Jake gives back

MANILA, Philippines - A lot of good continues to happen in his career. After his remarkable portrayal as Philippine Army officer Dave Garcia Jr. on ABS-CBN’s Tayong Dalawa, Jake Cuenca remains to be a familiar sight on TV this new year with several acting projects on his lap, among them are the forthcoming Kapamilya shows Rubi and Ramon Revilla Agimat Series’ Elias Paniki.

“2009 had been a blessed year for me and I look forward to continuously do good in my career and bring more smiles to people by sharing whatever I can this new year,” says Jake who knows how to pay it forward the pleasant things TV stardom brings.

Just like he did two years ago, Jake opted to celebrate one day ahead of his birthday (Dec. 30) in an orphanage closest to his heart. Spending a fun day recently with the children at C.R.I.B.S. (Create Responsive Infants By Sharing) Foundation, he says, gives a different kind of high no amount of money or success could bring. He, too, affirms “the place has sentimental value.” The food they partook, the parlor games that brought joy and excitement, the endless queries of every child who calls him Dave, and the gifts he handed to everyone made his 22nd birthday more meaningful.

“The first time I did this was in 2008. I am not the party type that’s why I want to celebrate in a more intimate way like being with them (orphans). I’m thinking of doing this yearly and I hope to visit other foundations also,” Jake allows.

Does he see himself putting up his own foundation like Diether Ocampo’s K.I.D.S. Foundation?

“Hopefully, one day. Diether and I have already talked about it. I do volunteer in his charity work and tell him I’m here if he needs help,” he replies.

When asked what satisfaction he gets out of visiting orphans, Jake says, “Even just for a while it’s a nice feeling seeing a wide smile on their (kids’) face sana mapatagal ko pa yung ganun.”

To live a simple life is another thing Jake wishes to do. He admits to have splurged his earnings in material things the past year.

“Gusto ko magbawas ng gastos to be able to save. I should learn how to prioritize things according to its importance so as not to complicate things,” he muses. “And I’ll still focus on my work.”

And though his eyes glisten every time he answers queries about a rumor of having romantic ties with Melissa Ricks, Jake firmly tells they “don’t have anything to admit. Melissa is special to me.”

Will love take a back seat for his career?

“When love comes I don’t think pipigilan ko sarili ko masarap din naman magmahal. I’ll just have to balance everything to make it work,” he answers.

With a right move, everything naturally falls into place.