[highlight]John Lloyd on Angel Locsin: 'Matagal din akong pumila'[/highlight]
By ANNIE S. ALEJO
June 3, 2010, 9:23am
While still admitting to neither here nor there on his relationship with Shaina Magdayao,
actor John Lloyd Cruz is excited about something else: Working with Angel Locsin.At the media gathering to launch Lloydy -- as his fans call him -- as the new endorser of Jack N’ Jill’s line of Magic products, he tells Bulletin Entertainment in a one-on-one interview about his pairing with Locsin on the forthcoming ABS-CBN teleserye,
"Imortal."“Eto nga, it’s my only time [to work with her]. Kasi matagal din akong pumila eh. Siyempre [nauna na] si Piolo [Pascual]. Tapos niligawan pa ni Luis [Manzano].Nabakuran kaagad…,” he joked.
When pointed out that he may get in trouble with Luis for saying that, he laughed, “Okay lang, tinext ko na siya kanina, nasabi ko na [na babanggitin ko siya].”
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As for Shaina, however, Cruz has this to say: “’Yung sa akin lang, ang hinihiling namin ay allowance, [that people] give us the right time for us to speak about it… Darating tayo dun.”
The Lloydy Factor
Once the “are-they/aren’t they” inquiries have been dealt with, it is easy to see why Magic has decided to let the talented actor represent their brand.
“Young, fun, dynamic and spontaneous,” was how Magic’s senior brand manager, Karla Ramos, described their new endorser, whose influence and likeability they hope would strengthen their already good standing in the market.
By his own admission, Cruz said he was a very shy child in school and even during family gatherings. “Pero ‘pag pinasayaw mo ako ng running man,” he laughed, giving an indication that, even then, he could bust out with an uncharacteristic display of spunk. “May pitik din naman,” he kidded.
Just like the latest brand he is endorsing, Cruz seems easily accessible to many types of fans; yet is also quite a surprise to those who have just met him.
Just as many variants of Magic —from Magic Flakes and the tasty Magic Chips to the Creams and Roundwhich— could cater to a wide variety of buyers, Cruz has the type of personality and showbiz persona that make him likeable across the board. And just as Magic holds a lot of surprise for avid snackers, Cruz is a revelation in himself—a near-irresistible blend of sensible personality and showbiz charisma.
When asked if he thought he was a good fit for the brand, he joked, “Yeah… I can be salty at times…”
Life’s magic: Inspiration and passion
”Yung inspiration, imposibleng sa isang tao lang galing,” Cruz responded to a media query.
“Family and friends are the source of happiness in my life. Also, career and inspiration. Inspiration comes from everywhere... family, your passion,” he said, then easily added, “And all the beautiful ladies like you [in the audience].”
Smooth, we say. But he isn’t a 13-going-14 year “veteran” of show business for nothing. Having had his start at the age of 13, Cruz has become one of the most familiar faces in the business. He’s also earned critical praises for his acting chops.
But in his humble opinion, “Hindi ko talaga maisip kung paano ako tumagal nang ganito… Kasi in the beginning I just wanted to work. I just wanted to help my family na at that time we were financially challenged. And then I started realizing the fact that I love acting…”
Despite this profession being a magnet for intrigues (to which he says, “Depende sa artista yan eh. If you give them the chance to pry… talagang susugurin ka niyan. You get what you give”), Cruz believes credibility will get one far—be it in acting or endorsement deals.
“Hindi naman lahat ng times ang artista parang saint. Kahit naman magkamali ka pwede mo namang makuha ‘yung credibility mo as a person… It’s how you rise above it, I guess. ‘Yung dignity… in trying to live life, trying to establish and protect your name in this business.”
Cruz has had a successful career so far, but one true passion in his heart is his desire to work for the likes of UN or UNICEF, “being a part of a community… like in Africa. Kahit sa Pilipinas. Kaya lang dito mahirap, kasi medyo kilala na rin tayo, parang ang hirap mag-concentrate sa objective. Ang talagang best option ko is abroad.”
Believing that timing is everything, however, he feels this might not happen just yet. “Meron din kasi tayong sinusuportahan, not [just] family members. Kung baga, pwede mong sabihin na may mga umaasa. And ‘yung mga ganitong klaseng opportunity [like showbiz], hindi to madalas sa buhay ng tao.”
The time may not be now, but he knows he will fulfill this dream “in this lifetime,” he says in all seriousness.
What he doesn’t discount in the near future is working with rumored flame, Magdayao. “Why not? I’ve seen some of her work and I find her a really good actress,” he said. “And kung may isang magandang material… kahit hindi naman love story… sana magka-trabaho kami, like in one project.”
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