Meet Ken Chan- Not Your ordinary Teen Star

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PHILSTAR: By Jerry Donato

Young Kapuso star, Ken Chan, is not your average showbiz aspirant. It is clear to him why he is in showbiz. That’s to act for everyone’s entertainment.
Having that mindset, fame and fortune will soon follow for the 19-year-old Ken. After all, the GMA Artist Center talent has only good intentions for doing showbiz.
“(Acting) is what I want,” offers Ken. “This is my passion. And becoming an actor is my dream.”
That’s why being part of the late-afternoon drama Yesterday’s Bride is like manna from heaven. Ken knows that this is one of those baby steps he will need to become a leading man or a dramatic actor.
“Yes, it is my biggest break,” says Ken of his latest project. “I also did Time of My Life with Kris Bernal. After, I did Biritera with Dennis Trillo and Glaiza de Castro. These teleseryes have helped me a lot as a young artist.”
Before answering the call of showbiz, Ken appeared on TV commercials which became his ticket to the local tinsel town. He did theater back in high school at the Colegio San Agustin. Tween Hearts gave Ken his first taste of acting on TV. His career is now co-managed by GMA Artist Center and German “Kuya Germs” Moreno.
“(For me), it’s all right to begin from scratch,” shares Ken. “And I’ve been through a lot of struggles to reach this far. I’m thankful for having encountered and surpassed those rejections. I think every actor has experienced them. I’m happy that I’m part of this program (Yesterday’s Bride.)”
As an actor, Ken wants “to try all (genres) of acting. But I’m more into drama. I love doing romantic and heavy drama scenes. I love rom(antic)-com(edy). Mahilig din ako sa horror.”
Who are his showbiz influences?
“I want to follow in the footsteps of Dennis Trillo and Dingdong Dantes. They are my inspiration to improve my craft and to achieve my dream. I also like Johnny Depp (for his acting range and versatility) and Julia Roberts (for her charisma and presence).”
Since acting is a childhood dream and a way of life for him, Ken has decided to take a leave of absence from De La Salle College of St. Benilde, where he is taking up Tourism.
“I have no regrets,” he says. “(Doing showbiz) is what I want.” But Ken has also plans to finish his studies.
Meantime, Ken will focus all his energy and attention on his Yesterday’s Bride character Joel, the younger brother and confidante of Rocco Nacino’s Justin Ramirez.
“I can relate to him. I’m like Joel who (has this penchant for helping) people who are being taken advantaged of and being put down.”
Yesterday’s Bride is about Andrea (played by Lovi Poe) who was set to marry Justin and met an accident on her way to the church. This has affected her memory and will lead to her change of heart. Along the way, Andrea will find comfort in the arms of Dr. Celso Agustin (Luis Alandy). Without her knowing it, she will be torn between two lovers, making her life extra challenging. According to Lovi, her character is looking for something and feels something is missing in her life. The story and the characters will definitely hook more followers to Yesterday’s Bride, a family traditional drama that female televiewers, in particular, can enjoy.
Asked how he prepares for his role, Ken replies, “I do internalization. I have to forget who I am including my values and attitude as Ken Chan.”
“And I try to imbibe the values and attitude of my character once I’m on the set. This is what theater has taught me. Theater is a big help,” he added.
Just like any neophyte out there, Ken aims to make it big and to “have my own identity as an actor. I want to be known as Ken Chan.”