David Licauco Gives A Glimpse of A Son’s Dilemma in Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune
David Licauco plays Anton, the legitimate son and heir of the Chan family caught in pleasing his family and following his heart
Since the first Mano Po film was released in 2002, Filipinos have seen a glimpse of the stories of Filipino-Chinese families from their core values, culture, and mindset. In 2022, we once again see it through the teleserye Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune, as the members of the Chan family struggle for freedom, power, and wealth.
The situation of the Chan family is something young actor David Licauco has seen growing up. In the show, David plays Anton, the legitimate son set to inherit the family business. Anton also finds himself competing with his brother Joseph (Rob Gomez) for the affection of Steffy Dy (Barbie Forteza) and whether to honor the family’s decisions.
Modern Parenting reached out to David via email wherein he shared the challenges of playing Anton, the dilemmas his character goes through, and what children today can learn from the show.
David Licauco on playing Anton Chan
When he got the role, David said that the personality of Anton is something he has already seen.
“When I first read the role it immediately reminded me of how some of my friends were raised,” he said. Growing up and studying in a Chinese environment I have seen his problems firsthand. Having constraints with regards to work and choosing the girl she marries. It definitely saved me from researching about what my character would feel if there’s a certain problem that would be thrown at him.”
The actor, who starred in several shows including Heartful Cafe, said that for him, every teleserye has its own challenges. But in Mano Po, he had to restrain his expressions as needed by the character.
“With Mano Po, my role was restricted. Anton couldn’t express his real feelings and that’s difficult when you’re acting. When I’m supposed to be mad in a particular scene, I couldn’t just shout and look mad. It had to be kept inside me. That was challenging I believe.”
David said that he pretty much can relate to Anton in certain ways.
“We both grew up in a Chinese family, conservative upbringing. However, Anton didn’t have the privilege to choose the life he actually wanted, which I have. It’s something I’m proud of because I’m happy with what I’m doing,” he said.
“Although a few years back I had experienced having a dilemma whether to follow your passion and love or settle with something you don’t like but practical. Personally, life is about choices. And you just have to grab every opportunity and make the most out of it.”
David on Anton’s problems and dilemmas
In real life, David may be lucky he has the choice but for Anton, it’s a difficult scenario as he finds himself trying to please his grandmother Consuelo (Boots Anson Roa) and facing various family problems. Given a chance, how would he handle the situation?
“Sometimes we just can’t avoid being in a situation where you have to be, for the lack of a better term: kiss ass,” David said. “When you’re talking to a potential client, supplier, or just to be nice to someone you don’t like, that’s hard. However, I have learned to control my emotions and see the good in every situation.”
Another problem Anton goes through is the issue of arranged marriage where he is forced to be with Jade (Casie Banks). Would it work if ever he’s in that situation?
“I would stay single if that happened to me. It’s impossible to be with someone you’re not attracted to and be loved. What more a lifetime?”
David on the lessons he believes sons and daughters can pick up from Mano Po Legacy
Since its pilot last January 3, Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune has received positive feedback from viewers. With the story getting exciting, we asked David Lichauco, what can today’s generation of sons and daughters learn from the show?
“To be nice to everyone and it’s better to have a balance between following your heart or your mind,” he said.
Will Anton choose to follow his heart or will he stick to his family’s request? Will he break the arranged marriage and pursue Steffy despite his other brother being in love with her? We will have to find out and just watch the show to know.
Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune airs Monday to Friday on GMA 7
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