Jon Jon Briones on daughter Isa making waves in Hollywood

Since I grew up in showbiz, I hardly get starstruck. But chatting with Pinoy Hollywood/Broadway sensation Jon Jon Briones, was a huge fangirl moment pour moi. (Muchas gracias to my amigo/thespian sans égal, Robert Seña, for hooking us up).

Even if Jon Jon and I have not met, he granted me an interview. That speaks volumes about the kind of man that he is. Even without all the accolades, he is award-worthy just being himself.

Comme Jon Jon, his daughter Isa is making waves in Hollywood. She and the rest of the cast of “The Pitt” bagged Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series at the 32nd Annual Actor Awards.

If talent were frequent flyer miles, Jon Jon would have platinum status by now. He collects rave reviews like passport stamps. He is proof that you can take the talent global without letting the ego board the same flight. In a world obsessed with viral fame, Jon Jon is old-school in the best way. He remains refreshingly low-key and would rather let the applause do the talking.

Here’s my interview via e-mail with Jon Jon:

How do you and Isa stay grounded?

“There have always been times of struggle in my career, the kids grew up witnessing those ups and downs and knowing how hard this business is. When they took up acting, they went through rejection, and still do. We all still do. My wife and I have always reminded them that this career is hard, you have to love it with all your heart. You love the success and with that, you accept the rejection or failures. You have to be drawn to the work, not the glamour, because the work is what is real and lasting. It is cyclical, it comes and goes and is often feast or famine. Sometimes, the choosing of the project is just as important and it’s not always about the money. Like going back to theater between TV and film jobs to keep that spark of creativity alive.”

How does it feel that Isa has stepped out of your shadow?

“Isa was never in anyone’s shadow. She has always been independent even at a young age. Doing film and TV since she was nine, and commercials and modeling even before that. Then of course, going on the road with ‘HamiIton’ right out of high school. Her mother and I are so proud of her. Believe me, she will never be in anyone’s shadow, thank God.”

In what ways are Isa and you alike and different?

“Isa definitely has a little bit of my Filipino temper, but I think that is only because she feels very strongly about what is right, what is fair and she is very passionate. She is also intensely loyal, which I think is a trait she definitely got from her mother.”

Many Pinoy actors dream of going global like you. In your experience, is talent enough, or do you also have to fight invisible barriers?

“I may not be the most talented actor, but I have work ethic, passion, consistency, patience and a strong support system (and a little bit of luck). I believe that if you have those things on your side, it is easier to break through any barriers.”

You spent decades perfecting your craft. In an era of instant fame and viral stars, do you think the definition of an actor has changed too much?

“Definitely not. In my experience, an actor is still the person who works on the craft of acting, and those who don’t tend not to have staying power. In this age of social media, instant fame and viral stars may have their moment in the sun but then move on to other things.”

What’s one brutally honest piece of advice you would give actors who want to make it globally like you did?

“This is a hard question to answer. My journey to get here was not planned, and it was very hard and long. There were times I wanted to quit for fear that I wouldn’t be able to feed my family, but I kept moving on with the same work ethic, and with joy. I love what I do so much, I can’t imagine doing anything else. I am not sure if ‘making it globally’ should be a goal per se. The goal should be doing your best work at whatever you are doing. I never dreamed I would be in Hollywood, I just concentrated on what was in front of me, constantly tried to do my best work, and luckily people noticed.”

Did you ever feel discrimination in the industry and how did you handle it?

“If there was any outward discrimination against me personally, I have not noticed it, or maybe I just blocked it out, it’s just too much to carry. When I started in Hollywood in the mid-2000s there were hardly any opportunities, hardly any auditions. It was an uphill climb for me and my fellow Filipino-American actors. But we kept showing up, we kept doing the work, showing how good we are. Hopefully, we are paving the way for the next generation of Filipinos in Hollywood.”

Please share three things about you and Isa that not too many people know.

“Our names: My mom was a big fan of the Kennedys, and she saw that famous photo of John John Kennedy under the desk in the Oval Office and so she nicknamed me Jon Jon (Filipino spelling). My name is Ernesto, after my dad. Isa is our firstborn, isa, No. 1, but with a different pronunciation.

“We both play the ukele... not well, but we play.

“Isa has recently gotten rosetta stone to learn Tagalog, and I am learning English LOL.”

Rayver Cruz is part of the jury panel of GMA 7’s ‘Stars on the Floor’ Season Two.

The dancer in Rayver

Rayver Cruz sliding into the jury panel of GMA 7’s “Stars on the Floor” Season Two is proof that when dancing gets serious, you bring in someone who speaks fluent eight-count and whose hips have their own résumé. You can’t fake rhythm in front of Rayver, whose body practically runs on musical beats.

Here’s my chat with Rayver:

What’s one dance you will never get tired of and what dance would you rather not do?

“I will never get tired of hip-hop. I would rather not dance ballet or jazz. Both require flexibility, which is not my expertise.”

How do you handle the pressure of living up to your title, King of the Dance Floor now that you are part of ‘Stars on the Floor’?

“I’m not used to being called Kapuso King of the Dance Floor. It kinda makes me shy, but I’m flattered. For me, all of us are Kings and Queens of the Dance Floor if we dance with all we’ve got. I don’t let pressure get to me and just enjoy what I’m doing. We can’t please everybody. But even without a moniker, dancing will always be No. 1 for me. It’s dancing that opened many doors for me in the biz.”

What makes Julie Anne worth holding on to?

“Everything. She’s the complete package. Wala na akong hahanapin pa. She has a good heart. She’s sweet, down-to-earth, kind, family-oriented and God-fearing. It’s just a bonus that she’s Julie Anne San Jose.”

Now that you’ve turned 35, is marriage already on your agenda?

“It’s hard to set a timetable for marriage. But definitely, I want to have my own family. There’s nobody else I want to be my wife but Julie.”