ko pa rin kumuha ng tamang technique sa pagkanta. Gusto kong maging magaling din na host, at siyempre mas gusto kong makilala na magaling na actor."

Given a chance, Prince wants to be versatile. He explained this by mentioning one of his onscreen idols, Dennis Trillo.

Prince said, "Kahit mahirap, kahit mayaman, kahit negosyante. Parang si Kuya Dennis [Trillo], di ba? Nag-Bubble Gang siya, naghirap siya sa Magdusa ka, binigyan siya ng role na mayaman siya. Ang galing niya rin, di ba?"

Right now, Prince plays the role of Aristotle in the TV adaptation of Carlo J. Caparas's komiks series titled Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang. He is the younger brother of Homer (Dingdong Dantes) who enters the priesthood for his mother, but eventually falls in love with Lovi Poe's character.