MARK ANTHONY FERNANDEZ plays an unusual role in the Viva horror flick “Biyernes Santo” that opens on Viva Max this March 26.
“I play an angel, si St. Michael the Archangel,” he says. “Mga demonyo at bad spirits ang kalaban ko rito. I’m sent from heaven to protect the daughter of Gardo Versoza from evil elements who support the anti-Christ.
"Hindi nila ako mapatay-patay kasi nga anghel ako, so ikinulong na lang nila ako.”
We are happy to see him in the movie’s zoom presscon looking so good and fit.
When we last saw him playing a supporting role in “Miracle at Cell No. 7”, he was a bit overweight.
“Yes, I gained weight while I was in prison sa Angeles City Jail,” he says.
“It’s been 800 days na since makalaya ako. Umabot sa point na kailangan kong ipagdasal ang weight ko. I prayed for God to help me lose it, kasi bilang aktor, kailangan ko to be in fighting form, and now I thank God for answered prayers.
"I have lost 40 lbs. since then kasi I work out everyday. I still have to lose another 10 or 15 lbs. then maintenance na lang.”
Since “Biyernes Santo” will be shown during Holy Week, what are his childhood memories of Lent?
“Catholic ako so we visit churches, do stations of the cross, and we do abstinence from meat. Noong araw, maraming bawal kapag Mahal na Araw, but now, may social media na to entertain people kahit Holy Week.”
His eldest son, Grae Fernandez, is now with ABS-CBN and part of the show “Ang Sa Iyo ay Sa Akin”.
How does he feel about having a grown up son now in showbiz?
“As a father, I’m happy and proud sa mga nangyayari sa career niya ngayon. Gusto niya talaga maging artista, so sabi ko sige lang, just be patient.
"Trabaho lang ng trabaho, hanap ng hanap ng mga proyekto, hanggang sa maka-jackpot siya with a good project na magmamarka talaga sa tao.”
He’s hoping a producer would film the life of former Sen. Gringo Honasan, with Grae playing the young Gringo and him playing Gringo today.
We’re happy that Mark is now really a changed man, more prayerful and is very serious in his attitude about his craft and profession.
We hope that he will take advantage of this new chance Viva is giving him to re-start his career once more and he won’t go back sliding anymore.
Sa totoo lang, Mark looks much better than his own son and has more oozing star quality and screen presence even now that he is in his 40s.
