A few weeks after his character Jethro bade farewell to “Lavender Fields,” seasoned character actor Thou Reyes got reunited with his co-star Maricel Soriano, as she had him as her guest in the latest vlog uploaded on her YouTube channel.

Their lighthearted and insightful conversation commenced with Thou confirming that he’s 100% Filipino after the Diamond Star quizzed him about his ethnicity, which is something that probably puzzles those who got to see him onscreen over the years. According to him, both his parents are Pinoys and hail from San Juan City, but due to the recessive genes of his mestiza mom, he obtained the mulatto genes from her lineage.

When asked how he has been feeling ever since leaving the Kapamilya teleserye, Thou said that he still feels high due to the positive feedback that “Lavender Fields” continues to rake in. He actually didn’t have the time to find out the reaction of the viewers before because he was so focused while working on the series. And now that he’s already aware, he’s completely overwhelmed by the amount of appreciation he received for his compelling portrayal, which might be short yet still created a mark.

“Salamat po. Salamat po sa masarap na reactions at feedback kahit na hate na hate nila ako. Pero may lambing ‘yong hate nila e. May lambing,” he conveyed.

With regard to how he felt about being part of “Lavender Fields,” Thou recalled that it only sank into him when all the cast and directors arrived at the story conference. It served as his reunion with Dreamscape Entertainment, as well as with his fellow actors and their directors, with whom he got to work on previous projects.

He described his experience in the series as a “short but very fun and fulfilling moment” and went on to express his admiration for his very professional colleagues who know how to have fun on the set and be serious one the reels started to roll.

Their chikahan then veered to Thou’s showbiz career, which started in 1995 when he became part of the legendary youth-oriented variety program “Ang TV.” He indeed stood out amidst the horde of fair-skinned kids who auditioned that time as star-maker and television director Johnny Manahan, or more popularly known as Mr. M, noticed him. Thus, he has always been grateful to Mr. M, for it was him who discovered him, gave him the opportunity, opened his eyes to the industry, and provided him with the wisdom that he continues to carry with him until present.

Thou temporarily left the spotlight to complete his high school and college education and only returned to showbiz after obtaining his license as a nurse. He was initially planning to work in the United States, but that plan didn't push through when he crossed paths with Mr. M again by chance and he offered him acting jobs. He accepted it and gave himself two years to pursue acting, yet he’s still here.

When it comes to the most favorite character that he has ever done throughout his career, Thou revealed that he actually doesn’t have any. “Wala akong specific na character per project, but I always love when I have enough time to conceptualize the character, to really think about the character. Inuupuan ko po talaga ‘yan and then it’s really a collaborative work. Papasok kayo sa creative, sa director, and then ia-approve nila. So, pumupunta po ako lagi sa set na buo na ako, even ‘yong itsura ko, buo na. ‘Yon ang workability sa akin.”

Just like other celebrities, there was also a point in his career when he got burned out. Fortunately, his dad was there by his side and helped him get through it by advising him to sleep on his negative thoughts and feelings first, and they would talk about them the following day. And it worked, as he always felt recharged and ready to face a new day again after doing so.

He may have already done a variety of characters already, but Thou still wishes to take on the role of someone who’s not totally psycho yet will make the audiences ponder if they’re going to sympathize with him or not.

As Maricel quizzed him about the current status of his heart, Thou revealed that he’s actually single at present yet absolutely in love with acting.

“Because when I’m working, I’m very focused. With what happened sa ‘Lavender Fields,’ sobrang in love ko po, kaya ang haba ng euphoria niya. I’ve done several interviews and tinatanong nila kung kumusta ‘yong experience ko sa Lavender Fields, sabi ko sobrang in love ko because I was able to fulfill or to do kung ano ‘yong gusto kong gawin sa character,” he imparted.

He continued, “I’m so in love sa pag-arte. After so many years, mahal ko po ‘yong ginagawa ko sobra. Feeling ko nagre-reflect siya.”

Aside from his burning passion towards the craft and being surrounded by people who help him grow and stay grounded, another thing that has kept him going in the entertainment industry is his strong faith in God.

“Perfect timing. Naka-schedule lahat ‘yan. That’s why now, in between trabaho, hindi ako natatakot because I know the right project will come and Siya mismo nag-cast no’n. That’s how I train myself,” he said.

With regard to his wish about his life and career, Thou stated, “I wish that I get to continue doing this, I get to continue acting and to do different projects. I also wish na magtuloy-tuloy ‘yong trust sa akin ng mga production, the audience, my co-actors. That when my name is mentioned, they get excited kasi ‘yon naman po ‘yon e. Ibig sabihin, I’ve done something good kasi masaya sila na narinig nila ang pangalan mo.”

Then he added, “For my career, it’s not just a wish but I hope that I get to work more pa and work more on my talent and be able to share pa.”

The interview concluded with Maricel advising Thou to further hone his God-given talent and manifesting that he’s going to be a better actor.

*Photo credit to thou_ism IG