MANILA, Philippines — John Lloyd Cruz is not afraid to fall in popularity.
"Hindi naman 'yon ang pinunta ko dito, e,” he said, referring to his fame. "Malinaw naman bakit ako nandito and it's for my love for the craft and that's it. It's been taking me to places I've never been to, ang impact sa buhay ko."
The Kapamilya actor started making a name when he starred in the ABS-CBN's youth-oriented show "Tabing Ilog" in 1999. Until he landed his first lead role with Bea Alonzo in the TV series "It Might Be You."
Being in the business for a more than a decade now, John Lloyd had a fair share of ups and down in the industry.
He admitted that at some point of his career he wanted to leave everything behind and live a simple life.
"Kasi ano 'yon, e, it's life's natural cycle and you don't go against it, e, you don't argue with it," he explained. "Siguro sa aming mga artista, humihirap lang kasi mayro'n kaming commitment lagi. But if I'll honor myself more than the rest, baka mas madalas akong nagwo-walk away."
"Kasi walking away ay hindi naman para talikuran lahat, e, or iwan. Sometimes you have to walk away para pagbalik mo mas okay ka," he added.
John Lloyd stars in the Erik Matti film "Honor Thy Father" which will be the opening film at this year's Cinema One Originals film festival on November 8 at TriNoMa.
He's also working on the sequel of "One More Chance" with Bea Alonzo titled "A Second Chance" which is directed by Cathy Molina and will be in cinemas on November 25.
READ: John Lloyd Cruz talks about ‘A Second Chance’