WITH Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides being his first acting stint, Michael feels “blessed” and grateful for Walt Disney and the Philippines “for recognizing Filipinos in a feature film of this magnitude.”
Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer under the direction of Rob Marshall, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, tells the story of Jack Sparrow (played by Johnny Depp) boarding the the ship named “Queen Anne’s Revenge” owned by the legendary pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), together with the mysterious Angelica (Penelope Cruz). Together, they embark on a quest to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. As he searches for the legendary fountain, Jack is torn to whom he should be more cautious about: Blackbeard or Angelica.
Michael Ilano Rosales, who also goes by the name Mic3 as a hip-hop artist, plays as one of the pirates in Queen Anne’s Revenge. Mic3 believes that it was his rugged Asian features that made him stand out among the 4,000 people who auditioned.
Although his father is a Bisaya and his mother a Cavitena, Mic3 lived in Heidelberg, Germany until he was 3 years old. He then relocated to Hawaii, where he now resides. The last time he was in the Philippines was during August- October 2009, where he volunteered to help the victims of Ondoy via the Aloha Medical Mission based in Hawaii.
In an exclusive interview with the Asian Journal, Mic3 shared the rest of his experiences as a pirate, a musician, and a person of great faith.
Asian Journal (AJ): Can you tell us more about your role as one of the pirates of the ship?
Mic3: I play an Asian Core Pirate on Jack Sparrow’s (played by Johnny Depp) Ship. Core Pirates are seen throughout several parts of the movie. There are always Pirates in any given scene on water on the ship and on land as well! Pirates have to stretch out sometimes! Yaaargh
AJ: Can you share one memorable experience you had while doing Pirates of the Caribbean?
Mic3: One of my more memorable experiences filming was the chance to film in London, England. This was the first time I’ve ever been there and it was incredible! I was the lone pirate of the chosen few who had the opportunity to fly out and continue filming with Disney/Jerry Bruckenheimer Productions.
AJ : How does it feel to be working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood like Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz?
Mic3: Just to be in the presence of Johnny, Penelope and even Jerry Bruckenheimer was unbelievable but they are truly some of the nicest, down-to-earth people I’ve met! They are geniuses at what they do! And while with the likes of Johnny and Penelope was incredible in itself, but there are so many others on the cast and crew that made the experience truly unforgettable.
AJ: How difficult is it for a Filipino-American to get a break in Hollywood?
Mic3: I think the odds are greater in casting Filipino-Americans because Hollywood rarely calls for people to play “Filipino-Americans” per se. However, I think we are at an advantage in the sense that we have a unique yet versatile appeal in that we’re Asian yet can also pass as Latino. I notice an increase in Asian-Americans, including Filipino-American’s getting breaks in Hollywood. However, we have a long way to go. Regardless of ethnicity, if you believe in your dream you will pursue your dream until you get that break.
AJ: As a hip-hop artist, how will you describe your music?
Mic3: My music is all about putting your mind where you heart is and conveying that message to the listener. I see music as a way to inspire, educate, and paint a picture audibly through words. I have an array of up-lifting trendy songs that educate on the Filipino culture as well as raw, tough music to show you where I came from. I take pride in being well rounded and versatile. I draw my inspiration from numerous sources including my father who would sing at house parties to the youth looking for a purpose in their lives.
AJ: What are you most proud about being a Filipino?
Mic3: The aspect of my Filipino Heritage that I appreciate the most is having faith. Like Manny Pacquiao, it’s through my faith, dedication, and hard work that I have been able to persevere through life’s challenges, like how Manny does in the ring.
AJ: What is your advice to other Asians, Filipinos who are also interested in making a name in show business?
Mic3: My advice very simple. If you have a dream, regardless of who you are and what others say, pursue it. Through faith, dedication and hard work, you’ll persevere and achieve it eventually. You’ll be kicking yourself looking back and saying to yourself that you wish you would’ve done it... I never have regrets because I know God has a plan for me, and I give Him thanks and praise every day.
This kare-kare-loving actor hopes to visit the Philippines “very soon,” and learn how to speak fluent Tagalog as well. In the meantime, he invites everyone to watch Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, which opens in cinemas on May 2011.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(OCIE May 6-12, 2011 RedCarpet pg.2)
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