3 weeks ago
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Jerry Donato - The Philippine Star
February 20, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Tony Labrusca ticks all the boxes of a dreamboat. So, it’s not surprising that he is cast as the contemporary knight in shining armor in the GMA Afternoon Prime series, “Binibining Marikit.” Tony is one of the two leading men of binibining marikit or the beautiful lady herself, Herlene Budol. The other is Irish-Thai model and Manhunt International 2024 winner Kevin Dasom.
“This is my first,” said the actor-singer of his debut project with the Kapuso network in a recent press conference. “I would like to say thank you to GMA for giving me this opportunity to play a dream role of mine as well. I’m very grateful to be playing Drew for ‘Binibining Marikit.’”
As to why he considered the role a dream one, Tony shared, “It’s because most roles that I’ve played), and I’m also really thankful for, lagi akong tatay, mayor, abogado o siraulo, oo, mabigat, eh (I usually play a young dad, a politician, a lawyer, or someone crazy. They are heavy, serious characters),” said he.
“But this time (in ‘Binibining Marikit’), na feel ko yung ‘pagka-bagets ko (I’m playing someone my age), although it’s not the first time, but bihira lang kasi kaya kapag nagkakaroon ako ng ganitong role (it’s rare that I get to land this kind of role).
“That’s why I really savor every moment (of playing the role) and I really try to enjoy it… because… who knows? I don’t know when I’m gonna get another role like this. So, I really wanna enjoy it and take it all in.”
In a Kapuso Insider content, Tony reiterated that most of his projects are “always serious” and “heavy drama.”
“I’m super happy because I got to experience such meaningful roles, at the same time, I’ve always wanted to play characters that were more my age, you know,” said he. “That’s why I’m really excited to play this role (Drew) because it’s something that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time.”
A STAR article about him shared that Tony portrayed Carlo, who confronted a retired colonel with Alzheimer’s Disease in the film “ML”; Gabriel, who had to learn the art of letting go, in “Hindi Tayo Pwede”; and Robin, who was thrown into an environment where terror and the unknown meet, in “U-Turn.” The latter was Star Cinema’s first full-length feature in the new normal.
In “Binibining Marikit,” one can say that he is taking a breather from doing serious roles. But just the same, Tony commits to a truthful portrayal of Drew and to making viewers relate to the character.
During the interview with the press, Tony was asked about his working experience with the cast of “Binibining Marikit” and he shared, “Masaya ako, lahat sila mabait sa akin (I’m happy and they are all kind to me)… everyone’s very nice, they’re treating me the same and not treating me like an outsider. So, I really appreciate it.”
“I’ve been wanting to work with Herlene for a long time now,” Tony told Kapuso Insider. “So, I can finally cross it off on my bucket list.”
In the group interview, Tony said he had a good time working with Herlene.
“Sobrang saya na makatrabaho si Herlene (it’s really fun working with her). Sabi ko nga kanina na first time kong ma-experience na meron kaming bida na siya din yung tao na dun namin kinukuha yung energy namin, yung source of energy (like what I’ve said earlier, it’s my first time to experience having a lead star, who is also the source of energy for everyone). Siya pa nga yung bida… doble, doble yung ginagawa niya (again, she’s the lead star and she keeps us inspired. She juggles two jobs in a way).”
Recent episodes show that Tony’s Drew and Herlene’s Marikit have already met and he saved her from falling off a cliff.
Follow the story of Drew, played by Tony, in “Binibining Marikit” from Mondays to Saturdays at 2:30 p.m.
