"I’ve been wearing the same haircut even before I joined the Starstruck contest," said Rainier who’s turning 19 on Oct. 21. "I have it cut to the same style once every two weeks. I can’t make it shorter or longer because it will affect the continuity of my shows."
That haircut has attracted Bench to sign up Rainier to a 15-month contract as endorser especially of the Bench Fix (gel) and other Bench clothing products.
In last February’s Starstruck grand finals, only Rainier and three other finalists – Mark Herras, Jennylyn Mercado and Yasmien Kurdi – competed for the Pl-million plum (among other prizes). Mark and Jennylyn won but (maybe like Yasmien) Rainier said he felt like a winner of the blessings that came with the territory.
Besides Bench, Rainier has also signed a one-year recording contract with Universal Records which is now preparing his debut album composed of new songs by Lito Camo.
"I’m now taking voice lessons under Anthony Saleza," said Rainier.
He’s busy with five GMA shows – Click, S.O.P., Starstruck Stage One, Starstruck Kids and Lagot Ka: Isusumbong Kita.
No wonder the loser feels like a winner.
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Rainier tapes for Starstruck Stage One, Tuesdays and Thursdays for the 30-minute Barkadahan portion of Click, Saturdays for other portions of Click and for Starstruck Kids, and Wednesdays for Isusumbong Kita.
Despite all this windfall, Rainier has remained level-headed, saying he doesn’t feel like a celebrity at all but only busier than he has ever been – sans regrets.
Asked what the other changes in his life were since Starstruck, Rainier smiled.
"Kulang sa tulog."
While before he would linger in bed for 12 hours, the most he can get these days is five hours of sleep.
"But my life is still normal," insisted Rainier even if he can’t stroll in the mall without attracting a following the way The Pied Piper does or making people stop and stare. "At home, I’m the same, except that I have no more time for gimik with my neighborhood barkada."
Home for Rainier, his sister and their mom Sel Diaz is Rainier’s maternal grandfather’s residence in Project 8, Quezon City, where he grew up as a Lola’s (Aida Macalincag) Boy. He was barely three years old when his father left and he has never seen him since then. "Even if I bump into him on the street," said Rainier, "I wouldn’t know he’s my father. I was too young to miss him."
What Rainier has put "on hold" is not only gimiks with his barkada but also his studies. He finished high school at AMA and decided to forego his plan to take up Computer Science in the same school.
"I’m a computer freak," admitted Rainier. "At home, I relax with my Play Station; my favorite game is Final Fantasy." Otherwise, after work, he and fellow Starstruck talents Dion Ignacio and Anton dela Paz would hie off to the nearest Starbucks and, so to speak, shoot the breeze over cups of coffee. "Mababaw ang kaligayahan namin," he smiled.
Doesn’t he have a girlfriend?
"I used to have one but we broke up before Starstruck. Now, I hardly have time for a girlfriend. I go home and sleep and as soon as I wake up and take breakfast and a quick shower, I’m off to work."
Along the way, when Rainier meets a girl who’s chinita and looks sweet and mabait – "My type!" – his day is made.
But just because he has so many shows and a few endorsements doesn’t mean that Rainier is now wallowing in money.
"I don’t even have a car yet," said Rainier who borrows his Lolo’s car every now and then. "That’s what I’m saving for – a car. In my kind of work, it’s hard if you don’t have a car. I’m also saving for a house and lot of our own. But it would take a long time yet."
Since he and the other Starstruck guys get regular allowance from GMA for clothes and other needs, Rainier deposits his earnings in the bank.
"I never dreamed I’d go this far," he added.
More than 1,000 showed up for the Starstruck auditions and that number was cut down to 60 and then to 30 and then to 14 from which the Final Four was chosen.
Was Rainier, who was llamado before the grand night at The Big Dome, disappointed when he lost?
"Not at all. With all the good things coming up for me, para na rin akong nanalo."
Not bad for a boy with a quaint hairstyle who dreamed only of becoming a Computer Whiz or a commercial model, who used to have only four pairs of worn-out shoes and now have more than 20, who can now afford to buy all the pizzas (his favorite food) that he wants and who, someday, wants to follow in the footsteps of his idol, Cesar Montano, who happens to have the same nickname as Rainier, Buboy.
Meanwhile, let’s excuse Rainier while he tries to catch up on sleep.
In connection with this, Funfare is conducting a joint quiz promo with the concert producer starting last June 7 and ending today. Everyday, two winners (who will each get two tickets to the concert) will be picked by a representative of the concert-producer. There will be 12 winners all in all.
Simply answer the question Who do you think is the coolest Linkin Park member? and e-mail your answer to linkinparkpromo@yahoo.com or fax to 816-0014. (Winners will be duly notified and can claim their tickets on June 14 at Unit 809 V. Madrigal Bldg., Ayala Avenue, Makati City. Bring your ID. Look for Mic Florendo or Agie Dacanay, or call 817-2940.)
Here are sample answers from two celebrity photographers:
• From Xander Angeles: "Chester Bennington because he gives the heart and soul to Linkin Park’s songs."
• From Ronnie Salvacion: "DJ Joe Hahn. A bit arrogant but a real genius... a great musician and artist."
The Linkin Park is composed of Joe Hahn, Chester Bennington, MC Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Dave Farrell a.k.a. Phoenix and Rob Bourdon.
Declared champions were Muzik Power Band and ADZ Space Band while J-Struxz Band and Dynastic Band were adjudged first runner-up and second runner-up, respectively.
Sponsored by San Miguel Draft Beer, the event was held last May 27 and was graced by singer-humorist Mystica.
Owned by businessman Willy Kiok, and handled by ever dependable managers, Maclin Lupina, Jhun Sibi and Albert Pornete, Calle 5 could be found by music lovers or those who wanted to unwind from the rigors of daily work at 1328 A. Mabini street, Ermita, Manila.
(E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph)