Dominic: A year full of blessings

All things considered, Dominic Ochoa assesses that the year-that-was was "full of blessings." "It was a year of learning," he affirms. "It was a very good year for me. I’ve reached a stage in my life when I can really ask myself: What do I really want? For the past two years, I’ve been thinking about what I’m going to do in the future."

And he has reached the conclusion that there is more to life than just being a popular actor, that he can do more than just entertain people. "I’m planning to go back to school," he volunteers. "For further studies."

Dominic is one of the few actors in the biz who finished college, having graduated with a degree in Business Administration from the University of Santo Tomas. Still, Dominic is not content to rest on his laurels and is contemplating on taking up Public Administration in the near future.

"I don’t want to venture into something that isn’t useful," he remarks. "This is not just for show. This is really for learning." Or is it in preparation for a public life, a future political career?

"Not really," he quips, quick on the draw. "We can’t really predict the future. As of now, I’m really not decided on that just yet. But I’m not closing my doors also." One thing’s for sure, Dominic will endeavor to make a difference wherever he might end up – be it the world of show or the world of public service.

Truth be told: Dominic has been working, quietly and diligently, helping the less fortunate for years – on his own (Elsie Gaches) and as an active supporter of the Rico Yan Foundation. Because helping people has always been his passion, he felt extremely lucky when the Mula sa Piso segment of the morning show Teysi was given to him. It’s a different kind of fulfillment, he avows. "I’m given the chance to go to places that other artists don’t get to see," he elaborates. Dominic has visited different depressed areas all over the metropolis, fulfilling the simple dreams of poor children.

"That’s the best part of the job, when you see a kid really appreciating the help you’ve given his or her family," he beams with palpable pride. "You can really feel that your good deed has made an impact on his or her young life."

A memorable Mula sa Piso edition was the one on a girl named Maria Mercedes who merely asked for a wash basin for her mother. "So that her mother wouldn’t have to live far away from home to work as a laundrywoman," Dominic recounts. "Mercedes is only six years old but she’s the one who’s taking care of her younger siblings because both her parents are working."

Response to Mercedes’ plea was overwhelming, Dominic pipes up. "She got more than 20,000 text messages from viewers," he enthuses. "That’s why we gave her more than just a wash basin. We also gave her grocery items and a washing machine. She was so happy!"

At the end of the day, these are the moments that lighten Dominic’s load somehow. "It’s a great feeling," he relates. "Even after working hard the whole day, when you get home, you feel fulfilled. The feeling that I get cannot be matched by anything monetary." Because of his kind heart, the blessings also keep pouring in. Career-wise, Dominic is also riding high. Last year, he made two big movies under Star Cinema – Kung Ako Na Lang Sana and My First Romance – both of which are certified blockbusters. He is a mighty presence not only on the big screen, but also on the small screen. Aside from his regular appearances on Whattamen! and Teysi, he is also a favorite guest artist on the top-rating drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK).

"I made four MMK episodes last year," he shares. "Two real-life stories: Fanny Serrano and April Boy Regino. I also did the Treehouse episode with Dimples Romana. I even did a cameo in Shaina Magdayao’s episode." In fact, Dominic started the year with yet another MMK appearance, the Dely Atayatayan story. "Manilyn Reynes will play Dely and I will portray her late husband Andoy Balunbalunan."

He has become such a regular on MMK because Dominic is a consummate professional who leaves no stone unturned in preparing for each new role. Portraying true-life characters is quite challenging for Dominic. "Like when we did Tito Fanny’s story, I really observed his every move when he visited the set," he looks back. "Same with April Boy. Between takes and during lunch break, I watched video tapes of April Boy’s past performances."

Dominic does his homework, onscreen and off. The same impeccable work ethic he imbibed in showbiz, he now applies to his new business, Thumbs Up! ice cream (which currently has 20 outlets and still counting all over the archipelago).

It is not uncommon for Dominic himself to drop by Thumbs Up! stalls to sell their products, at least once a week. "It’s fun," he describes the Thumbs Up! experience. "A novelty. You can get five small ice cream cones for only P25. It’s not the typical ice cream that you can buy in the market. We’re still open for franchise so people interested can call 687-3436."

He has also learned a lot from his new venture, he shares. "You really need to be hands-on. You really have to take care of your investments. Since you’ve worked hard to earn your money, you better be willing to work harder to make your investment bear fruit."

Indeed, 2003 was a year of profound lessons for Dominic. "That is why I am looking forward to 2004. We have exciting new projects in store."