MARCO AND I

Marco Gumabao

As I write this entry, I am actually listening to Christina Aguilera’s “I Turn To You” song, and one name popped out of my head…

I remember the first time I heard the name Marco Gumabao sa isang meeting for a bew serye, back in 2011. “Who is he?” “Anak ni Dennis Roldan.” And I was like, “ah ok.” Then, “Luv U” premiered in February last year. My reaction was, “yan pala siya? Kamukha ni Justin Bieber!” Not that I don’t like Justin, pero hindi ko talaga feel si Marco. Ang totoy. Pero three months later, sa pa-birthday ni Ms. Linggit Tan for the TV prod people, I finally met him in person. Di ko expect, gwapo pala. So ako, nagpa-pic. He was actually nice, and accommodating. I remember calling him “Sir Marco”, and he was so courteous, with all his “po” and “opo”.

Pero hindi talaga dun nag-umpisa ang story. After nung photo op incident, may ilang episodes na ako ng Luv U na pinapanood. Naa-appreciate ko na yung kagwapuhan ni Marco on screen, saka yung acting niya. The turnaround came when Julian Mauricio (opo, siya uli. HAHAHA! Love you Juls!) would call me to ask for some advice sa kanyang pinagdaraanan. Then, magugulat ako when he passed the phone to Marco… Magkasama pala sila. We were introduced over the phone. E parang kinilig pa ako kasi, ang gwapo ng boses ni Marco sa phone (oo pwede po yun, magwapuhan sa boses hahaha).

At Ms. Linggit Tan's birthday celebration in 2012.

Weeks later, we would meet in person again. “@#$% ang gwapo!” Seriously! Hindi na siya yung totoy like nung pilot ng Luv U… He’s the most handsome guy I’ve seen (seriously. O wag lalaki ang ulo Marco HAHAHA). And he was really nice… I have this impression kasi na suplado, kasi mukhang mayaman. But he was makwento, and he made me feel comfortable agad. Well, admittedly, naging crush ko talaga siya.

Masusundan pa ang mga pagkikita namin kasi sinasama ako ni Julian tuwing dumadalaw siya sa Luv U taping. Parang dun na na-develop yung friendship namin ni Marco. Dumalas kasi. I started opening up to him, so was he. Though nahihiya pa talaga ako noon kasi nga may crush pa ako sa kanya… Conscious ako. But he was really that kind na, he made me feel comfortable. He would crack jokes, magkikwento siya ng personal stuff niya… Ang cool niyang ka-tropa.

Pero masasabi ko na naging mag-“bespren” kami noong lumabas-labas na kami nina Julian (and some of Luv U peeps) every after taping. Kaya I always looked forward to Mondays then.  Minsan pag nasa ABS-CBN siya na walang taping, magte-text siya, hahanapin kami. Sinasamahan namin siya pag may mga live guesting siya kunwari sa Kris TV. ‘Yung mga bonding afterwards ang talagang nag-seal ng friendship namin, as he began opening the other side of him sa amin. The non-showbiz, just your regular teenage guy na si Marco. I thought, he really is a good friend. Eventually, nag-die down yung crush ko sa kanya. Hindi ko nga alam na nahalata niya pala yun, until recently. (Amin na lang ‘yun HAHAHA)

LUV U's First Anniversary press conference.

I would describe Marco as the next important leading man. He’s got the height, the looks… No exagg, he really is one of the handsomest guys I know. Kita naman eh. And I’ve seen his marked improvement in acting since Luv U started. Given the right break, maabot niya, or even malalampasan pa what his dad achieved as an actor. He’s got a strong screen presence kasi, you’d take a good look at him everytime you see him on TV. He has come to love his work now – he wants to do more projects nga e, especially teleseryes.

Contrary to others’ perception, hindi suplado si Marco. Kasi di ba stereotype yun pag gwapo, maputi, tapos maangas pa ang dating? He is really accommodating. Natutuwa nga yan everytime may nagpapa-pic or nagti-tweet sa kanya. He appreciates all the good words and support coming in. Makikita mo yung happiness niya everytime may natutuwa sa mga ginagawa niya. Kaya nga nung nalaman niyang may fan club na siya at may get together pa, excited siya because malaking bagay talaga for him that people appreciate him and his work.

As I typed earlier, aside sa kanyang trabaho at pagiging heartthrob, he’s just your regular teenage guy. He enjoys the stuff other boys his age like doing. He’s into sports, especially basketball and muay thai. Ilang beses na rin akong nakanood ng basketball games niya… He’s really good, walang etchos! He also loves hanging out with friends. Though napansin ko, mas “good boy” at nag-mellow na siya lately, kasi nae-enjoy na niya ang quiet moments at pagiging homebody.  Nagbalik school na din siya last May, sa DLSU, which is a good thing, kasi sayang din ang talino niya. He speaks with sense and depth. At ang maganda sa kanya, he also hangs with his family, especially his sisters.

