Barely three years ago, Mark Bautista couldn’t afford a plane fare so he had to take a slow cargo boat from Cagayan de Oro to Manila to compete in the Star for a Night grand finals (won by Sarah Geronimo). He finished first runner-up and his life has never been the same again. Today, Mark takes the plane to and from his native Cagayan de Oro.
At 23, Mark (a Leo, born on Aug. 10) is seeing most of his dreams come true: Travelling abroad (four times to the States for concert tours with his co-champions, once to Australia, once to London and once to Japan, also all for shows), doing a movie (playing the title role in Lastikman), being recognized for his singing talent, building a house for his family and having his own album.
"Not just one but two," said Mark, referring to his second album, Dream On (from Viva Records), released on Sept. 15.
The single Dream On was composed by Side A vocalist Joey Generoso and Dina Barba. Other cuts in the album include Mark’s version of I Need You (popularized by LeAnn Rimes), You Win the Game and If By Now (both originals), the remake of When Will I see You Again (a duet with Search for a Star finalist Raymond Manalo, with Sarah Geronimo and fellow Star for a Night winner Rachelle Ann Go as background vocals) and other "listenables."
What else do you dream of?
"Having a solo concert," said Mark, "at sana matapos na ang bahay namin sa probinsya."
What other things have started to come easy after stardom?
"Courting girls," he joked.
Is it true that you had a "quickie" affair with a Viva Hot Babe?
"It never happened," said Mark. "I performed with her in Japan but nothing of that sort happened between us."
Mark stands 5’9", weighs 152 lbs. and wears medium-sized briefs (waistline is 31") and size 9 shoes.
In the photo releases for your new album, you look sexy without baring you body. Are you changing your image?
"Not really. It just so happened that during the pictorial, those present wanted something new. Para lang sa album ‘yon. You know, to show the public that I have matured."
Do you consider yourself a sex symbol?
"Naku, what is a sex symbol?
Well, people think of sex when they look at you.
"In that sense, maybe I am."
What part of your body do you think is the most attractive?
"My eyes."
And what part of your body is your favorite?
"My triceps. I think they look good."
And what part do you think needs some improvement?
"I’m working hard on my chest."
How often do you work out?
"When I’m not busy, thrice a week. But these days, only once a week."
What sort of workout do you do?
"Everything. I have an instructor."
What part of your body is most vulnerable?
"My nose. I have an allergy. You won’t believe it but I’ve been having a cold for two years now. Sinusitis. If I breathe even a little dust, I feel sick. So I always carry with me a post-nasal drip."
Is it worsened by lack of sleep?
"I guess so."
How much sleep do you get per night?
"Six hours at most. I usually go to sleep at 1 a.m. I make up for lack of sleep by taking power naps in the car. It’s a good thing I have a driver."
What’s your favorite sleepwear?
"White shirt and briefs. Hindi ako makatulog kapag ang suot ko ay hindi white shirt. Sometimes when I’m in the mood, I try to sleep in the nude. I’m alone in my room."
What vitamins and/or minerals do you take?
"Centrum and vitamin C."
What sort of diet do you follow?
"None. My dad is a good cook. I eat anything."
Favorite dish?
"Ginisang monggo."
Favorite drink?
"Apple juice. And lots of water."
Snacks?
"Jolly Hotdog."
Fruits?
"Grapes and apples."
How do you cope with stress?
"I get a massage. I play badminton. or I stroll in the mall."
Are you vain?
"Yes, I am!"
How long does it take you to fix yourself?
"If I have time to spare, I linger for 30 minutes in the shower. If I’m in a hurry, five minutes. What takes time is fixing my hair. Hindi ko malaman kung papano aayusin."
Do you have any bathroom ritual?
"Ang unang sinasabon ko ay kili-kili. Then, my hair and then my chest and down to my feet. After drying myself, I brush my teeth and apply moisturizer (from Dr. Vicki Belo’s clinic) on my face. The first thing I put on is my briefs; I don’t wear an undershirt. I put on my shoes and then my shirt."
Favorite outfit?
"Polo shirt na may collar, ‘yung medyo fit."
What’s the last thing you do before you go to sleep?
"Pray. I ask for God’s protection for members of our family in Cagayan de Oro and for good health. And, of course, I pray na magtuluy-tuloy ang suwerte sa career ko."
First thing you do when you wake up?
"Wash my face."
Any hobby?
"I watch DVDs. Or I sleep."
What was the last movie that you saw?
"Taeguki, a Korean film."
What do you splurge on?
"I don’t spend so much on clothes (and shoes) because we’re having a house built in Cagayan de Oro. I collect caps."
How’s your nightlife?
"In the rare times that I unwind, I hang out with my friends from Cagayan de Oro who are now in Manila."
Lovelife?
"Zero."
Sex life?
"Double zero."
What kind of girls turn you on?
"Morena and chinita."
And what turns you off?
"Bad breath!"
Favorite sport?
"Badminton."
Name three girls with bodies to-die-for.
"Lindsay Lohan. Heart Evangelista. Jasmine Trias." (Asked if he courted Jasmine, Mark clarified, "No. We first met in the States and we met again when she came to promote her album.")
What’s your favorite fantasy?
"Doing it on the plane – 37,000 feet above sea level."
Name three guys you think have nice bodies.
"Richard Gomez. Carlos Agassi. Diether Ocampo."
Using body language, how would you make a girl know that you admire/like her?
"I use my eyes, siempre!"