Gino dela Peña the next matinee idol?

CEBU, Philippines – The McDonald’s commercial became an instant hit during its first week of airing, thanks to its familiar theme, the Eraserheads’ immortal track, “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” which went well with the dramatic storyline of “First Love.” The nerdy but lovable guy that created a buzz after starring in the said McDo TVC is now one of GMA-7’s fresh faces. Meet Gino dela Peña, a commercial model-turned showbiz talent.

So, what makes him tick?

Things rapidly took flight for this guy’s career after the airing of the McDonald’s commercial and Gino makes sure to give credit to that life-altering exposure. Entering the controversial world of show business never occurred to the 20-something Gino. Reports said that a certain aunt convinced him to audition for the now defunct TGIS (which launched the careers of Angelu de Leon, Bobby Andrews, Dingdong Dantes, Anne Curtis, among others), but Gino showed no interest.

He worked for a real estate company for quite a while after college, but showbiz kept knocking for this looker that he finally gave in to its lures. He recently came to the Queen City of the South for PLDT myDSL’s Ultra Broadband Blowout as part of the PLDT myDSL celebrity crew along with model/VJ Steph Henares and “Zorro” star Rhian Ramos.

The FREEMAN Entertainment had a quick exclusive interview with Gino during the PLDT myDSL party held at Formo in the Banilad Town Centre. Read on.

The Freeman: How do you find Cebu?

Gino: [I have] a lot of great words for Cebu actually. It’s my first time here. I’ve always had this impression that it’s more of the tropical side of Manila. But I was surprised that Cebu is quite like Manila, but somehow it’s a lot better because it’s more intimate. Cebuanos are nice and hospitable compared to the Manileños who are a bit cosmopolitan. People here are more sensitive and loving.

TF: You’re a talent under GMA 7 Artist Center. What are their plans for you?

G: I’ve been with GMA for a year already. I’ve been doing a lot of short stories, TV guestings and some corporate events like PLDT. I think they have plans to put me in a show, but they are still waiting for the right show and the right role for me.

TF: What type of show would you like to do and role you wish to portray?

G: Drama, perhaps. I think they’re going to put me in a show na pang-matinee idol ang dating ko.

TF: Before entering show business, where were you?

G: I was modeling. Just like any guy, I was working for a corporation. I was enjoying it for a time, but the Lord called me to be somewhere else. When the McDonald commercial came out, it got me parts in show business. I experienced a lot of things. I reached a certain point in my life that I wanted to know what I want to do in the next 15 years. When I landed in GMA, the passion just started to come out that I can say to myself that I really want this talaga.

TF: Are you looking at this as a long-term career?

G: Yes! Definitely!

TF: Who do you look up to as an actor?

G: Johnny Depp

TF: Do you plan on pursuing the same roles as his?

G: Maybe after seven to eight years. His roles are a bit eccentric in a way that it can ruin your career. You have to consider that show business here and that of Hollywood are not the same. Here, it’s very old-school; you have to play matinee idol roles. In the States, you can play any other role and be famous.

TF: Do you have any leading lady in mind?

G: Probably Isabel Oli. She is really nice, mabait. Whoever GMA gives me, I’m okay with that. It’s a challenge naman eh. They know what they’re doing. I’m open. I’m starting already, I can’t complain. I’ll let the Artist Center decide for me. I won’t complain. Whatever they offer, it’s fine with me.

TF: What’s your gameplan in order to survive show business?

G: Number one is of course, never to lose your focus on God. I believe that just by focusing on God and spending time with Him makes me humble and makes me know that it’s not me doing it but it’s Him that’s in me. It gives me more faith, discipline and patience.

Showbiz is not really easy, with all the corruption and immoralities going around, you really need God. Plus, of course, the motivation of using show business as a tool to reach out to other people is really fulfilling. It’s one of my goals, actually.

There were a lot of people who told me: “You know what, you should not enter showbiz because you might be addicted to drugs, be immoral…” I do believe that that’s why God is sending us so that we can change it, at least change some of it and influence people.

TF: Any showbiz crush?

G: I have one but she is old already, Cristina Gonzales. She’s really hot! The GMA leading ladies are all gorgeous. [They’re] too many so I can’t pick one (laughs).

TF: Aside from showbiz, what keeps you busy these days?

G: Aside from hosting corporate events and doing showbiz work, ministry work in church keeps me busy. I go to New Life at The Fort, Market! Market! It’s a healing ministry. We pray for sick people and we have outreaches. I also work in a private company as one of the associates of the product line called Sure Fire. These are flashlights and tactical lights that we sell to the government, and to the military. We’re more on the distribution side.