What Being Rex Lantano Feels Like

Photography by JR Sala II

In 2000, the late Rudy Lantano, an innovative scientist, invented three things, and they dwelt among us. These were alcodiesel, the algas (alternative alcohol gas blend) and the super bunker formula L.

Fast forward to 17 years a later, his grandson, Rex Lantano, finally got his break as an actor after almost giving up. A graduating student of mass communications at FEU, he started acting when he was just 14 years old, playing a semi-regular yet inconspicuous roles in various teleseryes like Princess and I (2012). He even played a bit part as a cellphone thief in Ekstra (2013). Of course, he did not imagine that 4 years later, the wheel would turn for him.

Since his family is quite well-to-do and he has a natural business acumen, he put up a mini-restobar in Las Piñas at an age where most millennials like him indulge in partying fueled by the “yolo mindset”. He did this at the time when he felt that he couldn’t do anymore since he usually gets just bit parts even after taking up acting workshops. However, he just can’t get rid of the acting bug and he decided to try his luck once more. Soon, he met Shandii Bacolod of MSB Talent Management who saw his potential and signed him up.

Photo from Rex Lantano

Prior to bagging the role of Julius Concepcion in What Home Feels Like, a Tofarm Film Festival 2017 official entry, he did short films with DLS-Lipa (for which he bagged the Best Actor award at the Cinemapua 2017 awards where the film Siphayo was entered) and his alma mater. He was Ariston de Jesus of the TV mini-series Katipunan (2013) and was also part of Goldilock’s viral ad #Kiliglamig which aired around March.

Like his character in the film, he’s used to not having a father figure. His defines home as, “Yung peaceful ka…yung makakatulog ka…yung panatag ang loob mo at masaya ka.” He makes sure to really prepare prior to his take so it would be “take one” as much as possible since he doesn’t like being the cause of delay.

He shared the two best lessons he has learned in show business so far. Number one is, “Maghintay ng tamang timing. Kapag hindi mo pa talaga kaya, wag ipilit.” And, “Maging seryoso sap ag-arte, wag lang isipin na laro-laro, na gusting magkapera at sumikat. Maraming kumpetensya ngayon.”

Photo from the store's FB page

Even though he has something more to look forward to in his career, he did put up a business again last year that’s easier to manage: Mang Tuhog BBQ House in Las Piñas. Wherever his perseverance may take him, he wants to dedicate his triumphs, both big and small, to his grandparents, since they’re the ones who were very supportive of him.

Who would imagine that Rudy Lantano, an alternative fuel inventor, would eventually be the fuel to keep his grandson Rex Lantano’s fire burning?

Photo from Pinoy Achievers Blog

Photo from Shandii Bacolod