I also see Marco’s maturity, especially kapag nag-uusap kami at nagbibigay siya ng advices. At a young age kasi, he and his family have gone through a lot, and that’s what made him the stronger and more faithful guy he is now. The Gumabaos have this really close relationship with God, kaya makikita niyo how close-knit sila as a family, and kung gaano lumaking maayos at matino si Marco and his siblings. Wala akong masabi, he really is a listener, and an adviser. He sees things from outside the surface, if you get what I mean. . Kaya pag kailangan ko ng advice from a guy’s POV, siya talaga ang una kong tinatanong.  He can be frank and mean at times, pero pag makikilala mo siya, masasakyan mo na siya at ang mga statements at jokes niya. Malakas mang-trip yan e!

At one of Marco's basketball games. 

Sa likod ng toughie-toughie persona ni Marco, sorry kailangan kong ibuking, is a softie young man. Madaling ma-touch yan sa mga simple gestures mo. For someone who has almost everything materially, he enjoys receiving simple stuff. And he is involved and concerned as a friend. He asks what’s happening. Hindi sya nahihiya na magpakita ng lambing at concern, kahit na, example, bading ako. Secured siya, e. Hindi siya namimili ng kaibigan. Makikipaglaro sa ‘yo ng basketball yan, kahit saan pa. Makikipag-usap. Pero be careful, kasi first impression mostly lasts for him. Magaling yan kumilatis ng tao, especially if sincere ka or not. Marunong si Marco mag-balanse sa kung ano lang ang ishe-share niya publicly, at doon sa mga taong pinagkakatiwalaan niya.

Most importantly, bilang kaibigan, the best thing about him is, with Marco around, I feel safe and secured, sa lahat ng aspeto. He is that kind of friend na, mag-o-offer ng ride home or at least drop you off where it’s safe kapag late na. Or kapag may kaaway ka, he will defend you, kahit makipag-suntukan pa siya (though hindi pa naman nangyayari, thank God. Wag naman sana umabot dun.) He is also trustworthy, na kapag nagbukas ka ng secret sa kanya, he will really keep. And he makes ways para mapasaya ka. Ang hirap i-explain in writing, but he just knows how to lighten up your mood. 

At sinasabi ko na, kung sino mang babae ang mahalin nitong si Marco, swerte, kasi he really is an ideal boyfriend.  

The story of Marco and I, I can proudly say, is a testament that a pure and lasting friendship can really exist between a straight guy and a homosexual like me. People may doubt or question, but Marco and I have nothing to explain to others. I’m so blessed and grateful having him around. Not everyone is given that one of a kind opportunity to have a bespren named Marco Gumabao – a future leading man, an amazing friend, and a faithful servant of God. 

KHALIL AND I

Khalil Ramos 

My mom was the first to notice Khalil Ramos when he first appeared on “Pilipinas Got Talent”. She said, “sisikat ang batang ito! Gwapo at may talent!” I just smiled at her. Hindi ko pa super bet si Khalil then. Until weeks passed, and that time kainitan talaga ng Justin Bieber mania, I thought, he could be our answer to the international superstar. He grew in me. I was starting to like his voice, and I find his smile nakakatunaw.

So he went on to win the runner up slot, which I felt then was his rightful place. I had a feeling na, even hindi siya mag-grand winner, pasisikatin siya ng ABS-CBN. True enough, just weeks later after that grand finals night, we were informed that he will be part of then “You’re Always With My Heart” concept with Kathryn Bernardo, Enrique Gil and Daniel Padilla. After approved, the show was titled “Princess And I”, Khalil was officially casted as Kathryn’s role best friend. I had hesitations actually. I mean, I knew he was a good singer. But can he act?

To be quite honest, and I always say this to Khalil, I really find him suplado at first. Siguro nauunahan ako ng thought na, “ay! Agustinian ito! Nosebleed!” But looking back, I guess he was just too shy and reserved. Our turnaround would be during those times he would attend workshops for acting. We would talk. Small talks that would develop into long enough conversations. And I am slowly developing fondness in this guy. He’s calm. He’s cool. He’s sensible. I always looked forward to seeing him around.

My first picture with Khalil in 2011. 

Pero yung masasabi kong we really became close friends was during the early tapings, and promo for PAI.  I don’t really remember much, but I think it was when I told him na “hawig kay Kiko yung kwento ko” when we started getting to know each other. You know, na in love sa best friend na hindi ka mahal. He would ask questions. He really listened intently. He would cheer me up. I guess in a way may nahuhugot siya sa mga kwento ko sa kung paano niya iaarte si KIko then. Unforgettable for us yung scene niya na recital sa simbahan, when he sang “Kung Ako Ba Siya” and later on confessed his feelings to Mikay. He was telling me, “wish you were there nung kinukunan yun.” I was raving about it kasi… Ang galing niya! For a newcomer, Khalil phenomenally nailed it. It trended sa Twitter – Kiko then was hailed the “pambansang best friend”.

