“We can each define ambition and progress for ourselves. The goal is to work toward a world where expectations are not set by the stereotypes that hold us back…but by our personal passion, talents, and interests.” – Sheryl Sandberg
This guy, Edgar Allan Guzman, is ambitious…unflinchingly ambitious with a hard driven determination to succeed. Having realized his full potentials, he aims for big results out of his big ambitions.
EA, as he’s fondly addressed, ‘though young with limited knowlegeability about the world’s anfractuous uncertainties, has already adhered to what great men habitually teach: “that ambition is your path to success, determination is your ticket, and persistence is the vehicle you arrive in…”
Having had his lofty dreams instigated by his passion, EA slowly finds fulfillment in what he’s doing and incessantly hones his talents to perfection for he knows the right track he’s treading is where sublime greatness awaits ahead.
Aspirations are driven by necessities and fundamentally shaped by people that surround him. In his earnest desire to help his mother augment the family income and, at the same time, grab the opportunity to springboard a career in the cut-throat showbiz arena, EA joined “Mr. Pogi,” Eat Bulaga’s segment that gives potential male talents a claim to stardom. Despite his not-so-towering height and under-built physicality his unprecedented display of confidence, genuine singing capability, and innate terpsichorean skills EA easily bested his co-finalists and ran off with the Mr. Pogi 2006 title.
He was tied down to a contract with the said program but EA was hungry for change… for growth. Various options were considered and tempting offers came on hand after his release. EA became part of an all-male sing and dance group composed of equally promising and talented young movie hopefuls, did some emceeing jobs, acted in a number of indie films, and grabbed every television project that came his way.
“I cannot be choosy…I badly needed exposure and, of course, consistent income,” EA frankly admitted. “But I made it a point to learn something from every opportunity that knocked on my door…no matter how big or small.”
Now a contract talent of ABS-CBN, EA once again displayed his unassuming nature during a recent interview in Aquino & Abunda. When the loquacious talk-show host asked him why he moved to ABS, EA candidly replied: “…because, Tito Boy, bilang isang actor gusto ko pong i-explore ‘yong passion ko sa pag-arte. Mahal na mahal ko po ang pag-arte. And, gusto kong magkaroon ng growth and nakita ko sa ABS. Matagal ko na pong gustong lumipat…and ngayong nasa ABS na ako, it’s a dream come true para sa akin.”
“I can start from scratch,” he said when queried if he was aware how competitive it is to be in ABS. “Wala akong expectations…wala akong inilagay sa isip ko kung ‘di magtatrabaho ako. Kung anong ibinigay nila sa akin…gagawin ko ang best ko.”
Inherently equipped with a crisp and clear voice pitch that is penetratingly throaty and a bass range when speaking while exuding an almost perfect baritone range when singing, Edgar Allan can easily carve his own niche and instantly stamp his mark in the recording field if given the right break and exposure.
Give a listen to his own vocal rendition of Dingdong Avanzado’s “Wish I Could,” John Legend’s “All of Me,” Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud,” Andrew E’s “Humanap Ka Ng Pangit,” and a lot more of famed personalities he impersonated in Your Face Sounds Familiar…just to show his limitless versatility. For EA these challenges are more than enough to boost his adrenalin drive and every dare thrown at him motivates the unlimited possibilities within.
Flaws and imperfections all the more make EA’s persona enticingly appealing. He possesses that noticeable masculine charisma yet subdued by an endearing boyish appeal. He may not be as hunky and as brawny as any of the celebrated movie idols but his intrinsic sex appeal coupled with an air of innocence is something that deserves a second glance.
The Scorpio-born (October 20, 1988) multi-faceted actor is strong-willed and mysterious with a magnetic charm hard to ignore. Typical of his zodiac influence EA’s major strength is his ability to focus sans being affected by any outside force.
To his credit, EA has already gone a long way since his Mr. Pogi days and has incredibly stashed an impressive roster of accomplishments after plying his talent in the business for nine years (GMA Artist Center from 2006-2010, TV5’s Talent 5 from 2010 – 2015, and just recently, ABS-CBN’s Star Magic).
There were “Scaregivers” (2008); “Ante” and “Bongga Ka, Boy” (2009); “Trespassers”, “Magdamag”, and “Astig” (2011); “I Do Bidoo Bidoo,” “Unofficially Yours,” and “Shake Rattle & Roll 13” (2012); “Ang Huling Henya” and “Si Agimat, Si Enteng Kabisote, at Si Ako” (2013); and “My Illegal Wife” and “Starting Over Again” (2014).
