David Licauco on why he accepted 'Maria Clara at Ibarra' role: 'Honestly, kasi wala na kong pera'

Before he was dubbed the Pambansang Ginoo, David Licauco was a man focused on his business and an actor with some roles here and there.

In fact, in an interview on Ogie Diaz’s YouTube channel, David admitted that before he got his breakthrough role in “Maria Clara at Ibarra," he wanted to quit showbiz.

“Never ko ‘to naisip buong buhay ko,” he said. “Kasi nga, bago mag ‘Maria Clara,’ Mama Ogie, gusto ko na mag-stop.”

David said that he wanted to focus on his businesses, the restaurants Kuya Korea and Sobra Café.

“Parang na-overtake na 'yung love ko sa business 'yung acting eh,” he said.

So why did David accept the role of Fidel?

“In-accept ko ‘tong ‘Maria Clara,’ honestly, kasi wala na kong pera,” David said, adding that he invested everything in his businesses.

But of course, David remains grateful for the opportunities the series gave him and is so thankful for the love of the fans.

“Nakakatuwa rin na minsan 'yung mga fans, parang sasabihin nila sa ‘yo na, ‘dahil sa ‘yo David, nawala yung anxiety ko,’” the actor said. “'Yun 'yung magpapa-energize sa ‘yo eh.”

“Diba nakakatuwa yun eh, [na] you’re making people happy,” he added.

 

—Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News