How Rica tamed Bernard

He may be tough, he may be bad, but he is as meek as a lamb now that he is in love.

Bernard Palanca has changed his ways since Rica Peralejo came into his life. Their hearts started to beat as one while doing their first team-up, Sa Huling Paghihintay, months ago.

"She made the bad boy in me sleep," says the 25-year-old actor. "She made me look at things in a lighter way unlike before when I took matters too seriously. I am destructive emotionally," Bernard adds.

Born on Dec. 3, 1976, Bernard Gerard Revilla Palanca was barely three when his father was gunned down. Bernard, the eldest son, became the father figure of the house with the help of his lolo – ’50s matinee idol – Armando Goyena.

Bernard proudly assumed the "father" position to his siblings, Lisa and Miko until the arrival of his stepfather, Dr. Lorenzo Hocson.

Feeling that someone had taken his place, Bernard started getting into trouble and eventually created a bad boy image.

"I felt displaced kaya medyo nagwala ako," he says.

But that was then. Bernard has accepted the fact that he has a second father, whom he now calls "Dad". Maturity helped him in understanding life’s troubles. Most of all, the guidance and care of his lady love brought back his good self.

"Rica is an angel to me. She changed a lot of things in me and made me see things clearer and better," he proudly says.

Rica’s love for her family is another thing Bernard loves in her.

"I like the way Rica treats and values her family. She will probably be a good wife and mother because you can see how well she takes care of a family," he says.

Would he like Rica to be his wife? "Yes, but we’re too young to marry. Our parents advise us to take our time and not to rush into marriage," Bernard answers.

The identical rings on the couple’s fingers started the rumor that they got married in the States.

"I bought a pair of rings in the States but these are not wedding rings but commitment rings. We will definitely go public when that day comes," he explains.

Fact is, according to Bernard, jolly, sociable Rica has already been introduced to his family. They all approved of the relationship, especially his lolo who told him to keep her.

Does Rica’s being sexy onscreen affect Bernard?

"Of course. I just don’t watch her movies. It’s hard to watch her movies," Bernard replies. "But I won’t stop her from making movies. It’s what she loves doing," he adds.

In their relationship, they try not to control one another because it might hinder whatever success would come their way.

While Rica is a sexy actress, Bernard is a hunk. And what does a hunk mean to him?

"I never thought of it as something physical. For me, being a hunk is staying true to yourself as an individual," he answers.

Bernard is the type who lives one day at a time, not worrying about tomorrow too much.

"I hate time because it is always the enemy. When you’re having fun, it goes by so fast. When you’re bored it’s so slow. It is never on your side," he explains.

Among the Hunks, Bernard is closest to Piolo. "I am close to all of them but I am more comfortable talking to Piolo about things medyo personal."

Is there professional jealousy among them? "None," he answers. "We’re always proud of each other. No lamangan because we always get equal exposure."

The Hunks are regularly seen every Sunday on ASAP. Being part of the group helped Bernard reach out to a lot of televiewers and revealing to them his other side – that of a singer.

The grandson of original Camay girl Paquita Revilla was into underground modeling before he was seen on television via two Close Up commercials and a series of San Miguel Beer ads.

The TV advertisements opened doors for Bernard in show business. ABS-CBN’s top honcho Johnny Manahan called him to be part of their Talent Center artists and become a member of Star Circle Batch 5.

Since then, offers came aplenty in and out of the station. His first regular TV series was Annakarenina, shown on GMA 7.

Recently, Bernard was cast in the Robin Padilla - Sharon Cuneta starrer, Pagdating ng Panahon, playing the role of Robin’s co-worker.

"It was flattering to find out that I was personally handpicked by Robin to play the role. I am looking forward to working with him again," Bernard says.

Having celebrated his birthday last Dec. 3, Bernard is giving a birthday concert with his band, Bisqit Factory tonight at 8 at the Hard Rock Café in Makati. Rica Peralejo is his special guest. It is sponsored by Jag Jeans.

As a singer and an actor, one can truly say Bernard has lived up to his family’s name.