What I love most about Khalil when we were doing PAI was, he really gets in touch with me if he has questions, hesitations or suggestions about his role. Dun pa lang, alam mo na dedicated siya sa craft niya. He would even ask, “have you watched this..?” One time, when the creative team of PAI visited the set, he shot that day yung bridge scene when he admitted to Mikay na siya ang secret admirer. He was telling me, “watch out fot it, maiiyak ka.” True enough, until this very day, napapaiyak ako ng eksenang yun. He’s good at what he’s doing, but there’s that effort on his part para mas pagbutihin pa ang pag-arte niya.

At PAI Thanksgiving party last year.

Another thing I admire about Khalil is, yung marunong siyang magpasalamat. I see him the way he is with his supporters, he really takes time. He sincerely shows his appreciation. Kahit sa mga katrabaho niya, wala kang maririnig na reklamo. Everytime magkikita kayo, kahit pagod yan, yung may ngiti sa labi niya, sabay “Princessss!!!” and hug. Most memorable for me was when he put my name in his “Thank Yous” sa kanyang debut album last year. It was so surprising… It was the first time na may gumawa sa akin ng ganun. Parang meron pa akong, “what have I done?”

We also share the same liking for TV shows and movies. Nagkakasundo kami niyan sa “How I Met Your Mother”, and we both are big fans of “Star Wars”. Sometimes nag-uusap lang kami about these shows. Nagre-recommend din siya ng kung ano ang maganda panuorin, like when he recommended me “Revolution”.

Khalil can be so funny as well. Ang mga hirit niyan, yung mga panggugulat… And the wacky faces. Grabe. Dati sa PAI, kapag nakakaiyak yung scene niya, biglang magte-text yan na, “I know you’re crying now.” Nung umalis sila pa-US last year, I told him, “mami-miss ko kayo! Hatid ko kayo sa airport!” Humirit yan, “Princess, 10 days lang kami dun.” Oo nga naman, OA ako. Haha!

Khalil and I with Julia Barretto at ASAP Backstage last year. 

But the best part about Khalil is how he is as a friend. Baby pa rin ang tingin ko sa kanya, but he is matured beyond his age. He gives sound advices. He tells you if you’re wrong. He can be so thoughtful. He is concerned. Just don’t break his trust, kasi the moment ma-break yun, wala na. He may be friendly, but winning his trust is another issue. At pinanindigan niya yung sinabi niya na, “PAI may have ended but our friendship remains” because until now, walang nagbabago. I visit him, we talk pag may time…

I actually miss working with him. Pero sobrang happy ako sa mga nangyayari sa career niya ngayon. Second lead siya sa “Annaliza” (iba na siya as Jeric, leading man in the making na talaga), part pa rin siya ng Boyfriendz with DJ and Quen, and he remains as one of the most sought after teen stars in ABS-CBN, most especially among his batchmates sa Star Magic Circle 2013. He really deserves all the blessings, kasi napaka-hardworking niya talaga, at humble na tao.

The story of Khalil and I will always be a reminder to me that true friendships can really be formed in the industry we are working on. For the trust, for getting to know me better, for the sincerity, and for just being there for me, I will forever thank Kali, kasabay ang pangako of looking forward to doing another project him, soon. It will happen, in God's time. 

JULIA AND I

Julia Barretto

Julia Barretto definitely has one of the prettiest faces among our teen stars today. Actually, silang dalawa ni Kathryn Bernardo ang mga pinakamagaganda for me. But more than the exterior beauty, what draws me to this beautiful young lady, who comes from a family of showbiz royalties, is her pure talent, and her extraordinary kind-heartedness.

My fascination for Julia traces back from her childhood days pa. I was amazed by her performance as Anna in “Kokey” and as young Melanie in “Walang Kapalit” (later on will be played by her aunt, Claudine Barretto). And her Palmolive TVC then, where she was bouncing and playing around, was a personal favourite because she was so cute! But after her “Palos” stint in 2008, I didn’t hear anything about her. I thought, she already entered that dreaded “awkward” stage for teenagers, and decided to concentrate instead on her studies. 

One of my first pictures with Julia, late last year. 

But as somewhat a fan of a beautiful child star, I was really hoping for a big comeback for Julia, when the time is right. I had that feeling then na, she is a teen princess waiting for her time to be re-launched. If you can remember, in the midst of Princess And I airing last year, Khalil Ramos already expressed his intent of working with Julia. Based on then recent pictures of her we saw, we thought she has turned into a really beautiful young lady. Very much like her mom and aunties. Khalil would always tell me, “ang ganda niya, princess.” Everyone is just excited to see her again active. And I was one of the most.

