The treasures of Tom Rodriguez

There is no doubt Kapuso actor Tom Rodriguez is currently on top of his game. Formerly an artist from a rival TV station discovered via a reality competition, Tom managed to show that he is more than just a pretty face by taking projects outside his former home network (he did the 2011 movie Temptation Island and the 2012 stage musical Aladdin).

And as Vincent in the recently-concluded GMA 7 primetime soap My Husband’s Lover, he also proved that he can be a nuanced, sensitive actor. He played a closeted gay man torn between his wife (played by Carla Abellana) and his gay lover (portrayed by Dennis Trillo). Tom knew that playing a gay character for his first Kapuso show was a risk; but it was one that paid off extremely well. Tom as the true actor has arrived.

“When I heard about the audition, I had that apprehension,” Tom said. “Nung nakwento sa akin yung theme ng show, I froze. I really froze. Namutla ako to be honest. But it was definitely the most challenging thing I’ve ever done.”

He added, “I was scared but I knew I would regret it if I passed it up.”

As the new kid on the Kapuso block, Tom treasures every moment of the success of the show, and hopes and aspires to achieve more.

“My risk was reaffirmed when I heard about the response. The decision was really worth it.”

He also treasures being able to work with Dennis and Carla, two actors he considers as very able workmates. “I learned a lot from them,” he said.

Here are more of the treasures in Tom’s life:

Most treasured person: For Tom, he treasures his family the most. “We’re so close, we’re so bonded already that even if we have our extended family, in the end, sila talaga.”

The actor has two brothers and three sisters. Along with his parents, Tom said he considers his whole family as one whole unit. His family is currently based in Arizona, although Tom makes sure he regularly communicates with them. His family, he added, is his driving force.

“I miss them all so much. Even if I just talk to them through Skype, through text, it keeps me going,” Tom added. “Gasolina ko sila.”

“They have a special place in my heart. I try not to take them for granted. I don’t know how to make them feel special, but they are special to me.”

Most treasured thing: As an artist, Tom treasures his professional pen tablet — a Wacom Intuos5. He uses this for his drawings and illustrations. Unknown to many, Tom is also inclined to the arts, and he tries to draw and illustrate as often as he can — usually in between tapings or during his free time. Tom is loyal to the Wacom brand; he used an Intuos3 in college and bought an Intuos4 when he started working as an actor in the Philippines. 

“When I arrived here from the States, I didn’t have money to buy a new tablet so I was drawing using a paper and pen. Minsan sa likod lang ng script, any random piece of paper,” he shared.

Most treasured place: Arizona, a state in the United States, is definitely Tom’s most treasured place.

“Because that’s where my family is,” he explained. “That’s where my heart will always be.”

Tom added, “I really want to visit Arizona again on Christmas, just to see my nephews and nieces opening up their gifts.”

Most treasured moment: Of course, any moment he has with his family is his life’s most treasured moment. Christmas is a particularly precious time for his family, so Tom wants to spend every holiday season in the States.

“I keep replaying that moment in my head, just to keep me going,” he said.

Most treasured advice: When Tom was about to give up on his work as an actor, he received this advice from a brother-in-law — “Work is hard, but you’ve been given something that not a lot of people have been given. Enjoy this time of your life when you can actually touch a lot of people’s lives and bring them joy. I know it may be hard, but keep your head up, put your feet on the ground, roll up your sleeves and push through. Keep working.”

Most treasured role: Vincent is his most treasured role as an actor. But besides that, playing the titular character in the local adaptation of the stage musical is a very close second.

“It was so unforgettable. Aladdin is a childhood hero; it’s my favorite childhood character. Playing him was breathtaking, especially being up in that magic carpet,” Tom said “I don’t think I can ever forget that, ever.” 

Most treasured moment as a Kapuso: Needless to say, his time as Vincent on GMA 7’s My Husband’s Lover is his most treasured Kapuso moment.

“It’s really a treasurable experience,” Tom said. “Just thinking about it makes my heart just swell up. It’s the best feeling ever, to think that a whole network is willing to gamble on you. I’m just a farm boy, just a simple kid from Arizona. I never thought I was anything special, yet they were willing to bet on me.”

He summed it up as, “It’s the best feeling in the world.”