Ken Chan reveals ‘begging’ to audition for ‘Destiny Rose’

Ken Chan revealed he begged so he could audition for “Destiny Rose.”

On Wednesday’s “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” Ken recalled he almost did not get the series’ lead role.

“Nakiusap ako kasi closed na po ‘yung audition, Tito Boy. Wala na, tapos na. May napili na yata sila. Ang alam ko po, may napili na sila, and sabi ko, nag-beg po ako sa GMA 7, ‘Please, baka pwede kong i-try at pwede ko pong i-open ‘yung audition ulit,’” he said.

[I asked if they could reopen the audition. Because it was finished. I think they already chose someone for the role. I know they had someone already so I begged GMA 7, 'please, if I could try, if you could open the audition again.'] 

However, Ken was told that if the audition would be opened again, they would need to inform other actors as well because it was not a special audition for him.

“Sabi ko, parang wala na. Then, after isang araw, pinatawag ako na pwede na po akong mag-audition. So I got the chance to audition for ‘Destiny Rose,’” he continued.

[I was resigned. But then they called me one day and said I could audition. So I got the change to audition for 'Destiny Rose.']

On the day of the audition, Ken Chan’s makeup artist, Ian Mirandilla, asked if he was okay shaving his eyebrows.

“Eh may ginagawa akong show nun, Tito Boy! Pa’no ‘yung continuity? Sabi ko, ‘Baka mapagalitan ako nito ah.’ So, ang ginawa ko po, ‘Sige, ahitin mo na baka matsambahan natin, makuha natin ‘tong role na ‘to,” he said.

[I was doing another show, so I was worried about the continuity. I thought, I could get in trouble for it, but I told the makeup artist, 'go ahead. We might just land this role.']  

Ken eventually got the role and said that he immediately felt the character after he put on a wig, heels, and Destiny’s clothes.

The Sparkle actor credited Jonas Gaffud and director Phil Noble for the character’s physical looks and movements.

“Sobrang sila po ‘yung nakatulong sa’kin,” he said.

“Destiny Rose” premiered in 2015 on GMA Afternoon Prime and instantly allowed Ken to showcase his talents and make a name for himself.

Eight years later, in April 2023, “Destiny Rose” launched in Thailand.

At the event, Ken received a warm welcome from Anne Jakrajutatip, the owner of Miss Universe. — Carby Basina/LA, GMA Integrated News