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Jake Cuenca on the art of giving his all as Edong Santiago

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Why “What Lies Beneath’s” Edong Santiago stands as another career-defining role for Jake Cuenca

Rianna Mae Santiago

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774544443893edong2.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>Finally arriving at the ultimate culmination of his impeccable portrayal as the lethal yet tragic character of Edong Santiago in “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/what-lies-beneath" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em>What Lies Beneath</em></u></strong></a>,” the incredibly talented Jake Cuenca was beyond thrilled to recount his deeply moving experiences throughout the entire creation of the show.</p><p>In the instances in which he fondly described the layers that completed Edong’s narrative, Jake consistently emphasized the significance of the subversive nature of his character, in which he acted as a reflection or a lasting critique of the real-world injustice perpetuated by a hypocritical society. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2026/2/12/the-road-to-revenge-the-edong-santiago-s-story-in-what-lies-beneath-part-1-6-1444" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>READ: The road to revenge: The Edong Santiago’s story in “What Lies Beneath” </u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>Looking back on his filming process, Jake appears to have changed compared to when he first stepped into Edong’s shoes, particularly since he was also freed like his character. “It feels very freeing [since Edong’s story] was really heavy to carry alone,” he expressed.  </p><p>He then defined his portrayal of Edong as a full-body experience, during which he became anti-social on set, frequently working alone on his solo scenes, with cameras that were his sole companions. Jake further stated that his custom-made teeth and convincing makeup made him more absorbed in the persona he played. </p><p>His meticulous preparations were indeed fulfilling, with Jake pointing out that the viewers’ appreciative reactions conveyed that feeling.  “Everything was worth it. That’s what we want. This is the reaction that we really, really worked for. We wanted them to understand him,” he added. </p><p>In terms of separating himself and Edong, he opened up about at times finding it difficult to pull away, especially if he believes that he failed to perform adequately or made a mistake that was far from the expected outcome. Even so, Jake chose the role as the one where he gave his everything. </p><p>“When I ended it, tumayo balahibo ko because it was that satisfying. All of a sudden, parang gumaan ako, and then everyone just hugged and congratulated me because they knew how difficult it was,” he reminisced. </p><p>On top of “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/what-lies-beneath" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em>What Lies Beneath</em></u></strong></a>,” Jake also had to balance his jam-packed schedules with “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/batangquiapo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em>FPJ’s Batang Quiapo</em></u></strong></a>.” Despite this, he remained positive and dedicated to his craft as an actor. </p><p>“Like I told my directors, the most satisfying things are not always the easiest things. It’s so satisfying because it was also so challenging, and that’s what I felt for my roles,” he conveyed.</p><p>When it came to earning the praises of viewers as well as receiving accolades, Jake highlighted that those are some of the things actors work sincerely hard for. He continued, “Bihira ‘yung ganito, where you were able to make art, you’re satisfied, and people saw it and talked about it. Sobrang satisfying.”</p><p>With Edong’s journey opening the eyes of many towards social injustice, Jake regarded his ten-month immersion at Mandaluyong City Jail, in preparation for Edong, as an experience that truly changed how he personally sees the world. </p><p>“Being there in Mandaluyong City Jail changed my perspective on life in general… It made me appreciate what I had more. It made me appreciate myself as an actor kasi when you go to a place like that, you realize na sobrang divisive nila,” he shared. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/11/17/what-lies-beneath-ang-simula-ng-paghahari-sa-kulungan-ni-edong-episode-21-2242" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>WATCH: Ang simula ng paghahari sa kulungan ni Edong | What Lies Beneath</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>At the same time, Jake was reminded that while he was there, the people, including the inmates and guards, still warmly welcomed him. He even pulled off performing his lines for them, among them the chilling and vengeful phone call he had with Kaila Estrada as attorney Erica Melendez. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/10/21/what-lies-beneath-erica-sinabi-kay-edong-ang-totoo-sa-pinagdaanan-nilang-magkakaibigan-episode-2-2139" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>WATCH: Erica, ipinagtapat kay Edong ang totoo sa pinagdaanan nilang magkakaibigan | What Lies Beneath </u></strong></a></div><div> </div><p>“I told them in ten months, kapag napanood n’yo ‘to, you’re not going to love him. But for sure, you’re really going to respect his story,” he elaborated.</p><p>Catch the remaining episodes of “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/what-lies-beneath" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em>What Lies Beneath</em></u></strong></a>,” Mondays to Fridays, 8:45 PM, on ABS-CBN via ALLTV2. Viewers can also watch it on Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), A2Z, and <a href="https://app.iwanttfc.com/dFR6MWHAcVb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>iWant</u></strong></a>.</p>

<p>Jake Cuenca discusses his meticulous preparations for “What Lies Beneath” and the influential role of Edong Santiago throughout his career and life.</p>

Jake Cuenca discusses his meticulous preparations for “What Lies Beneath” and the influential role of Edong Santiago throughout his career and life.

Exclusive: Why “What Lies Beneath’s” Edong Santiago stands as another career-defining role for Jake Cuenca

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Exclusive: Why “What Lies Beneath’s” Edong Santiago stands as another career-defining role for Jake Cuenca

Rianna Santiago

Published March 27, 2026 01:11 AM PHT

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Updated March 27, 2026 08:39 AM PHT

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What Lies Beneath

Jake Cuenca

Edong Santiago

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