Drew is happy in his ‘comfort zone’

Drew Arellano is not the sort of person who is bored by routine. As long as he enjoys what he’s doing, he’s okay.

Some people think that since he’s in showbiz, Drew should be more ambitious and aggressive, not just in his hosting and acting careers but also in promoting himself. In short, some think he should be more "showbiz." But Drew says he’s not unhappy.

He hosts QTV 11’s travel show Balikbayan and GMA 7’s Unang Hirit every morning. He enjoys both shows, because each presents a different challenge.

In the case of Balikbayan, it’s a travel show with a twist. It’s not your ordinary travel show where the host and camera crew in tow go around the Philippines filming the country’s different tourist spots and doing spiels in each place.

They go around the country, too, but each visit to a particular barangay, town or province, is told through the eyes of a celebrity who hails from that place. For example, one of their more recent episodes was on Bohol and featured Cesar Montano as guest.

"We went there with him," says Drew. "He took us to the special places in Bohol where he grew up. That’s what makes the show so interesting. Viewers get to know the person at the same time they’re getting to know the place. It’s a travel show that’s light and humorous."

Other celebrities they’ve featured are broadcast journalist Howie Severino; Snooky Serna (who visited her hometown of Iloilo for the first time and met relatives she’d never met before); Christian Bautista, who hails from Cavite; StarStruck Season One finalist Katrina Halili, whose family is from El Nido, Palawan; and Sheree, who’s from Cagayan de Oro City. Another fun thing about the show is its food segment, which is called Rapsa (for sarap or delicious).

Drew has been having a lot of fun eating his way across the country, sampling exotic food and other native dishes. During the show’s Palawan episode with Katrina, he got to sample the place’s famous El Nido Soup. In another episode, he brought home native fish called Tambakol, which their cook prepared at home. It’s a wonder Drew hasn’t gained too much weight because of the show. "I’m on a constant diet!" he laughs.

Then there’s Unang Hirit, where he does the weather and hosts other segments. Drew says he enjoys the morning show format, because he really is a morning person. He doesn’t mind getting up at the crack of dawn to go out on the streets and be with people.

That’s one of the things he loves about his job. "Right now, I love what I’m doing," says Drew. "I’m a happy guy. It’s great that I get to meet new people every day."

It may be a routine, but it’s a routine he loves, says Drew. He is in his comfort zone, and it feels great. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t open to new opportunities and challenges. It also doesn’t mean he’s not willing to try something new, career-wise. For instance, if the opportunity to do a straight newscast presents itself, he’d jump at the chance. "I enjoy doing news and current affairs, and if there’s an opportunity, I’ll grab it. I’ll shift from my comfort zone."

Having only two shows means Drew has plenty of time left over for other things in life he considers important besides work – his loved ones and himself. He uses his free time to go to the gym, play basketball (he plays once a week, every Wednesday at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center at the Ateneo de Manila campus in Loyola Heights with a group of showbiz friends) and do other things he loves.

Because of that, Drew can call himself a success. "I’m earning pretty good and I know how to handle my money. I’m doing something I love and I’m happy."

Francis Papica’s writing tilt

Do you have amazing stories to tell? Have you ever wanted to become a published author? Join the Francis Padua Papica National Short Story writing contest billed Mga Kwentong Pambata ng Papica. The contest is open to children ages six to 12.

Mga Kwentong Pambata ng Papica does not have a theme. Just let your imagination run wild. Contestants can write any story of their choice which can be personal, fact or fiction. They can be stories that have happened to you, your friends or relatives. They can also be animal stories or tales. You can also write about your embarrassing moment, funniest and saddest experience, spectacular events in your community that will capture the reader’s attention or ordinary happenings you want people to know. A story can also be about friendship, music, weddings, sports, food, career, clothes, pets or hobbies. There are no limits to the topic that you can write about.

One winner, who will receive P10,000, a certificate, a copy of the book containing the published story, plus a box full of books, will be selected from each region.

Entries must be an original unpublished work by the author and must not exceed 1,500 words. Stories that are beyond the 1,500-word limit will be judged only on the first 1,500 words submitted. Stories can either be in English or Tagalog but not Taglish. They can be handwritten or typewritten. Stories may be accompanied with illustrations which are limited to six per story. However, it is not required that each story must be illustrated. Only one story from each contestant is allowed.

All entries must be accompanied by a complete entry form. Incomplete entry forms will be disqualified. Deadline of submission is on Sept. 15. Mail your entries to Mga Kwentong Pambata ng Papica Backroom, Inc., Unit 207, 116 CRM Bldg., Kamias Road cor. Kasing Kasing St., Quezon City.

For details, call 928-3121 or 435-3808 or log on to www.papicafoundation.com