Mark Anthony Fernandez on the possibility of a Gwapings reunion: “Just tell me when”

He is now one of the most prominent leading men in television. In movies, we’ve seen him portray the romantic knight in shining armor. He also tried his hand at being an action star. He has done it all, but it remains to be a fact that being a Gwapings member catapulted Mark Anthony Fernandez to fame.

In an exclusive interview with Mark Anthony, the ‘90s matinee idol looked back at his Gwapings days and recalled the fondest memories of his teenage years.

When asked what the best thing about being a Gwapings member is, Mark Anthony replied, “The privilege of being a Gwapings member during my time was meeting Direk Joey Reyes, one of the premier writers and directors here in Asia. I met Douglas Quijano whom I learned a lot from. Joe Carreon is my favourite, I love that guy.”

He added, “I wouldn’t have met these wonderful mentors if I wasn’t a Gwapings member. When I was with Gwapings, my daddy guided me all the way. Because he was an actor, he made it a point to spend time with me and teach me things about being an actor. I was lucky enough to have his time. He helped me a lot.”

Does he still hang out nowadays with his fellow Gwapings members, Jomari Yllana and Eric Fructuoso?

“Sometimes, we text. I communicate naman with Eric and I get to text with Jomari sometimes,” said Mark.

Among the three of them, who does he think is the most “gwaping”?

“I don’t know, man. I’d have to say me,” he quipped.

He continued, “The one thing I learned is you gotta love yourself so you can love others and others can love you back.”

What is the secret to looking “gwaping” all the time?

Mark Anthony answered, “You have to take care of yourself. Eat right, work out, have a good disposition and visit your dermatologist once in a while. It’s okay to be a bit vain. It’s okay for men to be Metro[sexual].”

Among today’s young actors, who does he think has the potential to be the next matinee idol?

He said, “I’m still alive, man. I can still do it. No, I’m just kidding.”

He continued, “I think Mark Herras, but you know, I always think of myself as part of the new generation. I’m not growing older. It’s like, if there’s a game, I’m always part of the game.”

In the game of showbiz, would there still be a place for the Gwapings? Could there be a possible Gwapings reunion anytime soon?

“Yeah, just tell me when. I think  it’s possible. Let’s see,” stated Mark Anthony.

Mark Anthony Fernandez will be starring alongside Jennylyn Mercado, Mark Herras and Yasmien Kurdi in the upcoming GMA Telebabad series, Rhodora X. Make sure to catch it this 2014!

-Text by Samantha Portillo, Photo by Bochic Estrada, GMANetwork.com