By BOY VILLASANTA
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Actor Philip "Ipe" Salvador is living proof that holding on to hope and courage in the middle of life's trials pays off in the end.
Salvador has certainly had his share of troubles. He currently has an estafa case on appeal. He was convicted in 2005 by a Las Piñas court and since then, his life seemed to go on a downward spiral.
His career on the big screen suffered, as the Philippine movie industry struggled to survive the onslaught of Hollywood films. Despite his enormous talent and experience, he was unable to land film roles.
Then, one day, seemingly out of the blue, the actor received an offer from ABS-CBN to take on an important role in the soap opera "Maging Sino Ka Man."
The TV gig resuscitated Salvador's career, and gave him a chance to be a part of the nightly routine of television viewers. His talents as an actor shone through and impressed a new audience.
He has become very dedicated to his new-found medium, television, and is doubling his efforts to make up for all the years he was absent in showbusiness.
"[I had lost hope] until ABS-CN gave me another break," said Salvador, who spoke with abs-cbnNEWS.com during the wake of Herbert, Hero and Harlene Bautista’s mom Baby Bautista at Arlington Memorial Chapels.
He had to leave the wake early to prepare for a 7:00 a.m. call time the next day. "Ganyan ang professionalism sa TV. (That is professionalism for TV)," he observed.
But the actor is also raring to go back to making films. "Siyempre, sino ba naman ang ayaw ng pelikula. Pero wala pa, e. (Of course, who wouldn’t want to make films but I have no offers yet)," he said.
According to Salvador, an action movie or even a job as director for a film would be attractive to him. He said he is still waiting for the right project to come his way.
Right now, the actor is focused on his work in television and taking care of his family. He is married to a woman from the south and they are blessed with one child.
He enthusiastically took out his camera phone and showed this reporter a picture of his son Pics, who is a year and a half old.
Salvador said his trials have made him a better family man and, that despite his imperfections, he's committed to giving all his children the love they need.