Before he went on to become one of the freshest faces and most promising stars of his generation, little did we know that fast-rising actor JC Alcantara underwent a lot of hardships and challenges before getting to where he is now. And we’re able to witness that as his life story was featured in the latest episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya, wherein he impeccably portrayed himself.
In his ‘kumustahan’ with host Charo Santos-Concio, he imparted how joyful and grateful he is to be able to share his story to the Filipinos through the long-running true-to-life drama anthology. When asked what was the most terrible trial he has ever experienced in life, he said that it was when the network's franchise was not renewed and we're in the midst of a pandemic.
“’Yong time po na nawalan ng prangkisa ang ABS-CBN at nagka-pandemic. Akala ko po, doon na matatapos ‘yong pangarap ko. Iyong mga pinaghirapan ko dati na akala ko mauudlot na, kaya sobrang na-depress po ako that time. Hindi ko na alam anong gagawin ko. Sabi ko, ‘matutuloy pa ba ‘yong pangarap ko kasi wala na ‘yong ABS-CBN?’ Kaya ‘yon, sobrang nag-pray ako no’n na sana paggising ko, may blessings na dumating sa akin,” the 20-year-old actor conveyed.
He also expressed his gratitude to the network for entrusting him a project – the Blacksheep digital series Hello, Stranger – in the midst of retrenchment in the company. And if there’s an important lesson he would like to impart to the viewers with regards to his inspiring anecdote, it would be for them to have faith, be humble, and be grateful to the people who helped them achieve their dreams.
“Sana ‘wag silang mawalan ng pag-asa. Magdasal sila palagi at mangarap lang sila ng mangarap nang mataas dahil didinggin ni Lord ‘yong mga ‘yan kapag nakita Niyang nag-struggle ka na. Pero ‘pag nakamit mo ‘to, dapat hindi ka magbago, lumingon ka pa rin kung saan ka nanggaling at magpasalamat ka sa mga taong tumulong sa’yo para makamit mo ‘yong mga pangarap mo,” the young actor stated.
JC recalled as well some of the sacrifices and difficulties he and his family went through prior to his fame. These heartbreaking experiences and his huge love for his family motivated him to do odd jobs at an early age and pursue his dream of becoming an actor.
Furthermore, if there are words of wisdom he would want to relay to young people like him who are going through the same plight he had, it would be for them to not forget to pray, to not change once they attained their dreams, and to love their job.
“Magdasal sila. Kasi ‘yong mga dasal n’yo, mga struggle na mararanasan n’yo, ‘pag nakita ‘yan ni Lord, ibibigay Niya sa kanila ‘yan. Kaya ‘yong paghihirap na ‘yon, matutumbasan ng saya at makikita mo sa sarili mo na, ‘Ay, kaya ko pala, nagawa ko pala’. Pero sana, huwag po kayong magbago kapag nakamit n’yo ito at lumingon pa rin kayo kung saan po kayo nanggagaling. At mahalin n’yo po kung ano ang trabaho n’yo,” he said.
When asked what his other aspirations, JC confessed that it’s being able to work alongside seasoned actor John Lloyd Cruz and Charo herself, to which the MMK host and veteran actress is also hopeful for.
Charo wrapped up their virtual conversation by expressing her gratitude towards JC for willingly sharing his inspiring life story, as well as her admiration on his persistence and determination in achieving his dreams.
“Alam mo, napaka-admirable mo. Ang dami mong dinaanan na masasakit na karanasan pero you never gave up and you kept that positive attitude towards life. Kaya ‘yan tingnan mo, dahil nagtiyaga ka, naghintay ka, natuto kang maghintay, dumating ang breaks sa’yo at ngayon tuloy-tuloy na dumadating ang mga blessings. At sabi mo nga, kahit na gumaganda pa ang buhay mo, ‘wag na ‘wag makakalimot lumingon sa pinagdaanan,” shes said.
For his final word for his fans, JC conveyed, “Maraming salamat para sa pagmamahal at suportang binibigay n’yo sa akin. Kung hindi po dahil sa inyo, hindi ko rin po ito makakamit kaya ico-continue ko po ang ma-inspire kayo at mapasaya kayo. Mahal na mahal ko po kayo.”
Continue to be inspired by the touching and inspiring true-to-life stories featured on Maalaala Mo Kaya by not missing an episode every Saturday evening on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live and A2Z.