Looking every inch a foreigner, new MYX VJ Jose Luis Ma. Guerrero, call him Igi for short, can be mistaken for a number of nationalities — American, Italian or even Spanish. But never a full-blooded Filipino. With his tall stature, sharp nose and mestizo features, anyone in their right mind would take him as a foreigner. But this English speaking, bulol Filipino talking VJ actually sternly and proudly states, “I’m 100 percent Filipino.”
Born in Rome, traveling from the US to Turkey and finally settling in the Philippines, VJ Igi is easy to talk to — what with his puppy dog eyes, disarming smile and charming personality. Not to mention, a mind that speaks his own. And take note, unlike other senseless youth of today, this young mind is full of substance, depth and more of his Filipino pride.
VJ Igi candidly shares that auditioning for MYX was a very fun experience. Already a DJ for a radio network, Igi knew that trying out for a VJ was somewhat similar to his current job. You introduce the videos, tell some information about it and communicate to your audience. The only difference is there’s a camera taking in your movements, which for Igi is the same with radio since he’s very movement oriented and full of gestures when speaking and sharing his thoughts to his listeners. What he thought would be a competition with bloodshed turned out to be a venue to make new friends. Because of the long hours of waiting, Igi easily became friends with his new co-VJs, even before they were announced as winners.
This may seem natural for Igi but he shares that he’s actually shy around people, especially with those who admire him, like his viewers and fans. When people ask him for his autograph or picture, he still feels shy around them stating that he’s not used to the attention and the “celebrity treatment.” Even during his shows, when letter senders write compliments, he feels awkward to be reading to the whole nation words of admiration directed at him. But despite all this, he feels very honored, privileged and flattered for the people who appreciate and look up to him.
As mentioned, with the way he looks, one would be surprised as to how much this achiever is proud of his country. To a simple question, Igi doesn’t give just a simple answer. He shares what’s inside his heart. “What sets MYX apart.. What makes it different is that we’re more in touch with the Philippines, with the culture. We bring out the best in what the Philippines has to offer. Even MYX in the international scene, we still sell Filipino videos there. Our attention is to the Filipino. We’re showing the best of our culture. We are Pinoy pride.”
This complex “Renaissance man, jack of all trades, certified proud-to-be-Filipino VJ” is also currently learning multi-media arts. He one day plans on going behind the scenes, writing a story or even making his own movie. All that is in his future long term goals.
But for now, catch VJ Igi on Club MYX, MYX First, Where you at? OPM MYX, Myxilog, Pop MYX, MYX Daily Top 10 and My MYX only on MYX.