Madalas na uli siyang nakikita sa ABS-CBN compound late last year, as she was rehearsing for the Christmas Special, and hinahanda na ang comeback niya. Julian Mauricio (OK, lagi siyang name-mention sa blog na ito LOL. Hi Julian!) happened to be her distant relative, and we were introduced one night at McDonald’s, where they were having dinner along with Sofia Andres and Chienna Filomeno. Can I just say, I was really stunned by her beauty! Nganga. Diyosa. And nakadagdag pa na she was really smiling sweetly. Bilang bakla ako, mas appreciative ako ng kagwapuhan ng mga lalaki. But Julia was an exception. All night, I was raving about how beautiful, and nice she was! Na-Charice ako, if you know what I mean.

Masusundan pa ang pagkikita namin ni Julia. May shy factor pa sa part ko, I mean Barretto yan. Pero siya yung talagang nagri-reach out, nangangamusta. Pero ang turning point talaga was, nung December, when I stayed overnight sa bahay ni Julian, we called Julia using my phone. Julia was advising Julian over the phone, and we realized na pareho kami madalas ng gustong sabihin. We hit it off. From then on, we would exchange tweets and text messages. Pero andun pa rin yung fangirl in me na, “Sh**! Si Julia Barretto itong kausap ko.” Pero si Julia, the wy she conversed is very much like any normal teenager, which is nakakatuwa.

During the launch of Star Magic Circle 2013 earlier this year. 

But one thing I am happiest about Julia is, in the past months na magkakilala kami, never niyang pinaramdam sa akin na, “hey! I’m Julia Barretto!” I always felt the care, and the respect. She always asks kung kumusta ako, if I had eaten na, stuff like that. She’s always the sweetest. Siya pa mismo ang magtatanong kung kumusta, kunwari, ang love life ko (parang meron talaga HAHAHA), ganun. She will make you feel talaga na, she wants to know you more. That she is a friend you can count on to. And she gives sound, honest-to-goodness observations and advices. Hindi yan magpapaka-plastik sa ‘yo. If mali, mali. But she makes sure na she will help, or at least she will comfort you, when you are at your worst.

Julia is the girl anyone would wish to become, including me. Una sa lahat, maganda. Goddess talaga. Ang daming guys na kilala ko, gusto siya. Hindi ko na pangangalanan yung iba siyempre, but among those na vocal were Khalil, Jerome Ponce and Julian Estrada. I think she is closest now to Julian. But in terms of love team, ang bet ko talaga sila ni Khalil, or si Jerome. Julian knows that. Pero silang tatlo, may chemistry kasi kay Julia. Nakaka-inggit nga e, all these guys are after her. (Pwedeng mag-share, Julia?)

Second, matalino si Julia. Hindi lang dahil English siya ng English, ha. But she does talk with sense talaga. She is aware of what’s going on around. Contrary to what others think na over-protected siya, exposed siya and well-versed. And lastly, and most important of all, she really defines beauty, inside and outside. Napakabait. Napaka-humble. Walang biro, madaling lapitan siya for pictures, requests. She won’t make you feel na, “Julia Barretto ako!” Nakakatuwa nga yan e, she remains a fan at heart. She wants to work with so many people in the industry. She has kept herself level-grounded amidst all the anticipation and raves. Wala rin yang ka-arte-arte sa katawan. She may look and sound one, pero hindi. She’s game for almost everything.

Julia and I, with Khalil Ramos, at ABS-CBN. 

One thing I appreciate most about Julia is her desire to prove na hindi lang siya isang pretty face, and she will make it big hindi lang dahil isa siyang Barretto. Though she acknowledges that her entry, and some of the privileges she enjoys is mainly because of her being a showbiz royalty, you will see her effort to make a name for herself. Not just in the shadows of her mom and her aunties. She really works hard. And she really has talent! She’s one of the most followed teen stars on Twitter and Instagram. She has graced multiple magazine covers this early. She’s one of the stand outs among her batchmates in Star Magic Circle 2013. There’s that “X-Factor”. But I am most proud of her stint in MMK last week, as she was able to attest to the viewers that she really has “it” when it comes to acting – and it was affirmed by the episode’s high ratings (the highest that weekend, actually). No doubt, everyone is just so excited to see her star shine brightest, especially in the coming weeks and months as Cofradia, her first lead teleserye, will soon see the light of the day.

“Julia And I” may not be the same in so many things. But our story is something I am most happy to look back on – as I really got to know a young princess waiting for her turn to be seated, and yet who has so much love to give, and has only compassion running in her heart. And I can only wish her all the best in this journey she chose to take, enveloped with a promise na nandito lang ako, as a supporter, and a friend, in the best way I can, and know how. 

KIT AND I

He was one of the most hated teen housemates of his batch. Despite the good looks and the towering height, viewers thought that Kit Thompson is one mean guy. Oo nga naman, based sa mga napanood natin, almost everyday may nakakasagutan siya. He speaks his mind and heart out tactlessly. Pati babae, pinapatulan niya.

