AKIHIRO BLANCO was discovered in 2012 in TV5’s artista search, Artista Academy.
From then on, Aki has been part of numerous movies and TV shows, starting with his debut movie in 2013 coming-of-age love story, “Mga Alaala ng Tag-Ulan”. Through the years Aki was able to hone his acting skills.
Starring in several episodes of TV5s Wattpad Presents together with then contemporaries Donnalyn Bartolome and Ella Cruz, he went from teen romcoms to heavier drama roles with projects like Chito Roño’s iWantTV series “Spirits: Reawaken” (2018) and the 2019 ABS-CBN’s gothic romance drama, “Killer Bride”, of which he was part of the ensemble cast, together with his uncle, seasoned actor James Blanco.
But it was really with projects like “Born Beautiful” (2019) that Aki was able to show his versatility as an actor. The offbeat role of a transwoman’s ex-lover, solidified Aki’s dedication to his craft.
Aki was also able to hone his singing and dancings skills when he was part of TV5’s noontime show which was co-produced by Viva, “Happy Truck Happinas”.
As Aki joins the VAA family of stars, we will get to see more of his acting skills in his new projects with Viva.
Is he ready to do sexy roles for Vivamax since he has done a sexy movie before with Ara Mina, “Imaculada”, or gay stories so common today in Boys Love shows?
“Pwede naman but I’d like to see muna yung story and script,” he says.
“Pero kung todong paghuhubad, tingnan natin. About BL, nakagawa naman ako niyan before sa ‘Born Beautiful’.
"As of now, I just want to do muna sana romcoms or dramatic love stories like ‘A Walk to Remember’ or ‘The Notebook’.
"I’m also excited to work with the other Viva artists who I haven’t worked with like Nadine Lustre, Sarah Geronimo and Anne Curtis.”
He’s been in the business for ten years now but his career has not really taken off. Doesn’t find it too slow moving?
“Hindi naman kasi di naman ako nawawalan ng ginagawa. Kahit may pandemic, I do guestings in drama shows like ‘Maalaala Mo Kaya’ and ‘Tadhana’.
"I also put up my own business. I have a coffee shop and I have a partner sa isang bar in Pasig. But acting is my passion at mahal na mahal ko ito so hindi ko ito maiiwan.
"Okay lang for me ang takbo ng career ko at mahaba talaga ang pasensiya ko.”
Hopefully, now that he’s with Viva, he’ll get better roles and projects.
“Gusto ko pa ng maraming work and do roles I’ve not done before. Kinakabahan ako, but I’m also so excited to explore what I can do with Viva.
"In preparation, I work out everyday to be in good shape. Sa showbiz kasi, it’s also a matter of right timing.
"Basta dapat, huwag kang mawawalan ng pag-asa at matuto kang laging makisama sa lahat, from your co-stars, the production staff and the rest.”
