He was the “Batang Indio.” He also was “Super Erik” of “Super Maam” teleserye on GMA-7. He has already left a mark of being an actor in Palawan. But he comes into the office of Palawan Daily News like he is a nobody, and in faded jeans, simple shirt and slippers. He is Vincent Magbanua.
He was only eight years old when Vincent had his first film. It was an indie film entitled “Busong” (Palawan Fate”).
He was just swimming with his sister when a film director approached at him and asked him if he can swim. “Naliligo lang kami nun ng ate ko tapos may lumapit sa akin na director. Tapos tinanong niya ako kung marunong ako lumangoy. Tapos sabi niya mag audition raw ako at ‘wag ko papagupitan yung buhok ko,” Vincent recounted, his eyes waxing nostalgic.
“Busong” was about Karma and he played the role of a Pala’wan indigenous person. The film won the grand prize in the National Geographic Society’s All Roads Film Festival (ARFF) in Washington, D.C.
Vincent’s break came when GMA-7 called for him to play as “Batang Indio” or the boy version of “Indio” who was Bong Revilla. Vincent, since then, worked for GMA as an actor.
WHAT CHANGED IN HIM FOR YEARS
“Dati walang nagpapa-picture, ngayon meron na,” Vincent said, bursting with laughter.
Vincent has been in the showbiz industry for years but he is still very shy.
Every time he is asked does it feel to be an “artista,” all he does was laugh.
He said, “Akala nila mahirap ang pag aarte, pero hindi naman, kaya naman talaga kung gugustuhin mo.”
Vincent lives in Bgy. Sicsican, Puerto Princesa during his elementary days and his role as “Batang Indio” became his instant trademark in the barangay and in the whole city.
As he became teen, his childhood friends in Bgy. Sicsican transformed his name into “Indiong Tanyag,” which is just for fun.
The lights, the cameras, the big screen and loads of production staff around a celebrity actor might be overwhelming but when asked if he considers himself as an artista, Vincent replied, “No. Vincent is just an ordinary Cuyunon of Palawan.”
THE TRIALS AND STRUGGLES
It is maybe because he remains grounded and does not think he is rich like others would of a celebrity. “Akala kasi nila pag artista mayaman na.”
Vincent lives with his nine siblings. His father died when he was young. Life was so difficult when he was growing up, he says. He remembers there was a time he only had one peso left in his pocket when he was not yet an actor.
As early as 12 years old, Vincent became the breadwinner for his family. He worked to help his mother and his brothers and sisters who are still studying. “Simula kasi nung namatay ‘yung Papa ko, ako na yung tumayong padre de familia.”
He was the one being called upon when it comes to the financial needs of their parent. Vincent works hard to provide a living for his family.
He is enrolled in a home study program. He also finds it difficult for him to balance work and studies, but “Batang Indio” keeps in mind his responsibilities and his dreams up high to keep him always on track.
But he gets a boost when he hears, “Mabuhay, mabuhay, mabuhay.”
“Ang hirap din, ‘yung puyat, ‘yung pagod,” he said.
He also said that being an actor is a seasonal occupation for there are times that there is no taping and projects but life must go on.
And his number one shield in crossing all the bridges— prayer. Yes, “Batang Indio” is a godly person.
“Wa’y dan si Vincent, dan cuyunon [Vincent is a cuyunon],” he said.
He speaks fluent Cuyunon just like his whole family. He spoke in Cuyunon.
His face is so bronzed up that he seems to enjoy the sun and waves of his hometown a lot. Chasing spiders, bikes, going beaches and rivers are among Vincent’s likes.
And how proud he is being a Palaweño? He put out a big smile and a big nod.
He said that every time a fellow talent asks him where he is from he proudly tells them he is a Palaweño. “Sinasabi ko taga-Palawan ako, at lagi kong sinasabing maganda doon.”
If Vincent is to make a movie, it would be about the indigenous groups Palawan. He has always been fascinated by the richness of the culture in Palawan.
Every time Vincent comes home to Palawan, you’ll see him look for spiders, eat “chaolong” and look for “daing” every morning. That is Vincent not the “Batang Indio” but Vincent the “Indiong Tanyag” of Palawan.