Despite those, Kit was one of my two favourite teen housemates (the other was Yves Flores). Bukod sa gwapo, I was so curious of his character. “Bakit kaya siya ganun?”, I thought.  Saka ayaw ko maniwala na 16 lang siya. He looked so matured. Feeling ko, 18 o 19 na siya. But I really wanted to meet him.

After Kit was evicted of the PBB house.

So nung lumabas na siya ng bahay ni kuya, I had that opportunity to meet him. We were introduced. We had small talks. Ilang beses din yun pagkalabas niya. But all those were “forgettable”, if I would describe it. Ewan. Ang naalala ko lang was, I gave him McDo nuggets then kasi he was hungry. I don’t even think he remembered me, especially after a few weeks. He was casted na in “Kahit Puso’y Masugatan”  afterwards. I would watch him nightly, pero hindi na kami nagkita halos uli. He wasn’t even following me on Twitter.

But after a few months, for some strange reasons, we were reconnected. Medyo personal kasi, so I won’t go into details. But in an event, nagkaroon ng chance na magka-bond. He was at his “lowest” then, and nagkataon na I (with, again, Julian Mauricio) was there. Parang he was talking of his problems then, and we were there, listening. And that was the first time I saw him like that. I was moved, seriously. Kasi, coming from his PBB stint, I thought he was this insensitive, brat na walang pakialam, at walang pinoproblema. He had the world on his hands, I thought. But I was wrong. So wrong.

Masusundan pa yan when, a few days later, after work, I received a call from him, asking if we could meet. I said yes, and we spent a few hours talking habang nagpapa-foot spa. He started opening up his life’s journey to me. I would ask questions, he would answer in his most honest way. From then on, I saw Kit in a very different light: sensitive, in touch with his emotions, and takes joy in the simplest things in life. Sa likod pala ng toughie, “man of steel” image na pino-project niya, is a regular young man experiencing the highs and lows of teenage life.

At Kittle event last December. 

His PBB Teens stint last year really taught him a lot. Masasabi ko na, he emerged as a better person afterwards. Yes, he is still outspoken. He really tells you what’s on his head at the moment. Prangka. Very honest. But he sees to it na, if you make him aware na you were offended, he says sorry. He has lot of things to say e, and most of them are good sa totoo lang. May sense kasi siyang kausap. Though minsan, papalit-palit ng isip at desisyon yan. Dyan pumapasok yung childishness niya, you’d think na, “tama, 16 nga siya!” But once he makes his final say on something, pagkatapos ng mahabang diskusyunan, debate, at realizations, he sticks to it. No turning back.

Contrary to what others perceive, hindi siya mayabang. Siguro hindi lang siya yung sweet-sweetan, especially if hindi pa kayo magkakilala. At kapag pag naglakad at tumingin pa yan, medyo maangas. But when he sees na you are a good person, or you do him a favour, binabalikan niya yun ng genuine kindness niya. Napaka-generous niyang tao, sa totoo lang. Hindi lang sa material things, kundi sa time at sa effort. He will be there for you if you need him. Makikinig. Mag-a-advice. At hindi magja-judge.

Napaka-sweet din nitong si Kit. Gentle Giant nga minsan ang description ko dyan, kasi kung makayakap yan, wagas. Hindi siya nahihiya na ipakita yung paglalambing niya sa ibang tao. Malakas ding mang-asar, mangonsensya. Nakakagulat minsan kapag hihiritan ka ng mga jokes. Minsan iisipin mo, hindi nagse-seryoso. Pasaway siya, oo. Normal lang naman sa mga teenagers na gaya niya. But since medyo independent siya, you will see na he’s turning into a responsible young man now, the way he handles his own welfare and affairs. He wouldn’t have survived the past months if he hasn’t.

KIt's birthday last February.

Intense na tao si Kit. The way he loves, and takes care of the people around him… Ang swerte mo kapag naging kaibigan ka niya, o kapag minahal ka niya. He really gives it his all. In the zone. Though siyempre may downside din ito sa kanya, as he tends to forget na magtira para sa sarili. He is so much in touch with his feelings. He holds on to it at the longest time. Wish ko nga dyan, makahanap na talaga ng girl who will really bring out the best in him. “Work in progress” si Kit, I must say. But the progress, I can describe now, is turning out for the good. His imperfections make him who he is, na once you get to know him better, he will grow in you.

What I am most proud about Kit now is his improvement niya sa ginagawa niya. In fairness dyan kay Kitty (as I fondly call him), seryoso yan sa mga workshops, dance man or acting. Gustung-gusto niyang mag-trabaho. Nakapag-inspire sa kanya most likely yung success ng Must Be Love, at yung pagkakasali niya sa Star Magic Circle Batch 2013. Yung intensity niya, nagagamit niya na sa work ngayon. Mas ok na siyang sumayaw ngayon, at nagde-deliver na siya ng bongga sa mga acting stints niya. He has learned the techniques, which is jiving well with his innate confidence. He’s proving everyone na hindi lang siya pretty face, at puro yabang as others thought.

