When model-singer Lance Raymundo decided in 2008 that he would shift to a career in acting, few believed he would succeed because he had no previous acting experience or affiliation with a TV network.

A year and some months later, Lance has the Doubting Thomases eating their words.

The 26-year-old actor (yes, he can now rightfully call himself so) has irrefutably become a favorite by indie film producers and directors.

So far, Lance has played important parts in “Motorcycle,” a 2008 Cinema One Originals finalist; “The Forgotten War” alongside Baron Geisler and Yul Servo; and “Panahon Na” which had a special screening in Boston, USA last week.

Next month, Lance will be seen on the big screen portraying the title role in Piperstorm Productions’ “Fidel,” and “Ang Nerseri,” an entry in the 2009 Cinemalaya Film Festival where he plays one of the sons of Jacklyn Jose. Both films will be screened at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

He is wrapping up work on two other indie films namely “Fling” with Rafael Rosell and “Sa Yo Pa Rin” with Toni Gonzaga, Joem Bascon and Soliman Cruz.

All these in just over a year.

All these at a time when other actors are jobless despite the backing of well-oiled showbiz machineries.

“In truth, I myself am surprised I can act because I never saw myself as the actor-type,” Lance told Manila Bulletin Online in an exclusive interview. “When I entered showbusiness, I only wanted to follow in the footsteps of my brother, (recording artist-songwriter) Rannie. All I wanted was to have female fans like he has.”

Today, even cineastes from as far as Singapore and Korea have their eyes on Lance. It has reached the point when Lance no longer has to read for parts for possible inclusion in a project, but has been invited outright to play roles.

Yet the unassuming actor is first to peter his swift rise in the acting world.

“It’s no big deal. It’s just a matter of being professional and having foresight. I always come to work on time and prepared. I keep myself fit so I’m ready for the demands of my job,” he said.

Lance added: “I also have this mindset that every time I play a role - whether big or small – I must tackle it as if it’s for the whole world to see. With the internet age upon us, you’ll never know who is watching.”

Good karma may also be a key to his success. Contrary to his former naughty persona in the past, Lance said he has been the exemplary son.

“I had never fought with my mom. I don’t have vices. Even if I have been in the business for some time now, I don’t know how illegal drugs look like,” he said.

Like most actors, Lance wants all of his works not only to be commercially successful but critically acclaimed, too – but for a different reason.

“I want my works to be seen by the public and appreciated by the critics because I always give my best in all that I do. If you’re proud of your work, wouldn’t you want to cater to a big audience and be recognized by your peers, too?”

Other projects Lance had worked on were in the theatrical productions, “Pieta” where he played “Turko,” nemesis to Ryan Agoncillo’s “Rigor,” and “Romeo” where he was cast in the lead role.