He may have come from the celebrated showbiz clans of the Fernandezes and Padillas but young actor Grae Fernandez is in a league of his own.
Before we started seeing him as the debonair yet mysterious Jake Zuliani in Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin, Grae captured our hearts first in the remake of Pangako Sa’Yo, sitcom Funny Ka Pare Ko, iWant series “Spark” and Spirits Reawaken, and in the primetime teleserye Starla. He also played the bad guy in Hiwaga ng Kambat.
Now at 19, the rising star is slowly living up to the starry legacy of his dad Mark Anthony Fernandez and late grandfather Rudy Fernandez. He also gives the credit to his mother Melissa Garcia, saying he wouldn’t be the guy he is today if it weren’t for her.
“She is everything to me. Every time talaga na may trabaho ako o kahit sa everyday life ko nando’n po siya para sa akin, ginagabayan niya po ako. Siguro ‘yung lahat ng magagandang morals ko, nakuha ko dahil ko dahil sa kanya. I wouldn’t be Grae Fernandez at 17 right now if not because of my mom,” he said.
Another important woman in his life is his grandmother Alma Moreno, who he fondly calls as Mama Ness. He mentioned that Alma always makes him feel that she’s proud of his achievements. If there’s one trait he got from her, it would have to be generosity. “Every time ‘pag nagkita kayo, tataba ka talaga sa kanya dahil siya po talaga magpapakain sa buong pamilya. Siya po ‘yung kilala sa pagiging gano’n,” shared the new heartthrob.
He didn’t get her talent in dancing, though. But he is surprisingly the only one who sings in the family. “Parang wala naman pong namanahan,” he quipped, adding that people are always surprised to know that there’s a Fernandez who can carry a tune. He sang a few lines from Rivermaya’s “You’ll Be Safe Here” when asked for his life’s theme song.
On his former loveteam partner Andrea Brillantes, the young actor explained that they remain friends, albeit less bonded than they were before.
“Medyo nagkalayo po kasi magkahiwalay kami ng projects at siguro dahil pareho kaming busy ngayon, nawawalan ng kaunting communication. Pero ‘pag nagkakasama naman po kami, nag-uusap pa rin po kami, nagco-connect pa naman po kami. Hindi naman po dahil sa rason na iba na kami ng loveteam, parehas lang busy sa projects” he revealed.
Grae further clarified that he didn’t court Andrea. Check out this video to watch the interview!