‘I’ve been trying to develop two careers at once every day,’ says Michael Ver as the pride of Leyte aims to excel both in acting and modern pentathlon
Michael Ver proudly showed off a tattoo of the Olympic rings on his backhand.
It’s his goal to compete in sport’s biggest stage, he said, after winning in international competitions for modern pentathlon, including the Southeast Asian Games.
Training for modern pentathlon can get tough as it involves five sports — fencing, shooting, swimming, riding, and running.
Yet somehow, Ver still manages to add acting into his career mix.
“Of course, it is arduous. But I just have to try,” the 24-year-old told Rappler.
After winning a gold in the 2019 SEA Games, Ver kickstarted his showbiz career, joining the reality show Pinoy Big Brother in 2022 and appearing in various television programs such as The Voice Philippines. He was also named Mister National Universe Philippines in 2021.
From being a Star Magic talent, Ver jumped to the MQuest Artist agency, where he has honed his skills through acting workshops every afternoon or evening.
In the morning, that’s when Ver trains with the Philippine Modern Pentathlon Association to prepare for competitions.
“My day usually starts at 5 am. I run, swim and then shoot, and then run, swim, and shoot — that’s almost five times per day,” he said.
Last month, Ver reached the required minimum points to qualify in the SEA Games, securing his comeback in the regional competition this December.
“It was so fulfilling since I’ve been trying to develop two careers at once every day, and then I still get to continue my sport with good success,” Ver said.
Ver admits some of his coaches expressed concern on his busy schedule, especially since he’s vying to become the first Filipino Olympic pentathlete. But he already made up his mind to pursue both careers.
“My coaches have been doubting me the whole time because I’m also doing acting, and I also try to manage a business,” the pride of Leyte shared.
“I have a lot on my plate. My coaches always remind me about the goals and to check if I can actually do it. I know they were there to push me to my limits, because all they wanted from me was to win,” he added
“But then, I always wanted to do this. Training in both acting and athletics is definitely a tough task, especially when there is a big competition coming up. But I think it’s feasible to get success in both fields since I believe I’m capable.”
Doubts fuel his drive to move forward. But on days when it gets too much, Ver said he reflects and reassesses his tasks.
“Sometimes, I cry a lot, just to let some steam off,” he admitted. “Sometimes, I get those self-doubts too. I worry about my future, my goals, and my dreams. After that, I tend to refocus on what I’m trying to achieve and regain my composure. I find it helpful.”
Ver didn’t look too far for inspiration in Richard Gomez, the actor, politician, and Philippine Modern Pentathlon Association president who discovered him in Ormoc City when he was 17 years old.
“He really shaped my sports career,” Ver said of Gomez. “But he is also aware that I want to be a showbiz personality and actor ever since I was a kid.”
If ever the time comes that he is forced to choose between sports and acting, Ver said he still can’t see himself giving up either one.
“I will balance it. I will weigh every decision I would make,” he said.
“Everything, for me, is an opportunity. I will just continue working and training.” – Rappler.com
Content shared from www.rappler.com.