Newbie actor Jeremiah Lisbo is being tagged as the new leading man in Philippine showbiz and he’s tickled that he’s reached that status.

Lisbo plays leading man to another newbie, Kaori Oinuma, in the Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Love At First Stream.”

“To be labeled as leading man, wow,” Lisbo said during the online press conference for the movie last Dec. 14. “Ang bigat no’n. Pero kung nile-label nila ako as leading man, maraming salamat kung nakikita ninyo ‘yung potential na iyon sa akin. Nagpapasalamat ako sa suporta ninyo.”

(That’s heavy, but if they are labeling me as a leading man, thank you so much if you see that potential in me. I am very thankful for all your support.)

jeremiah lisbo ig — Image: Instagram/@jeremiahlisbo

Originally, Lisbo’s role in the movie was intended to be portrayed by “Pinoy Big Brother: Otso” housemate Rhys Miguel, but the latter has dropped out of the movie “due to personal matters.” According to Lisbo, he was “handpicked” to play the part.

“Pinabasa muna sa akin ang script at sobrang nagustuhan ko. Sino pa ba ang magiging picky, ‘di ba? Ang ganda na nu’ng kuwento at si direk Cathy pa ang magdidirek,” he said.

(They made me read the script and I liked it very much. Who else would be picky, right? The story is beautiful and direk Cathy will direct it.)

Lisbo also admitted he has been wanting to work with Oinuma again, who he describes as very open, giving and vulnerable.

Despite being new, Lisbo felt no pressure at all while doing the film.

“Wala pong pressure kasi kasama ko ang mga Kapamilya ko, eh. Grabe, ‘yung tiwala namin sa isa’t isa, ’yun na ‘yun, eh. Kapag kasama mo ang pamilya mo, may strength ka,” he said.

(There’s no pressure because I am with my Kapamilyas. Our trust with each other is so huge, and that’s it. When you are with your family, you got strength.) JB

Cathy Garcia-Molina praises ‘Love At First Stream’ young stars for professionalism