After stepping away from acting to focus on the intense demands of P-pop training, Beaver Magtalas is making his long-awaited return to the screen with “Kaka Sa Yawan (Brothers by the River),” one of the official entries to this year’s Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.

For the young actor landing the role was anything but easy. He joined hundreds of aspiring actors during the auditions and patiently waited his turn, proving he was willing to start from scratch for another chance to perform.

“Hindi naman sakin bago pumila. 500 something po ako ng araw na yun… I got it after a pretty long break from acting. I am thankful to be part of this.”

The project marks Magtalas’ first Cinemalaya appearance and signals a new chapter in his career as he balances two dreams at once—training for a future P-pop debut while keeping his passion for acting alive.

Despite the grueling schedule at Star Hunt Academy, where rehearsals now stretch until evening, the aspiring idol insisted that acting will always have a place in his life.

“Di ko po kaya let go acting. Sinabi ko di ko kaya bitawan. I treat it as a first love. Priority ko now is P-pop pero I still want to be able to do films, kahit short, any acting projects.”

According to Magtalas, their preparation for debut has become increasingly demanding, with days filled with vocal lessons, dance rehearsals, camera workshops and stage performance training.

“Training namin is 9-5, 5 days a week during early days. Ngayon umaabot 8 or 9 p.m. Wala na time for love life. Focus lang sa training.”

“Focus on vocal training. How to look at the camera, performing on stage. We sing and dance lahat. Iba talaga training.”

In Kaka Sa Yawan, Magtalas portrays Niko, a 21-year-old who returns to Mindoro to confront painful memories from his past. While avoiding major plot details, the actor hinted that the character’s emotional journey carries a meaningful lesson.

“Umalis ako para makalimot, pero bumalik din ako para tandaan lahat. Isa sa matutunan sa character is to not live with regrets.”

As he prepares for both a potential P-pop debut and a return to the silver screen, Magtalas is proving that pursuing one dream does not mean giving up another—especially when acting remains, in his own words, his “first love.”