"THE ACTOR'S CUE"

(essential lessons every aspiring actors should know)

(my takeaways from Lhoi Ocasion's interview in "Panalong Buhay")

Fame. Money. Applause.

These are often the first things that draw people toward acting. Many dream of appearing on television, adored by fans and basking in the spotlight. There’s nothing really wrong with that. But what often gets overlooked is that acting isn’t just about being seen, It is also not all fun and glitter. It demands huge sacrifices, ability to withstand rejection, and a great deal of humility. These truths were among the powerful points shared by up-and-coming actor LHOI OCASION in his recent interview on the YouTube show “Panalong Buhay.”

As someone just starting to carve out his place in the industry, Lhoi gave the audience a peek at the ins and outs of the business — the challenges he faced to land projects, the setbacks that redirected his path, and the lessons learned along the way.

In that insightful 1 hour and 20 minute interview, here are my 9 key takeaways that stood out

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1. There Are No Shortcuts

You can’t just step onto a set and expect to earn a five-digit salary right away — every opportunity has to be earned. Lhoi emphasized that aspiring actors must also be financially prepared if they’re serious about pursuing this craft. Many productions run on tight budgets, while some have little to none at all. That means expenses like meals, and transportation (when not provided) can quickly pile up once you commit to a project.

Patience is equally essential. Lhoi shared times when he spent hours waiting on set, only for his scene to be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. Disappointments and frustrations are inevitable in this line of work. If you can’t handle them, it may be worth rethinking whether this path is truly for you.

2. Passion Really Goes A Long Way

Passion is what fuels you to keep going despite the challenges you’ll inevitably face. Before stepping into the industry, ask yourself:

What will I do when no one appreciates my performance?

What if the role I’ve been dreaming of doesn’t land in my lap and instead was given to other actor who really doesn't deserve it?

Will I quit, or will I keep pushing forward?

Passion is the anchor that keeps you steady because if you know in your heart that this is really your dream, you will definitely brave all the odds just to reach it.

3. God Will Lead You Back

In the interview, Lhoi shared a season in his life when he had to go abroad to earn more for his family. Even though he had some experience in acting through commercials, it wasn’t enough to sustain them. Still, he believed God had bigger plans. In time, opportunities came that allowed him to return to his first love: which is performing.

The lesson that I got from this is that years may pass, and your path may take unexpected turns, but if it’s truly your calling, God will redirect you to where you are meant to be.

4. Let Humility Open Doors

Humility was a recurring theme throughout Lhoi’s interview. He reminded us that it doesn’t matter how young or old you are, or how much or little experience you have — you must accept that you don’t know everything.

Recognizing this early on, Lhoi chose to attend workshops, learn new techniques, and deepen his appreciation for the craft. Those lessons eventually became tools he now brings into his projects, proving that humility truly opens doors for growth.

5. Build Meaningful Connections

People often forget that meeting new people — wherever you may be — is a golden opportunity to grow your network. I saw this firsthand with Lhoi during our In-URGE-Y Acting Workshop with Malou de Guzman. I observed how he naturally connected with other participants, asking where they came from and what sparked their interest in acting. In building friendships, he was also building bridges that could help him move forward in his career.

In the interview, Lhoi emphasized the importance of having the confidence to approach people and get to know them. As he said, the entertainment industry is cutthroat — you never know when your next big break will come. Sometimes, the very people you’ve met along the way will be the ones to put your name out there.

6. Nothing Is Guaranteed

This point ties closely to number 4 above. Lhoi recalled an audition where he noticed veteran actress Jackie Lou Blanco sitting beside him, waiting for her turn just like everyone else. Despite her established career and well-known family in showbiz, she still had to audition.

That moment was an eye-opener. There is this reality that being part of countless films and series doesn’t guarantee you a spot in the next one. As actress Eugene Domingo once said,

“You are only as good as your last performance.”

7. Respect And Professionalism. Always.

This one may sound straightforward, but it bears repeating: newcomers should show respect to everyone. The same respect you give to producers, directors, and co-actors should also extend to utility staff, makeup artists, and crew members.

Lhoi also reminded us that professionalism isn’t reserved for the big names in the industry — it applies to everyone, including film students who are just starting out. By valuing their efforts, you help create an environment where respect flows both ways. After all, those students you’re working with today might become tomorrow’s renowned directors or producers, and the last thing you’d want is to leave them with a bad impression.

8. Handling Rejections.

The entertainment industry is not for the faint of heart. You need thick skin, because you’ll hear “NO” far more often than “YES.” In the interview, Lhoi suggested helpful tips on how to reframe whenever you are rejected.

Instead of sulking or complaining, take a step back and reflect. Ask yourself: Why didn’t I get that role? Physically speaking, does my look or presence suit the character? Am I taking care of my health and fitness? Mentally, am I in the right headspace? Did I prepare enough before facing the director or casting team?

Rejection isn’t personal. More often than not, it’s simply about finding the right fit. It doesn’t diminish your value or talent, it just means that maybe, timing wasn’t right.

9. The True Definition Of Success.

One of the most impactful parts of the interview was Lhoi’s perspective on success. Success can mean different things to different people — a high income, a collection of awards, or a steady stream of projects. But Lhoi echoed a powerful proverb of: Learn. Earn. and Return.

He explained that when we’re young, we should focus on learning, gaining knowledge, experiences, and discovering our niche. As we grow older, we begin to earn — applying our skills and passions to build stability. And finally, once we are established, it’s now time to return — to give back to the community, uplift others, and help them reach their dreams.

I think that if we only learn but never apply, we’re just dreaming. If we only earn, we become selfish. But when we return, we're not only share wisdom, but we also leave a legacy for others to follow.

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There’s still so much more I could share from that interview, but I’ll leave the rest for you to discover. Lhoi’s words were filled with realizations that anyone can learn from. And mind you — the lessons he shared don’t just apply to aspiring actors, but to anyone, no matter what field they’re in.

So to my friend, and a rising star who I believe will soon be one of the most sought-after actors of this generation — Lhoi Ocasion — thank you, and congratulations! I look forward to seeing more of your projects and future interviews.

(Thank You to "PANALONG BUHAY" for this great interview!)

#ActingJourney #AspiringActors #ShowbizLife #HumilityAndGrowth #PassionAndPurpose #RespectOnSet #ActorTips #LearnEarnReturn #ActingMotivation #LhoiOcasion

#BehindTheScenes #ActorLife #FilmIndustry #OnSetLife #ChasingDreams #CreativeJourney #StorytellingThroughActing #EntertainmentIndustry #AuditionLife #ActorMindset #StageAndScreen #BuildingConnections #SuccessMindset #NeverGiveUp #GrindAndGrow

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FOLLOW LHOI ON HIS SOCIALS

Tiktok: @djlhoi

Facebook: @lhoi.ocasion

Instagram: @sapo_kadaraph

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WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8oT_KrCFOE