What drives Drew Arellano?

Just what makes a young man like Drew Arellano tick?

He remains good-natured and gung-ho even though he is busy juggling two regular shows – the early-morning show Unang Hirit (UH) and the nightly spoof-cast Wazzup, Wazzup.

"I love my job. I learn a lot from the people I work with in my shows," he says.

Spoken like the level-headed guy that Drew is. After a year on UH and Wazzup, he has also learned a lot about himself and the craft of hosting. "I’ve become more quick-witted, snappier," he explains. "Especially when it comes to delivering one-liners. Adlibbing. Improvising swiftly. I’ve learned to always think on my feet."

He has come to accept the virtue of being independent. "In terms of feeling the environment," he says. "And going out of your way to talk to your guests. To get to know them better. To make your guests and yourself feel more comfortable. I’ve also learned to do research on my own. Not to rely on the producer to provide me with research material. It has become second nature to me now."

Especially since UH and Wazzup are worlds apart. The former is a serious magazine show, while the latter is a hilarious parody of today’s headlines. Indeed, these two shows have taught him versatility and flexibility, in more ways than one. Wazzup, in particular, helped him fine-tune his sense of humor. "After a year on Wazzup, we’ve all improved in our work," he points out. "Kahit papa’no hindi na nabubulol masyado. We don’t buckle that much anymore."

In fact, he used to be called the King of Bulols on the set, especially when there were pretty babes in the vicinity.

"But now I have a new title," he beams with palpable pride. "Tagabalita na Walang Kinikilingan Nguni’t Kinakikiligan."

For his growth as a comic anchor, he has the entire Wazzup team, especially co-hosts Vhong Navarro and Toni Gonzaga, to acknowledge and give thanks to. "They’re fantastic," Drew declares. "Vhong is funny, creative, down-to-earth. He’s my closest and dearest friend in showbiz. Toni, for her part, is truly talented. She is one-of-a-kind. She not only delivers her lines well; she’s also a gifted singer. On top of that, she’s also very pretty and smart."

If the Wazzup crew is his kabarkada, the UH gang is his kapuso. Drew also has nothing but praises for his UH family. "I look forward to reporting for work every morning, even if I have to wake up as early as four everyday," he remarks. "I’m very lucky because I get to work with the UH family. I really enjoy myself everyday."

His most memorable UH episode, in fact, was his last birthday (Jan. 16). "They really came up with a special episode," he recounts.

"I was really touched by all the interviews they did, with my dad, my family, and my closest friends. It was a wonderful presentation."

As coup de grace, the UH family also gifted him with a yellow Labrador. "And I named the dog Uno, in honor of Unang Hirit," he says wistfully.

Truth is, Drew is being gifted with a slew of blessings of late. For his first movie ever, Spirit of the Glass, an entry in last December’s Metro Manila Film Festival, he even bagged a Best Supporting Actor nomination. "I was really surprised when I learned about it," he quips. "Honestly, I think I still have a long way to go, as an actor."

He wants to stretch his range as a serious thespian and sample all sorts of roles and genres. "Comedy, drama, even action. Who knows?"

Without a doubt, Drew is ready to take the challenge and it’s not just because he is a competitive, athletic young man who works out at the gym daily. He’s also a sports buff – swimming and playing basketball, badminton and golf.

He is also taking care of at least three business ventures: The Spa Cocoon, the billiards equipment company Cue Tec and the pre-school PLAY (Progressive and Learning Youngsters).

Amazing. But how does Drew divide his week among all these endeavors? "I totally believe in time management," he attests. "It’s just vital to follow a routine in your life. To be disciplined and determined. Otherwise, you’ll go crazy!"

That’s Drew, in a nutshell.