John Lloyd wants to keep things private

MANILA, Philippines - In two weeks’ time, 2011 will be the year that was. John Lloyd Cruz may consider this year as one for the books. He has figured in a “bizarre” love triangle but John Lloyd has managed to snag endorsement deals (Magic Flakes and Head & Shoulders) and win awards (Box-Office King and FAMAS Best Actor).

“Honestly, I don’t know,” says the Jack ‘n Jill Magic endorser of his magic in surviving intrigues and controversies. “I think the best way to make sense of it is that character makes more impact than reputation.”

Just like in the past, John Lloyd will charge the recent development in his personal life to experience and try not to commit the same mistakes again. When he looks back years from now, John Lloyd “can confidently say that I rose above it all gracefully and with dignity.” 

As an actor, John Lloyd understands the public’s insatiable enthusiasm in knowing everything about his life. He says that “maybe, that’s how interesting the life (of an actor) is.” However, what’s written and talked about is not all true. There are “dagdag (addition) and bawas (omission)” as John Lloyd puts it.

“It’s part of the business,” he says. “We can’t possibly change it… what is important is how you show your character. In any kind of work, there’s (controversy and intrigue). Hindi lang naman sa show business. What is important is how you give it a fight. It’s not important what you are going through. What matters most is how you will go through it.”

As for the state of his heart, John Lloyd plans to “keep my mouth shut. Since I became open about my personal life to media and to the public (in the past), things became out of control. Right now, whatever I want to (happen in my life), I th ink the best way to protect it for now is to keep it to myself and let it be as private as possible.” This includes his relationship with Shaina Magdayao.

“We’re doing fine even shortly after what happened (to us),” shares John Lloyd. “Maayos naman kami. We don’t have problems. We’re okay. We spend time together. We watch concerts… We are still trying to discover how to really take care of something like this (the kind of relationship we have)… I’m still trying to discover the best way how to take care of it.”

Asked if he and Shaina are together, “No, we’re not.” John Lloyd says it always takes two to tango. Both parties are responsible for the success and failure of the relationship.  

Meantime, John Lloyd is bringing magic on the small screen as he topbills a series of TVCs for Magic Flakes. Seen with some girl on the commercials, John Lloyd shares that Magic Flakes is a healthy snack option. One has a variety of crackers to choose from like Magic Creams, Magic Coated and Magic Chips. The crackers are either filled or coated with chocolate and butter, while the bite-sized crackers come in cheese and barbeque flavors.

With (from left) Maricel Pangilinan-Arenas of Harrison and Chris Fernandez, marketing manager of URC Biscuits

What’s in the pipeline for John Lloyd? He and Sarah Geronimo will do the third installment of their box-office hit A Very Special Love. A TV series with Bea Alonzo is also lined up for next year. He is also finishing Unofficially Yours opposite Angel Locsin.

Despite all the intrigues, 2011 is a good year for John Lloyd. He is ending it with his recent Best Actor win from FAMAS.

“Of course, you want the recognition,” he says. “But (an award) should not be the basis of your hard work and how much effort you give to your craft. If (an award-giving body) recognizes you, it’s a big bonus. It’s the same way (when the movie earns at the tills)… If the movie becomes a box-office hit, it’s a bonus for the actors.”