Kit and I don’t see much of each other these past weeks. Nakaka-miss nga e. I miss his kakulitan, his rants, his jokes… His being Kit Thompson - real, walang pretensions, and a great friend I know I can count on to when life doesn’t go my way. Isang mahigpit na yakap lang mula sa kanya, I know everything’s gonna be okay.     

JEROME AND I

Jerome Ponce

I remember it was July 13 when I, and the rest of the televiewing nation, first saw Jerome Ponce on Be Careful With My Heart. Literal na napatigil ako for a minute. I even tweeted, “Sino itong si Sir Luke?” The guy is cute; he reminded me so much of Mario Maurer. Someone tweeted back, he is Jerome Perez. May isa naman akong friend, ang sabi, siya si Jerome Porciuncula na isang SK Chairman sa Manila. Until, after an hour yata, I finally found out his screen name – Jerome Ponce.

My tweet almost a year ago, asking then who Jerome was.

I grew curious on this guy, who in real life is Joseph Jerome Porciuncula. Aside sa good looks, I thought he is a natural, promising actor. I always saw to it to watch him on BCWMH before going to work. But our first meeting happened so much later pa… I’ve always wanted to meet “Sir Luke”, pero walang chance. Hindi siya nag-a-ASAP. Bihira ang guestings niya. Inggit pa ako sa headwriter ko noon kasi na-late ako sa meeting, e dumaan pala sa TV Prod office si “Sir Luke”. Nakapagpa-pic siya. Ako, waley.

Pero sa ‘di sinasadyang pagkakataon, isang araw ng September last year, when I dropped by Kris TV taping to see Julian Mauricio (from Star Studio)and Kit Thompson, nakita ko si Jerome Ponce. Guest din pala siya. Swear, na-starstruck ako! Sa isip ko, “mas gwapo siya in person.” I asked for a photo with him, agad-agad. I thought, after he obliged cheerfully, “ang bait niya!” E that time, magkakilala na sila ni Julian, and kami rin ni Julian friends na. So after that Kris TV, nasundan pa ang mga pagkikita namin. I started getting to know him on the surface.

But it was on his ASAP guesting, sometime in October, that changed everything. Wala siyang kasama nun, and that time, I visited Khalil who he was sharing the dressing room with. We were thrown into a conversation suddenly, talking about our respective shows (umeere pa ang Princess And I then). There, I realized, this guy has substance! Jerome talked no-nonsense. He knew what he was talking about. He asked questions. Matalino siya. I was really impressed. Siyempre, it helped na ang ganda pa niya ngumiti. (Hihi. Peace, Je!)

My first picture with Jerome. 

From then on, nagtuluy-tuloy na. Everytime nasa ABS-CBN siya, I would try to see him. We would talk, catching up. Naging close pa siya kay Marco Gumabao, who happens to be one of my closest friends (more on this sa “Marco And I”, soon), so lumiit talaga in a way ang mga mundo namin ni Jerome. And as days and months passed by, I am becoming a big fan of his work, and a supporter who tries to be always there for him, when needed.

I always say this: I can see a leading man in Je, as I fondly call him. Given the right material, he can be the next Jericho Rosales or Coco Martin. He has that potential, acting-wise. Marami kang pwedeng ihugot sa kanyang emosyon.  And his eyes are so expressive. Magaling din siyang sumayaw, at kumanta. Konting push pa through workshops and practice, kaya niyang makipagsabayan. And the good thing is, slowly he is getting out of that “Mario Maurer” look alike tag. He is making a name of his own now as Sir Luke and/or Jerome Ponce.

As a person, I want to describe him as “matured beyond his years”. At 18. We never really talk much about his family or other personal stuff. But you can sense the “longing”. Kaya everytime he talks, or gives advices, he sounds so mature. Sa dami na rin ng pinagdaanan niya, I guess. May matututunan ka from him. At napaka-sincere siya. Hindi siya magpapaka-plastik. He means what he says. Hindi siya ma-sugarcoat. Pero kapag yan naman sobrang ganda ng mood, ibang klase mangulit at maglambing. Mahihirapan kang mag-NO diyan, kasi napaka-lambing at sweet.

He’s also a good leader. Been hearing stories of how he is as SK Chairman sa barangay nila. Kahit busy, naaayos pa rin niya. And I think may plans pa siya before his term ends this year. At least, eexit siya sa pwesto with flying colors. I would always go back to his campaign slogan then: “ABU – Ako ang Batang ang pangarap ay Umunlad ang Lungsod ng Maynila”. (Abu, by the way, is Jerome’s nickname). Kulang ang 3 years for that dream. But at least now, he made the people not just of Manila, but more importantly Filipinos all over the world, so happy with his inspired performance in BCWMH. Luke Lim has become the face of an ideal Filipino son – responsible, loving, sensitive, imperfect, yet he rises every after fall.

