Piolo grateful for love team with Juday: That made me become mainstream

December 26 ------ The perennial leading man has been gracing the Philippine cinema and TV screens for more than 20 years. He considered his acting projects, “Dekada ‘70,” “Lagarista,” as among his career highlights. “And then, I guess, my love team with Juday (Judy Ann Santos) because that made me become mainstream,” he continued. “And (also) signing with ABS-CBN because I was able to do more work and grow as an artist, as an actor, as a performer. And being able to not just act but sing as well.”

Piolo and Juday first collaborated in the teleserye “Esperanza.” More projects came in later, including, “Sa Puso Ko Iingatan Ka,” “Bakit ‘Di Totohanin,” “Till There Was You” and “Don’t Give Up on Us,” to name a few. “And another milestone I would stay is ‘Starting Over Again,’ (which was) 10 years ago. (That was the time) when I thought I was gonna quit showbiz because I was already contemplating on retiring or shifting to another job, going back to the States. But when ‘Starting Over Again’ happened, I had to shift gears again and just stay and yeah, and then ‘Mallari.’

If he didn’t pursue acting as a profession, Piolo would have been in the real estate business. “I’ve been doing real estate here and in the States. I don’t think I’ll leave showbiz totally because this is really my passion. Ever since I was a kid I’ve always wanted to act. I’ve always wanted to do something different (like) role play. So I guess I was being stupid and dumb when I thought of retiring or (being) just tired and burned out.”

With his prolific acting career and more blessings still pouring in, Piolo is “humbled by all the things that come my way.” “Being able to last this long in this business and still stay active is such a blessing. But it entails a lot of hard work and humility also. (And) I guess commitment. You know, I’ve been committed to my job ever since I started so it always comes first. So I try to give it my best kasi yun nga, it’s (showbiz industry) been good to me,” he reflected, adding that he maintained his humility through his faith. “I guess the way I was raised and also the mere fact, the mere thought that all these things come from above, He can always take it away from us… All these things that come my way or have been given my way, I’m grateful for it. But at the same time, hindi naman yun yung pinanghahawakan kong material eh. I’m just happy because I got to enjoy the blessings of the Lord and being able to share it,” he said. “The Kingdom” also stars Cristine Reyes, Sue Ramirez, Sid Lucero, Ruby Ruiz, Iza Calzado, among others. It is now showing in cinemas nationwide.

Source: philstar.com