On the road with Paul Jake & Tyrone

I supported Paul Jake Castillo during his Pinoy Big Brother stint early this year, because my friend Linette Ramos asked me to and also because he is Cebuano. Last Saturday, I finally met him in person, as he was the celebrity guest of Gaisano Country Mall’s 17th anniversary celebration. He was with Starstruck alumnus, now ABS-CBN talent, Tyrone Perez.

Arriving at Lighthouse Restaurant in Mango Avenue, I got an energetic “hello” from Paul Jake and a simple “hi” from Tyrone when introductions were made. We were chairs apart so no actual conversation took place. Then it was decided that we would go to their show at Balamban later that afternoon, and Paul Jake suggested that we drop by their rest house along Transcentral Highway. Fellow entertainment columnist Roger Serna and I agreed to do the interview there.

Paul Jake did not ride with us on the way there because he was with the International Pharmaceuticals Incorporated guys who later gave product samples during the show. But Tyrone did. Admittedly, I initially disliked the guy, maybe because during his Starstruck days at GMA-7, he was branded boastful and overconfident. It did not help also that Tyrone was loud in the car as he talked with his road manager Zenny.

 First, he inquired how long it would take to get a US visa because he has a ticket to the Manny Pacquiao fight next month. Then he mentioned he was supposed to guest on Billy Crawford and Luis Manzano’s game show, but was pulled out at the 11th hour for unknown reasons. He was disappointed because “swerte pa naman ako sa mga game shows.”

As we coasted along the highway, Tyrone started to take pictures of the view before us. He then said he wants to buy a property by the beach. He also tried to pronounce every Cebuano word he heard and read.

We finally arrived at Paul Jake’s family rest house where the view was breathtaking. “Welcome to our humble home,” greeted Paul Jake. He then happily announced he is part of Shaina Magdayao’s Precious Hearts Romances Presents Alyna, wherein he is paired with another Bisdak, PBB Teen alumna Beauty Gonzales. “I don’t know if loveteam ba, pero kami mao’y comic relief sa story. Bisaya ang ubang pick-up lines.”

According to him, his character in the afternoon soap is “so Paul Jake in real life. Makulit daw ko, so I guess mo fit in ra sa akong self.” He is also taking some Tagalog lessons.

With regards to his lovelife, Paul Jake declared he is single by choice. “Lisud sad siya kay taping ka, n’ya kinahanglan sad ka mu-rest, unfair kaayo kay wala na kay time para sa imong uyab. And I think now is the time to rest kay since I was 16, naa nako’y relationship,” 25-year-old Paul Jake opined.

Paul Jake, who took up Business Administration at the Center for International Excellence, said he is also determined to make a career in showbiz. Interestingly, his contract with Star Magic expired last Oct. 4, and there’s no word yet if it will be renewed or not. However, he is assured of a project until next month.

Now part of Bench’s roster of models, Paul Jake said he is still not confident to follow Jake Cuenca’s daring pictorial for Bench’s underwear line. “Topless kaya ra,” he said, smiling.

I was amused when he shared he is now the one taking care of his bills—water, electricity, gasoline, etc. He looked genuinely thrilled at the fact that he is now financially independent. Talking to Paul Jake was a humbling experience for me because here was a rich kid who was sincere, not boastful, and has good breeding.

From his rest house to Aliwanay Sports Complex in Balamban, Paul Jake already joined us. He said, “Sauna mag-motor raman mi diri gikan sa syudad.”

He would later stress this when he performed onstage. “Daghan kaayo ko’g kaila diri, kay pirmi baya ko muanhi sauna.” He expressed joy to be back in Balamban, explaining that he was a regular of the town because his family has a prawn farm there.

Watching him on stage from afar, Roger commented: “Wapa gyud siya mausab no, wapa makaon sa showbiz. Dato man gud daan.” And I so agreed.

 Nevertheless, my most favorite revelation of Paul Jake was what he said on the way back to the city: that he is uncomfortable signing autographs. “Sino ba naman ako, hindi naman tayo sikat,” he said. Such humility. With that, I’m happy to have campaigned for him before on my radio program.

*****

And I also love Tyrone, despite the initial dislike. Tyrone is no doubt handsome, especially with his penetrating eyes.

 Told that maybe it is because of his good looks that he comes across arrogant to some, he said, “Hindi ako ganon. Ang hirap ngang gawin nong role (kontrabida) ko sa Momay, kasi hindi ako hambog. Galing ako sa isang simpleng pamilya. Regular lang ako na binata. Hindi nga ako gumigimik eh.”

 He described his transfer from GMA-7 to ABS-CBN as smooth-sailing. When his contract with the Kapuso network ended, he was still under the management of the late Douglas Quijano, who was then drawing up bigger plans for him. But the veteran star builder suddenly passed away, and Tyrone was left with no talent manager for six months.

 “Nag-shoot ako ng movie sa Baguio at nakita ako ni direk Jerry Sineneng. So, tinanong niya ako kung sino manager ko, sinabi ko wala. A week after, may meeting na agad ako with Star Magic,” he recalled.

 He then signed a six-month contract with ABS-CBN’s talent arm and was cast in Momay. His contract has already expired, but he is confident he will be renewed very soon. In fact, he’ll be part of a forthcoming teleserye. Tyrone also said that management wants him to go wholesome, so there will be no sexy movies for now. To recall, Tyrone was launched via the sexy film, Twilight Dancer, three years ago.

 If he had his way, however, Tyrone hopes to host a sports or travel-oriented show in the future. He is willing to wait though for the breaks.

 Tyrone, whose real name is Jojo, claimed he has no girlfriend since 2007, after his break-up with young actress Charee Pineda. “Mayroon namang nagpapasaya sa atin, pero career na muna, kasi nakakasira yun (lovelife),” he said. “Kasi kapag alam ng mga fans na may girlfriend ka na, feeling nila wala na silang chance, ayaw na nilang lumapit. Kaya kaibigan na lang muna.”

 Reflecting on the conversations during that entire ride, I’ve realized that indeed looks can be deceiving. Tyrone may look so sure of himself, but away from the cameras and his screaming fans, the 23-year-old actor is just a simple, sometimes reserved, guy, yet who seems to spare no effort in seizing opportunities.

 When we finally got off at JY Square, he looked up and said, “See you soon!” Indeed it was a great and enjoyable ride with the boys!

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