Cleaning up his act after a downward spiral, JM de Guzman finds his way back to family

CEBU, Philippines – Propelled by positive reviews, the indie rom-com “That Thing Called Tadhana” helmed by female-director-of-the-moment Antoinette Jadaone has been enjoying an extended theater run. More so, it has provided its male lead that much-needed boost in his comeback trail.

Sidelined by substance abuse in 2013 and after about a year of absence in the limelight, JM de Guzman described his second wind in showbiz as overwhelming.

And the 26-year-old actor has the film “Tadhana” to thank.

JM was invited for a cameo in the KathNiel flick “She’s Dating The Gangster,” and this was when he came into director Dan Villegas’ rearview, who then recommended him to play an artist moving past heartbreak in “Tadhana.”

He was grateful enough to see the film exhibited at last year’s Cinema One Originals Film Festival, saying he was impressed by the material at the onset. For Star Cinema to pick up the flick and distribute it for a mainstream run was icing on the cake, he said.

The actor swung by Cebu recently, on a Sunday, to promote the film at SM City Cebu while it was already showing at the cinemas. Before that, he sat down with the press at Bayfront Hotel’s Breeze Café to talk about his return and realizations in rehab.

Asked if photos of him and ex-sweetheart Jessy Mendiola catching a screening of  “Tadhana” together meant they were rekindling their romance, JM smiled and said it was simply a night out with a dear friend – one who had stood by him through the highs and lows.

The “Maria Mercedes” actress loved the film also starring Angelica Panganiban that she wished to star in an indie project too, JM said.

Written and directed by Jadaone, who also directed 2014’s “Beauty in a Bottle” and “Relaks, It’s Just Pag-ibig,”  “Tadhana” puts a Pinoy flavor to the age-old question of “Where do broken hearts go?”

Two broken-hearted individuals Mace (Angelica) and Anthony (JM) unexpectedly meet in an airport in Europe, and they develop an unlikely kinship that will lead them to an unforgettable sojourn to Northern Philippines. Together, Mace and Anthony will explore Manila, Baguio and Sagada, where they will discover if their friendship can transcend to the next level.

JM revealed that production initially had Maja Salvador in mind to play female lead. But all’s well that ends well, as Angelica was even awarded Best Actress by Gawad Tanglaw.

“We were just calm during filming. Angelica seemed like she was just playing around,” said JM of his experience working with the actress. “She is easy to work with. Later on, we became close, and I discovered she teases a lot, she’s very playful and a good friend to have.”

JM shared he has many insecurities being tasked the leading man, asking out loud, “There are requirements in being one, right? And I don’t see myself as one…’

Nevertheless, JM earned raves for his performance. In fact, he said he received offers for three indie films and two TV shows right after the nationwide premiere of “Tadhana.” They’re not yet set in stone though, but we imagine the vote of confidence is sure to be a morale booster for this actor seeking for that shot at redemption.

Returning to the fold

When the conversation turned on his time dealing with his inner demons, JM said one realization stood out: that family will be there for you no matter what.

Aside from healing himself within the walls of a rehabilitation facility, JM shared that he spent his time away from showbiz to reunite with family.

“Because I used to be apart from them. I lived by myself, and didn’t communicate with them much,” he said. “So I returned home, and we built on strengthening the core of our relationship.”

JM is the eldest of four boys, and has a half-sister living in Australia.

“At 18, I wanted to be independent,” he continued. “So during college, I moved out. I studied Theater at UP, and I would live with friends or classmates, and I would fend for myself. I would find ways to earn money for tuition and allowance. I did indie films, until ABS-CBN signed me up and I was able to rent a condo and buy a car. Eventually, I lost control…”

JM said he was arrogant then, which spurred his decision to leave home and pursue his craft. His parents convinced him to focus more on school then on acting – an advice he didn’t heed.

Now realizing their good intentions, JM said the first thing that popped in his mind during his downward spiral was family.

“They will not abandon you, whether you’re up or down, rich or poor…they will be there for you always. The biggest lesson after all that is to spend time with your family before anything else. We all make mistakes, and when that happens, we can surely lean on our family.”

Recalling the meaty roles he lost – most famously the San Pedro Calungsod movie role that went instead to Rocco Nacino – because of his drug-addled days, JM admitted that it no longer hurts as much these days. “I just use the painful emotion as motivation,” he said.

Fair-weather friends are also aplenty in showbiz, JM said, adding that among the showbiz peers that reached out to him during his low times were LJ Reyes and two directors. “It was really surprising. It’s hard to trust right away especially in this industry. But I don’t blame them. It’s really hard to find genuine friends.”

These days, when not on a film or TV set, he goes to the gym, or visits friends at home where they fiddle with their guitars.

He plans to attend sessions with a psychiatrist to help him deal with post-rehab concerns and have his progress monitored. “I can’t say my recovery is perfect…I’m taking it one day at a time,” he quipped, almost as a whisper.