Last year, the public saw him make a splash with his first red carpet appearance at the Star Magical Prom. This year, promising new kapamilya actor Emilio makes his acting debut in iWantTFC’s new a coming-of-age sports romantic dramedy Love at First Spike. He plays the role of Uno, a basketball team captain, in the series which starts streaming next month. 

In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN before he entered the Pinoy Big Brother house, Emilio revealed just how hard it was to get a chance to be cast in the lead role in the series.

“Nag-audition ako. Hindi po ako handpicked. Grabe, madami akong nakalaban na artista dito sa industriya. We were like 50 guys and sa awa ng Diyos, napili ako ni direk. Grabe, super super thankful and blessed ako! It’s a dream come true. Kasi siyempre as a young actor, siyempre ang goal is maging bida, maging leading man. So ito na po yung pagkakataon ko maging isang leading man and maging bida sa isang teleserye,” he admitted. 

READ: These pre-Bahay ni Kuya selfies of Emilio Daez give major heartthrob vibes

Part of the preparation for the series included the cast undergoing volleyball training which Emilio enjoyed because of his athletic roots as a varsity athlete.

“Ay grabe, actually parang may halong kaba pero excitement. Kasi siyempre coming from basketball, wala masyadong similarities pero meron in terms of athleticism needed. So definitely jumping power, speed, and reaction time. Thankfully, meron naman ako nun. Pero yung basics ng volleyball and yung fundamentals is something that is very new to me.

"Although I would play informally sa mga intrams, sportsfests. Minsan sa beach puwede din mag-beach volleyball. Pero ito yung kauna-unahang beses na nag-formal training ako sa volleyballl and grabe, napaka-exciting. Kasi medyo na-in love na din ako sa sport kasi sobrang saya din pala,” he shared. 

READ: These 5 things Emilio Daez can’t live without might surprise you!

Currently seen as a housemate in the ongoing season of Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition, Emilio was steadily gaining more experience on camera after hosting the “Star Magical Christmas 2024: Feel the Merry Magic” last year and becoming a regular host of iWant ASAP. He also made his acting debut in the teleserye Pamilya Sagrado as a fraternity member. He also starred in his first-ever music video for Alexa Ilacad’s single “Kung Naging Tayo" where he plays her leading man in the video.

Known as PBB’s “Mr. Bankable Achiever ng Pasig,” Emilio said he uses his background as a former investment banker to help him do  better in showbiz.

“It’s something that I can apply dito sa pag-arte kasi very demanding ang work ng isang artista. And kapag napapabilang ka sa isang teleserye, grabe talaga ang preparation na kailangan para mapaganda ang isang teleserye. So yun yung nadadala ko from investment banking. The hard work and discipline and sana makita sa seryeng ito,” he said. 

Born as the the youngest son of the late Leo Daez and Monique Banzon, Emilio is also known as the younger brother of actor and host Mikael Daez, husband of beauty queen and actress Megan Young.

Watch the eight-episode series Love At First Spike, directed by Ivan Andrew Payawal, as it begins streaming this June on iWantTFC. Starring Emilio Daez, Reign Parani, Sean Tristan, River Joseph, Andi Abaya, Sky Quizon, Dylan Yturralde, Rain Celmar, Binsoy Namoca, Lance Reblando, Bong Gonzales, and Jude Hinumdum.