The Philippine Star - Entertainment

He strikes while the iron is hot
By Bot GloriosoPublication
Date: [Tuesday, May 01, 2007]

Who would have thought that after placing second in the ABS-CBN talent search Little Big Star (LBS), Makisig Morales will never be wanting in TV assignments? The boy became a familiar sight on primetime TV when he was tappedto play the role of a superhero on Kapamilya network’s just-concluded fantaserye Super Inggo. Super Inggo’s power seems to have worked wonders for Makisig’s career. He does not only get to sing or act, but host Little Big Superstar with Sarah Geronimo as well. "I thank God for what’s happening in my career and I’m so happy," Makisig says. Emerging runner-up in the talent show opened a lot of doors for Makisig. It turned his life around."I give my best every time I get an assignment. Bihira po kasi ’yun di ba?,"Makisig says. And strike he does while the iron is hot as Makisig will be seen in the third season of Matt Evans’ starrer Pedro Penduko dubbed Pedro Penduko at Ang Mga Engkantao to premiere on May 5, and every Saturday after Little Big Superstar. In the fantasy adventure, Makisig plays Moy, an Engkantao who can make fire out of thin air. He, together with the other Engkantaos like Josef (Oyo Sotto) whohas telekinetic power, the invisible Marie (Maja Salvador), surface climber Dianne (Denise Laurel) and water manipulator Edward (Arron Villaflor) are tasked to protect the human race from the evil ways of Kalagua (Angelika delaCruz). Pedro Penduko (Matt) joins them in stopping Kalagua from wrecking havoc in the big city.Playing support to Matt is no big deal for Makisig as he enjoys working with him and the other stars of the fantaserye."Okey lang po na di na bida. Gusto konaman makasama ibang bida," the 10-year-old says. It only proves that humility is one virtue Makisig has that other stars seem to lack. In fact, he still acts like an ordinary boy off cam. The dutiful son that he is, Makisig still does his share of household chores like washing the dishes every time his schedule permits. He will do whatever he can to ease the load off his mom, Jacqueline, who takes care of a brood of seven and another onecoming soon.What Makisig couldn’t stand is the rumor about Sarah having a crush on him."It’s impossible, I’m still young. Ate Sarah is already a grown-up," he protests. But the name Kathryn Bernardo rings athousand bells in Makisig’s ears as he has a big crush on the young star. Kathryn once played the role of Bulinggit onJudy Ann Santos’ fantaserye Krystala.The La Colleta Academy fourth grader finds Kathryn adorable. He is also wisely setting aside ideas of ending up with Sarah. After all, he’s not mature enough to be talking about having aserious relationship right now.What is serious for Makisig at this timeis his career. He and his family livecomfortably in San Mateo, Rizal as hisstar continues to shine in showbiz. Kwek Kwek, the food franchise business he won in LBS, also contributes a lot to the family income."My mom and my sister Mayumi are managing our stalls in Marikina while my dad Uldarico accompanies me to tapings,"Makisig says. His dad, who used to be one of the singing waiters in a restaurant, also devotes time to Makisig’s vocal training. A new album for Makisig entitled Mak andthe Dudes will be released soon and a US tour with the Pinoy Dream Academy winners is in the works.Makisig will also go to London for a film with Sharon Cuneta under the direction of Chito Roño.