Borgy first stepped on the ramp for Rhett Eala who is a good friend of his half-sister. That modeling stint made him popular. Eventually, he landed a stint as a Bench endorser. Since then, theres no stopping him. His face has graced numerous magazine covers and he now endorses Swatch watches.
His good looks might have brought him fame, but his background is enough to bring him to public attention. His grandfather, the late President Ferdinand Marcos, and his grandmother, Imelda Marcos, continue to be political figures in the country. Whether you love them or hate them is a different matter altogether. His aunt, Irene Marcos Araneta, is a regular in many society pages for her inherent style and flair, while his mom, Rep. Imee Marcos, and his uncle, Ilocos Norte Governor Bongbong Marcos, are active in politics. His dad, Tommy Manotoc, is a famous sportsman. If you dont know Borgy, can you guess what he will be like in person by just knowing who his relations are?
You may think Borgys every inch the perfect American since he grew up in Hawaii and Fort Lauderdale in Florida. But hes really more than that since his family lived in New York for six months, in Rabat, Morocco and Sintra, Portugal, 18 months in London and 5-1/2 years in Singapore.
He is currently on leave from New York City College where he is taking up advertising and public relations. Next month, he plans to go back and hopes to enter New York University this fall.
A man of the world, you might think, but no, I think hes just smart. At 21, he has had the chance to live around the world. He doesnt think the experience to be glamorous, but sees it as just part of growing up, making friends and moving from one city to another.
When he talks about his years abroad, his favorite memories are not of celebrities he met or of the expensive restaurants he dined in. Rather, he tells me of Snowy, the white pony he used to ride in Kensington Park in London, as well as the time he got an upset stomach from eating four dozen oysters in a hotel in Singapore.
A Marcos scion would probably be someone who could only be described as having an insular upbringing, characteristic of those in the highest circles. One would think he would be choosy about the people he chooses to hang out with, but he is quick to point out that he prefers being with his real friends who do not care about his celebrity status.
In fact, when I asked him about this, he merely answered, "There have been times I have been star-struck myself. But as much as possible, you learn something from anyone, not just celebrities or famous people. You will never really know who you will make a connection with."
He adds that race is not an issue when it comes to relationships he has had in the past. Currently, he is a certified bachelor, who is in touch with his feminine side. He admits to crying and shares that "sometimes, crying is the solution in most cases."
Being handsome and having a powerful name, you would expect women to fall head over heels over him. However, Borgy shares that he, too, has been dumped three times. It might be unbelievable, but he swears its true.
Many might think Borgy lives a charmed life, never having to lift a finger at home with maids, bodyguards, and drivers waiting after him. However, he tells me this is farthest from the truth.
Growing up the eldest of three siblings required him to do household chores while they were living abroad. He did the laundry and cooked breakfast for his brothers.
That is why Borgy is a good cook. He learned how to cook when he was eight years old and the family was living in Portugal. The first thing he learned was how to make omelets and cook scrambled eggs. If there was no one at home who could make dinner, he found himself in the kitchen cooking for his brothers.
He believes cooking isnt a hobby, like reading or diving, but rather a necessity. "If you dont do it, you die," he declares with a laugh.
He had fun cooking when I met him at Don Henricos West Avenue for this interview. He was Mister Suave in the kitchen, chopping onions, mincing garlic, peppering steaks, and boiling and mashing the potatoes.
Hes no spoiled brat, cleaning his mess along the way and offering to do much more. At that point, I just knew that Borgy is just your typical boy blessed with loads of charm, disarming intelligence, and sprinkled with cooking talent.
2 12-ozs. rib eye steaks
pinch of garlic salt
1/4 cup soy sauce
Marinate overnight. Grill or pan-fry as desired.
3/4 cup milk
1 cup cheddar cheese
1/4 cup butter
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
Boil the potatoes. When done, with the skin still on, mash the potatoes with a fork. Pour the milk. Add butter, cheese, salt, and pepper. Mash well. Top with bacon bits and chives.
400 g. long beans
onions, thinly sliced
1 Tbsp. butter
Boil the carrots and the long beans. In another pan, sauté the onions in 1 Tbsp. butter. Add the boiled carrots and long beans. Salt and pepper to taste.