Marco Gumabao

After the success of Toda Max and Goin’ Bulilit. ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Comedy presented a new teen-oriented series, Luv U, which will premiere on Sunday, February 19. The show features graduates ofGoin’ Bulilit as well as singing sensation Rhap Salazar. The weekend program also introduces young heartthrob Marco Gumabao in his first ever showbiz outing.

Although he originally grew up wanting to play professional basketball, Marco eventually found his way into the limelight with Luv U. He is the son of actor Dennis Roldan and is currently a high school senior at the Ateneo. He was discovered by Goin’ Bulilit director Edgar Mortiz.

“Yung mom ko kasi close siya kay Direk Bobot tapos tinext ni Direk yung mom ko tinatanong kung gusto ko mag-artista tapos sabi ko sige dahil it’s worth a trynaman. Nag-audition ako then na-discover ako,” he related.

In Luv U, the 17 year-old plays the role of JB Arellano who is being paired up with Miles Ocampo. “Mabait naman si Miles, masayahin kausap at masaya kasama. Parang sister ko na rin si Miles kasi close kami, lagi kaming nagkuwe-kuwentuhan kung anong mga nanagyayari. Sa show ako yung cousin ni Rocky played by Iggy Boy Flores. Tatlo kaming magkakabarkada and ako yung leader ng barkada. Ako yung good boy tapos si Rockykasi lagi siyang binu-bully nila Max (played by Rhap) tapos ako yung tagatanggol niya. Ako rin yung ka-love team ni Miles,” he said to Push.com.ph.  

Although his dad is not visible in showbiz anymore, Marco said he was very supportive when he found out that Marco had decided to follow in his footsteps and forge a career in acting. “He’s okay naman. He’s a pastor now.Hindi na siya active sa showbiz. He’s a full-time pastor. When he found out I was doing this, one of the advice that he gave me was huwag maging mayabang and know my priorities and lahat ng gusto kong maging, kung ano yung gusto ko magawa, just follow it basta ma-go-glorify si God,” he said.

When he graduates from high school this coming March, Marco said he is still not sure if he will pursue showbiz full-time. “Siguro during college part-time pero if after college kung maraming offer, depende. I plan to go to college in La Salle and take AB Psychology. Pero I might shift to banking or marketing. Mas gusto ko La Sallepara new school naman kasi since prep nasa Ateneo na ako,” he shared.

When he first found out he got one of the lead roles in the series, Marco said he was excited at the opportunity. “Nung first taping day sobrang kinabahan ako, sobrang parang new environment kasi para sa akin eh. Parangnew experience talaga. But I’m really happy kasi it’s a start and I want to try it lang and explore new things. Kasi puro sports talaga ako and never ako nag-acting. I’m into martial arts like Muay Thai and basketball. Purosports lang talaga. Wala akong interest sa acting. Pero nung nalaman ko na merong opportunity naman, I saidsige why not,” he shared.

When it comes to acting, Marco said he has always looked up to Sam Milby. “Yung hinahangaan ko actor talagais Sam Milby kasi magaling siya kumanta at umarte. Natural lang yung ugali niya, mabait,” he said. When it comes to girls, the mestizo hunk admitted he has a crush on Kapamilya beauties Anne Curtis and Cristine Reyes. “Hindi ko alam kasi parang Filipina beauty talaga sila