Jake Cuenca
Cuenca in 2012
Born
Juan Carlos Cuenca

(1987-12-30) December 30, 1987 (age 36)
NationalityFilipino, American
Occupations
  • Actor
  • model
Years active1998–present
Agent(s)GMA Artist Center (2003–2006)
Star Magic (2006–present)

Juan Carlos Cuenca (Tagalog pronunciation: [ˈkweŋka]; born December 30, 1987), popularly known as Jake Cuenca, is an American-born Filipino actor and model. He also played for United Football League Division 2 sides Team Socceroo FC.

Entertainment career

At the age of nine, Cuenca was discovered by talent scout Arvin Bentonon for Cosmo Modeling Agency. Soon after, Cuenca appeared in several television and print advertisements including those for Safeguard, Coke and Globe Telecom. At eleven, he had cameo roles in movies such as Takbo Barbara Takbo and Panday in 1998. It was followed by another cameo in the 1999 film adaptation of the fantasy anthology, Wansapanataym.

In 2003, he returned to show business under GMA Network and appeared in the youth-oriented drama series, Click, where he was welcomed as a member of its third batch. Cuenca played a number of supporting roles in Hanggang Kailan, Forever in My Heart and the fifth season of Love to Love. In 2005, he starred as Kahlil in the hit fantasy series Encantadia. He also appeared in the ninth season of Love to Love titled “Miss Match”. In 2006, he starred as one of the wizards in the fantasy-themed television series, Majika, which became his last teleserye with GMA.

Cuenca in 2012

After transferring to ABS-CBN in 2006, he appeared in an episode of Love Spell, "Home Switch Home".

In 2007, he became part of the cast of the network's soap opera Sana Maulit Muli, his first primetime drama series on the network. Also, he starred as his first leading role in Sineserye Presents: Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos?. He portrayed Andrew - a rich, spoiled and irresponsible teen guy secretly in love with leading actress Roxanne Guinoo. Later, he was cast in the fantasy series Lastikman. He appeared in total 14 shows of ABS-CBN from late 2006 to 2007.

In 2008, he landed the lead role in ABS-CBN's remake of the action series Palos with Cesar Montano. He also played the main role of Kiko with Shaina Magdayao in Your song Presents: A million miles away. In the mini-series, he played Kiko -an assistant of Lizzie's father who asks him become a "babysitter" for Lizzie and her mean boyfriend, under the instruction of Lizzie's father. It is revealed that Kiko has been secretly in love with her for a long time.[1]

In 2009, he starred in Tayong Dalawa alongside Kim Chiu, where he gained recognition and criticism. He portrayed David “Dave” Garcia, Jr, a jack-a-dandy soldier in the Philippine Army caught in a love triangle with Gerald Anderson and Kim Chiu. The hit show was broadcast in neighbouring Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Cambodia, as well as several African countries.[2][3] That same year, he appeared in Precious Hearts Romances Presents: My Cheating Heart alongside Cristine Reyes.

In 2010, he portrayed the role of Alejandro in the Filipino remake of Rubi alongside Angelica Panganiban and Shaina Magdayao.[4] He also starred as Elias Paniki in the fourth story of the Agimat series Elias Paniki alongside Sam Pinto and Xian Lim.

In 2011, he joined the main cast as Edward in the Filipino remake of the Korean drama Green Rose alongside Jericho Rosales, Anne Curtis and Alessandra De Rossi. After that, he portrayed Darmo Adarna, the well-known superhero of Filipino cartoon in Wansapanataym: Darmo Adarna, opposite Yen Santos. Different from a super-powered boy with a giant bird in the comic, Darmo Adarna in the show grows up as an overweight loser who is magically transformed into a muscular hero.

In 2012, he played the role of Paul Raymundo in Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo alongside two female stars Shaina Magdayao and Bangs Garcia, The triangle love and OFW story in the film attracted the interest of audience. The series reached top rating in 2012 although it was aired in the afternoon. Also that same year, he was part of the primetime series Kahit Puso'y Masugatan as Rafael - a young and charming photographer with a tragic life. It is really the challenging role for him because of his inner struggles in the film.

In 2013, he portrayed the role of Luis Sancuevas in the Filipino remake of Maria Mercedes with leading lady Jessy Mendiola and Jason Abalos.[5]

In 2014, he starred as the main antagonist Franco in the epic drama series Ikaw Lamang with an ensemble cast.

In 2015–2016, he portrayed the role of Juan, one of the Samonte Brothers in the romantic drama series Pasión de amor, a Philippine adaptation of Telemundo-produced Pasión de Gavilanes, one of the most famous TV series in the year with top rating.

