This 2009 seems to be a destiny as far as young actor Aljur Abrenica is concerned. The Kapuso teenage hunk is touted as one of the rising stars to reach a career’s peak this Year of the Ox, what with his impressive performances in recent outings that have catapulted him into a fan favorite.

The Pampanga pride is currently making waves with his showcase of effective acting skill and bravura display of handsomeness. He is now busy taping for his half-engkanto role in GMA-7’s ongoing fantaserye “Luna Mystica,” while also making his presence felt in hosting and singing as part of Sunday noon’s SOP.

“My big wish this year is to become a leading man in a teleserye or movie,” candidly expressed the 18-year old Starstruck gem who earned the title “Ultimate Hunk” during his reality-TV shot for fame just a couple of years back.

Being one of the multi-talented members of GMA Artist Center, his wish must be the destiny’s command, especially with a long year ahead and nothing seems to be stopping his journey to the top. He embodies the pose of a dramatic action star in the mold of Robin Padilla, minus much of the street-smart macho attitude. On his own, his act shows a classy image of silent-type toughie who knows when to throw a punch or shed a tear.

In both tones of honesty and excitement, Aljur noted, “Gusto ko drama and at the same time action. Sa edad kong ‘to I really welcome acting for cute love stories, habang ipinapakita ko din ang tikas at galaw ng isang Pinoy action hero.”

That tough kid stance was revealed during his act on the Dennis Trillo-starrer “Zaido” where he also performed as ‘pulis kalawakan,’ along with the late Marky Cielo who used to give him pointers that according to him helped him a lot.

With a unique name that is a play on his father’s Alfonso Jr., Aljur also acted on “Dyesebel” series which for him is the toughest to date.  He played a poor fellow who fell in love and got broken hearted.

Asked about his craft routine, the rising dude who grew up in Angeles, Pampanga explained, “Sa akin, binabasa ko ang buong script. Pinag-aaralan ko kada linya. Pero ‘di ko magagawang ok ‘yun kundi dahil sa mga payo ng directros at walang tigil na practice. Saludo ako sa mga tulad nina direk BB. Joyce Bernal, Don Michael Perez, and Dominic Zapata.”

Getting better all the time

As a GMA Artist Center talent, Aljur developed skills that made him who he is at such a speed. “Marami akong natutunan sa GMA, ‘di ako sumasayaw dati , ‘di ako marunong mag-host, at ‘di ako nakaka-arte. Pero lahat ‘yun nagagawa ko na dahil sa pagiging kapuso.”

For all his talents, singing is one born with him. Thus his performances in SOP’s Bro Band segment gives him much delight to the point of saying he wants to try recording in the future. He picks the likes of Jesse McCartney, Aaron Carter and the more recent Jonas Brothers as big influences which go well with his sort-of boyband image.

Whereas his many talents have led him to greener pastures, Aljur’s unselfish outlook in dealing with his work is what really makes things possible. His chemistry with the cute Kris Bernal, according to him, is brought by their selflessness in helping their on-screen partnership look convincingly real.

He doesn’t abuse himself partying and would rather go for regular workouts during free time. A lover of basketball at 5’8”, he used to play the center position due to his athleticism.

Showbiz being a gossip world, Aljur understands that his career is prone to intrigues which more often than not are far from truth. “Ok lang mapag-usapan lovelife ko. Parte ng trabaho ‘yun. Lagi sinasabi ng dad ko na pinasok ko ‘to so kailangan responsible enough ako to face the music.”

Aljur can only thank everybody in showbiz for his life’s turnaround. Just two years back he was still commuting via jeepneys in Pampanga. Now he is driving the latest Fortuner model. When not in the driver’s seat he has his beloved Henry the driver whose wisdom he likens to that of his dad’s. He is now living independently, while not forgetting to visit his family in Pampanga, often after Sunday’s work.

Now that the time is ripe, expect Aljur Abrenica to experience another turning point in his continuing ride to stardom. His growing number of fans are sure hoping to see this happen.