Jake: Blessings from showbiz

Whatever controversy that hounded him in the past, Jake Vargas harbors no ill feelings toward anyone. He says getting embroiled in issues is part of showbiz life. They may have hurt him, but Jake has learned to cope easily.

“Forgive and forget,” says Jake, is the best solution to settle all differences.

It was months ago when Jake became a fodder for the showbiz grapevine when director Andoy Ranay reportedly shouted invectives at him for failing to do what was required of him during the last taping day of the defunct soap First Time.

“Everything is okay now. Issues come and go, so there’s no reason to sulk. We should concentrate on the more important things,” Jake says.

Besides, Jake has no time to dwell on the negative when there are a lot of good things he is thankful for. Acting helps him provide comfort for his family. His mom Magdalena, who has colon cancer, is recovering well. He, too, has been able to finance the renovation of their home in Olongapo.

But what made Jake totally happy was when he recently bought the one thing he’s been longing for: A brand new Starex that makes it easy for him to go on location anytime. 

“My family gives me strength to do better and I also thank Kuya Germs (German Moreno, his talent manager) for always supporting me in my career,” shares Jake. “I am also grateful to GMA for giving me projects that help hone my acting (talent).”

Aside from Ilumina, televiewers will see Jake as Jacob on GMA 7’s youth oriented show Reel Love Presents Tween Hearts every Sunday after Party Pilipinas. Also in the cast are Barbie Forteza, Joshua Dionisio, Kristoffer Martin, Joyce Ching, Bea Binene, Lexi Fernandez, Louise delos Reyes and Derek Monasterio.

Among the many roles he portrayed, Jake finds Jacob’s character similar to his personality. Both are quiet and have a penchant for singing and playing the guitar. 

“That’s why I feel comfortable playing Jacob but of course, I make sure to follow direk Gina’s (Alajar) advice to always be professional. She’s not only our director-mentor but acts as a mother to all of us. Napaka-caring po n’ya.”

With two soaps that tie him down to work, does Jake still find the time to rest?

“Yes, I still have the time to play. What I miss is going out with friends in the mall.”

Find out how Jake spends his day from sun-up to sundown:

11 a.m. — I wake up late when there’s no taping. I brush my teeth, wash my face and fix my bed. Ako na ang nagliligpit sa kwarto ko.

11:15 a.m. — Go straight to the kitchen, check if there’s anything to eat in the fridge. Usually, I take Milo and sandwich for breakfast.

11:30 a.m. — Go back to my room and play PS3.

12 noon — For lunch, I normally eat what my siblings have prepared before they leave the house, ini-init ko na lang.

1:30 p.m. — I just stay in my room and play PS3 again. It takes me hours playing adventure games.

4 p.m. — I take a bath and walk out of the house with my brother and nephew to play computer. Walking distance lang sa amin yung computer shop. We stay there until 10 o’clock kasi napapasarap ang laro ng Dota.

10 p.m.— Go back home because my father (Miguel) picks us up. Madalas kasi nakakalimutan na naming umuwi e. He, he, he.

10:30 p.m. — After dinner, I fly back to my room and play the guitar. I compose songs like love songs, alternative kung anu-ano lang yun din libangan ko pero di ko pa pinaparinig kahit kanino.

12:30 a.m. — I rest and sleep so I am fully recharged for the next day.

Jake tapes three times a week — Monday, Wednesday and Friday — in Tagaytay. If he has a 7 a.m. call time, Jake is out of the house as early as 3 a.m.    

— BOT GLORIOSO