In the field of cinema, Cuenca was seen in mainstream films: In the Name of Love, Status: It's complicated, My Neighbor's Wife, Villa Estrella, Tuhog.... and featured in indie films such as: H.I.V.: Si Heidi, Si Ivy at si V (2010) - a film about AIDS, Nuwebe (2013), a film about child sexual abuse which gained local and international awards, Lihis (2013), Mulat (2014). Jake won his first best actor award at the International Film Festival Manhattan (IFFM) in New York in 2014 for his performance in Diane Ventura's Mulat (Awaken), the same movie that won for him his second best actor at the 2016 World Cinema Festival in Copacabana, Brazil.[6]

In 2022, he appears in The Iron Heart as Eros del Rio, the main antagonist in season 2 of the series who works as a CIB Agent but he is actually a secret leader of a crime organization called Altare.

Controversies

On the night of October 9, 2021, the actor's black Jeep Wrangler hit a Mandaluyong police car stationed a checkpoint along Shaw Boulevard as part of a buy-bust operation. A plainclothes officer reported that Cuenca had not stopped for routine inspection and instead rammed through the checkpoint barriers, prompting police to chase him until his tires were shot and he was cornered along West Capitol Road in Pasig. A stray bullet hit a Grab deliveryman, who came out in stable condition. Cuenca claimed he was afraid to stop for inspection at the checkpoint as the police were plainclothes. He was allowed to leave the police precinct at 5:00 am the next day for medical attention. He initially faced charges of reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property.[7][8]

Filmography

Television

Year Title Role Notes Source
2003–2004 Click Tryke
2004 Hanggang Kailan Warren Rosales
2004–2005 Forever in My Heart William
2004–2006 SOP Sobrang Okey, Pare! Himself
2004 Love to Love Trey Episode: "Love Blossoms"
2005 Encantadia Kahlil
Love to Love Migs Episode: "Miss Match"
2006 Majika Terman
2006–2007 Komiks: Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko Napoleon / Jaime Gatchalian
2006 Love Spell Juano Episode: "Home Switch Home"
Your Song Episode: "Silent Night"
2006–present ASAP Himself - Co-host / Performer
2007 Sana Maulit Muli Brandon Johnson [9]
Komiks: Pedro Penduko at ang mga Engkantao Napoleon / Jaime Gatchalian
Your Song Gino Episode: "Very Special Love"
Love Spell Brian Episode: "Sweet Sixty"
Maalaala Mo Kaya Lt. Ariel Toledo Episode: "Application Form"
Natutulog Ba ang Diyos? Andrew Angeles
2007–2008 That's My Doc Jake
Mars Ravelo's Lastikman Kenneth "Ken" Madrigal
2008 Palos Giancarlo Caranzo / Palos
I Am KC Jeremy Episode: "Bb. Palengke"
Your Song Kiko Miniseries: "A Million Miles Away"
Lovebooks Presents Treak Episode: "Break-Up Diaries"
Maalaala Mo Kaya Roger Ugnay Episode: "Sulat"
2008-2009 Komiks: Dragonna Edgar
2009 Tayong Dalawa David "Dave" M. Garcia Jr. [10]
Pangarap Kong Jackpot Episode: "Hawak Kita, Hawak Mo Ko"
Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Bud Brothers Vicente "Vince" Banaag
Maalaala Mo Kaya Arman Episode: "Pregnancy Kit"
Your Song Jordan Episode: "Sa Kanya"
2009-2010 Precious Hearts Romances Presents: My Cheating Heart Emilio "Mio" Sta. Romana [11]
2010 Maalaala Mo Kaya Fidel Episode: "Litrato"
Rubi Alejandro Cardenas [12]
Agimat: Ang Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla: Elias Paniki Elias "Elias Paniki" Sta. Maria / Armando [13][14][15]
Wansapanataym Leandro Miiseries: "Cara"
Your Song Presents: Andi Aries Episode: "Tell Me"
2011 Your Song Presents: Kim Max Episode: "Till The End"
Green Rose Edward Fuentebella
Showtime Himself Judge
Guns and Roses Paolo Ventura
Wansapanataym Dario Miniseries: "Darmo Adarna"
Maalaala Mo Kaya Louie Episode: "Susi"
100 Days to Heaven Young Tagasundo Special Finale Participation / Antagonist
2012 Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo Paulino "Paul" Raymundo [16][17][12]
2012-2013 Kahit Puso'y Masugatan Rafael de Guzman [18]
2013-2014 Maria Mercedes Luis Sancuevas [19]
2014-2015 Ikaw Lamang (Book 1) Franco Hidalgo [20][21][22]
2014 Maalaala Mo Kaya Igge Episode: "Palayan"
2015 Maalaala Mo Kaya Marvin Episode: "Spaghetti"
2015-2016 Pasión de Amor Juan Samonte/Reyes [23]
2016-2017 FPJ's Ang Probinsyano Jonas Paulino
2016 Ipaglaban Mo! Anton Episode: "Hardinero"
2017 Maalaala Mo Kaya Jojo Episode: "Soccer Ball"
2017–2018 Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin Carlos Dela Vega
2018-2019 The Blood Sisters Rocco Fernandez
Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Los Bastardos Isagani Esperanza / Roman Cardinal Jr.
2019–2020 The Haunted Jordan Robles
2020-2021 Walang Hanggang Paalam Dexter Joaquin
Ate ng Ate Ko Marco Toledo [24]
2021–2022 Viral Scandal Troy Ramones
2022–2023 The Iron Heart Eros "Commando" Del Rio
2023 Cattleya Killer Benjie dela Rosa [25]
Jack and Jill sa Diamond Hills Jack Corporal
2024 What's Wrong with Secretary Kim Cyrus "Morpheus" Castillo
2024 Pamilya Sagrado

