Politics is not Ian’s cup of tea

Ian Veneracion has just celebrated his 25th year in showbusiness and looks back with both pride and gratitude for all his achievements and the many blessings that continue to pour into his life.

Those who have migrated to the other side of the world would remember Ian as the former child actor who charmed Philippine television by way of his naughty boyish antics in a long-running program Joey & Son. Joey is, of course, comedian-artist-host Joey de Leon who played Ian’s father.

Literally growing up on showbiz soil, Ian successfully crossed over to making movies in his pre-puberty years, while balancing his pursuits of normal education. He appeared in teeny-bopper flicks opposite the likes of Sheryl Cruz, Rita Avila and Jennifer Sevilla and was one of the most sought-after young idols in German Moreno’s That’s Entertainment.

Because of his natural gifts of good mestizo looks, height and well-endowed physique, Ian became the youngest and most handsome action star of the country, by way of the mega-hot movie Alyas Baby Face.

Looking back, Ian says he has no room for regrets, even if many reckon that those who grow up in show business usually are robbed of normal childhood and teenage years. " I guess it’s my fate to be where I am, to have done what I did, and meet the people who have paved the way for me to be the person that I am now."

Aside from being a well-respected actor, Ian is now a happy family man. Ian is married to Pamela Gallardo and they are blessed with three beautiful kids: Draco, eight, Deirdre, four and the newest addition to their family, six-month-old Duccio.

Everyone in the industry knows that Ian is a man on the go, curious about the many facets of life. He is a pilot, an abstract painter, a businessman, and an all-around athlete.

He gets a different high with height. He likes flying, sky-diving, and bungee-jumping. He engages in basketball, motor cross racing, shooting, hunting, hiking and sailing. Lately, he has been seen fishing with buddy Richard Gomez, who is bent on getting a seat in the senate.

"I fully respect the decision of my friend Goma to take a shot at politics and I’ll support him all the way," says Ian. Ian was offered to run for an important post in Bulacan but the suave, low-key actor politely turned it down. " I do not think I’m cut out for politics. Kanya-kanya yan eh. My life is so uncomplicated — I make the movies I like, I enjoy taping for TV, I can freely go out and play golf with my friends or fly to Palawan and spend time with my family without having to justify my lifestyle."

At the moment, Ian is preparing for a regular role in a soon-to-be-shown TV fantaserye. He was last seen on the high-rating GMA 7 program Captain Barbell. On the movie front, Ian leads the cast of a highly-respected ensemble of actors in Mark Phillip Espina’s directorial debut movie Siquijor: Mystic Island under Dante Mendoza’s Center Stage Productions, currently showing in cinemas nationwide.

He shares, "I like adventure. I like trying out new stuff. I like to travel and see places and experience different cultures and meet knew people. Life is a never-ending process of learning and discovery. You have to remind yourself that you can always have fun doing so." Ian had so much fun with co-actors Assunta da Rossi, Sid Lucero, Yul Servo, Coco Martin, Simon Ibarra and Angel Aquino while exploring the enchanting island of Siquijor.

When he is at home, he brings out his paintbrushes and canvasses and enters his world of abstract creation. " I do not like rules so much, even during my younger days. I think no one should ever be bound by so many rules. Perhaps this is the reason why I was drawn to abstract painting," he explains.

Ian is bent on making his first film project — a short feature that will hopefully do the rounds of short film festivals abroad. He took two months off not too long ago to immerse himself with great filmmaker-friends Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes in a series of workshops for new directors in Bacolod City.

How does one of the industry’s most well loved personalities describe his 25 years in the business? "Priceless," exclaims Ian, as he lets out his signature boyish smile.