OJ embraces the hard work & rewards of acting

Star In A Million finalist OJ Mariano plays Sebastian in Atlantis Productions’ staging of the Broadway musical Disney’s The Little Mermaid, which runs from Nov. 18 to Dec. 11 at the Meralco Theater.

OJ grew up in Manila and is the youngest of three children. He has always loved singing even when he was a pre-med student at the University of the Philippines Manila. He did not finish medicine. “It was more of a pressure to have a doctor in the family,” OJ says. Then he shifted to Fine Arts and then Music which he took up at UP Diliman. When he auditioned for the second season of Star In A Million, he kept it a secret. “Para hindi mapahiya.” Honestly, he said, he was rooting for Frenchie Dy who eventually won the grand prize. “I was too happy to be part of the top three.”

Today, OJ is just as happy and grateful for all the blessings that continue to come his way. He has done two albums and this month, he gets to act and sing in The Little Mermaid, where he will sing the Oscar-winning song Under The Sea, as well as the beloved classic Kiss The Girl. Directed by Bobby Garcia and Chari Arespacochaga, tickets to Little Mermaid are available by calling 892-7078 or 840-1187.

1. What other talent would you like to have aside from music and acting and why?

I would love to be an amazing dancer. I am awed by the talents of dancers who can convey powerful messages without uttering a single word.

2. In your opinion, what is the worst thing about being an actor? The best?

Having the opportunity to portray another character aside from yourself is, I think, the biggest pro and con of being an actor. A successful rendition of a role can give you the utmost fulfillment, but at the same time, falling short of expectations (from your audience, director and yourself) can be heartbreaking as well. It takes a lot of hard work but the rewards are surreal. 

3. Are you afraid of getting old?

Before, yes, but not anymore.

4. What was the best thing said about you?

That I have a good heart. I’d like to believe that I do.

5. When do you consider ambition healthy?

As long your ascent to your ambition doesn’t entail using and stepping on other people, I think that’s healthy.

6. What is the question you have been asked most often? And the question you hate most?

I’ve been frequently asked if I’m married, and I am not. He, he, he. I can’t think of any question that I hate, I find any curious inquiry about my life flattering.

7. How well do you understand women?

OJ (rightmost) with the rest of The Little Mermaid cast (from left): Calvin Millado, Jinky Llamanzares, Rachelle Ann Go and Erik Santos

I understand them very well, I’m pretty close to my ate and Nanay.

8. What childish thing do you still do as an adult?

I can be a bit hardheaded which is very childish. And I still let my Nanay come to my rescue at times.

9. How do you pray?

I pray whenever I can. I talk to God when I get blessings every day (like when traffic isn’t heavy) or whenever I get frustrated.

10. What color describes your life? Why?

Right now, it’s green. Green signifies abundance, growth and renewal which I believe I’m going through right now.

11. How would you describe your state of mind?

I can get schizophrenic at times. Sometimes I can be indifferent and unaffected, but I flip to being worrisome and can easily be agitated. Depends on the environment I’m in, I guess.

12. If you are Superman, who is your Superwoman?

My Nanay.

13. What is your greatest fear?

Losing any member of my family.

14. Who are your top and best film actors of all time?

Edward Norton. Local, Vic Silayan and Johnny Delgado.

15. The best gift you have ever received from a loved one?

A self-made card, with 31 reasons.

16. What role would you not play?

I think I’m up to play any role.

17. Who is you favorite singer? Why? Your least favorite?

Gary Valenciano and Luther Vandross, I grew up listening and admiring the way they tell stories through songs. Least favorite? Wala naman.

18. If you were a tree, what would you be? Why?

A coconut tree since it’s very resilient and purposeful.

19. What is your philosophy in life?

Do unto others as you would have them do to you.

20. Your biggest regret?

Being extremely shy when I was younger, I actually still am.

21. The most photogenic face in the world?

Anne Curtis and Angelina Jolie.

22. If you were a fictional character, who would you be? Why?

I would like to a superhero like Flash, so I can be in any place to and fro within seconds and get so many things done.

23. Where do you think you would go? Heaven or hell? Why?

I think God would enjoy my company in Heaven.

24. Who is the most beautiful person in the world and why?

My Nanay, because even at the times that she is unkempt, she still looks radiant to me.

25. Thirty years from now, where are you and what are you doing?

It would be great if I’m still doing the things that I love the most, music and theater.