L.A. SANTOS feels honored to have worked with both Maricel and Roderick in "In His Mother's Eyes", which is his first starring role.
“It's a big honor to be given the chance to work with them,” he says. “They are both very supportive and I want to thank them a thousand times, including our director FM Reyes.
"I wouldn’t be able to interpret my difficult role well without their help and guidance.”
All those who have seen his heart rending and touching scenes in the movie say that he is a revelation in his role as Tim, the autistic son of Maricel Soriano who grew up with his uncle, Roderick Paulate, since Maricel has to go abroad and work as an OFW.
“I’ m really so happy that they are able to appreciate all my efforts to give justice to my role,” says L.A.
“Noong una, kinakabahan ako working with Tita Maricel and Tito Dick, kasi we all know veterans na sila sa industry. Pero ginabayan nila talaga ako every step of the way.
"I listened to them and tried to learn all their advise, at yun po, malaki po ang naging tulong nila para mailabas ko yung anumang talent ko sa pag-arte.”
But aside from their tips, he also truly prepared on his own for his demanding role as a special child.
“Nag-research po talaga ako. I talked to the mothers of special children at Best Buddies Philippines Foundation, na siyang tumutulong sa special people and their families.
"They create opportunities for friendships, employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or IDD.
"I learned so much from them and we dedicate our movie to them. Sana makatulong ito to help the general public understand more about special people.”
In his research, he became a close friend to a special boy named Clarence.
“Sinamahan ko po siya to gain insight about his life. I listened to him and his story and all the other special people.
"They have this amazing ability to empathize with others. And I understood more that when you say someone is in the autism spectrum, hindi yun iisa lang but a very, very wide spectrum.
"Every special kid is special in his own way. Hopefully, this movie will help other people to understand kung ano ang pinagdaraanan nila and their families.”
L.A. started his career as a singer with Star Music where he recorded songs like “Tinamaan”, “Hibang” and “Di Maghihiwalay”.
He later branched out into acting and we first saw him as the ill-fated victim of a crime in the action-thriller “Maria”, a Viva movie starring Cristine Reyes. He was very good in his performance.
He later did teleseryes like “Ang Sa Iyo ay sa Akin” and “Darna” where he played the good friend of Jane de Leon as Darna.
His acting experiences in these shows greatly helped him in honing his skills before the camera and to prepare him for his pivotal starring role as Tim in “In His Mother’s Eyes”.
L.A. also sang the movie's theme song, “Patawad Inay”.
Produced by 7K Entertainment, the film’s big supporting cast includes Maila Gumila, Ogie Diaz, Ruby Ruiz, Vivoree Esclito, Elyson de Dios, Reign Parani, Bong Gonzales and Inah Evans.
Don’t miss "In His Mother's Eyes" when it opens in cinemas on November 29.
