THERE are a lot of talented actors in the entertainment business, but it takes more than talent to become a truly effective actor-passion is essential. It enables an actor to become truly connected with the roles he takes on and commits to, and this often results in an unforgettable performance that never fails to leave an impression on the audience.
Mon Confiado’s passion as an actor is truly unparalleled. He goes through great lengths just to become his character right after he commits to a project. Many of those who know Confiado, and those who have worked with him attest that he has the uncanny ability to transport himself to another world by becoming the character he portrays.
It took many years for Confiado to become that actor that he is-well-loved, highly-esteemed, even secretly envied. After four decades, he remains grateful for the many opportunities to work with production companies, actors, filmmakers and directors.
One big realization for Confiado through his evolution as an actor is that he can transform into an actor with a purpose: ‘Many actors I’ve worked with, especially the younger ones, set out to become professional actors with a common goal: get paid to act. Many newbies feel that acting can be a very lucrative career, and glamor and privileges come with it. That’s not entirely wrong. But many forget that acting involves hard work, dedication and commitment.
‘As I continue to mature in this business, I realized that being an actor can be a force for the greater good. The public is not aware that most actors are plagued with insecurities. And for good reason-we have little to no control over the practices and traditions of the larger system we are part of, our schedules, and sometimes even when we will be fully paid for our hard work. But we can be powerful when we learn to connect our work with a personal vision. Because we can shape and reshape mindsets. In a way, I believe that involvement in the arts can be a subversive way to effect social change and awareness.’
Confiado is also very aware of the power of real emotions in his chosen craft: ‘It may look easy for some but acting is more than just delivering your lines and hitting your marks. I always tell the younger generation of actors that it is a difficult art form that requires the ability to tap into one’s emotions and connect these with the character on a deeper level. You should always strive for authenticity, because it is what your audience most deeply and accurately resonates with. Whatever emotions your character is expected to show, it’s the depth and sincerity in these emotions that will ultimately translate to the audience.’ Research is also key in Confiado’s characterization process. He said, ‘You can’t act out something you do not know or understand. Whatever the character I’m playing has been through or is going through, it’s my job to get into his experiences as closely as I can.’
For his titular role in Paul Soriano’s The Fisher, which is currently on a nationwide theatrical release after it premiered at the Tokyo International Film Festival, Confiado spent a significant amount of time in a fishing village before the actual shoot. He lived with the fishermen, he talked to them, shared meals with them, asked questions and experienced living their lives on a daily basis. He went out to the sea to catch fish with them. ‘I always tell myself that I am portraying reality in every role I accept, and while that exists in the safe structure of make believe, it can be very real from the perspective of your audience,’ he shared.
Blessings continue to pour in for Confiado, who has never been busier. He is included in two entries for the Metro Manila Film Festival by year’s end: GMA Pictures’ Amir and Viva Entertainment’s 2nd Miracle in Cell #7. He was just declared national winner in the best supporting actor category at the Asian Academy Creative Awards for his wonderful performance in Lino Cayetano’s Salvageland. He continues to get acting nods for his role as Emilio Aguinaldo in Jerrold Tarrog’s Quezon. He is scheduled to shoot a film for a Japanese production next month. He is studying an offer for a new TV series while preparing for another dream role intended for an international streaming platform before the end of the year.
Mon Confiado is used to living in two realities-that of himself and those of his characters. He has mastered the art of temporarily letting go of his own personality, thoughts and emotional patterns to adopt those of the characters that he gives life to onscreen. Yet, as powerful as his many transformations can be, Confiado knows the importance of staying rooted in who he is. And that’s what makes him a truly great actor.
Indeed, the strongest performances come from those who understand that acting is not about escaping reality-it is about enlightening it. And the inimitable Mon Confiado certainly illuminates every performance he delivers, unfailingly and consistently.