Sparkle GMA artist Larkin Castor entered the entertainment scene as among the 17 young stars that formed the Kapuso teen group Sparkada.
From there, he did the usual rounds of guest appearances to learn the ropes of TV work and test the waters. All this readied him for the limelight and soon becoming a leading man.
That still carries on given his more recent acting projects, such as playing support and lead characters in “Regal Studio Presents,” “Tadhana,” “Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre” and the now-airing “Apoy sa Dugo,” also allowing him to work with more established talents.
Larkin takes on the role of a friend and confidant named Spencer, who can also attest to who Marco (portrayed by Derrick Monasterio) is as a family man and businessman in “Apoy sa Dugo,” airing weekdays at 4:05 p.m.
“Actually, my last (project) was ‘Sang’gre,’” Larkin, who played the encantado character Hedrik in the GMA Prime show, began the recent brief group chat. “(Spencer in ‘Apoy sa Dugo’) is one of my favorite roles, too. Parang nilalabas ko lang yung sarili ko, yung makulit na side ko sa role na ‘to (I just tap my cool, playful and goofy side in playing the role), hindi kagaya ng ibang roles ko na sobrang warrior, iba kontrabida (unlike my previous warrior and antagonist roles). Parang medyo first time ko na ganto yung role ko (I think it’s my first time doing such a role).”
Bringing out the “kulit” in him, said the artist, is challenging.
“Lumalabas lang ang kakulitan ko ‘pag close ako sa taong kaharap ko (I’m able to tap that side if I’ve become close to the person I’m working),” shared he, who finds fellow actors “very approachable.”
That kind of work atmosphere and relationship has helped him to give his hundred percent.
“Mas di-ne-develop ko yung relationship ko with them. Thankful ako sa kanila (That’s why I further develop my work relationship with them and I’m thankful to my castmates),” added he.
Larkin also expressed gratitude for being part of the afternoon drama because many were also considered to play Spencer. With that, he also feels blessed.
As a young actor, Larkin knows the importance of patience, waiting for the right opportunities that may come one’s way.
“Kung hindi ka patient, in general, ha, kapag hindi ka patient kasi parang mas hindi mo makukuha yung gusto mo (if you’re not patient, you seem not going to achieve what you aspire for),” said he. “Hindi mo ma-de-develop yung values na kailangan mo para ma-handle kung anuman ang gusto mong ma-achieve (you won’t be able to develop the values needed in handling or pursuing it).”
“So, bilang artista, importante talagang maghintay, maging patient (as an artist, waiting for the right time and being patient matter),” added he. “Minsan kasi matagal talagang dadating yung big break, eh, minsan 11 years yung iba, minsan 15 years (sometimes, it takes time to get your big break. It could take 11 or 15 years).”
And the good thing is he remains visible, doing a variety of roles and projects.