Justin, attaboy! Dondi, attagay!

Justin Cuyugan is gay but he is not gay. He is gay when he is Dondi in Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan and he is not gay as Justin Cuyugan. Justin is not gay and Dondi who is Justin is gay. He feels very flattered that a lot of people think so because of his effective portrayal as Claudine Barretto’s gay best friend in the soap opera Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan.

"Nakakatuwa that a lot of people think so," says Justin. "It means that I’m doing a good job and people have already begun noticing my acting talent."

But this pivotal role in Justin’s career almost didn’t happen. Had his taping for the show Kabalikat push through, he would have stayed out-of-town for two days. "As usual, I would have played the friend of the bida in that episode," Justin recalls.

But as the cliché goes, "When a door is closed, a window is opened." And indeed, during the supposed schedule of the aborted taping, ABS-CBN suddenly called for an audition for an important role in a major soap opera. A lot of Talent Center’s young actors auditioned but Justin was chosen because he was "brilliant in his audition. Mapapaniwala ka that Justin is really gay," reveals an ABS-CBN insider.

But for every success, there is a downside. While Justin’s gay role jumpstarted his acting career after a four-year stall, he has also had his share of cajoling and snickering from other people who now doubt his sexuality. To this, he just smiles quietly. "Kilala ko naman ang sarili ko, eh," murmurs Justin, who is being co-managed by the ABS-CBN Talent Center and Archie Ilagan. "No offense meant to gays but I know I’m not gay."

But worse, some gays try thinking Justin would entertain them, would try to, well, proposition him. But I would never forget this old gay who approached me, offered me a drink and a ride home. I turned down his advances, though. Kahit wala akong kotse, I could always take a cab going home," quips Justin.

"I used to have a bad temper when I was younger," says Justin. "Sinapak ko na siguro ’yon if that happened before."

Justin attributes his newfound patience to show business. "The industry has taught me a lot. It has really made me patient," says Justin. When he was introduced four years ago as part of the ABS-CBN Star Circle, he was hardly noticed by anyone. But instead of wallowing in despair, Justin decided to wait in the wings, knowing that his time on centerstage would soon come.

He also made it a point to further hone his craft. Justin made the rounds of all the ABS-CBN shows and even decided to expand his career sideways by crossing over to theater. Under Dennis Obispo, Justin enhanced his thespic talents and developed more self-confidence by appearing as the lead in plays like Batang Pro and Without Seeing The Dawn.

Now, Justin says that he is happy with the way his career is going. He is part of the new Jolina Magdangal movie, Kung Ikaw ay Isang Panaginip, under Star Cinema and was tapped by ABS-CBN to be part of its latest sitcom Attagirl where he plays the boyfriend of Michelle Bayle. "I have so much fun doing Attagirl," says Justin. "The concept of the show is great and I have a wonderful time working with Michelle."

Besides acting, Justin’s other passion is music and, together with his friends, he has formed band. Their music, Justin describes, "is pop mainstream ala Vertical Horizon" and they already have nine original songs which they themselves composed. But until now, the band is still searching for a name.

Don’t worry, Justin. I’m sure you’ll find a great name for your band in the same way that you found a way to slowly but surely find your little corner in the business. And who would have imagined that you would be noticed in your role of Dondi, Angeline’s gay best friend?

Justin, attaboy! Dondi, attagay!