From playing tough roles like a soldier and a criminal organization leader to more subdued characters such as a reclusive author and an OFW, there is no denying that Jake Cuenca is a versatile actor deserving of praise and recognition.
His dedication to every role he receives is evident in how his performances resonate with audiences, cementing his status as a household name in the local entertainment industry. Though he has long proven his skill in pulling off any kind of role, Cuenca shows no signs of slowing down, with more projects lined up after recently signing a three-year renewal contract with ABS-CBN.
During a lunch with the media, Cuenca revealed that he had just finished filming The Delivery Guy, a film directed by Lester Pimentel on Netflix, about a man who accidentally crosses paths with a mafia boss. He also shared that he will star in What Lies Beneath, a murder mystery series on Prime Video directed by Dado Lumibao, where he plays a prison inmate.
Having recently played the secretive and brooding author Cyrus Castillo, or Morpheus, in the Philippine adaptation of the hit K-drama series What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, Cuenca felt the need to prepare for his new role, as it required a tougher portrayal.
“Coming from What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, my character was a bit soft since the showrunners had to try something contrary to the usual approach in Filipino remakes of international shows. I told them I wanted to follow what the Koreans did with their softer leading men. After that project, I realized how soft I had become and needed to be rough around the edges again,” said Cuenca.
Following his desire to fully immerse himself in his upcoming TV series role, Cuenca has spent time at Mandaluyong City Jail over the past two months. Though he initially wanted to stay there for a week, the warden and police advised against it for safety reasons. Instead, they agreed he could enter the facility from 5:00 am to 8:00 am, where he rehearsed on the 9th floor, the maximum-security area.
“I put myself through these experiences because at this point in my life, I feel like my head is on my shoulders. I can go through these experiences without fear,” said Cuenca.
The actor shared how much he learned from the experience, of meeting inmates and observing their lives within the facility. He was also invited to the jail’s celebration of National Incarceration Day, where he made a speech.
“I told them I would be dedicating my performance, my portrayal of this character, to all the guards and inmates of Mandaluyong City Jail. But more importantly, to all the innocent inmates jailed for something they didn’t do,” he said.
With projects like What Lies Beneath and The Delivery Guy in the pipeline, Cuenca continues to cement his legacy in the entertainment industry as an actor passionate about his craft and committed to giving his all in every role.
“For 23 years, everyone has seen my best and most intense work. It’s my obligation to my audience, to everyone, to show them something new,” he said.
