“Na-attach po ako mismo sa art of acting,” singer-turned-actor LA Santos spoke about acting on TV with so much passion.
The fresh-faced 22-year-old star was initially launched as a recording artist under Star Music in 2017 and the main man of 7K Sounds in 2020 but has recently transitioned to being a mainstream TV actor.
“Ever since, never naman po ako na-attract sa acting dahil sa fame o sa pera. Na-in love ako sa experience na para akong napupunta sa ibang mundo,” he added.
The shift from music to acting seemed to be a smooth one with the help of workshops and training. Observably, LA is a natural when delivering his lines. When commended, he said, “May one-on-one workshop po ako with Ms. Malou Crisologo. The seasoned actress made a mark with her stints in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano and The Broken Marriage Vow.
These days, LA is visible in ABS-CBN’s primetime offering, Mars Ravelo’s Darna, where he plays the role of Richard Miscala, one of the paramedic team members. The budding actor is privileged to share the screen with the lead stars Joshua Garcia, Janella Salvador, and Jane De Leon. Before this, he also appeared alongside Sam Milby, Iza Calzado, and Jodi Sta. Maria in Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin.
“Take your time, mag-relax, at huwag mag-overthink,” LA shared that these are the common tips his more experienced co-actors have given him. When it comes to working with Joshua, Jane, and Janella, he is thrilled about the bond he has formed with them. “Parang family na rin talaga po kami. Nakabauo kami ng family dito sa Darna. Ang pinakanaa-appreciate ko po kina Jane, Janella, at Josh, nagtutulungan po kami. Sobrang bait talaga,” he raved.
There was a particularly striking advice LA has received from one of his co-stars in Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin. He shared, “’Yung pinakanag-stick po sa ‘kin galing kay Ms. Jodi Sta. Maria. Sinabi niya po sa ‘king huwag na huwag kakalimutan kung bakit ko ito ginagawa.”
LA admits that the spotlight can distract and make an actor lose sight of his goals. His family’s support, to be specific, keeps him grounded.
“Maganda pong reminder to think about my purpose ‘yung sinabi po ni Ms. Jodi,” he added.
In terms of goals, LA smilingly shared a long-time wish, “Gusto ko po talagang maging anak ni Ian Veneracion sa isang teleserye.” The older actor, known as a classic heartthrob since the ‘80s, has been LA’s long-time family friend. LA used to join Ian’s concerts abroad and perform for the front acts.
Looking ahead, LA Santos is bent on improving his craft and he remains grateful for the people who consistently show him support. Filled with love, encouragement, and support in his life, LA plans to pursue being an actor. “Personally, sa acting ko na po nakikita ang career path ko po eh. ‘Yung music ko po at pagiging singer sobrang blessed ko na lang po. Kumbaga, bonus na lang,” he said. Speaking of bonus, LA lent his voice for the single ‘Di Maghihiwalay included in the Darna official soundtrack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6IrqjxLcWc
If he didn’t pursue showbiz, LA said he sees himself as a veterinarian. “Next to music and acting, animals po talaga passion ko. Someday din po, gusto ko pong makabuo ng zoo,” he happily shared. Putting up the establishment that maintains an animal collection is the closest thing to his family’s inclination to business that he’s willing to get involved in. He remains focused on the entertainment scene.
Since he has yet to spill the details of his upcoming projects, does LA have the time for finding love? When asked if he is given the freedom to date, the young man laughingly yet sparingly answered, “Lovelife? Puwede naman po may love life. Aayusin lang ang priorities.” If he is romantically involved these days, we have yet to find out. But we are sure that he receives more than what he needs when it comes to family’s, friends,’ and workmates’ love.
