The Golden Boy of Philippine Cinema

Patrick Garcia isn’t comfortable when people call him "Golden Boy of Philippine Cinema." He says he’s flattered but he does not enjoy the pressure. "Pressure to prove that I’m worth the expectations," the young actor explains.

But you can’t stop admirers from calling him the "Golden Boy" and after having earned good reviews and bagging numerous acting awards, including the Star Awards for Movies Best Actor for his poignant performance as a troubled teener in Batang PX. A faithful public watched him with fondness in his early TV stints (Ang TV, Gimik,) and his initial cinematic outings in Madrasta, and Nagbibinata etc. And his public is still there watching Jologs where he plays an ex-seminarian asking nervously his girlfriend (brilliantly portrayed by Jodi Sta. Maria) to have sex with him. And the same public stays glued to TV sets to watch over him in Pangako Sa’Yo and Tabing Ilog.

Indeed, his show business career seemed like a walk in the park but there was a time when Patrick felt like he was about to crash and burn due to his sudden fame and fortune. "I was busy with so many things but I didn’t take my career seriously. I would go out with my friends, stay late at night, mindless that I would have to work early the next day."

His nightly "gimmicks" plus a dizzying schedule of tapings, recordings, rehearsals, promos etc. got into the young actor and he started getting humongous eyebags. He lost so much weight that he was accused of taking illegal drugs. Looking back, Patrick says that his schedule was "so hectic. I was partying ‘til the wee hours of the morning and then I would report to my tapings a few hours later. That time, I felt like I was on top of my game, that I could get away with almost everything."

But one day, Patrick woke up and discovered that there’s more to life than partying every night. "I decided to lie low in my career and in partying because I felt that I needed time to think, to reassess my life. It started getting into my head. It was then that I decided that there’s more to life than the gimmicks. It was then that I decided to take my career seriously and to take hold of myself and my life."

Now, Patrick says he is more matured and focused. At 21 years old (he will celebrate his birthday with a party – his first in a long time), the talented young actor says that this is a new lease on his life. Tabing Ilog and Pangako Sa’Yo are still enjoying high ratings and his last movie Jologs is a huge hit. He is also enjoying a high profile endorsement with Lee Jeans where he’s one of the magic models of the ready-to-wear company. And soon, he will headline a drama TV show to be aired on ABS-CBN soon. "It’s like another life for me," Patrick quips.

But it’s not only Patrick’s show business career that is rosy nowadays. When you ask the ABS-CBN Talent Center artist about his girlfriend Bianca (a commercial model), his face breaks into a smile and his eyes sparkle. In fact, he says that when you open his heart, it’s her name that’s written on it. Fans, like Jobert Sucaldito, like him because "he is very handsome, very talented, and very smart for his age. He is also a very nice human being. He knows how to make you feel good about yourself."

I too admire Patrick for his intensity as an actor. In spite of his status as one of the hottest and most talented young actor, he still dreams of becoming a farmer and he wants to take up a course in agriculture.

Good luck and happy birthday, Patrick!

Rocky Horror Show

Two of Philippine theater’s "youngest veterans" take centerstage in Atlantis Productions’ revival of The Rocky Horror Show. Joel Trinidad and Cathy Azanza play the star-crossed young lovers Brad and Janet in the hilarious musical which has gained a cult following since its premiere in London in the ’70s and eventually went on to become a popular film. Last year, it was nominated for Best Revival in the Tony Awards.

Joel Trinidad has worked for almost all theater companies in the Philippines and has even appeared in Singapore. He started 2002 by playing opposite Lea Salonga in the critical and commercial hit Proof. Cathy Azanza on the other hand, has appeared in numerous productions for Repertory Philippines and also alternated with KC Concepcion in Trumpets’ production of Little Mermaid last year.

The Rocky Horror Show is directed by Bobby Garcia. Also featured in the cast are Calvin Millado, Aiza Seguerra (Chari Arespacochaga alternates at certain performances), Bituin Escalante, Anna Fegi, Jett Pangan, Jay Espano and Michael de Mesa. Jake Macapagal and Mylene Dizon are part of the chorus.

The Rocky Horror Show runs at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati from Nov. 15 to Dec. 8. Select shows are available for fundraising opportunities. For show buying or ticket sales information, contact 892 7078.

At the same time, Atlantis Productions announces auditions for the Philippine premiere of the Tony Award winning musical Dreamgirls on Sept. 18. Auditions are for male and female roles 17 years and older with strong singing voices. Applicants should prepare a contemporary pop/rock/blues/Motown song that displays his/her vocal range. Bring music scores/sheets or minus one tapes to auditions. A pianist will be provided. Please also bring a recent photograph to attach to your application.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. with auditions running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the 2nd floor of the Oppen Building at 349 Jupiter Street (directly across from Jupiter Place). Dreamgirl opens in Manila in March 2003. For more information, call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078.