Michael Sager reflects on humble beginnings in Canada; credits family for success

Michael Sager has opened up about his humble beginnings in Canada.

In Nelson Canlas’ report on “24 Oras” on Thursday, the Kapuso star recalled the struggles his family endured before achieving stability.

“Hindi komportable ang buhay pag lumilipat abroad. I mean, as much as we say na nasa ibang bansa kami. Just like them, and like me, we started from scratch,” Michael shared.

“Talagang walang-wala. So kailangan maghanap ng trabaho, gumawa ka ng community, family, and stuff like that,” he added.

He credited his parents as his primary inspiration, recalling how his father worked two jobs while his mother also took on various side hustles to sustain their daily needs. 

“My parents were the reason, they're my role models, kung bakit ako ganito ka-determined, kung bakit I'm so hungry for goals. At the age of four, si Papa, he works two jobs, so does my mom,” Michael said.

“Until I was a teenager, they were finding so many side hustles, para lang ma-sustain ‘yung buhay, para maging komportable kami.”

Driven by a desire to help ease his parents’ burden, Michael began working at a young age, auditioning for small roles and scooping ice cream. 

“At the age of 12, I auditioned to be an extra kasi I wanted to have my own allowance na for myself so I don’t have to rely on my parents. I got my first job at 16 and I told myself ‘oh ma 'pag school ko na ako na bahala sa pamasahe ko, baon,’” he shared. 

Because of his hard work as an ice cream scooper, Michael was able to buy his first car. He also worked in a retail store selling shoes.

“Because of that, I really worked during school and then during summer, nakapag-ipon po ako noon to buy my first car at the age of 17. And then after that, I worked in the retail store selling shoes."

Though he acknowledged that his experience may not be typical for someone in their early 20s, he shared that he has come to fully accept the path laid out for him, believing it to be part of God’s plan.

“Sabi ko, siguro binigay na sa akin 'to ng Lord itong mahirap na challenge na ito para mas masimulan ko na agad. The time came na nabigyan ng opportunities, nabigyan ng projects. Sabi ko, hindi ko ito sasayangin. I mean, they might say it's luck, but I really believe it's all hard work,” he said. 

Now, the former “PBB Celebrity Collab 1.0” housemate’s showbiz career is steadily rising, with the actor previously achieving a major milestone after buying his own house, which his family was able to experience. 

“When I got evicted from ‘Pinoy Big Brother,’ sakto, that was the day that they landed in the Philippines. I had no idea. I had no idea when they were coming. A week later, I was able to move into my house, and I'm so thankful for that,” Michael shared.

“They were able to see it. And they were able to live in it. We were able to build it together. Kumbaga, 'yung loob kasi empty ‘yun eh,” he added.

Despite initially having no furniture, Michael described their first night in his house as a meaningful experience.

“Nakatulog kami sa sahig. Wala talaga as in walang-wala. Puno na ‘yung bahay for me kasi nandun lahat  ‘yung family ko,” he said. 

As he took on the role of Nate Lim in “Born to Shine,” Michael said that his personal journey and sacrifices are reflected in his character.

He dedicates the project to his family, who supported him through both struggles and successes in pursuit of his dreams.

“I'm thankful that you're always here for me. I love you. I'm so, so thankful na despite everything, you guys chose to support me in such a wild dream of entering showbiz.”

Michael stars with Zephanie in the upcoming Kapuso afternoon series “Born to Shine.”

Aside from Zephanie and Michael, “Born to Shine” also stars Olive May, Manilyn Reynes, Tina Paner, Smokey Manaloto, Roselle Nava, Vina Morales, and Tessie Tomas, among others.

The story follows Jennie (Zephanie) as she pursues her dream to become a P-pop idol despite the circumstances.

“Born to Shine” is set to premiere on GMA Afternoon Prime on March 23 at 2:30 p.m.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News