Jhake Vargas is the new kid in town

From playing minor roles in two prime time hits, Jhake is moving on up as he now gets more exposure in an afternoon drama. Text by Jason John S. Lim. Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio.

Jhake Angelo Vargas is most known sa mga fans ng Walang Tulugan. After all, for more than a year na siyang napapanood doon regularly. But, did you know na nakasama na rin siya sa Joaquin Bordado at Gagambino?

Oo, siya ‘yung batang kasa-kasama nung reporter na laging nakabuntot kay Abresia.

But from a nameless role, Jhake is moving on up. For Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin?, siya ang gumaganap bilang nakababatang kapatid ni Kris Bernal.

Drama kung drama ang show, pero nakakasingit pa rin ng comic relief through Jhake and his relationship with his sister, and sister-in-law, na ginagampanan naman ni Maybelline dela Cruz. Jhake says with a laugh, "Marami kaming eksena na puro kami kulitan."

Aminado si Jhake na may nerbiyos na kaakibat ang kanyang first role sa Dramarama sa Hapon. After all, hindi na lang siya basta-bastang support character ngayon -- support na siya ng bidang babae! And, to make things more nerve-wracking, puro beterano pa ng drama ang kasama nila sa programa.

He might be nervous, but Jhake also can't contain his happiness. "Masaya naman ako dahil nakasama ko yung mga matataas na artista," he says, adding that he's also very happy that he's being directed by Maryo J. delos Reyes.

Asked kung ready na ba siyang makipagsabayan kina Kris at Aljur Abrenica sa dramahan, Jhake says, "sa tingin ko oo." That's before he quickly adds, "kakayanin."

"Basta gagawin ko lahat para magawa ko yung dapat kong gampanan sa character ko."

Being a relative newcomer sa showbiz, Jhake says he's learning a lot from his co-stars sa Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin?, pero, he also has to give credit sa mga kasamahan niya sa Walang Tulugan. "Binibigyan din nila ako ng tips. Nila Ate Jackie Lou [Blanco], sila Hero [Angeles]. [Sinasabi nila na] basta pagbutihin ko lang 'yung ginagawa ko."

Kaya naman kahit na gusto ring pasukin ni Jhake ang singing, he's decided to focus muna on acting. After all, he can still hone his other talents in the late-night variety show Walang Tulugan.

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