Ryan’s balancing act

Balancing a good career and a healthy love life is very hard for some.

We usually have to choose one or the other, especially in the entertainment business.

Often, women are more flexible when it comes to being put on the spot. Male personalities are not pressured as much as females are.

Working with one of the luckiest men in this industry the second time around is memorable to me. I call him lucky and well-focused because he has proven a lot of people wrong in saying you can’t have the best of both worlds.

Not only is he moving a step up every day in his career. His love life remains unaffected by intrigues.

That guy is Ryan Agoncillo. He has made a name for himself in such a short time. Acting wasn’t something he planned on getting into while he was more active in hosting corporate and TV shows like Philippine Idol.

He says, “I was already a TV host for six years. Opportunities to act came around in those six years, but I refused because I wasn’t confident enough and felt that I needed to establish myself as a host first and then from there, I’d think about branching out into acting.”

ABS-CBN’s Krystala was his first acting stint. “It was a big change for me, but it wasn’t so hard because it was a fantasy series. It didn’t require a lot of big dramatic scenes. I was there mainly for comic relief,” he says.

His second TV series was Bituing Walang Ningning. Ysabella followed.

I always set aside time to sit and watch this show since I also admire Judy Ann Santos very much.

In fact, I was tempted to ask Ryan about how the rest of the story went, but I managed to keep my mouth shut just so I can look forward to watching the show every night.

Ryan’s role on Ysabella is very challenging. For a new actor, he deserves applause for such a job well-done.

“This one was a stretch for me because even before we started, they already warned me about my role. Not only do I have to play twins, but one twin pretends to be the other one.

“I am just very thankful for our directors. They’re with me every step of the way, literally. With every line, every scene, they guide me through it.

“This is the most challenging role for me so far,” Ryan describes his Ysabella experience.

Philippine Idol is transferring to GMA 7 and there’s a rumor that Ryan might not host the second season.

“I had so much fun working with ABC 5 and on the first Philippine Idol. I’m sure they have their reasons for moving and GMA 7 could provide a good home for them,” he explains.

If he doesn’t end up the host for the second season, Ryan says, “I love Philippine Idol definitely, but if they choose not to go with me for this particular season, then we move on.”

As we all know, Star Cinema’s Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo (KKK) did very well at the box-office in last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival.

Star Cinema is shooting the sequel of this masterpiece, which also includes me. It’s also intended for the 2007 Metro Manila Filmfest. Ryan told me KKK’s success surprised him and Juday.

It should no longer surprise them should this year’s entry become another box-office hit.

Ryan and Juday are a great pair. They work well together.

“We have the same values when it comes to work. She’s a consummate professional. Twenty years in the business does that to you. It’s really a good thing that we don’t clash on the set.

“It’s more about respect for people on the set. We’ve learned through the years to just put aside personal matters.”

Their partnership is just like lyrics and melody. At the end of the day, Ryan has done a great job at keeping everything well-balanced in his life.

Smile and have a wonderful day!

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