Aljur Abrenica: Ripe for stardom

For young actor Aljur Abrenica, this year seems to be one he has long been anticipating. The Kapuso teenage hunk is touted as one of the rising stars to reach his peak this Year of the Ox. Last year, he has had impressive performances that have catapulted him to near stardom.

Pampanga?s pride is currently making waves as a creature from an unknown world in GMA-7?s Luna Mystika. Meanwhile, his presence is also felt as host and performer on the Sunday noontime show SOP.

?My big wish this year is to become a leading man in a teleserye or movie,? the 18-year old StarStruck ?Ultimate Hunk? says.

Being one of the multi-talented members of GMA Artist Center, his wish could be granted. He embodies the pose of a dramatic action star in the mold of Robin Padilla, minus much of the street-smart macho attitude. On his own, his act shows a classy image of the silent-type toughie who knows when to throw a punch or shed a tear.

Aljur noted, ?Gusto ko drama and at the same time action. Sa edad kong ?to I really welcome acting for cute love stories, habang ipinapakita ko din ang tikas at galaw ng isang Pinoy action hero.?

That tough kid stance was revealed during his act in the Dennis Trillo starrer Zaido where he also performed as ?pulis kalawakan,? along with the late Marky Cielo who used to give him pointers that according to him helped him a lot.

With a unique name that is a play on his father?s Alfonso Jr., Aljur was in the Dyesebel series, which for him was the toughest to date. He played a poor fellow who fell in love and got brokenhearted.

Asked how he goes about breathing life to a character, the dude from Angeles, Pampanga, explains, ?Sa akin, binabasa ko ang buong script. Pinag-aaralan ko kada linya. Pero ?di ko magagawang ok ?yun kundi dahil sa mga payo ng directors at walang tigil na practice. Saludo ako sa mga tulad nina direk Bb. Joyce Bernal, Don Michael Perez, and Dominic Zapata.?

Getting better all the time

As a GMA Artist Center talent, Aljur developed skills at an amazing pace. ?Marami akong natutunan sa GMA, ?di ako sumasayaw dati , ?di ako marunong mag-host, at ?di ako nakaka-arte. Pero lahat ?yun nagagawa ko na dahil sa pagiging Kapuso.?

For all his talents, singing is one born with him. Thus his performances in SOP?s Bro Band segment gives him much delight to the point of saying he wants to try recording in the future. He picks the likes of Jesse McCartney, Aaron Carter and the more recent Jonas Brothers as big influences which go well with his sort-of boy band image.

Whereas his many talents have led him to greener pastures, Aljur?s unselfish outlook in dealing with his work is what really makes things possible. His chemistry with the cute Kris Bernal, according to him, is brought by their selflessness in helping their on-screen partnership look convincingly real.

He doesn?t abuse himself partying and would rather go for regular workouts during free time. A lover of basketball at 5?8?, he used to play center.

Showbiz being dominated by gossips, Aljur understands that he and his behavior are a tabloid fodder. ?Ok lang mapag-usapan love life ko. Parte ng trabaho ?yun. Lagi sinasabi ng dad ko na pinasok ko ?to so kailangan responsible enough ako to face the music.?

Aljur can only thank everybody in show business for his life?s turnaround. Just two years back he was still a jeepney commuter in Pampanga. Now he is driving the latest Fortuner model. When not in the driver?s seat, he has Henry, the driver whose wisdom he likens to that of his dad?s. He is now living independently, while not forgetting to visit his family in Pampanga, often after Sunday?s work.

Now that the time is ripe, expect Aljur Abrenica to experience another turning point in his continuing ride to stardom. His growing number of fans is sure hoping to see this happen.