Television, being the first medium that gave him the break, has been munificently supportive to the aspiring actor. Aside from hosting and being a mainstay of Eat Bulaga, EA has guested in “Makita Ka Lang Muli,” “Daisy Siyete,” “Habang May Buhay,” Maala-ala Mo Kaya (5 times),” “Fantastik,” “Regal Shocker,” “The Sisters,” “Isang Dakot Na Luha,” “Sa Ngalan Ng Ina,” “Enchanted Garden,” “Never Say Goodbye,” “Tropa MO,” “KO Unli,” “Ipaglaban Mo,” “ Hawak-Kamay,” “ Oh My G!,” “Kapamilya Deal or No Deal,” “Your Face Sounds Familiar,” and “Doble-Kara.”
Good actors inevitably deserve compensating awards for their convincing portrayals. EA, despite being a newcomer in the industry, is undeniably full of potentials worth rewarding. To date, he is already a proud recipient of 2012 Golden Screen Award and 2011 Balanghai Trophy both for “Ligo Na U, Lapit Na Me” aside from being recognized with the 2012 German Moreno Youth Achievement Award.
To know more of the real Edgar Allan Guzman, the following are his personal views, opinions, and thoughts about the various facts and facets of his showbiz life based from a set of questionnaires I sent him:
Bobby T. Yalong: What training (s) did you undergo to totally embrace showbiz as a career?
Edgar Allan Guzman: I got into showbiz because of necessity. It was the only thing I knew I can do well…joining a talent search on television when I was 18. I danced and sang my way to win the top prize to help my mom with our family expenses because my dad untimely passed away.
Only after did I get into workshops and acting training but most of my acting are instinctive and raw.
BTY: If not showbiz, what other profession would you have chosen?
EAG: I would have been a good chef or since I am also good in Math I would have been in business… an entrepreneur. At first I thought I can also be a professional basketball player but look where I am…maybe, I was really destined to be in showbiz.
BTY: Among the varied roles you have delineated, which is your favorite and why?
EAG: Those roles that gave me recognition and awards are very dear to me but, in the movies, it’s definitely “Ligo Na U, Lapit Na Me” which was the turning point to my becoming a serious actor. On stage, I would say, “Bona.”
BTY: What is your dream role? What challenges do you expect from such role?
EAG: I’m at the stage in my career where I’m open to playing all sorts of challenging roles and do my best to justify them. I’m still young and cannot be choosy. I just want to get my feet wet into all sorts of roles and challenges.
BTY: Who are the actors that inspire or influence you? Do you pattern your acting technique after them?
EAG: I like the way John Lloyd Cruz and Coco Martin attack their roles and manage their careers. I have met and worked with them and I want their sense of privacy and professionalism. They just continue to deliver good works and are fearless in accepting artistic endeavors.
BTY: Will you go all the way for the sake of a dream role or an exorbitant talent fee? How far could you go, if ever?
EAG: It depends on what “all the way” means…I am an artist, but I’m not for sale.
BTY: To last in this business, what should you do?
EAG: Well, I have always learned from my manager-mentor and my father now, Noel Ferrer, that I just have to be and stay relevant…adhered with the times.
BTY: What are your up-coming projects?
EAG: I’m doing a new teleserye for ABS-CBN entitled “Doble-Kara” with Julia Montes then recording an album is in the works. After Fiesta in America, I will be shooting a new movie with Alex Gonzaga forStar Cinema with a working title, “I’ll Never Get Over You.” Actually I just finished filming “Pare, Mahal Mo Raw Ako” with Michael Pangilinan and the Superstar Nora Aunor.
Edgar Allan Guzman is set to perform in the flesh at the Fiesta in America stage to greet and entertain his fans. Be part of his audience on Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16, when he, together with Vina Morales and Maxene Magalona, graces the 17th Fiesta in America indoor event at the Meadowlands Expo Center at 355 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, New Jersey 07094.
Or better yet take an early glimpse of celebrity guests Vina Morales, Maxene Magalona and Edgar Allan Guzman on Friday, August 14, at Double Tree by Hilton along 128 Frontage Road, Newark, NJ (07114) when they grace the 7th People’s Ball. To attend, reserve tickets, or for more information about the People’s Ball, please call: 212-682-6610, 201-300-5234, or 201-993-8815.
Incidentally, 2015 Fiesta in America, a 501-(c) 3non-for-profit corporation, showcases the best of everything Filipino: Trade Exhibitions, Business to Business Networking, International and Local Entertainers, Cultural and Food Festival, and the rare opportunity to meet and bond with friends, old and new. Being the largest indoor gathering of Filipino businesses in the Northeast, Fiesta in America’s 17 years of leadership in event planning guarantees a whole world of satisfaction and approval among its regular and first time fiesta-goers.
To sponsor, exhibit, or attend the 2015 Fiesta in America, call: 212-682-6610. Email:[email protected] or get updates by visiting www.fiestainamerica.com
For comments and suggestions, please email to: [email protected].
