Actor and model David Licauco is entering a new phase in his showbiz career after signing a contract with Viva in partnership with ALV Talent Circuit.
The partnership, announced Aug. 7, comes as Licauco is now more intentional about the stories and characters he takes on. According to Viva Artists Agency, the actor is eager to work with new creative collaborators and continue developing his craft across film, TV and music.
Licauco said he discussed with the Viva team the kinds of projects he hopes to pursue, with some of his suggestions receiving positive feedback.
“When we had a meeting at Viva’s office, I mentioned what I wanted to do. And they were really agreeable, saying, ‘Oh, yeah, I think this will suit you,’” Licauco said during a press conference.
“They also presented me with a show that I really like. So, yeah, I have a project that I’m really excited about, and on which I’ll do my best.”
His dream roleOne of his biggest ambitions is to headline a Korean drama adaptation. The actor said he wants to maximize the youthful energy associated with romantic and dramatic stories while he still can.
“Since I’m getting a bit older, I want to maximize that sense of youth, the youth energy of shows. Let’s say romantic, love, drama. Actually, what I really want to do is a K-drama adaptation,” he said.
When asked what kind of Korean drama character he would like to portray, Licauco cited Park Sae-royi (played by Park Seo-joon), the lead character in “Itaewon Class,” a story about ambition, perseverance and building a business from the ground up.
He said he connected with the character’s journey of having little to eventually achieving success.
“I feel like his life story is somewhat similar to mine. He started from nothing and worked his way up to this height, to everything, through hard work and persistence. So, I feel like our life stories are somewhat similar. That’s why I really want to do it,” Licauco said.
With more experience under his belt, Licauco said his priorities have also changed. Rather than focusing primarily on whether he is playing a lead or supporting role, he now pays closer attention to the story.
“I wouldn’t say that I’m in control of my career. Maybe now, I just have more awareness of what I want and don’t want to do. Luckily, I’ve been getting projects that I like,” he said.
“Before, my questions were really just, ‘Am I the lead there? How much is the talent fee?’ It was mostly things like that. Now, I need to look at what the story really is. It doesn’t matter if I’m the lead, and it doesn’t matter if I’m supporting. I think it’s really the story and what will leave an impression on people,” he continued.
For Licauco, the goal is to continue improving rather than be defined by a particular role or image. Asked how he wants to be known as a leading man, he described himself as “versatile.”
“I just want to improve with every project I’m part of. So if people think I did a good job in this show, then I’m happy with that,” he said.
Staying with GMALicauco’s move to Viva does not mean leaving GMA, where he remains under Sparkle. He clarified that his upcoming Viva One project is a digital series and that he has received permission to take part in it while maintaining his existing TV commitments.
The collaboration also brings together Viva, ALV and GMA’s Sparkle, which showed the growing possibilities for partnerships across entertainment companies.
Representatives involved in the project also opened the possibility of future collaborations, including a film involving the three companies should the digital project prove successful.
For Licauco, the opportunity is more about making the most of the trust placed in him.
“I’m just really happy about the opportunities that I’ve received, and I just want to repay the trust that they’ve given me,” he said.
“I’m trying to keep it real, staying in the moment. Sometimes, when you think about the big things happening to you, you can get overwhelmed and you might not be able to perform well,” Licauco continued.
“I was a little nervous earlier, but I just thought, I’ll just try to be in the moment. That’s what I do every day,” he added.