Backstage of ASAP 18 sometime in April.

Mabait si Jerome Ponce. He worked, and is working his way up to where he is now. Hindi naman siya nagpanggap sa mga interviews na, he lives a beautiful life. Sabi nga niya, “uhaw sa pamilya. Uhaw sa pamilya.” And he needs people who “will understand him.” He’s not perfect, definitely. But he’s real. Pero kapag nakuha mo ang tiwala niya, at ang friendship, ibang klase yang si Jejerome (pauso ko, wala lang)! Kasi you found a friend who will be there for you in ways he can, and knows how.  And an appreciative one.

He has grand dreams for himself, and for the people he loves. Kaya napaka-hardworking niyan, which I admire most about him! Magaling yan mag-ipon! Kaya I’m really hoping na after “Be Careful With My Heart” ay marami pang proyektong dumating for him. I’ve been very vocal nga na, gusto ko siya makatrabaho one day. He deserves all the breaks.

The story of “Jerome And I” is still in progress. There’s still more to know about, and learn from this young man. Napamahal na sa akin ang batang ito like my own brother, or, sige na, anak. But for now, as I close this, I can’t help but be proud to see the rise of a promising star, towards becoming the next important of his generation. When I write a second part of this in time, I’m sure it will be filled with more achievements of him, and hopefully, more wonderful memories shared, worth keeping for the rest of my life. 

DANIEL AND I

Daniel Padilla 

Teen King. 

Life is so changed for Daniel Padilla. Parang last year lang, siya si Gino Dela Rosa, ang binatilyong gagawin ang lahat para sa pinakamamahal na si Mikay sa “Princess And I”. Against all odds, Gino ended up with Mikay in the series’ highly anticipated and, well, eagerly debated on finale. And Daniel, since then, has become the country’s top male teen star.

The first time I met him was when he did a go-see for a serye we were working on then for Kathryn Bernardo. I only knew him as the guy na pumalit kay Albie Casino as Kathryn’s ka-loveteam in Growing Up. That time, the show wasn’t even airing yet. I was so curious of him, I asked for a photo with him. He looked so different then: thin, totoy na totoy. But all of us watching him audition agreed that he had expressive eyes – iba siya makatitig.

Weeks later, Growing Up aired. First scene pa lang, the girls were drooling for him. KathNiel teamup was born, surpassing the record KathBie set during “Mara Clara” days. Trending topic agad. And yes, I became an instant fan, watching Ella and Patrick’s teenage journey every Sunday afternoon.

At Candy Cutie Fair 2011

By October 2011, the “Princess And I” concept was given the green light by the management. Contrary to reports, Daniel was really a part of the main cast. All four of them. But the development of Gino’s story posed a major challenge for us, the creative team. How would we differentiate him from Patrick? How would Gino keep up with a prince (Enrique Gil) and a best friend (Khalil Ramos)? I even remember giving the character name Gino, in memory of a former friend and first love, which our headwriter approved on. His character would even appear the latest among the three guys. We had so many thoughts running then.

But in PAI’s 10 months of airing, his fanbase, and Kathniel’s, grew undeniably phenomenal. We would receive hate tweets, even threats actually (pero hindi naman yung grabehan ha), everytime the show’s story would gear towards Jao-Mikay’s. Eventually, we got used to it, and made us realize that because of the series, the Kathryn-Daniel loveteam has become a pop phenomenon – no loveteam in recent history has been this well-received. Endorsements, awards, guestings left and right… Daniel even went on to have a double platinum debut album, and they had three box-office hits in a matter of six months. At napuno pa niya ang Araneta last April!

At Princess And I in 2012. 

But I will always go back to those days na, he was still this rising star from “Growing Up”. After our first meet kasi, we had a long way, actually. He followed me on Twitter, we would exchange DMs, we would see each other sa ABS-CBN. I remember our long conversations sa dressing room. Magki-kwento siya about his life, his work, what he wants to happen… Long before he appeared on GGV, and had his debut album recorded, ni-request niya na if pakakantahin siya sa PAI, “Hinahanap-hanap Kita” daw sana ang song. Nangyari naman, in fair. He also requested na sana raw, konti lang ang lines niya sa PAI. E dahil bida siya, hindi naging possible. He was never demanding naman. Pero he has ideas para mapaganda ang mga proyektong kinabibilangan niya, which for me is good.

From the time I first met Deej, as I fondly call him, nothing really changed, sa ugali. He is still the makulit, pala-biro and outspoken guy I have always loved as a friend and ka-trabaho. Siguro, mas hindi ko na siya nakikita lately kasi natapos na ang PAI, at ang busy niya. Kung may nagbago man, siguro, may mga times na tahimik lang siya, or tulog pag nakikita ko. Pero ganun talaga, he’s the busiest teen star today. What I am most grateful for is hindi pa rin siya nagbabago sa akin. Everytime he sees me, nandyan pa rin ang hugs, “hawak sa aking tummy” moments, at ang mga maiikling kumustahan at chikahan. He even calls me, “my friend”, which is humbling. I mean, Daniel Padilla ‘yun. The friendship and respect have remained.

