Oliver Moeller not closing doors to acting

CEBU, Philippines — Had Oliver Moeller opened a message from Cornerstone Entertainment 12 years ago, he could have signed with the talent agency much earlier, joining a roster that includes Sam Milby, Julia Montes, Catriona Gray, and Piolo Pascual — to whom Moeller is often compared for their striking, similar looks.

But it was only a day after his highly publicized appearance on “It’s Showtime’s” GMA Network debut in 2024 as Michelle Dee’s winning suitor, that it finally became a reality.

“Crazy story is that I got a message from Erickson Raymundo, the president and founder of Cornerstone, asking if I was interested in signing with them, which I said yes,” the Fil-German told The FREEMAN. “But then he told me that they actually messaged me 12 years ago. I had to scroll up and saw that Cornerstone did want to represent me if I ever wanted to go into show business, so it was a full circle moment for me.”

His April 6, 2024, appearance in the show’s former dating segment “EXpecially For You” made rounds online as viewers compared the Cebuano lawyer to Pascual, which was far from the first time he had heard such comparisons.

“In high school and college, people used to tease me that I look like him, and I would describe myself as the ‘budget version of Piolo,’” he jested.

Moeller eventually crossed paths with his famous look-alike. He recalled, “He’s such a nice guy and super down-to-earth, just as I have heard in the industry. Once you meet him, he’s just like any ordinary guy. He’s successful, yet humble at the same time.”

His appearance on “It’s Showtime” marked his first taste of fame.

“Wednesday night, I got this call from the producers asking me to be on the show, and I first thought it was a scam,” he said. “When I found out it was a legit offer, I said yes because I wanted to cross that off my bucket list, as I had never been on TV before.”

Moeller said the producers were specifically looking for someone prominent from Cebu to diversify their contestants that also included Kapuso host and sportscaster Martin Javier and vlogger Kevin Ty.

“One of their producers contacted a friend based in Cebu, and that person pointed me out,” he recalled. “Long story short, a friend of a friend of a friend got my number and gave it to the producers.”

While his date with Dee was a one-time experience, Moeller said it left a strong impression on what it’s like to be under the spotlight. “Just to have a glimpse of the limelight, and what it’s like, was interesting to me,” he said.

The FREEMAN interviewed Moeller at Chong Hua Medical Mall, where the “Celebrate Life” show took place on January 12. The event was organized by the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology and Kythe Foundation Inc., in partnership with Chong Hua Hospital, Perpetual Succour Hospital, Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital, and Singapore Cancer Center.

As one of the celebrity guests at the event, Moeller asked cancer survivors, their families, and medical professionals to consider him an “ally” in their journey as he shared words of encouragement in his speech.

“Mainstream media leads us to believe that we should idolize our heroes on TV, but I believe the true heroes are the people in this lobby: the cancer survivors, caregivers, parents, siblings, loved ones, our medical professionals, and the hospital staff,” he said. “Please consider me as an ally in your journey.”

“With all of the things going on in the world, we tend to lose sight of the stuff that really matters,” he elaborated to The FREEMAN.

“The lives of cancer survivors and those with other chronic illnesses are quite difficult, and I am very blessed to be in a position now where I am fit and healthy. I don’t know how long that’s going to be. Life works in mysterious ways, and if I am in a position to help, even just to put a smile on someone’s face, I am willing to do it,” he added.

This year, Moeller plans to further grow his law firm, as well as his family business, “Nimo Drew,” a garden café concept in Lapu-Lapu City. As for plans in show business, his focus is leaning more toward content creation.

“TV is always going to be there, as well as hosting engagements and endorsements,” he explained. “But I want more control over what I do, which is why I chose social media to be my main thing.”

This does not mean he is closing doors on acting. Moeller said he wants to develop his craft through workshops before stepping onto a set — a commitment he cannot yet prioritize.

“I respect acting as an industry that you cannot just do part-time,” he said. “I would have to go through seminars and workshops, and because I have a lot on my plate, it’s not a priority right now.”