Film

Year Film Role Notes Source
1998 Takbo Barbara Takbo Jordan
1998 Hiwaga ng Panday Dominic
1999 Wansapanataym Uncredited
2004 Kilig... Pintig... Yanig... Juancho
2004 Spirit of the Glass TJ
2005 Say That You Love Me Edward
2008 For the First Time Josh
2009 Villa Estrella Alex
2010 H.I.V.: Si Heidi, Si Ivy at si V Virgilio Bustamante
2010 Super Inday and the Golden Bibe Jeffrey "Amazing Jay" [9]
2011 In the Name of Love Dylan Evelino
2011 My Neighbor's Wife Bullet Bernal
2013 Tuhog Renato 'Nato' Timbacaya
2013 Nuwebe/Termitaria Moises [26]
2013 Lihis Cesar / Ka Jimmy [27]
2013 Status: It's Complicated Manny
2013 When the Love Is Gone Yuri
2014 El Brujo Lucky
2016 Foolish Love Victor/ Rey Dela Cruz
2016 Mano Po 7: Tsinoy Marco
2016 Mulat (Awaken) Jake
2017 Requitted Matt Labrador
2017 Ang Panday Lizardo [28]
2019 Eerie Julian Castro [29]
2019 KontrAdiksyon Alexis Borlaza
2019 Mission Unstapabol: The Don Identity Don Johnson
2020 Love Lockdown Jacob
2020 Sitsit Scorpio
2022 My Father, Myself Robert

Digital

Year Film Role Notes Source
2022 K-Love Jay Main Role / Protagonist
2024 What's Wrong with Secretary Kim Morpheus

Accolades

Year Organization/Award-Giving Body Award/Nomination/Category Nominated work Result Ref
2008 4th ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards 2008 Pop Male Fashionista Nominated
2009 5th ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards 2009 Pop Male Fashionista Nominated
2011 7th ASAP Pop Viewers' Choice Awards 2011 Pop Pin Up Boy Nominated
2012 60th FAMAS Awards Best Supporting Actor In the Name of Love Nominated
2012 35th Gawad Urian Awards Best Supporting Actor Pinakamahusay ng Pangalawang Aktor In the Name of Love Nominated
2014 16th Gawad PASADO Awards PinakaPASADOng Katuwang na Aktor When the Love is Gone Won
2014 Yahoo! OMG! Philippines Awards Male Kontrabida of the Year Ikaw Lamang Won
2014 28th PMPC Star Awards for Movies Movie Supporting Actor of the Year In the Name of Love Won
2014 28th PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Drama Supporting Actor Ikaw Lamang Nominated
2014 International Film Festival Manhattan Best Actor Mulat (Awaken) Won
2014 5th Inquirer Indie Bravo Awards Best Actor Mulat (Awaken) Won
2014 Queens World Film Festival Best Actor Nuwebe Nominated
2015 ENPRESS Golden Screen TV Awards Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Program Ikaw Lamang Nominated
2015 7th Ani Ng Dangal Awards Best Actor Mulat (Awaken) Won
2016 2016 World Cinema Festival in Copacabana, Brazil Best actor Mulat (Awaken) Won [6]
2017 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Supporting Actor Ang Panday Nominated
2019 2019 Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards Best Male Lead Actor Lungs Nominated

Sporting career

Cuenca is a sports enthusiast, even during his younger days. Due to a weight problem he encountered as a child, he was determined to play sports more when he grew up. Although he has done boxing and mixed martial arts, he is mainly a football player, playing twice a week.[30] As an elementary and high school student, Cuenca played as a football varsity player for PAREF Southridge School.

