AJ finds Oedipus a ‘complex’ role

Perhaps the most challenging role that ever landed in the hands of AJ Dee is the role of Oedipus, The King. The Sophocles literary masterpiece is an acting piece reserved for brave and seasoned actors. AJ was literally terrified when he was offered the role. "But I welcome the challenge," explains AJ.

In high school at the Ateneo de Naga, AJ remembers being active in school plays. Acting in school plays was fun. "Parang laro-laro lang. It was more of barkadahan than anything else." AJ was into swimming and he did not have an inkling that one day he will get into acting.

AJ finished Business Management at the Ateneo de Naga and instead of attending the graduation rites, he marched in the fashion runways for the Mossimo Bikini Contest. He was declared second runner-up.

After his first taste of the limelight, AJ decided to pursue a career in the biz. He joined television’s TV Idol UR D Man contest on MTB’s Ang Saya Saya. Ahron Villena took home the jackpot and AJ was first runner-up.

Despite his loss to Ahron Villena, AJ found a new "life" in other ABS-CBN-produced shows. He was chosen to host a portion on The Buzz. He also had the chance to work with some of the most respected celebrities like Maricel Soriano and Ricky Davao, in the teleserye Vietnam Rose directed by Joel Lamangan.

"Vietnam Rose was a learning experience. Initially, natakot ako kay Ms. Maricel. But she is a very nice person, very generous. She is also a professional. Nakakabighani," he says.

But entering the realm of theater acting is a whole different experience for the actor. "Iba ‘yung disiplina dito," he explains. "Every scene should be almost perfect. Di pwedeng mag-buckle." AJ says that director Mel Magno made it easier for him to portray the role of Oedipus. "He really helped me."

AJ admits though that he is more effective when he is not overly pressured. And director Magno knows how to maneuver this attitude. AJ adds that he was properly guided on how to attack the role.

He also credits co-actor Amy Perez for being supportive. Amy plays Queen Jocasta, the mother of Oedipus. Although this is not the first time that the two are working together, AJ says that doing the play was not easy. They worked hard to build the rapport needed for their characters. The play also allows them to explore their range as actors.

What makes him busy aside from his theater and TV commitments is an Internet café which he owns. He put up the Internet café at his hometown in Camarines Sur. "I’m just thinking of the future. Showbiz is not forever," he quips.

Recently, he joined the reality dance contest for celebrities, ABS-CBN’s U Can Dance. AJ couldn’t believe that he and his professional dancing partner made it to the finals. In fact, he didn’t know he has the skills to shake and move. "I am not really a dancer. But I am a swimmer," he says.

AJ represented the country in various swimming competitions. "I am a disciplined athlete. I brought that discipline into dancing and into my work as an actor."

Saint Joseph’s batch ’79 reunion

Calling all alumni of Elementary Batch ‘79 of Saint Joseph’s School in Pandacan, Manila. You will be having an annual homecoming on Jan. 28, 2007. For details, call Carmina Ducusin-Cabral at 0918-8015479, Susan de Mesa at 0928-2518832 and Elmer Bong Quintana at 0918-9213289 or 0917-8393201.