The big difference in Dominic

Last Monday, Dominic Ochoa celebrated his 30th birthday. Three decades in this world and he says he has lived a fulfilling life.

He enjoys a high-profile career as an actor and he recently ventured into business. Inspired by his friends, Dominic is establishing himself as an entrepreneur. If Marvin Agustin has Ricecapades and a Mister Donut franchise and the late Rico Yan had Tequila Joe’s and Orbitz, Dominic, together with Rico’s Orbitz partners, has Thumbs Up ice cream stalls.

Dominic is grateful to people who all these years, never tire of helping him. "I realize that I have so many supporters," Dominic declares. "That there are so many people behind me. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am right now."

Indeed, the past year was a year of trials for Dominic. His friend Rico Yan passed away. Dominic’s daily noontime show MTB (Magandang Tanghali Bayan) underwent a number of changes. Same with his Wednesday night sitcom Whattamen.

But the same year was also a year of triumphs for Dominic. He continued to pitch for Smart Talk ‘n’ Text, along with Marvin Agustin and new models Jericho Rosales and Kristine Hermosa. Moreover, all three of his movies – Got 2 Believe, Jologs, and Nine Mornings, all under Star Cinema – made a killing at the tills.

Despite the controversies, he survived alive. "I learned a lot," Dominic muses.

Dominic promises to be a better person and actor after all the good and bad things that have happened in his life. "Unlike politicos who do nothing but talk, I plan to do something," Dominic asserts. He wants to make a difference.

In fact, he is now active in the Rico Yan Foundation. In the middle of the holiday season last year, Dominic flew to Hawaii for the Foundation’s launching. "I was so happy, I met so many supporters there," he says. Dominic sang for them and encouraged them to pursue Rico’s vision. "I’ll support the Foundation."

One Sunday afternoon, he visited Rico at the Manila Memorial Park. "I try to visit him every time I am free," Dominic relates. "There were other visitors, but that was the first time I was able to have a one-on-one with him. I talked to him. I told him: ‘It’s hard to be a Rico Yan. So I wouldn’t even try to be like you.’ I guess, the best thing to do is to follow my own path, but I’ll put in what I learned from Rico."

Dominic, in fact, thanked Rico for allowing him to hook up with the people who are now helping him out in his new business venture. Although he graduated with a degree in Business Management from the University of Santo Tomas, he insists that he still has a lot to learn. "I really want to study the new business thoroughly," Dominic admits. He wants to invest his earnings wisely, to strike while the iron is hot, he says.

"I am aware that there is a risk involved," Dominic pipes up. "In showbiz, in anything, there is a risk involved. But for as long as you believe strongly in your business, you can’t go wrong." Especially if your business is consistent with your image as a showbiz personality.

His showbiz work goes hand-in-hand with his new business, Dominic says. It’s the next logical step for a media personality like him. Before joining showbiz and ABS-CBN Channel 2, full-time, he worked at the front desk of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. His stint in the hotel also taught him numerous lessons.

"I learned how to manage my time," Dominic points out. "Back then, I was juggling my hotel job and commercial modeling at the same time. I was able to do it. Time management is really important in this business."

On this aspect, Dominic has become an expert. He has two ABS-CBN 2 shows: Basta’t Kasama Kita and Whattamen. He has his endorsement deal with Smart Talk n’ Text. He has his movies under Star Cinema, one of which is the Aga Muhlach-Sharon Cuneta starrer Kung Ako Na Lang Sana directed by Joey Reyes. And he is also into his favorite sport, racing – specifically, touring cars. Dominic races every week and is now part of the Ford team. He even won first place in one of the races recently!

Movie actor, TV host and comedian, 2000 Best Drama Actor from the PMPC Star Awards (for Lab Ko Si Babes), commercial model, race-car driver, and now, an ice-cream businessman.

Happy birthday, Dominic!