Dominic’s roller coaster life

The past year was quite a roller coaster ride for Dominic Ochoa. The year 2002 was filled with amazing highs and astounding lows. And yet through it all, Dominic remained his usual driven and determined self. In fact, he eagerly faced the second half of the year, along with challenges that it brought, with renewed hope and vigor.

The year 2003 saw him starring in three high-profile films from Star Cinema: Olive Lamasan’s Got 2 Believe, Gilbert Perez’s Jologs, and Jose Javier Reyes’ Nine Mornings. For 2003, Star Cinema has lined up just as interesting movie roles for Dominic such as the Aga Muhlach-Sharon Cuneta starrer directed by Joey Reyes and Moral 2003 under of Marilou Diaz-Abaya.

Making movies is tops Dominic’s to-do list this year. Make that quality movies. "I’d like to concentrate on movies," Dominic says. "I’m the type of person who really focuses on something if I want to excel in it."

He sees himself tackling more mature, dramatic roles in the near future. "You know what, I don’t have a dream role," Dominic confesses. "If you ask me, whatever role is given me, even if it’s just for one sequence, it’s okay with me for as long as I am able to give justice to it."

That is his primary goal as an actor. He says, "Even if you are the lead actor, if you are not able to do what the role requires, what’s that? In every project, I make it a point to fulfill my responsibilities as far as my character is concerned."

Just to give you an idea: He was supposed to play Sandy Andolong’s son in a planned movie. To prepare for the project, he started calling Sandy "Nanay" or "Mommy," whenever he bumped into her in the ABS-CBN 2 studios.

"I really psyched myself up," Dominic shares. Remember, this is the same committed actor who won a Best Drama Actor trophy from the PMPC Star Awards for TV in 2000 for portraying Jolina Magdangal’s gay brother in Lab Ko Si Babes.

He applies the same grit and gumption to his other endeavors. "I also want to go deeper into hosting," Dominic declares. "If in the past, hosting was just about introducing this or that guest, now I look at it as serious business." It’s a challenge he welcomes with open arms. And an open mind.

He doesn’t make a big fuss about his remarkably positive work ethic because it is simply second nature to him.

"I want everyone to realize that if you want high ratings, if you want to do well in this business, then all you have to do is compete. We don’t have to imitate or fight with anyone. If we do our work, if enjoy our work, we’ll do great. It’s that simple."

Dominic is now part of Basta’t Kasama Kita with Judy Ann Santos and Robin Padilla. He is also doing extremely well on his other ABS-CBN 2 show, the Wednesday-night sitcom Whattamen. He is having a blast in the company of his Whattamen co-stars (and MTB co-hosts), Marvin Agustin and Ai-Ai de las Alas, as well as the new addition to the Star Network family, Dennis Padilla.

That Dominic hit it off with Dennis is a positive development. Dennis, after all, is the husband of Marjorie Barretto, sister of Claudine –who was pitted against Dominic in the gossip columns after the untimely demise of Claudine’s boyfriend and Dominic’s best friend Rico Yan last year.

Yes, Dominic has patched things up with Claudine and they are now in the process of healing. "It’s such a small industry," Dominic explains. "For the Christmas special last year, we had a song number together. We’ve talked already."

It’s all water under the bridge, as far as Dominic is concerned. After all, he has no time to wallow in controversy – especially since he is now busy with his sport (racing), his social work (with the Rico Yan Foundation), and his new business, Thumbs Up! ice cream stalls. He is an active partner and endorser (in fact, he is the company’s Vice President for Marketing with Rico’s former business partners for Orbitz) of Thumbs Up! which has set up stalls in SM Fairview (upper ground floor), SM Centerpoint Foodcourt (beside Orbitz), Ever Ortigas, Shangri-La Plaza Foodcourt, SM City and SM Bicutan. Thumbs-up is unique in that it serves delicious ice cream in different flavors: Avocado, Vanilla Cookie Dough, Double Chocolate Chip, Chocolate, Coffee, Corn, Strawberry and Cookies and Cream on the world’s smallest ice cream cone in a colorful thumb-held palette functioning as a multi-cone holder.

"It’s all in the balancing," Dominic says of the secret behind his successful multi-tasking. "Time management is very important. And for franchise inquiries for Thumbs-Up, you may call 687-3436 or 687-4373."

The Vice President for Marketing of Thumbs-Up is serious about the ice cream business. Just as serious as he is about the business of acting! All the best, Dom!

The Quadro look

The Brit look has always been chic, hip and all things cool in fashion. From Twiggy to Princess Diana, to the Beatles and Robbie Williams, all things British have that special stamp of attitude that rocks the world of the youth.

That’s why Quadro shirts, which have been in the Philippines since 1994, have gone global and Euro in their look. Now known as Q Club London, the shirts known for their fresh, easy and stylish street casual look have taken on a global dimension, in answer to the changing taste of its growing market.

The basic wear of the past now takes inspiration from the contemporary art world and retro look of the ’60’s. Comfort and style merge with interesting colors and fabrics for a distinct Euro beat. The basic colors are red, white, black and silver. Casuals are ready to go from daytime to evening. There are graphics, foreign text and fun symbols on the shirts as well, giving them a happy, light and frolicsome character.

Today, walking the streets or club- hopping will never be the same. Q Club London has freed its spirit and aims to communicate with the new generation.