Sweet is here to stay

John Lapus’ sweet days are here to stay. He is the newest Kapuso of GMA 7 even while he remains under the management of ABS-CBN’s Star Magic.

It may be confusing and unbelievable that the two networks seem to agree over the comedian’s career. But Star Magic has taken the responsibility of looking after John and will do whatever it can for the sake of its talent. Its support for the transfer of John to GMA shows a gesture of professionalism.

"I asked GMA people if it’s possible for me to stay under Star Magic and they agreed. Besides, I need not be handled like a matinee idol anymore. Star Magic and I get along well, so my transfer went smoothly," John clarifies.

The offer came five years ago but never materialized as John was hot with the success of his character Sweet in Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw. He then became one of the The Buzz co-hosts and was included in the cast of Arriba, Arriba. He was last seen on ETK.

"I was jobless for six months. Jobless in the sense that I didn’t have a regular show, only some appearances on ABS-CBN shows," he says.

It was then that the 33-year-old funny man realized it was more tiring to wait for the next project than being preoccupied with so much work. John used to complain about lack of sleep. But now, it’s okay with him even if he doesn’t get enough sleep at times.

He also did stand-up in bars like Klownz and Library. Some even told him in a subtle way that he has gone downhill and John believed them. He asked friends’ advice to put up a business with his savings. Last January, he opened John Graffiti, a cafe-bar near ABS-CBN. The bar is just breaking even with the expenses.

Now, after the gloomy days in John’s life have passed like the death of his dad, scriptwriter Jojo Lapus, GMA offered him again to be its contract star.

"I wasn’t expecting GMA would get back to me after five years. I’m so happy to have accepted the offer," he says.

GMA gave John a one-year contract and he was warmly welcomed by colleagues in his new station. He is now a regular host of S-Files with his own segment, Headline Ka John and has guested on Nuts Entertainment and K! The 1,000,000 Videoke Challenge.

"I was tongue-tied when I met Joey de Leon. I cannot believe I’m now working with him. Na-tyope talaga ko," he enthuses.

John is elated at getting to work with idol Richard Gomez on S-Files. John even prepared to meet Richard face-to-face.

Former colleagues in The Buzz like Boy Abunda wished John good luck and best friend Kris Aquino is happy on this latest development.

"I’m blessed that my transfer didn’t elicit intrigues and has the full support of all the people who have been helping me since day one of my career," he shares.

He also admits that his talent fee is pretty much higher than before. In return, John promises to do his job well.

John recently appeared on Captain Barbell as the villain Mercurio, the gay nemesis of Richard Gutierrez’s character.

With his hands full of projects these days, John says, "I’m thankful to GMA and I feel grateful that I’m busy with work again."