Antonio’s soft spot

Tall, dark, and ruggedly handsome, many will agree that Antonio Aquitania is a man to reckon with. Playing a tough bully in Carlo J. Caparas’ Joaquin Bordado, Antonio further makes his presence felt onscreen. But a twist in the story will reveal his soft spot both in the story and in his real life. Text by Loretta G. Ramirez, Interviews by Xylen A. Punelas, Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio Playing Kevin, Antonio is the brother of Cecile (Ryza Cenon) whose only purpose in life is to make Jason’s (Mark Herras) life miserable. Antonio’s image complemented Kevin’s rough disposition in the story and made his character’s presence in Joaquin Bordado stronger. However, an accident will show us a different side of Kevin that will redeem his character in the eyes of the viewers who have come to loathe him. A loving brother Antonio admits that his character started out as bad in the show's story arc. “Siga ako, actually kalaban ko dito si Mark Herras.” When the character of Ryza Cenon was introduced, Antonio’s role began to evolve. Having a blind sister and protecting her from the world showed Kevin’s soft spot and made him more human to the viewer’s eyes. Scenes of Kevin combing Cecile’s hair and fixing her make-up while she gets ready for her suitor touched the hearts of the audience. Even his hate for Jason abated a bit, since Jason helped Cecile regain her eyesight. “Nagkabati kami [ni Mark/Jason] kasi siya 'yung may pakana para makakita ulit 'yung kapatid ko so medyo parang nakipagbati ako sa kanya,” explains Antonio which he quickly followed up with an account of how his sister became blind. “Eventually, nalaman ko rin na si Jason rin pala ang may kasalanan kung bakit siya nabulag. Siya 'yung nakabangga kay Cecile kaya nabulag 'yung kapatid ko,” clarifies Antonio. Aquitania brothers Speaking of siblings, this funny-man-turned-primetime-kontrabida doesn't have to use his extensive imagination to bring out the older brother in him. He's got his own life experiences for that. Antonio and Jay Aquitania are two of the more prominent siblings in Philippine show business. Both comfortable in drama, action and comedy, they are one of the most versatile brothers in the land. In our exclusive interview with Antonio, we found out that his character Kevin has more similarities to Antonio’s personality than he cared to admit. “Well as a kuya, wala akong maibibigay na payo sa kanya,” declares Antonio rather stiffly. But later in the interview, he admits that he does give him pointers and is concerned how his brother’s career will turn out. “Pinagwo-work out ko siya at saka boxing kasi basic ‘yun sa fight scenes. Magagamit niya ‘yun,” says the older Aquitania who is a veteran at filming action scenes. Antonio also confessed that his brother is currently living with him and that they share the passion for photography. “Medyo nahihilig kami sa photography, pareho kaming nagka-camera, madalas sa out of town kami magkasama.” Truly Antonio may appear tough and strong on the outside and he may not admit it openly, but we have proven that he does have a soft spot for his siblings, in reel or real life! Catch Antonio in Carlo J. Caparas’ Joaquin Bordado weeknights right after 24 Oras. Talk about Antonio Aquitania in the iGMA forums! Get in touch with Antonio! Text ANTONIO and send to 4627. Each Fanatxt message costs P2.50 for GLOBE, SMART and TALK N TEXT, while it costs P2.00 for SUN subscribers. (This service is available only in the Philippines)