And yes, he’s still this down-to-earth guy. Andaming nagsasabi na lumaki na raw ang ulo, ganun. Pero hindi naman. I can attest to that.

But one trait of him na talagang nagli-linger sa akin is yung pagiging good listener niya. I remember then, kasama sina Quen at Kali, we were talking about my life’s story (OK, I admit, love story) during a lull of Princess And I taping. Among the three, siya yung pinaka-tahimik, pangiti-ngiti lang, you’d think na he wasn’t listening. But to my surprise, when he recorded a birthday greeting for me last year, ang sinabi niya talaga ay “sana ay mahalin ka na ni ________”. Wow, he listened pala. Since then, everytime I see him, he’d ask, “o kumusta kayo?” Si Deej talaga.

ASAP 18 backstage earlier this year.  

Now, I am so privileged na maging part muli ng next serye nila ni Kathryn, ang “Got To Believe”. Ang laking blessing na for me na makasama noon sa “Princess And I”, for my first show, then nasundan pa nito. Dito sa new serye, we are seeing a new Kathryn, and a new Daniel, and we are all so excited about it. Sa PAI, nakita na natin that Deej can really act – a leading man in the making. Most likely, if we play our cards right, dito sa “Got To Believe” maso-solidify as he portrays a role na ibang-iba kay Gino. ‘Yan ang dapat niyong abangan soon!

To be part of Daniel Padilla’s showbiz journey is something I will forever be proud of. Pagdating ng panahon na siya na ang biggest star ng industriya, I can proudly say, “I’ve worked with Daniel Padilla in two shows!” And when I tell my anak and mga apo (if magkaroon man) this, I will say with much pride, “that’s the story of Daniel, and I.”

MOVING ON

Hi guys! This is the first entry of the blog I’ve always wanted to work on… Francis And I.

And in celebration of our 115^th year of Independence as a nation, or so we think, I want to share with you this entry, as I talk about moving on, and finally setting myself free from a feeling I’ve held on for the past four years of my life.

More than four years ago, I met this boy. He came at a perfect time in my life. He brought sunshine back in my life. My heart was filled with love… That kind of love I never thought I’d feel again. Something I wished not to experience again.

But that was four years ago. Now, after that long period of time, I can finally say that I am moving on.

Those years that I loved this boy really taught me the best lessons in life. Witnesses to the friendship we’ve formed can attest to this: that he really brought out the best, and the worst in me. In him, I found a best friend, a confidante… I learned to dream again. He inspired me to pursue whatever it is that I’ve always wanted. After such a long time, I really wanted to make things right again in my life. Wherever I am now, he really drove me to reach for it…

But I realized how clingy, possessive I can be, because of him. I never realized that I was making him feel uncomfortable, many times. I was insensitive. All the while, I thought I was doing the right thing. I demanded a lot. I kept in saying that I didn’t want anything in return, but in reality, it was the other way around. My world revolved around him… I befriended some of his friends. I tried to make myself part of his world. And I was wrong… So wrong.

Ours was a friendship filled with so many ups and downs, if we didn’t fight to make it work, it already ended years ago. Yes, if there’s one thing I am most grateful for him, even if I was at my worst, he never gave up on me.  From there I realized that… Yes, he values me as a friend. It was something I’ve always wanted him to verbalize: that he wants me and loves me, as a friend. But looking back at all we’ve been through, he has proven through his actions the friendship I’ve always wished from him. Guess I was just too blinded by that “love” for him; I went overboard so many times. He is the kindest person. I have to give it to him for his patience on me and my childishness…

I don’t see much of him lately, but we keep in touch. Everytime I see his Twitter or Facebook posts, I can’t help but smile, and be proud of him. He has come a long way. He is about to graduate in college, and slowly his dreams are coming true. I’ve always believed in his talents. Sometimes, he feels that I believe so much in him. Albeit my personal feelings for him, I have faith that he can really go a long way. He’s talented, good-looking… Some of my celebrity friends even agree. And he is happy now. Though he doesn’t talk much about it, but I can see the twinkle in his eyes. He is in love. And I’m happy to see him happy. Really.

I’m moving on. He will always be in my heart, of course. I even like to think that I will never love the same again, the way I loved him. But this is best for me, for us. I just want our friendship to stay the way it is… For now, I’m contented with the “happy kilig” some cute guys around are making me feel. I’m the luckiest gay man, I think, to be surrounded by some of the most handsome guys.

And I have my work – I’m living a dream! That person will come, I know. I’m just keeping my faith.

“If I have only one friend left, I want it to be you…”