Television extras is a job that is often overlooked by many. Our all-time favorite scenes wouldn’t be complete without the people acting in the background—wishing to get the ~*spotlight*~ someday. One of those hopefuls is CA Sitson, a 22-year-old aspiring actor.
Now a graduating student from Far Eastern University (FEU) Manila, CA is more determined than ever to pursue his lifelong dream to be a great actor, even if that means he needs to start with being an extra. With enough grit and faith, he proved that making his own name in the entertainment industry while stilland being a competent student is possible.
Start of the dream
Born and raised in Caloocan City, CA has always described himself as a people person. His ~passion~ for being in front of the camera started when he became an active servant leader in their church's Social Communications and Media ministry. This is also the major reason why he took up the course of Communication in college, he wants to hone his skills in the field driven by his passion to make people smile.
“Making people happy by being me is my greatest goal. Kaya naman sabi ko sa sarili ko, gusto ko din maging magaling na actor like Eugene Domingo, hindi lang nagpapatawa pero nararamdaman mo na mahal nila ang ginagawa nila kaya natural na lang na mahawa ka sa pag arte nila,” CA shared when asked who is the particular actor that he looks up to. He is also a big fan of Ai-Ai Delas Alas, Richard Gutierrez, Dingdong Dantes, and the late Director Wenn Deramas.
When CA enters the room, the atmosphere immediately improves because of the brightness he radiates. A good time is always guaranteed when he's around, and when he starts speaking, everyone will start laughing due to his hilarious personality. His professors and classmates are the everyday witnesses of the joy he brings to the table. CA leveraged this quality to increase his audience by being a TikTok content creator and established himself as your resident Hataw na Tamaraw!
Currently, he has about 50,000 followers on the said platform where he showcases his acting, reporting, and hosting skills all at once. With his magnetic energy and authenticity, some local brands start to tap him to promote their products on his social media accounts. Establishing his branding online helped him to be a self-made artist that is bound for fame in one way or another, bridging him closer to his dream.
Chasing fame
He is not like the rest who have the connections to make it in the world of showbiz—his only connection is his big dream. Eager to make his desire a reality, CA joined many Facebook groups that are exclusive for auditions and casting calls. After patiently searching and waiting for six months, he landed his first role for the GMA network’s series One of the Baes in October of 2019. Without thinking twice, he grabbed this unexpected opportunity and his journey as an extra officially began.
“Ang una kong role ay isang marine student na kaklase nila Jelai Andres, Buboy Villar, Rita Daniela, at Ken Chan. ‘Yung wardrobe requirement na white shirt at washed jeans ay hiram ko pa sa isang mabuting kaibigan, 9 PM ako sinabihan na may taping na ako, 11 PM ko hiniram, at 2 AM na yung call time sa GMA. As in hulog ng langit dahil hindi ko pa alam ang pasikot-sikot at galawan, ang alam ko lang ay gusto ko ito at ito na ang pagkakataon,” he enthusiastically narrated.
Working as an extra before the pandemic meant that face-to-face classes were still ongoing at the time, which required CA to make a lot of adjustments and sacrifices. There are days when his taping would end just as the sun was rising. He would go home at 4 AM, get a bit of sleep (or sometimes none at all), and then prepare for a 7:30 AM class the same day. Even when his university shifted to full remote learning, the struggle stayed the same. As a working student, mastering time management skills became his ally.
“From the start, I have watched how he’s been resilient to be able to pursue his passion in acting. It’s not an easy journey, but as he always says, ‘baby step’ is what it takes towards reaching his dreams. One thing’s for sure, he really is hardworking,” Christer Vinculado stated as CA’s closest friend and the witness of his perseverance through the years.
Despite the many restless days and sleepless nights, CA still delivered in his academic life as a consistent dean’s lister and a student leader. In the 2022 Tam Awards spearheaded by the FEU Department of Communication with thea purpose to celebrate the new wave of communication champions, CA received the award as the “Performer of the Year” for being an exemplary student who is brave enough to step outside of his comfort zone.
“Talagang literal na juggle, habang nasa set ako, naka-open lang ‘yung Zoom at Microsoft Teams ko sa phone para present ako sa attendance, tapos pinapanood ko na lang ‘yung recording sa gabi pagka-pack up. Imbis na ipahinga at itulog, pagka-pack up din ako gagawa ng school requirements. Mahirap talaga pero ewan ko rin bakit ko nairaos at napagtagumpayan ang mga pagsubok na iyon, siguro dahil masaya akong napapagod. Mahal ko kasi yung ginagawa ko.”
Ticket to stardom
His stint on GMA's First Lady was undoubtedly his biggest break as an extra. CA was picked as the regular reporter for the show’s storyline about voters' education campaigns. The most unforgettable part is his real name was flashed as the chargen in the television series, making all his relatives proud! This was also the first time that he had dialogues as an extra and even got the chance to be in a scene with veteran actor Isabel Rivas.
“I am super proud sa lahat ng mga achievement niya. To the point na kahit kanino naku-kwento ko na ang mga achievement niya, sa office, kaibigan, kamag-anak, at sa community. Gano’n ako ka-proud. Ang sarap i-share ng success niya kasi pinagpaguran talaga niya at pinagtiyagaan kahit na mahirap maging extra at estudyante nang sabay,” Editha Sitson proudly said, CA’s mother and number one fan.
Even though he is slowly climbing his way to stardom now by working as an extra, what he still considers his greatest accomplishment is showing his family that they raised a good and capable son. Behind his charming face oozing with determination is a man with a soft spot for his parents. This reflects the good upbringing that he carries with him every day on his path to success.
“Sa huli, para sa family ko ang ginagawa ko, this is my way of slowly giving back to them. Sobra akong inalagaan at ramdam ko ang walang kapantay na pagmamahal ng mga magulang ko sa akin at ng buong pamilya ko. Bago mawala ang lolo at lola ko, pinangako ko sa kanila na ‘I will make them proud.’ Sana sa pag abot ko ng mga pangarap ko, masaya sila sa langit na pinapanood ang mga paglabas ko sa telebisyon.”
CA wants to be remembered as someone who is firm into his faith, loves what he does, genuine to his actions, and an epitome of positive thinking. He is a great believer that the road to your dreams will never be easy, but it will always be worth it. You can overcome any adversity if you surround yourself with people who support you and have the courage to do what your heart wants. If you're unsure where to begin in fulfilling your career aspirations, remember CA's famous line that he constantly repeats—lagi’t lagi #kaCAyanin!
You may follow CA Sitson on his Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube accounts.
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