Getting to know wonder kid Makisig

Author: Ethel Ramos
Column: Studio Whispers

CHILD actor Makisig Morales said that contrary to reports, he will play Sharon Cuneta's son in the movie, "Caregiver," which will partially be shot in London. They are leaving April 2.

"Caregiver" director Chito Roño will leave March 22. "Marami pa ho kasing aasikasuhin si direk Chito doon," said Makisig.

We had the chance to talk with Makisig at the presscon of his first movie, "Supah... papalicious," which teams him opposite comedian Vhong Navarro.

"He is my favorite comedian," Makisig said of Vhong. "Isa pang paborito kong komedyante ay si kuya Empoy (Enriquez). They both make me laugh."

"Supah... papalicious" is scheduled to be shown March 22. Also starring are Pokwang, Valerie Concepcion, Baron Geisler, Kitkat, and Mura. Direction is by Gilbert Perez.

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Makisig considers himself lucky, since at his very young age of 11, he is able to support his family. After all, his father, Jong, had to stop working as one of the singing waiters for a restaurant, so he could chaperon Makisig.

Makisig's mother, Jackie, used to man a small store at the Riverbank Mall in Marikina. She had to rest because she's heavy with her eighth child.

"I'm the third child," said Makisig. "The eldest is Vincent, who is 13. Pangalawa naman si Mayumi, 12."

Makisig's other siblings are Magiting, 9; Maaya, 8; Maliksi, 5; Marikit, 2; and Mahinhin, only eight months.

It was Jong who thought of giving his children "local" names.

Said Jong: "Nagsimula ito sa panganay kong babae, Mayumi. Maganda ang dating 'ka ko. E, okey naman sa misis ko. Kaya, except for my eldest, lahat sila ay pawang local ang pangalan at nagsisimula sa letter M."

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The house in San Mateo, Rizal where Makisig and his family live is a gift from Globe Asiatique.

"This is the first house that we can truly call our own. Atdisenteng bahay," shared Makisig.

It's a two-storey house and has three bedrooms.

Although Makisig can, perhaps, demand his own room, he prefers that he share the room with his brothers.

"Para magkasama-sama rin sa isang room ang mga kapatid kong babae," he reasoned. "The biggest room is assigned to my mom and dad, dahil kasama din nila doon ang dalawang maliit."

Despite his busy schedule, Makisig's parents are making sure that the kid actor doesn't miss his schooling. He is currently a fifth grader at the La Colleta Academy, which is near their house. He walks to school, according to the kid actor who is a TV hero.

Makisig is not the typical young boy who goes for computer games. He is not fond of texting either, even if his father gave him a cell phone.

"Ang tanging tini-text niya lang ay si Kathryn," his dad squealed.

Kathryn is Makisig's fellow talent in the TV program, "Goin' Bulilit." She is about his age and the crush of Makisig. But Makisig said he will marry Kathryn when they are both grown up. Kids are really funny.

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In "Supah.papalicious," Ma-kisig plays the son of Valerie Concepcion, who, in real life, is only 19. He is mischievous and demands that his mom marry somebody with a big family and whom he likes.

In the movie, when Vhong starts courting his mom Valerie, he has to assume several identities. So Makisig and Valerie will think he belongs to a really big family. At one point, he disguises himself as his (Vhong) aunt. Then a cousin and a grandma.

"Actually po, itong pagdi-disguise ni kuya Vhong ang pinaka-riot sa mga eksena sa pelikula," says Makisig.

Mother and son, though, take it against Vhong when they discover that he is making things up for them.

Makisig is obviously so excited these days about his entry to the big screen via "Supah... papalicious."

Source: Malaya