In October 2011, he signed up for Team Socceroo F.C., which at that time played as a guest club in the 2011–12 United Football Cup, and later entered in the United Football League Division 2. He is yet to play for the first team as showbiz commitments have not permitted him to do so.[31]

Cuenca has also shown interest to try out for the Philippines in international competitions.[32]

References

  1. ^ "Jake Cuenca, Shaina Magdayao, and Marvin Raymundo Topbill "Your Song"". pep.ph.
  2. ^ "MH Interview: Jake Cuenca and Gerald Anderson". September 23, 2010.
  3. ^ ""Tayong Dalawa" Aired in Vietnam". May 24, 2023.
  4. ^ "Angelica Panganiban and Jake Cuenca sShoot a Love Scene for Rubi". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
  5. ^ "Meet the Leading Man of Pinoy 'Maria Mercedes'". ABS-CBN News.
  6. ^ a b "Jake Cuenca cherishes first international best actor award". Archived from the original on October 31, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  7. ^ Pascual, Jekki (October 10, 2021). "Jake Cuenca, hinuli matapos umanong makabangga at tumakas". ABS-CBN News (in Tagalog). Retrieved October 10, 2021.
  8. ^ "Grab driver hit by stray bullet during Cuenca car chase". Manila Bulletin. October 10, 2021. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
  9. ^ a b "Cast Members: Super Inday and the Golden Bibe". pep.ph.
  10. ^ "'Tayong Dalawa' Premieres on January 19". ABS-CBN News. ABS-CBN Interactive. January 8, 2009. Retrieved March 23, 2009.
  11. ^ Franco, Bernie (November 30, 2009). "Cristine Reyes and Jake Cuenca Reveal What They Miss About Each Other". Showbuzz Feature. ABS-CBN News. Retrieved December 1, 2009.
  12. ^ a b "Throwback: Shaina Magdayao's Teleserye Journey". February 11, 2017.
  13. ^ "Jake Cuenca on his Role as Elias Paniki: I've Been Hungry for this Project". Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  14. ^ "Jake Cuenca Hopes he can Make Ramon Revilla Sr. Proud". Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  15. ^ "Jake Cuenca Becomes Elias Paniki in Agimat: Ang mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla". May 17, 2010.
  16. ^ "ABS-CBN Releases Trailer of 'Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo'". April 3, 2012.
  17. ^ "Jake Cuenca and Shaina Magdayao Topbill Overseas Filipino-serye, Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo". pep.ph. March 27, 2012.
  18. ^ "Love Tests Bond of Sisterhood in Kahit Puso'y Masugatan". Archived from the original on July 10, 2012. Retrieved April 13, 2017.
  19. ^ Plaza, Gerry (May 31, 2021). "Filipino Adaptations of Famed Foreign Dramas".
  20. ^ "Meet the Powerhouse Cast of 'Ikaw Lamang'". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
  21. ^ "New Trailer for Period Drama 'Ikaw Lamang' Released". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved February 16, 2014.
  22. ^ "'Ikaw Lamang' Sets Premiere Date, Debuts Full Trailer". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved February 23, 2014.
  23. ^ ""Pasion de Amor" Heats Up Primetime TV Beginning Monday". ABS-CBN PR. Archived from the original on May 22, 2015. Retrieved January 24, 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  24. ^ "TV5 gets Aggressive with Fresh Lineup of Primetime Dhows". The Manila Standard. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  25. ^ "WATCH: Official full trailer for Arjo Atayde's film 'Cattleya Killer' released". ABS-CBN News. October 20, 2022. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
  26. ^ "True Horror: On Cinemalaya 2013's Nuwebe and the Monster that is Moises". SPOT.PH.
  27. ^ Dy, Philbert Ortiz (August 21, 2015). "Lihis Movie Review - Newfound Passion". ClickTheCity.
  28. ^ Fernando, Jeff (July 20, 2017). "Jake Cuenca, Ang Bagong Lizardo". ABS-CBN.
  29. ^ "ABS-CBN Film Productions Inc. (Star Cinema)". www.facebook.com. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
  30. ^ Mendoza-Dayrit, Mylene (August 2, 2011). "Jake Cuenca: Abs-olutely fit for the role". The Philippine Star. Retrieved April 2, 2012.
  31. ^ Jarloc, Glaiza (October 12, 2011). "Celebrities to Play in UFL Cup". Sun.Star Manila. Retrieved April 2, 2012.
  32. ^ "Azkals, Bukas sa mga Artistang Nais Pumasok sa Team". ABS-CBN News (in Filipino). April 8, 2011. Retrieved April 2, 2012.

Notes

External links