Actor Jake Cuenca reflected on the challenges he faced early in his entertainment career.

During a media conference in Quezon City recently, Cuenca recalled the important role played by a fellow actor who offered support and guidance during those formative years. 

Through this reflection, Cuenca expressed gratitude for the kindness he received, emphasizing how the support of others can make a significant difference in one's journey.

"When I was a struggling actor, si Dennis (Trillo) ang tumutulong sa akin noon. So many times, nakitulog ako sa condo niya. When you are a younger actor, wala ka namang stylist. So nagpapahiraman kami ng damit.

"So kahit hindi kami mag-usap ng 10 years ni Dennis, pag nagkita kami dito ngayon, para kaming mag best friends talaga," said Jake. "Dennis is one of my favorite actors."

Jake added: "He's on top of my list na sana makatrabaho ko uli siya. Last time na nakatrabaho ko si Dennis parang noon pang My Neighbor's Wife namin ni Lovi (Poe) and Carla Abellana.

"So ang sarap makatrabaho nitong artista parang after a long time. Parang five years or eight years. Marami ka ng natutunan at basically nagbago na rin yung actor. Ang sarap mag collaborate sa ganung actor," he also said.

Among the younger actors, Jake said he would love to work with Elijah Canlas. "Lagi kong napapansin si Elijah (Canlas). Big fan ako ng movie nila ni Jun Lana." 

Jake is truly making waves in the industry and remains a standout talent. He has established an impressive career as one of the most dedicated actors of his generation without depending on a regular onscreen partner to boost his appeal. 

Recently, Jake renewed his contract with ABS-CBN for three years. He has been in the entertainment industry for over two decades. He admitted he did not expect his contract to be renewed by the Kapamilya Network.

"Mahirap na mag-expect. When I signed the contract and got what I was bargaining for, I was grateful," he also said.

In 2009, Jake gained significant attention for portraying David “Dave” Garcia Jr., a charismatic but conflicted soldier in ABS-CBN’s Tayong Dalawa. This role launched him into stardom, as the show became a huge success across Asia and Africa. 

Over the years, he has continued to break new ground by taking on various leading and supporting roles in various television projects.

In 2022, Jake was cast in the action-packed series "The Iron Heart," where he portrayed Eros del Rio, the main antagonist in the show's second season. 

Following this role, he played a crucial part in the critically acclaimed thriller "Cattleya Killer." He returned to leading man status in the Viu original series *K-Love*.

Jake recently starred in the Philippine adaptation of the K-drama "What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim," where he portrayed the enigmatic Cyrus “Morpheus” Castillo. 

Although the show's primary focus was romance, Jake's character introduced a layer of complexity by serving as the central source of conflict. His role was crucial to the series, as Cyrus's interactions significantly heightened the emotional stakes of the narrative.

Jake has delivered a series of impressive performances at the cinema. He has appeared in mainstream titles such as "In the Name of Love", "My Neighbor’s Wife," and "Status: It’s Complicated." However, his work in the indie scene brought him international acclaim. He played a character named Jake in *Mulat (Awaken)", earning two Best Actor awards for his performance: one at the International Film Festival Manhattan in 2014 and another at the World Cinema Festival in Copacabana in 2016. This success established him as a globally recognized talent.

Two major roles  

Jake is set to take center stage in the highly anticipated Prime Video series "What Lies Beneath," which will also air on the Kapamilya Channel. Directed by Dado Lumibao and produced by the ABS-CBN business unit RCD Narratives, the series revolves around a murder mystery involving six women and two men. 

His character is expected to add significant suspense and intrigue to the story as viewers grapple with the question: Did he do it?

Jake's next project takes him to Netflix with the original film *The Delivery Guy*, directed by Lester Pimentel. 

In this thrilling, high-octane movie, Jake portrays a ruthless mafia boss, and the story revolves around an ordinary man who finds himself in a dangerous situation.

Jake is headlining projects on two of the world's largest streaming platforms, which genuinely highlights his in-demand status. 

His talent for taking on complex and challenging roles allows him to push the boundaries of his craft, solidifying his legacy as one of the most respected and formidable actors in the country.