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Pekto's climb to fame has been steady, with his perfect comic timing and endearing impersonations. Now, he wants to prove he can also do drama.
During his years of stay in the entertainment industry, Mike ‘Pekto’ Nacua has always been the one to provide comic relief in the shows he is part of. But this time around, Mr. Funny Man sets aside his wit and humor for a while and reveals his serious side. Text by Jessa Ericka C. Bien. Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio Starring in his first primetime show with heartthrob Richard Gutierrez, Pekto becomes Doro in Carlo J. Caparas’ Kamandag. Doro is a member of the Lobobaya clan who, as a young Ambog, finds himself in the mortal world and grows up with the kindly Domeng (Emilio Garcia). “Ako 'yung sidekick ni Richard dito, isa rin akong Ambog. Pero hindi pa lumalabas masyado ['yung pagiging Ambog] kasi dito na ako lumaki sa taas, hindi sa underworld [of Ambograw],” Pekto says, explaining his role in the series. “Sa character ko, alam ko na Ambog ako. Kapag bilog 'yung buwan, nagiging wolf ako, kaya iniiwasan ko,” he adds. And though it is natural for any Ambog to become more powerful whenever it gets mad, Pekto says Doro does not make much use of his supernatural abilities. “Ako 'yung lighter side of Ambog,” he says with a laugh. “Hindi naman ako masyadong nagagalit [kasi] dito na ako lumaki [sa taas] kaya nako-control ko pa.” The Guardian In Kamandag, Doro is welcomed to the mortal world without knowing the reasons why he got there. Eventually, however, he adapts to the humans’ way of life with the help of his mentor, Domeng. Following his adoptive friend’s ways and adding his intrinsic Ambog traits, Doro becomes a guardian to his fellow Ambog, Vergel (Richard Gutierrez), who is sent to the upper world to evade the threats against his life. “Ang nakita naming lumaki, kung paano niya gamitin 'yung powers niya, kung paano niya kontrolin, si Vergel,” Pekto affirms. And as somebody who completely knows what the hero is going through, Doro is the one who gives him good pieces of advice, helps him control his powers and guides him to understanding his true nature. Doro plays an even more important role in Vergel’s life as he discovers an interesting secret that became their community’s big concern. “Abangan nila 'yung mga very suspense na eksena kung bakit siya nagtataka kung sino 'yung pumapatay sa mga tao,” Pekto incites. “Kasi dalawa silang Kamandag. Kung pa’no malalaman kung sino, kung bakit pumapatay, ang magagandang eksenang dapat abangan.” Overcoming Challenges A member of the wolf-man clan as Doro may be, he still acts like a normal human being who shows natural signs of aging, like having white hair and wrinkles on his face, and donning no animal-like costumes. There are also minimal fight scenes for him, because he does not need to exhaust his powers. The challenge for Pekto, however, comes when he has to take on the dramatic side of the story. “Challenging dito 'yung magkasama kami ni Vegel, naiiyak kasi namatay na si Domeng. Hindi namin nakita kung pa’no siya inilibing, kung pa’no siya napatay – hindi man lang namin siya naipagtanggol. Mabigat 'yung eksenang 'yun,” he discloses. “Pag nagda-drama [kasi] ako, sinasabi nila nakakatawa pa rin daw. Pero effort na ako dun!” he exclaims. The demands of dramatic scenes are lessened though, as Pekto finds support from the matinee idol Richard. “Richard is very supportive pagdating sa mga eksena,” he affirms. “Masarap siya!” keeping silent quickly and just long enough to let the joke sink in. “Masarap [siyang] katrabaho. At masaya!” he completes. Catch more of Pekto weeknights on Kamandag and then share your thoughts with other fans in the iGMA forums. You can also see him Saturday nights on Nuts Entertainment as the gay guy Cookie. Keep posted on iGMA for more updates on your favorite stars!