Pidrocomjapan

JOSEPH BITANGCOL:
Taking One Step at a Time

ABS- CBN Star Magic may have a grand roster of talents but not everyone is given the opportunity to make it big in the industry. Of course, not everyone who goes through the audition make it to the top. That’s why when Joseph Bitangcol’s name was called on stage as one of Star Circle Quest’s (ABS-CBN’s Talent Search for Teens) finalist, he couldn’t believe his luck and that another
part of his life is about to unfold. During his younger days Joseph admits he and his family had experienced a hard life being financially unstable, so to
speak. His parents, Dad Jose and Mom Lydia both didn’t finish college but Joseph is really proud that they have stuck it out through the hard times.

“During my elementary days at Dela Paz Elementary School, I knew then that we were not financially blessed. But I did not take it badly, instead, I took it as a challenge. As a young boy, I said to myself then that I’ll study hard and really find a good job so I can help my family,” says Joseph when we visited him in ASAP ‘05, one of the shows where he is now regularly seen.

To be able to get by, his parents ventured into small businesses. His Dad would also drive a tricycle and the small amount he’d get from a whole day’s drive would be spent for the day’s needs. Mom Lydia tried selling pork barbeque, and yes, they were able to make it big! Joseph’s mom told us, that he used to be a great help in the barbeque business. “As in, siya talaga ang naghahalo at nagtutusok ng pork sa stick!”

This revelation made us even more curious, how come the idea of entering showbusiness came up when he seems to be more exposed supposedly in handling small jobs like selling food and stuff like that? “Well, I started modelling for Sta. Lucia East Mall’s print ad. I thought it would be a great help then if I earn for myself, I could start saving and at the same time, I could help my family, too. I also played bit roles here in some of the shows in my home studio. I would often play as one of the passersby or sometimes the camera would just pass by me.” He recalls and smiled.

Joseph surprised us too, knowing that he portrayed bit roles in the same studio that is giving him big breaks now! This young and talented actor has undergone workshops in acting and short courses offered then by ABS-CBN. Born shy, his mom encouraged him to join workshops to overcome his shyness and enhance his skills. Then came the Star Circle Quest audition. Joseph said he just wanted to try his luck so he went. Months of hard work for those who joined. They had to have the guts and strong will to stand criticisms as well as humility to handle praises.

“I never expected that I’d be chosen as one of the finalists in SCQ because the competition was really stiff at that time. But I know I did my best in that search, and I have so much to thank my family and mentors for the support they gave me,” Joseph said with gratefulness in his words.

Now an actor in his own right, having been handled by brilliant directors like Laurenti Dyogi, Joyce Bernal, Chito Rono in Spirits (ABS-CBN’s high rating primetime show) and soon with Direk Joel Lamangan in Vietnam Rose, how does he feel? “I feel honored. Honestly, sometimes I still couldn’t believe all these things are happening to me.”

When it comes to handling his finances, he lets his mom manage his money. “I just ask from her if I need some. Whatever I earn, I really save because I know, this job is not permanent. I want to help my family, I want to have a house of our own that’s why I’m working hard for it.”

It’s not all work for this young man. He too, has an inspiration and you’re right! He’s being linked now to Teen Icon, Sandara Park. Sandy, the korean lass is up to this day is a product of talk and intrigues linking her to Joseph. This issue in fact, never faded even though Sandy has a love team in Hero Angeles. The three are products of the SCQ search. How did he and Sandy become close? “It all started in SCQ, when everything and everyone was still new. We were the ones who were quiet then. But in time we became good friends and we stared sharing things about ourselves.” We all know that Sandy projects that weird and funny image, traits that the Filipino audience seem to have loved. If we may ask him now, what is it in Sandara that you have learned to like? “Her simplicity and her being true to herself. She says what she feels, what she likes and doesn’t”

Joseph smiled when asked if he already met Sandy’s parents? “Yes, I already met them and the family were really good to me.” Asked if Sandy has tried their barbeque? “She’s the only one who has tasted it, so far.” As far as his career is concerned, he says he is taking everything a step at a time. A mainstay of four top rating shows in ABS-CBN, Joseph feels privileged working with good actors and directors he never thought he’d be able to work with now. No wonder, this young actor seems to soar high these days. He doesn’t expect much but certainly does his best. A good son his parents can be proud of and a prince charming every girl would want to bring home to Korea, ohhh we mean, to her mom. DP