In a recent vlog on Bernadette Sembrano’s YouTube Channel, Jake Cuenca opened up about his daily routines, his deep passion for acting, and the personal experiences that have shaped his life and career. Known for his intense kontrabida roles, Jake shared a side of himself that goes beyond the characters he portrays on screen.

Jake Cuenca starts his day early, embracing the quiet of the morning to stimulate his creativity. His routine begins with washing his face, brushing his teeth, and settling into his favorite spot—often featured on his Instagram stories—where he reads his script or journals.

During a quick bag raid with Bernadette, Jake revealed his journal, a personal sanctuary where he delves into the minds of his characters. As an advocate of method acting, Jake lives and breathes the roles he plays, often journaling to get into the psyche of his characters. He also shared his admiration for author Ryan Holiday, who reached out to him after Jake posted about Holiday’s books on social media. Among his favorites are “Discipline Is Destiny,” “The Obstacle Is the Way” and “Ego Is the Enemy”—books that have deeply influenced his approach to life and acting.

Jake is often cast in kontrabida roles, but he sees these characters as more than just villains. He acknowledged that his character Cyrus in “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?” was well-loved by viewers. Jake emphasized that his roles are never one-dimensional; he always seeks to understand why his characters turn to darkness. Whether in “The Iron Heart” or “Cattleya Killer,” he portrays his characters as fragile human beings, shaped by their circumstances.

Jake also brought the viewers to his “safe haven” during the pandemic: Gener Café, owned by “FPJ’s Ang Batang Quiapo” actor Jojit Lorenzo. This café became a sanctuary for artists, directors, producers, and musicians who were looking for a place to connect and continue working when the world was on pause.

Jake’s connection with his family runs deep. He reflected on how close he became with his mother during the pandemic, choosing to spend more time with his loved ones as he entered his 30s. Jake considers his father his best friend and acknowledges that his family’s unconditional support has been his greatest blessing. As a token of his gratitude, he gifted his mother a car after years of hard work, fulfilling a personal mission to give back to the people who mean the most to him.

Despite his past as a self-described “black sheep,” Jake found direction through his art, crediting his family for keeping him grounded.

When asked about starting his own family, Jake revealed that he’s not in a rush. Jake describes himself as a hopeless romantic who loves “lubos” and never holds back when it comes to matters of the heart.

As the interview drew to a close, Jake reflected on how he used to be sensitive about sharing his personal life. However, the pandemic taught him that opening up could be a way to connect with others and perhaps even help them.

Jake Cuenca is not just an actor. He’s an artist dedicated to mastering his craft. “I’m just trying to be the best version of myself in every aspect of my life,” he said. After many years in the industry, Jake feels like he’s just getting started, eager to take on roles that will challenge and surprise his audience. Whether it’s acting, directing, writing, or riding motorcycles, Jake’s passion for his craft and love for his family continue to drive him forward, making his life a truly wonderful journey.