[Just Updated on Friday, May 25, 2012]

My Big Announcement is …

In a nut shell: I have not just been making art for The Voyage (2012), I am acting in it as well.

For months, I led just about everyone in my life to believe I was only producing art for the film. Nope. I was not flown around the world just to paint. For once in my life, my wild travels actually had a purpose. And, that purpose is my first movie role.

This was a hell of an experience! All-around memorable. Humbling. I am very proud to have contributed my small piece to this film.

My Role

The Voyage (2012) is really four stories in one. Of those four, the story of Leni Speidel and I centers on a love affair gone wrong, so wrong I eventually kill myself.

But, I’m going to cut myself short. I have to save some good stuff for later. After all, you have to wait several months before even getting to the trailer, di ba? Our first press release: 

Our first appearance on SCREEN INTERNATIONAL..I know I am a lil late but..better late than never http://t.co/eBsb8UrO

—
Leni Speidel (@LeniSpeidel) May 17, 2012

Question: Am I an Artist or an Actor?

I have always introduced myself as an artist, and I always will. Why?

I don’t think I would have gotten away with half the shizz I have in life, were I not calling myself an artist. You can just about get away with anything. Think of all the possibilities, all those questions you can now answer. Did Sebastian really just eat that? Is he on something? Is the guy skinny-dipping?! Why does he look like that? Oh my Gulay?!? Look at how much easier the conversation suddenly looks!

“Are you sure Sebastian isn’t completely baliw? “

“Hindi! He’s just an artist. Ganyan na lang sya.”

“Oh. (Pause)  Sige- sige.”

So now that you know I’m trying to justify my lack of sanity, it’s extra important you remember your line. “Oh, he’s just an artist. Wag kang mag-alala.” Wink-wink.

Answer: I’m An Artist & Performing Artist Maybe

I did not wake up yesterday and decide to become an actor. That would be nice. I’ve spent most of my waking life training to become the most universal performer humanly possible. Training to sing, dance, and act wasn’t enough. I have that language learning obsession as well. You see, I have the crazy idea of taking on acting roles in different languages. I can’t think of anything more absolutely challenging than convincing audiences on the opposite side of the world I could pass for a local. I love the idea so much I’m willing to invest years of my life to make it happen. Dear Philippines, sa tingin nyo kaya ko kaya? Kung alam nyo lang, most aspiring actors can be found wading tables all over Hollywood. Totoo yun.

Instead I’ve been at one casting after another, one audition after another, all in more than half a dozen different cities, different film markets, completely different countries, all over the course of years. I don’t plan on stopping now. I’ll forever be a kid with a crayon chasing his dreams. You’re always welcome to watch, point, and laugh!

I asked what you thought I should call you. Because I love you, I decided you should decide. And your answer was: Sebsters !!

Thank you for having my back. You always have my love.

A Few Camera-Stills For Now

Tday was one of those days–I fall in love, fell heart-broken, died 10 times, with a couple resurrections to spare.—
Sebastian Castro (@Sebastianslife) April 19, 2012

It’s not every day I get to swim in a fountain, fall in love, and kill myself–and in Hanover, Germany no less. Enjoy the snapshots! More to come, as always.

Resting in-between takes

I die. Eventually.

Green screen shots before their composite

I’m trying to follow directions. Looks funny doesn’t it?

This thing hurt like so many potty-mouth words my mom told me never to use.

Leni Speidel

The Artist. Me.

Laughter on set.

Magic.

He’s fixing that tie I don’t have on.

Brr-rr-rr! It’s cold!

After shooting my very last shot of the day, I finally get out of the wires. Can you tell how happy I am?