It’s not easy just going up to someone and ask such a thing, especially, of course, to an actor or actress.
Fortunately for me, most of them have been kind enough to set aside some time for me to chat with them.
I’ve interviewed quite a few artists, usually during shoots. A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to guest in Bongga Ka Star!, Keempee de Leon and Francine Prieto’s talk show on QTV 11.
Working with them was so much fun and interesting. I couldn’t stop laughing every after take because of the characters they portray.
Their characters are just right for each other. They do so well.
I was able to get a hold of Keempee for a quick interview.
Despite his busy schedule, I’m so glad he gave time for this "getting-to-know" conversation with me.
Keempee has been in the business for about 15 years. At some point, he left the limelight for a while and came back recently playing gay roles.
"It’s a different character. Hindi ganoon kadali. I did some research on gay roles and stuff. Nag-research din ako ng mga movies. Medyo kinuha ko ang character sa Will and Grace. Pinaghalo-halo ko na lang," he says.
"I interviewed my sister’s gay friends. I asked about their lingo," he adds.
Fifteen years of being in showbusiness may not seem as long as the others, but Keempee has basically been in this business all his life.
Has "retiring" ever crossed his mind?
"It has not crossed my mind. Half my life is showbiz so mahirap iwan, eh," he replies.
He definitely has a long way to go. Keempee has a whole lot of things he can accomplish in his career.
His goal is simple: "Yung nandoon pa rin ako sa circle ng showbiz. Hindi mawawala ‘yon. Wala naman akong gusto na talagang mas maging sikat or anything… basta stable lang ang career ko. Yeah, I do love my job," says Keempee.
Though showbusiness means a lot to him, one of the things Keempee also values is his relationship with God.
He says one of his ultimate goals is, " Of course, for my relationship with God to get even better."
And his lovelife? "None, as of now. My lovelife right now is serving God."
There’s got to be a "lovelife" somewhere! Keempee has been very consistent in courting younger women ever since, and even I wonder why this is so.
"Maybe, everything is just coincidence, and recently nagkaroon ng issues. You know, the mentality of the people na sinasabing masyadong bata yan. But think about the people in the States. Younger pa nga doon eh! They even say age is just a number. Nasa pakikisama yon sa tao. If you guys are happy, why not? So be it, although I can’t blame them (the family)," Keempee explains.
"They’re not against me. Parang maybe it’s just too early for them. I respect them and their decisions. Probably it’s just not the right time," he goes on.
I don’t think age should be an issue. I think some of us just need to lighten up and understand this part of growing up.
Speaking, once again, of growing up, it’s my Papa (Virgilio Juanico) and my stepfather’s (Thomas Jefferson) birthday tomorrow. Yes, they share the same birthday.
I would like to take this chance to greet them a fun and fabulous birthday along with all the happiness and success in this world. Happy, happy birthday! Have a great Sunday!