ABS-CBN Teen Actor Francis Magundayao Launched In Rom-Com '#Ewankosau' With GMA's Barbie Forteza

FRANCIS MAGUNDAYAO is one of ABS-CBN’s promising teen stars. The third in a brood of four, he started as a TV commercial model when he was 3 years old. Then his mom took him to GMA-7 to audition and was chosen to play the role of the boy sidekick Iking (not Ding) in Angel Locsin’s version of “Darna” when he was 4. It took three years before he was given another show, “Asian Treasures”, again with Angel.

He also did “Kamandag”, “Last Prince” and “Futbolilits” on GMA. On ABS-CBN, he played the young Gerald Anderson thrice, in “Sana Maulit Muli”, “Tayong Dalawa” and “Tiyagong Akyat”. He’s also a “suki” in MMK and Wansapanataym. He considers his role with Piolo Pascual in “Nang Dahil sa Pag-big” as his breakout role as a teen actor. He was paired with Ella Cruz for the first time and their tandem clicked so they were paired anew in “Aryanna”, a big hit.

He now plays the lead in his first movie, “#ewankosausaranghaeyo”, that will have its premiere on SM Megamall on January 18 and opens in theatres nationwide on January 21. Co-written and directed by Roman Perez Jr., the story is set in a private academy for artistic students. Francis plays Baste, a shy and introverted young poet. His world turns upside down when he meets the school’s Queen Bitch, Kai Luna, played by Barbie Forteza. He falls for her but she bullies him and makes him do all sorts of outrageous things. Barbie does this to mould him as the rival of her own crush, Jon Lucas as River, the school’s top student. This helps Francis to develop his confidence and be an achiever himself, but it turns out that Barbie is just using him to get Jon’s attention.

The movie has a powerhouse supporting cast: Eric Quizon as a school board member, Tonton Gutierrez as a foundation owner who helps poor students, Alice Dixson as Barbie’s mom, Martin Escudero and Diane Medina as art teachers, Alwyn Uytingco as Francis’ brother who turns out to be holdupper, Leo Martinez as Francis’ adviser, Elisse Joson as Francis’ friend who’s secretly in love with him, plus Jim Pebanco, Ruby Ruiz, Mon Confiado and James Lomahan.

Why does the title include “saranghaeyo”, the Korean term for “I love you”? “Kasi mahilig sa K-pop at sa Korean culture ang marami sa atin ngayon. Also, the character played by Barbie goes to Korea in the story,” says Francis.

Why didn’t they get Ella Cruz as his leading lady when they’re already more identified with each other? “Siya po talaga ang gusto naming kunin but she’s busy with ‘Bagito’ kaya hindi puede, so Barbie was contacted and puede siya. Maganda naman, kasi magkaiba kaming network and we’re working together for the first time. Masarap siyang katrabaho. Mabilis kaming naging comfortable with each other at nagbibiruan kami agad sa set. At napakagaling niyang umarte.”

But Jun Lalin, the film’s PRO is sore at Barbie because she refused to help promote the movie. “Imagine, siya ang bida rito, pero ayaw niyang pumunta rito para magpa-interview kasi may fans day raw siya. Ang lapit lang naman ng GMA, puede siyang sumaglit kahit sandali, pero ayaw niya. Nakakasama ng loob,” says Jun who became emotional and was in tears, delivering an award-winning performance.