Ate Jessa is Lloyd's idol

Lloyd Zaragoza is now slowly making his way into mainstream showbiz and out of the shadow of his older sister, Jessa Zaragoza. His face is a regular fixture on TV and billboards these days. He is John Lloyd Cruz’s friend Bruno in the Greenwich Pizza commercials. He also plays Roman Salcedo, the neighborhood high school dropout who makes Betty’s life miserable on the teleserye Betty La Fea on ABS-CBN.

“I watched my sister’s shows before and I was overwhelmed by the adulation she got from audiences. I told myself that I also wanted to become a star someday,” Lloyd enthused. But Lloyd pursued his dream only after finishing his Business Management degree. “I promised my father that I would finish my studies before I pursue my other interests.”

Just like Jessa, Lloyd is a gifted singer. He was the vocalist of four local bands including Art N’ Soul where he met Joshua Desiderio of Freestyle who became a big influence in his singing career. “He encouraged me to never give up.”

Lloyd launched his self-titled album under Star Records some years ago. He recorded songs like Ikaw Na Ang Bahala which was released internationally and was dedicated to OFWs and Emmanuel for the World Youth Day celebration.

One day, he was informed by his agent to try out in a Greenwich Pizza VTR after his singing stint in Hong Kong. “They were looking for a man who had tattoos for the role of Bruno. The casting crew thought I was the perfect choice because of my tattoos.” He has appeared in two Greenwich commercials and on giant billboards.

It was not Lloyd’s first time to work with John Lloyd. He has previously worked with him on Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay and Tabing Ilog. Now again, they are co-stars on Betty La Fea.

Lloyd is a young man of extremes. He is a fitness buff who does not drink and smoke. “I work out four times a week and watch carefully what I eat. But I love tattoos.” Does he regret having tattoos because of the bad boy image people attach to it? “No, napakinabangan ko nga siya for my Greenwich commercials. I got the part of Bruno because of my tattoos. They are my good luck charm,” he declared.

Aside from Greenwich, Lloyd has several commercials tucked under his belt like Ragnarok, Jack ’n Jill Fun Snacks, Potato Crunch, McDonald’s, Pop Cola and Juicy Fruit Gum. He also graced the print ads of Smart. 

Lloyd appeared in the indie movie titled Kasal opposite Valerie Concepcion. “I hope to star in a movie na parang Prison Break ang istorya. I want to portray a role na may tattoos pero may soft side. Ganoon kasi ako in real life. I have tattoos pero I have no vices.”  

He looks forward to a bright and exciting showbiz career. “I made some bad decisions in my career when I was younger. Looking back, I lacked the passion because I did not put my heart into it. I believe everything that happened in my life had a reason. I learned a lot from my mistakes. I am blessed to be given another chance in showbiz.”