MOVIEGOER: Simon Ibarra - An actor transforms
Transformation is real. It may be a slow, step-by-step process for many, but an evolutionary act for some. It is also a means for survival, a coping mechanism.
“One only has to work hard for it, not to be picky with roles, strive to be professional at all times,” thus says character actor Simon Ibarra.
A sought-after leading man in sexy movies back in the early 2000s, 57-year-old Simon has managed to graduate from bold films to mainstream fare through sheer hard work and professionalism.
Consider his earlier film credits and the leading ladies within them: Masarap ang Unang Kagat opposite Karla Estrada and Sabrina M., Live Show with Ana Capri and Klaudia Koronel, Madame X starring Ina Raymundo.
“Doing sexy roles was my introduction to the movies. I always knew it was just a start-up for me, a phase in my acting career,” the veteran actor tells me as we await the premiere of romantic drama, ‘Spring in Prague’ at Gateway Cinema in Cubao recently. He said he was there in support of the lead actor, Paolo Gumabao, who has become a friend of his.
Simon quit the movies in to work in Canada where he stayed for years. He did odd jobs, but missed acting.
“I made that move to support my growing family,” he said.
Coming home to Manila, Simon gave acting a second try. Now more mature in outlook and seasoned by experience, he let go of his leading man status to embrace character roles.
“I realized they were more exciting to do. You could really play around such roles,” he says.
This new attitude opened for Simon Ibarra, screen name for Rogelio Matira, originally from Mabini, Batangas, a floodgate of TV and movie opportunities. He was the trouble-maker in Sa Iyo ay Akin opposite Jodi Santa Maria and Iza Calzado. The corrupt mayor in TV series, Darna, the Jane de Leon starrer. He has just wrapped another film version of Florante at Laura, where he’s the father of Florante. The film is directed by Alvin Yapan, produced by an Ateneo-based group. He was also the Metrocom agent in Manila’s Finest. The corrupt Congressman Abel Montelibano in Sins of the Father.
His latest movie, Werewolf Boy, saw him as a police officer.
“I took the role as a last-minute replacement. I don’t mind it one bit if they don’t consider me first as long as I get the part in the end.”
Acting for Simon is a form of livelihood.
While it brings food on the table, it has become admittedly a passion for him.
“That’s why I try to improve my acting with every assignment that comes my way. I study characters, I observe people. I draw inspiration from talking to them, digging into their inner selves.”