As this corner confirmed a few issues ago, JM de Guzman is raring to return to work after battling with drug addiction, something which Funfare Update only hinted at but which JM will admit in this Sunday’s edition of The Buzz. The interview with host Boy Abunda was supposed to be aired last Sunday but due to lack of time, it was postponed to this Sunday.
In Funfare Update’s exclusive first post-rehab interview with JM, he admitted that his more than one year away from showbiz gave him time to reflect on and sort out the kinks in his life. He emerged from rehab a completely new man, hopefully strong enough to resist temptations (read: bad influences including, aside from drugs, wrong company) in showbiz.
“I’m not blaming anybody for what happened to me,” said JM, “not even myself.”
One of the casualties of JM’s “bad habit” was his romance with Jessy Mendiola.
“I’m also not blaming Jessy for anything,” clarified JM. “It was my drug addiction that made her break up with me. My fault.”
JM was getting big breaks not given to other young actors, thanks to his acting versatility which was amply showcased in several indie films and TV shows (especially Angelito, Ang Batang Ama, his first Kapamilya drama starrer). Just when he was on the threshold of full stardom, JM’s career was derailed.
In Boy’s interview, JM admits that, as Funfare Update pointed out, it all got into his head, a sad case of “too much, too soon,” a syndrome that causes many a young promising actor to go down the drain if they can’t handle themselves properly.
“I’ve learned my lessons the hard way,” said JM who is, as Funfare Update observed, as good as new, eager to resume his career. By this time, he must have signed a new contract with the Kapamilya network which is gladly giving him a second chance, something which JM shouldn’t bungle up again.
Also a good singer, JM has actually finished an album (for Ivory Music & Video) titled Tensionado, with Have I Told You Lately (an original by Rod Stewart, the third single from the album) now being played up by Ivory. JM was in the thick of promoting the album when he took an urgent leave from showbiz.
Mark Mabasa performing in Air Supply concert
He has performed in shows abroad (US, Dubai, etc.) but Mark Mabasa said that his “special participation” in the foreign acts is always memorable. On Aug. 7 (Thursday), starting at 8 p.m., Mark will have his second guesting in a concert by Air Supply at the New Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila.
Actually, Mark (who finished among the Top 12 finalists in the ABS-CBN talent search X Factor Philippines) has performed with other foreign artists such as John Ford Coley, The Platters, Spandau Ballet’s Tony Hadley, Rex Smith and The Stylistics.
“Mark gets noticed by international artists,” said his manager Grace Mendoza. “He also caught the attention of the Hitman himself, David Foster, during his concert (David Foster and Friends) in Singapore. Foster singled out Mark from the audience to sing a few seconds worth of Foster’s song and he was so impressed with Mark that he invited him to the stage and asked him to sing some more with Foster himself accompanying him on the piano.”
Incidentally, Mark has collaborated with Media Sync in putting out his first album, with Crash and Burn as carrier single.
(E-mail reactions at entphilstar@yahoo.com. You may also send your questions to askrickylo@gmail.com. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.)