Miguel Tanfelix opens up on Brazil trip, family scare, and on-set ordeal

Kapuso actor Miguel Tanfelix looked back on a series of unforgettable experiences during his recent one-on-one interview with Boy Abunda—from a costly mishap during his solo trip to Brazil, to a frightening family emergency, to a moment on set that pushed his body to its limit. The actor spoke candidly, sharing stories that revealed not just vulnerability, but also gratitude, humor, and resilience.

Miguel began by recounting how his first night alone in Rio de Janeiro took an unexpected turn. What was supposed to be a quiet birthday dinner ended with him unknowingly handing over the wrong amount of cash—an oversight that cost him ₱20,000.

“Na-scam ako ng 20,000 pesos. Kasi first night ko sa Rio (de Janeiro) and then, kumain ako sa restaurant. Ngayon iyong pagkain ko, medyo malungkot ako nun eh kasi birthday ko sa Pilipinas. So medyo senti tapos siguro not paying attention. Ang nabigay ko, 20 bills ng 100, dapat 10 lang. So instead of 2,000 pesos, nabigay ko 20,000 pesos. Kinabukasan ko na lang na-realize nang tumingin ako sa wallet ko na daming nawala. Kinunek-konek ko, doon.”

Determined to get clarity, he returned to the restaurant repeatedly, hoping CCTV footage could help. But even after reviewing the recordings with the owner, nothing clearly showed the moment he handed over the bills. Still, Miguel chose to take it in stride. “Binalikan ko, araw-araw ako nandun sa restaurant na iyon. Kausap ko ang owner, nire-revierw namin ang CCTV. Kaso walang malinaw na footage na nagbigay ako ng 20 bills. So sabi ko, birthday ko naman, pang regalo ko na lang sa kanya iyon.” he said, laughing off what could have been a frustrating experience.

The conversation then shifted to a more emotional note as Miguel shared what he considers one of the most difficult moments of the year—a medical emergency involving his father while he was abroad. “Ngayon okay na si Daddy pero habang ako ay nasa Brazil pauwi, doon nangyari iyong nangyari kay daddy eh. Nagkaroon po ng aksidente sa bahay. Inoperahan. Okay na po si daddy ngayon, thankfully, lakas na nga ni daddy eh. Malakas ang will power niya. Imagine 32 hours ang biyahe pabalik tapos inoooperahan siya. Tapos hindi ko alam kung ano ang nangyayari. Siyempre nakakakaba.”

His relief is palpable, as he is grateful that his father has recovered and is regaining strength.

Miguel also recalled a frightening experience at work—one that reminded him of the physical demands of acting. While filming an intense scene in a smoke-filled, overheated room, his body simply gave out. “Nahimatay po talaga ako. Sobrang init and iyong kuwarto pinuno namin ng smoke tapos iyong eksena nakabalot ako sa white cloth, maghi-hysterical ako. Nahihilo na ako, nag-cut na ako nung scene na dapat hindi, dapat director. Pero sabi ko, ‘direk sorry, mahihimatay na yata ako.’ Then iyon na iyong last kong naalala. Paggising ko nasa hallway na ako, nakapalibot sila direk (Yam Laranas), iyong medic namin.”

Through all these experiences—scary, humorous, exhausting, and emotional—Miguel showed honesty and heart, offering fans a deeper glimpse into the man behind the roles: adventurous yet grounded, vulnerable yet resilient, and above all, deeply grateful for his family, his craft, and the journey he continues to embrace.