The villain in Dominic

"You? A kontrabida?"

Dominic Ochoa says the reaction of people on finding out that he’s playing a kontrabida role in ABS-CBN’s Bituing Walang Ningning only challenges him all the more.

Dom, who formed part of the Whattamen trio with buddies Marvin Agustin and Rico Yan, has always been known more for his comedic talents. He admits that during the first few taping sessions, he felt uneasy, but with almost half of the episodes for the show’s first season in the can, he is learning to feel more and more at home with drama.

"Umaasenso ang acting ko," says Dominic. He feels pleased, in spite of this being his first time to try the drama genre in a sineserye.

It’s a different kind of feeling, he says. "Masarap kasi as an actor, you get this sense of fulfillment that comes with doing something you don’t normally do. When you’re able to do it, it makes you feel good."

He thinks it’s also a good idea to constantly test himself as an actor by accepting assignments that people normally wouldn’t expect him to take on. "You always have to find another way to branch out. It’s a good career move," says Dominic. "In showbiz especially, it’s good to stay one step ahead of everyone else."

Speaking of competition, Dominic doesn’t consider himself as being in competition with anyone. He’s not saying that to sound boastful or mayabang, but only because after nine years in the business (he’s going on his 10th year this year), he has finally realized what he’s here for.

He is not here to be pitted against the likes of Piolo Pascual and Jericho Rosales, both top matinee idols. He considers them his friends and is happy for their success, but he’s not actively seeking to become another matinee idol. He enjoys showbiz and he loves his job, but not to the point of being consumed by it. As long as he’s working, he’s happy.

Both Star Magic and Backroom – which co-manage his career – see to it that Dominic is kept busy and working. The offers continue to come, and Dominic takes advantage of every single one. The role in Bituing Walang Ningning is just the latest in a string of career opportunities that have come his way. There’s also the dance show Shall We Dance, commercial endorsements (like Talk ’n Text), corporate shows and out-of-town shows.

With their help, Dominic has found his place in the world of showbiz. "I may not be a matinee idol, but I’m happy with my roles," explains Dominic. "I’m fulfilled at may satisfaction ako sa ginagawa ko."

He’d rather be known as an entertainer. "Nandito ako para magbigay ng ligaya, ng kasiyahan, sa tao. That’s what it’s all about, accepting yourself whoever and wherever you are. Never naman sumaksak sa utak ko (that I’m a matinee idol). I’m just an ordinary person who happens to have a career in showbiz. If I let that go to my head, baka lumaki ang ulo ko. In my own mind, I’m an artist. Simple lang ako."

Dominic even shuns the so-called showbiz lifestyle. He doesn’t go around with a driver, an alalay or a road manager. He takes care of his own needs and carries his own stuff.

But his attitude shouldn’t be taken to mean that he doesn’t have goals. Dominic works just as hard as any other actor, but for a slightly different reason. Other actors strive hard because they want to be famous and win awards and the recognition of the public. For Dominic, the motivation comes from within.

He works hard because he has his eye on the long term. "I strive hard, because I have a goal," he says. "I want to relax and take it easy when I’m 40."

Dominic is one very smart actor. Although he cannot be called a "big" star or, that’s it, a matinee idol, he has wisely invested his earnings not just from his showbiz career, but also from the various businesses he’s involved in, including Thumbs Up ice cream. That’s one thing the three friends – Dominic, Marvin and Rico – used to have in common. They all have a flair for business. Dominic has his Thumbs Up ice cream, Marvin his Ricecapades outlets, and Rico used to run the former Tequila Joe’s restaurant in Makati, and was also a partner in Orbitz Pearl Shakes.

The businesses are just another way of branching out, says Dominic. "Whether mawalan ako ng trabaho o hindi, may pera na akong nakatabi," he says. "That’s one reason I’m working so hard. People have asked me kung bakit ako nagpapakapagod magtrabaho kahit wala akong pamilya, but I guess it’s because I just want to make sure that I have a good life. That’s all there is to it."