It pays to be Christian

It’s amazing how a 30-second TV commercial could change somebody’s life. In 2001 the PLDT commercial that featured model/actor Christian Vasquez immediately made him a household name and the famous line suportahan ’ta ka catapulted Christian to unexpected fame.

Since then, the six-feet-tall actor has crossed over to television and film. Christian has appeared in Star Cinema’s ensemble comedy flick Jologs and Viva Films’ Pagdating ng Panahon while he is a regular actor on GMA 7’s Kahit Kailan.

The PLDT commercial made Christian a star. At present, he is the model/product endorser for Baleno Underwear.

Admittedly, he’s still adjusting to the perks and quirks of show business. "I would meet people who would make friends with me and some would ask for my autograph. I make friends with them, why not, but I think the autograph thing is a little strange. First, I’m not that big (a name) to sign autographs and second, I don’t know what to write," he explains sheepishly. Over all however, Christian openly admits that nothing beats the fun and excitement he feels whenever people recognize him in public.

Today, the young actor expects to be in the maelstrom of showbiz news with two upcoming projects. The first is a sexy movie called Liberated under Seiko Films starring Diana Zubiri, Rodel Velayo and newcomer Francine Prieto. With a film under Seiko, people can’t help but wonder if this hunk would be showing everything. Christian says, "Go and watch the movie and find out for yourself."

The second is more controversial and even more highly-anticipated. Christian is cast in the much-talked-about adaptation of Joey Gosengfiao’s 1980 cult classic Temptation Island. In the stage adaptation directed by Chris Martinez, the roles played by Jennifer Cortez, Dina Bonnevie, Bambi Arambulo, Deborah Sun and Azenith Briones will be played by actors John Lapus, Peter Serrano, Raymond Sydney, Tuxqs Eustaquio, and Face Sales.

In the play, Christian plays the hustler-boyfriend of John Lapus. Surprisingly, Christian seems to have no problem working with gay actors. He has no qualms about having a kissing scene with John in the play.

"Basically, Temptation Island....LIVE! is a light and fun play. I am very comfortable with the actors that I am working with since they are all professionals and very talented. Being paired with John in the play is not at all hard because I have worked with him in several projects. He is a pro and it’s no big deal kissing him onstage."

Temptation Island is about a group for beauty queen wannabes, a maid, a gay pageant organizer, and a handful of sinfully delicious hunks who got marooned in a deserted island. What happens is a series of hallucinations, cannibalism to the tune of West Side Story’s Somewhere, and lots of sex, hence the title Temptation Island.

"I’m very excited," says Christian. "I’m sure audiences would love it as much as we do. The camaraderie of people working in theater is overwhelming and I feel so blessed to be part of a crazy but fun project."

(Temptation Island... LIVE! Will be staged on July 3, 4, 5, and 6 at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute at the CCP. Tickets are priced P300 and P500 and are available at the CCP Box Office (832-1125) and at all Ticketworld outlets (891-5610). Temptation Island...LIVE! Is a production of Madiraka Events and Services with Baleno Apparel and Underwear as co-presentor. This production is also presented by Hairwatch Salon, TGI Friday’s, Robinson’s Place Ermita, Weighless Center, Static Bar, Hawk Bags, Quckshot Productions, Red Chair Production, Sitcom Live and Backroom, Inc. For particulars and sponsorship packages call Tonsi Ignacio at 0919-2518540.)