His complete name is Marco Imperal Gumabao, born on August 14, 1994 in the Philippines. He goes to Ateneo High School, and is now taking up Psychology at De La Salle University. His father is a popular actor named Dennis Roldan. He is a new young Filipino actor that appeared in a teen-oriented show entitled “LUV U,” aired over ABS-CBN Network. Marco was paired with Miles Ocampo, also a new teenage Filipina actress in Philippine show business. He had a sister named Michelle Gumabao, an equally popular varsity volleyball player of Dela Salle University.
His first exposure was in “LUV U,” and compared to the other cast, he was considered a neophyte. His co-stars came from “Goin Bulilit,” a kiddie show over ABS-CBN, such as Angeli Gonzales, Kiray Celis, CJ Novato, Igiboy Flores and Alfred Labatos. At first, he felt pressured because it was his first time to showcase his acting skills. It was his mom, a friend of Director Edgar “Bobot” Mortiz who asked him if he wants to try showbiz, which he readily accepted.
Marco attended an acting workshop to have a feel of the show, and to bond and be familiar with those who he would be working with. He was accommodated and welcomed by his colleagues and that he felt he was already part of the group. The cast had helped him and also taught him, so he became comfortable and later enjoyed the rest of the workshop.
Marco idolizes Sam Milby among Filipino actors. He had seen the actor since Pinoy Big Brother days, and he found him wholesome and kind-hearted. He also like the way he acts, not too pushy, but rather natural. He had also seen him how he treats his fans, and stays humble despite his popularity. Those are the reasons why he admires him as an actor.
He is also appearing in “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw,” again with love team Miles Ocampo. He is quick to add that he is comfortable working with Miles and that it is okay with him whoever he is paired with. He focuses on his work and studies now, and makes sure he gives his best in both worlds. Marco’s dad, Dennis Roldan keeps on reminding him to always thank the Lord for the blessings and the talent that he was given.
In reality, he wanted to be a professional basketball player, but he was given the opportunity to be in the showbiz. He is also overwhelmed by the attention he is being given now, and was unexpectedly surprised. He used to ride the train (LRT), but because there were already many who recognize him, he can’t do it anymore. He is just happy he is not given the same attention in school, and he is treated like any other student.
Now that he was given the chance, he promised to make the most out of it, and prove to be efficient in his acting career as well as his studies. His mother and sister are very proud of him.
