JM de Guzman recalls life after rehab

MANILA, Philippines — Comeback actor JM de Guzman is understandably nervous. He is still adjusting to face the cameras again after staying away from the limelight to go on rehab in 2015.

“I was so nervous, I was screaming in the comfort room before I came over,” he disclosed.

JM, dapper in a formal suit, was speaking before the press at the red carpet premiere of his comeback film, TBA Studios’ new romantic film “Kung Paano Siya Nawala.”

He also admitted that his body had to adjust to the working schedule and the stress that went with it.

If JM was a bundle of nerves that night, his leading lady Rhian Ramos was a picture of cool and calm.    

“He’s just nervous,” Rhian echoed JM’s words. “And he’s a humble guy. For now, it seems I’m the one who looks more comfortable. But when it comes to the set, it is I who draws support from JM.”

Her leading man, explained Rhian, is such an amazing actor, she actually gets her strength as a performer from him. That is why she advised JM to hold on and continue what he has been doing.

“You’re a wonderful person,” she told him. “There’s no reason for you not be confident. Just believe in yourself.”

At 30, JM is a battle-scarred warrior of life who refuses to say die. His triumph over drugs and his movie comeback have strengthened his faith in God. In fact, his Instagram account (1migueldeguzman) shows that he believes in Matthew 19:26, which says, “With man this is imossible, but with God all things are possible.”

JM’s trials have also taught him more about humility.

Given the chance to advice a younger person on how to deal with problems, JM would tell him, “Never be arrogant, no matter what your struggle is.”

Speaking of struggle, one of JM’s well-liked posts said, “The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow.”

JM’s re-emergence in showbiz is proof that he can eat humble pie and present himself again to the public, even if it means risking rejection from them.    

Lio, his character in “Kung Paano Siya Nawala,” has similarities with the real JM. Like JM, Lio is quiet.

But unlike his withdrawn character who finds it hard to connect with others due to face blindness, a cognitive disorder that makes him unable to recognize faces, JM reaches out. 

He recently revealed on his Instagram account that his friend, actor Janus del Prado, would love getting a bar of Toblerone on his birthday. Earlier posts showed JM relaxing with his friend Kiko Salazar and wishing Carlo Aquino a happy birthday.

These are the times JM lets his guard down, in the same way that Lio slowly learns to open up when he meets Shana (Rhian), a beautiful free spirit with secrets of her own.

The movie introduces the JM-Rhian tandem to the public.  

“Kung Paano Siya Nawala,” also starring Agot Isidro, Barbara Milano and Ricky Davao, is now showing in cinemas nationwide.