Christian Bautista wants a more ‘private’ public life

MANILA, Philippines - Since it was rumored that he broke up with girlfriend Carla Dunareanu, Christian Bautista has maintained his silence regarding his personal life. In fact, months after the said split, the singer-actor has yet to talk about the reported breakup.

This is unusual of Christian, who has always been generous to the press when it comes to interviews.

But his sudden stance to remain quiet isn’t just brought upon by the fact that he doesn’t want to talk about Carla. The Kapuso artist said that after 10 years of being open to the public and the media about his life, he now wants to keep a little bit of privacy.

Related article:  What keeps Christian smiling

“Sometimes as an artist, pag masyado kang nagbigay o naglabas, there are sometimes that I want to keep for myself na napapansin ko na hindi naman lahat kailangan sabihin,” Christian told philstar.com and other members of the press during a sneak peak of Resorts World Manila’s upcoming musical production of Rodger and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” on Saturday, August 3.

“There are some who say everything, who bank on it, make money out of it. Ako, parang, ‘Can I be different?’ Can I be that person who keeps a little bit of privacy now?” he added.

Balance

What triggered him to become more private? “It all boiled down to what I would do differently this season,” Christian said.

The “With a Smile” actor said he wants to focus on his work as an artist rather than his work as a celebrity. Instead of using his personal life to promote his projects, Christian would want his work to speak for itself.

“There are things that have to be told. But there are things that the right time will come,” he said.

Christian added, “Sana maintindihan ng mga tao na even though we’re public properties, at the end of the day, we go home, we have our own personal lives. We’re all the same.”

He admits craving the private life. But in the end, “But I don’t want to lose this wonderful, wonderful place where I’m in right now,” Christian said.

So he aims to strike a balance. “I give a little lang, I do good on my show and hope it’s good. I don’t give everything at one go.”

Right place, right time

Christian is, indeed, in a wonderful place. He is currently part of the GMA 7 morning soap opera “With a Smile” and will play Prince Christopher in Resort World’s “Cinderella” opposite Karylle, who will play the title character. The show will begin its run on October 9.

“Pag musical, it’s overused, pero mas at home ako dito, eh. Pag tumatayo ako sa stage, ang sarap. I just feel more comfortable here,” he said.

Although doing stage plays can be strenuous on his schedule, Christian keeps returning to theater because of the fulfillment he gets on stage.

“I always get fulfilled when I’m on stage. It’s like a form of escape as well. Kasi yung TV, there’s pressure eh. There’s the ratings, the audience. Sa musical, it’s set. Hanap na lang tayo ng different nuances,” he said.

Related article: Christian -- New phase feels like the old days

But he also enjoys the work he’s doing for “With a Smile,” alongside Kapuso actors Mikael Daez and Andrea Torres.

“Yung fans natutuwa na, ‘Oh, we get to see you every day.’ Yung iba would comment na, ‘Marunong pala umarte si Christian.’ As an artist, yun ang gusto mo — how can I change or shake things up a little bit na mas ma-e-excite ulit yung mga fans and ma-e-excite ka rin as an artist?” Christian shared.

He added, “I’m very glad I’m doing these wonderful jobs na I feel I belong here. I’m at the right place at the right time. For ‘With the Smile,’ for ‘Cinderella’.”