Baste downplays perks of being a presidential son

MANILA, Philippines - Being a presidential offspring  is supposed to come with a lot of perks. But Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, President Rodrigo Duterte’s son and social media magnet, can only think of one: A free hotel stay.

What about girls who flock to him and won’t let him go?

“I don’t know why they go near me,” he says in Filipino. “Perhaps because I’m the son of the president?  I don’t know.”

But adoring girls and free hotel stays won’t keep body and soul together. Like all ordinary mortals, Baste must work for a living.

That’s why his mother, President Duterte’s first wife Elizabeth Zimmerman, was glad when she learned Baste will make his TV debut as host of TV 5’s new reality adventure show Lakbai (Sundays, 8:45 p.m. starting May 21).

The show features Baste and his friends, lawyer Alexis  Lumbatan, Sboi Malicay and Andrei Apostol exploring local travel spots and learning about its people.

“My mother said, ‘It’s okay. At least may sweldo ka, may trabaho ka,’”  Baste relates.

His dad, on the other hand, was less euphoric. When people told him his youngest son will have a regular TV show, the controversial president turned to Baste and said, “O, artista ka na.  Sige, uwi ka na (You’re already an actor. Go home now.”) 

Baste adds that the president wore his trademark poker face when he said those words. So Baste has no way of knowing exactly what his father felt at that time.

It’s common knowledge that the president disapproves of the way Baste handles certain aspects of life, especially when it comes to family.

But the son doesn’t take it against his dad. Baste explains that this isn’t the first time his dad has lambasted him publicly. He’s done it in the local level, or in Davao, where the president served as mayor for 10 years.

Now that the public reprimand has reached the national level, Baste insists his dad’s stinging words don’t offend him.

“He’s just being a father,” Baste defends his dad.

How about guesting his dad in one of the episodes?

Baste’s reply is quick and honest. He won’t mind, “if it will help raise the show’s ratings.”

The showbiz greenhorn isn’t afraid of living to up an image — be it that of a self-assured host or a fearless adventurer.

He admits feeling awkward while taping the first two episodes of Lakbai.

“I’m trying to be more open. But I’m still shy,” the self-effacing Davaoeño takes over.

But he warmed up in the third and fourth episodes, knowing it’s his job to talk to the people he meets in the places he and his friends visit.

Shyness isn’t the only thing bothering Baste, the newbie host. He admits his fear of heights makes him scared of riding planes. But he’s willing to conquer his fears and try anything for the show.

“I’m getting paid for it,” he points out.

This candor is refreshing, and is proof that Baste calls a spade a spade.

He refers to the Ellen Adarna episode in his life in the past tense, but doesn’t mind guesting her in the show.

“No problem. It’s just work. Char! (gay lingo for joke),” he says.

But Baste isn’t that carefree when  it comes to his job.

He and his friends went surfing in a secret spot known only to Baste’s fellow surfers. The foursome also explored Bukidnon, Apo Island, Dumaguete, Siquijor and Baste’s native Davao, of course.

Baste’s love for adventure makes him explore the road less taken.  

“I don’t take the tourist trail when I travel. I need to talk to people and know what’s happening.”

Baste is taking a new trail that appeals to the adventurer and the team player in him. And he’s willing to do everything — even to conquer his fears — to make it work.