The treasures of Sef Cadayona

Who knew this funny guy knows how to rock?

Sef Cadayona thought his dream of making it big in showbiz was most likely going to take a nose dive until his name was called as one of the finalists of the Kapuso talent search, StarStruck Batch 5.

Today, Sef is a celebrity in his own right. He is a mainstay of Bubble Gang, the longest-running comedy show in the country, and stars in his show, Juan Tamad, giving life anew to the classic folk character of the same name. 

It’s no question that Sef has gone a long way in his career — something he had achieved not by lying down with his mouth wide open underneath the proverbial guava tree, but through hard work and perseverance coupled with tons of patience. 

Asked whether his treasure chest is now also overflowing given the opportunities he is being surrounded with, Sef said he banks more on what he thinks represent real treasure —- the people, the memories and the simple things that made him who he is today. 

We dove into Sef’s “treasures” and were quite surprised to see rare finds like an electronic guitar, which gave Sef the license to rock. Read on and get to know the many treasures of Sef. 

Who is your most treasured person?

“My parents. Kaya ako naging komedyante dahil hinayaan nilang mag-evolve ang jokes ko mula sa pagiging corny hanggang sa maging nakakatawa. Sila ‘yung unang audience ko at sila rin ‘yung pinaka-forgiving. Kapag hindi nakakatawa, sinasabihan nila ako but they always encourage me to do better. But the main reason why I treasure them is that, of course, they are my parents (laughs). And, yes, because I love them so much.”

What is your most treasured moment with your parents?   

“One particular moment stands out: Noong announcement of the Top 14 finalists of StarStruck 5, when my name was called — and I was the last among the finalists to be called. I was looking for them in the audience and then when I finally saw my mother and my stepdad, they were bursting into tears — something I do not see very often. It made me feel special. Naramdaman ko kung gaano sila ka-proud para sa akin.”

So, how do you make them feel treasured in return?

“I usually take them to the movies. Siguro, hanggang sa pagtanda ko, kahit magkaroon na ako ng sarili kong pamilya, gagawin ko pa rin ‘yon.”

Next, what is your most treasured thing or pet?

“Probably my guitar. It’s a Gibson SG electric guitar. It was given to me by my parents, although I chipped in a bit. Hindi masyadong halata sa personality ko pero rock talaga ‘yung type of music na hilig ko. Sa pet naman, I have four dogs: Tatlong shih tzu at isang labrador.”

What is your most treasured place or travel destination and why? With whom did you spend time there?

“Singapore. It is a place which I hope the Philippines would become one day. I went there with my aunt and a couple of friends. I had an awesome time at the Universal Studios; doon yata naubos ‘yung pera ko (laughs). Halos lahat ng rides kasi pinatulan ko, lahat ng gusto kong souvenir items binili ko.”

What is your most treasured Kapuso show and why?

“Of course, Juan Tamad. Napakalaking opportunity ang binigay sa akin nito. That is why I’m very thankful to those who are behind the program at GMA News and Public Affairs. They gave me the opportunity to portray a character that every Filipino is familiar with. That’s why I am doing my best to give justice to my role.

“Bubble Gang is also very special to me. Ang dami kong natutunan from Bubble Gang na nagagamit ko ngayon sa sarili kong show. Kung wala ang Bubble Gang baka hindi ko rin naipakita ‘yung talent ko sa comedy. Bubble Gang was a dream come true. These two shows are my babies.”

What advice on life, love and career do you treasure the most? 

“Naniniwala ako sa kataga mula kay Spiderman na ‘With great power comes great responsibility.’ Habang pataas nang pataas ‘yung posisyon mo sa buhay, palaki ng palaki rin ang responsibilidad mo. Kaya dapat iisipin mo lagi kung ano ang magiging consequences ng mga gagawin mo. Tapos in the end, mas magiging matatag ka as a person.”

What treasures could viewers find in Juan Tamad?

“First, the value of family. Whatever life throws at you — kahit sumayad ka sa kahirapan o kahit biglang bulas kayo ng kayamanan — the family will always be a dependable post to cling to.

“Second, the value of friendship. Juan really treasures his friends. He doesn’t have a lot but he’s surrounded with very thoughtful and loyal friends.

“Third — which is ironic since the story talks about Juan’s being tamad — the value of hard work and perseverance. Ipinapakita ni Juan na kahit very impossible na masungkit niya ang puso ni Maria, kayang maging posible dahil sa pagsisikap at pagtitiyaga.”

What’s your most treasured moment as a Kapuso?

“Having my own show. I had always dreamt of starring in my own show. I think it’s the dream of every artist. I could never be more thankful to GMA for making me Juan Tamad. Kung si Robert Downey si Iron Man, ako si Juan Tamad. Parang ganoon lang ‘yun.”

So what else is in your treasure chest right now?

“With Bubble Gang, we’re celebrating the show’s 20th anniversary. This is going to be really big. It’s the only gag show in the Philippines that reached 20 years… and still counting.

“Sa Juan Tamad naman, I invite viewers to download the program’s entertaining app, Catch the Guava game. As we speak, it is among the top downloaded apps on Android.”