JM de Guzman: As good as new

Just when people have been wondering whatever happened to JM de Guzman and when he would resurface, guess who was face-to-face with Funfare Thursday night — yes, JM de Guzman!

Wearing a mustache that enhanced his newfound maturity, JM looked at peace with himself and the world around him, his eyes as clear as a super moon, unlike the last time I saw him more than a year ago when there was not just sadness but something inscrutable in those eyes that JM uses to advantage in fleshing out the characters he’s playing, whether big or small. He was unmistakably troubled, fighting the demons in mind.

JM is a changed (read: reformed) man, now ready to resume the flourishing career that was rudely interrupted by some bad habit that took him more than a year to shake off. When he disappeared from the scene, not just his loyal fans but lovers of good acting went tsk-tsking, expressing regret that such a talented young actor was going to waste. The good news is that JM got hold of himself and recharged himself, ready to face the challenges with a new resolve, determined not to let anything or anyone get in his way again, especially “BI” (Bad Influence”) friends.

“I would like to redeem myself,” JM said with a smile. “I feel better now. I think that what I have gone through will make me not just a better person but a better actor, too.”

He’s happily taking up where he has left off, all set to resume a colorful journey that started when he was six years old and doing more than 20 commercials. While in the elementary grades in Lourdes School Quezon City, JM was cast in the ABS-CBN kiddie show Ang TV, using the name JM “Butik” de Guzman, with Sarah Geronimo, Shaina Magdayao and Denise Laurel among his batchmates, all of whom, like JM, grew up in the blinding glare of the klieg lights. In 2005, JM enrolled in a Theater Arts course in UP where he became a member of the Dulaang UP, initially as member of the production crew before becoming an actor. He was a busybody, active in the UP Wrestling Club (in which he served as president) and won a silver for Quezon City during the Philippine Olympic Festival’s National Capital Region’s qualifying round. He was also into mixed martial arts and making music (with an album to his credit).

In 2009, he passed an audition for the Cinemalaya film Last Supper. He was so good in it that director Lauren Dyogi, business head of ABS-CBN, didn’t waste time in enlisting JM for Star Magic, talent agency of the network, and promptly cast him as the best friend of Rafael Rosell in the TV series Midnight Phantom, followed by his big break in the revival of Mula sa Puso (in the role played by the late Rico Yan in the original) and a few other shows, capped by a starring role in Angelito: Batang Ama.

“He has his own style of acting,” observed a critic. “He acts without acting at all, meaning he’s a natural actor. That’s why he became a favorite, especially among indie filmmakers.”

For Pinta-kasi, one of the dozen indies that JM starred in (produced by Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos), JM won Best Actor in the New Wave category of the 2011 Metro Manila Filmfest. Just when big things were opening up for him, JM hit a crossroads. Was it a case of “too much, too soon” that he couldn’t handle?

Turning 26 on Sept. 9, JM realized what big chances he was letting go. During his year-long absence from showbiz, he did a lot of soul-searching while recovering from whatever was “afflicting” him. One of the big roles that he let slip through his fingers was the title role in the St. Pedro Calungsod film that eventually landed on Rocco Nacino’s lap.

“At that time,” JM recalled with a little laugh, “somebody wrote that I was seen wandering around Baclaran na hindi nakaayos. The writer probably didn’t know that I was trying to imbibe the St. Pedro Calungsod character. I was wearing a camisa de chino and pajama-like pants. Pini-feel ko ang pagiging St. Pedro Calungsod.” 

Anytime now, JM will sign up a two-year renewal contract with ABS-CBN. For his re-entry, he might be asked to star in episodes of Ipaglaban Mo and Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK). After that, who knows, another solo TV starrer (like Angelito) would follow.

“I really miss acting,” admitted JM who has never been involved in any controversy nor subjected to nasty gossip because he has always been so protective of his private life, seldom talking even about his love life (he was romantically linked to a beautiful young actress with whom he shares initials). “In portraying different characters, I discover and learn more about myself. I’m in the business to act, although I understand that tsismis is part and parcel of the trade. I also miss my showbiz friends and those I have worked with.”

Three weeks ago, JM invited his Angelito co-stars to a reunion which signaled his intention to resume his rudely-interrupted career.

JM is ready for his second wind.

Ser Chief opens another resto

Besides show business, Richard “Ser Chief” Yap is also pre-occupied with the food business.

After opening Wang Fu restaurant (along Tomas Morato Avenue, Quezon City, beside McDonald’s), Richard and his business-partners Lester Pimentel and Ace Wang have just opened a new one called Luna J Filipino Gastropub (at the ground floor of Il Terazzo, also on Tomas Morato) which specializes in Filipino food.

“That’s what makes Luna J (after the national hero) different from Wang Fu,” said Richard. “Luna J serves Filipino specialties from Up North to Down South. Walang fusion menu.”

Added Lester, “Most of those working in Metro Manila are from the provinces, so they crave for food from their respective provinces. They will find it in Luna J.”

“Yes, we serve Cebu Lechon at Luna J,” said Richard who is a Cebuano, adding, “did you know that the lechon balat is better than chicken skin which raises your SGPT that causes fatty liver?”

Cebu Lechon is one of Richard’s favorite food.

“Actually,” admitted Richard, “I eat anything — Filipino food, Japanese food, Chinese food, any kind of food.”

Despite his heavy sked for the shoot of his hit ABS-CBN soap Be Careful With My Heart, Richard makes sure that he takes three square meals a day. “In fact,” he said, “I try to eat five small meals per day.”

Anytime now, Richard will start shooting Praybet Benjamen, a sequel to the hit starrer of Vice Ganda who reprises the title role. It’s for this December’s Metro Filmfest.

Does he still have a love life?

Replied Richard half-jesting, “Oo naman, when I go home at night.”

Seated nearby, his wife Melody was blushing.

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. You may also send your questions to [email protected].)