It was a long, arduous journey to the top for Arnel Pineda who made Filipinos proud when he became the frontman of the rock band Journey. Arnel who grew up in Sampaloc used to be part of local bands who performed here and abroad. But luck smiled on him when videos of his band the Zoo were seen on YouTube by a member of the Journey, Neal Joseph Schon. Arnel flew to the US to audition for Journey and the rest is history. Arnel has a new album with Journey titled Revelation which is a certified hit worldwide. Let’s get to know Arnel a little better.
An indecent proposal comes your way, what do you do?
I normally turn them down no matter how badly I need the offer.
If you are not who you are, who would you be and why?
Superman. I just want to save the weak, the hungry, the helpless ones from these so-called necessary evil.
On a bad hair day, what do you do?
Sometimes I get really upset but most of the time, I just shrug my shoulders and move on with a bang.
If you have a third eye, where would it be located?
Right on my left chest where my heart is strategically located.
Are you more of your father or your mother? How?
I’m more of my mother. We’re both fierce fighters especially when major things in life get really, really tough.
The best actor (in the world) of all time?
This one is tough — so many good actors out there locally and internationally — I’ll make a pass.
If you are given the opportunity to work with any actor in Hollywood, who would you choose? Why?
Tom Hanks. He is one of my favorites and I love his seriousness as much as I love his sense of humor.
If you had the power to change one thing in this world, what would it be?
Equality. Please, please, let’s take it to a real and higher level.
You are 60, where are you and what are you doing?
With my family and savoring the fruits of my labor.
What is your philosophy in life?
I fight if I need to, I dance if I need to, yet I won’t compromise my integrity and pride.
How do you deal with criticisms?
I take them constructively. They really help more than they destroy me.
Would you kill to save a loved one?
Yes, if it’s necessary, but if it can be avoided, I’d rather use diplomacy.
What is money to you?
Money to me is just a mode of transportation that I use to get around, but not enough to get me where I really want to be, to a world of bliss and happiness.
A book will be written about you. What would be its title?
Life As We Make It.
How do you pray?
I pray everywhere and with all my heart.
When was the time you really hated your job?
I have never hated my job, I only hate its negative results every time I attempt to do something amazing.
The most beautiful name of a woman?
Cherry.
How do you tell a girl that you like her?
I just tell her straight yet in the manner of a gentleman.
Roses or chocolates?
Both.
If you are a perfume, what brand are you? Why?
Cool Water/Davidoff and Bvlgari Extreme. Not too soft, not too strong, but very effective and enticing.
Who is your favorite director? Why?
Ford Coppola, Clint Eastwood, Steven Spielberg, Joel Lamangan, and some Filipino directors whose names I forget. They all have the same characteristics, I love how they tell their stories and they bring out the best in every actor/actress they work with.
Who is the one person you share your personal problems with?
God, my wife, and a few of my trusted best friends.
This is the last night of the world, what are you doing and who are you with?
All my loved ones and my family.
If love has a tag price, how much are you willing to spend?
Then that love is not for real.
What turns you on? What turns you off?
Turn ons: Righteousness, simplicity, humility, and the beauty inside.
Turn offs: Over confidence, excessive greed, materialistic.
Who is your ideal girl?
You don’t wanna know, it’s going to fill up every page of your notebook.
What do you hate most about yourself?
My own demons, they always attack me in my weakest hour.
Rate yourself as a lover?
I guess I have improved dramatically over the years, from 1 to 10, I’m 8.
The worst tsismis you heard about you?
Haven’t heard any yet. I’m looking forward to that.
What do you do when you feel ugly?
I play the role, then suddenly everything changes.
How do you handle fame?
I don’t think about it. I just work. It’s all about work.
The downside of being famous?
Privacy is compromised.