FILIPINO-British actor Mark Neumann first became known in the TV5 talent search competition, “Artista Academy,” where he joined in 2012 when he was still a teenager.

He was last seen in the iWant TFC series, “Mga Batang Poz,” a BL (boys love) series with Awra Briguela, Paolo Gumabao and Fino Herrera, aired in 2019.

The series, megged by Chris Martinez, was an adaptation of a young adult novel by Segundo Matias, Jr. about four guys sick with HIV (Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus).

Mark shuttles between Batangas and Cebu, where he also manages his food and beverage business.

“Being a businessman gives me a different set of challenges,” said Mark. “The things you experience, as well, are different. If you have the right people, they’ll take care of you.”

Before he joined showbiz, when he was still in England where he was born, Mark was a factory worker and a warehouse cleaner.

“Working is nothing new to me,” Mark said. “New in terms of working. I am now in the management division as an operations manager. I handle day-to-day operations and train people in the kitchen.”

After 15 years in the business, Mark recently returned to acting by joining the cast of the action-drama, “Beyond the Call of Duty,” megged by JR Olinares.

Admittedly, Mark had some anxiety when he faced the cameras anew. “I was asked randomly if I wanted to join a movie,” Mark shared. “I’m 30 years old now. I’ve been through life.

“There’s always that butterflies-in-the-stomach feeling when you go back to something which you haven’t done for a while.”

In “Beyond the Call of Duty,” Mark plays the younger brother of a professional syndicate boss (Jeffrey Santos) who plans money-making heist. The syndicate leader who does the dirty work is being pursued by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Working with Jeffrey did not become a problem for Mark even if he has been away from the limelight for six years.

“Jeffrey and I have a good synergy,” Mark said. “Before, we did some projects together. I worked with him before.

“The moment I got to the set, Jeffrey and I talked about how we would do our scenes together. There wasn’t really tension, but we agreed how we would work together.”

Mark didn’t have hesitation in accepting the role for his comeback vehicle. “It’s a role,” Mark said. “As long as I can play it, that’s okay with me.”

The entire six years he wasn’t seen in the public eye, Mark shuttled between Batangas and Cebu and became scarce on TV and more so, the movies.

He sired a child with his non-showbiz girlfriend and is now a proud dad to baby Martin. Fatherhood taught him “patience, sacrifice, care and love.”

“I brought my son to my shoots,” he said. “I just don’t expose him too much because I do appreciate my private life when I was away from the business. Why will I hide him? He’s my son.”

Although he doesn’t give a flat no, Mark cannot confirm yet if he will agree to accept a sexy project for Vivamax. “I don’t know really,” Mark said. “Right now, I’m just happy to be back. Hopefully, I’ll get other projects soon.”

He will be in another project with director Cesar Soriano, who produced and directed “In Thy Name.”

This Holy Week, Mark simply plans to stay at home and “chill.” He plans to move back to Manila and settle here anew.

“I don’t go out during Holy Week,” Mark said. “I prefer to stay home. It’s really important to be a good shepherd, whatever God gives you, in terms of blessing.

“Many people pray, pray, pray, but they forget to appreciate what they were given and be a good shepherd.”

Mark was born Catholic and baptized Catholic. “I may not be religious, but I make sure that my relationship to God and Jesus, that’s a very, very strong bond.”

Aside from Mark and Jeffrey, “Beyond the Call of Duty” also stars Martin Escudero, Devon Seron, Maxine Trinidad, Paolo Gumabao, and Martin del Rosario, with Christian Singson, Alex Medina, Simon Ibarra, Teejay Marquez and Migs Almendras.

Supporting cast are Ramon Christopher Gutierrez, Valerie Concepcion, Lovely Rivero, Bella Thompson, Dindo Arroyo, Lance Lucido, Cyrus Imperial and Rob Sy.

Meanwhile, Direk JR thanks the government agencies for assisting him in the story of “Beyond the Call of Duty,” with the screenplay written by Eldrin Veloso.

The film is proudly bankrolled by PinoyFlix Entertainment and LCS (Luis Chavit Singson) Film Production. Executive producers are former Narvacan, Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, with his daughters – Rep. Richelle Singson and Stephanie Singson.

Proceeds of the film will benefit the PNP-OLC (Officer Ladies Club) Foundation, Inc., an organization supporting the welfare, education and empowerment programs for the families of PNP Officers.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Leah C. Salterio