JC de Vera: Prime time

Some stumble into  opportunities others wait a lifetime for. Such is the case for matinee idol JC de Vera, who spent his growing up years not dreaming of fame. Yet in the span of six years, he has played countless lead roles in a string of afternoon dramas, primetime programs, movies and has even signed on to be a six-pack-baring image model for Bench.

Now, the young actor finds himself on the cusp of change as he is set to be TV5’s most important leading man. If you’ve been out of the radar, yes, ladies and gentlemen, a third TV network is dead-set on becoming a major player in the local entertainment landscape, lining up alternative programs and promising the Filipino audience more options to choose from. With business-kingpin Manny Pangilinan on the helm, few are doubtful of TV5’s success, JC included. “There’s room for a third network. I think we can compete with the fresh, new ideas lined up and they’re ready for the competition. They have the resources and big investors. Knowing MVP, hindi siya titigil hanggang hindi niya nakukuha yung gusto niya.”

With a three-year contract and multiple shows lined up, JC is raring to start it all. His hosting and dancing skills will be tested on musical variety show Party on 5 (P.O.5), his comedic timing in the gag-show Lokomoko U, and his dramatic range in a five-episode drama special where he will work with top-caliber directors. Currently, he is busy filming a movie opposite Judy Ann Santos and Sarah Geronimo entitled Hating Kapatid, while plans for an action-fantasy primetime show will be under way in May. With his plate full, we caught up with him for a round of lemongrass sake to discuss love, life, and how excited he is for the future.

YOUNG STAR: TV5 will be testing your acting mettle with shows in different genres, for you, which is more difficult: drama or comedy?

JC DE VERA: Comedy is definitely harder. I’ve been trained to cry easily with my shows in the past. To make your audience laugh is not an easy thing.

What was going through your mind when you were embroiled in drama last year between your management and your network?

It was a very confusing time for me. I didn’t know whom I could trust in the network and felt like I had to always watch my back in a place where it was suppose to feel like home.

Whose music makes you pumped up to workout?

Will.I.Am and Urbandub.

Tell us a story of when you had your best kiss?

Every time I have a girlfriend and I really love the person, the first kiss is always the best one.

What do you look for in your friends?

A balance between people I can laugh with and run to whenever I have problems.

If you could be someone else for a day, who would you like to be?

David Beckham minus the voice.

What’s the best thing about a change of environment?

You become more open-minded and friendly to everyone around you. I’m also excited to test how versatile I can be as an actor with the different shows I’ll be doing for TV5.

What’s the most painful thing love has taught you?

Sometimes love just isn’t enough. Just because you love a person, it doesn’t mean you will be happy. There’s so much more to consider. Sometimes, yung love pa ang nag dadala sayo sa masama.

What would you consider your biggest mistake?

None. I see every decision I make as a learning experience. They help me mature.

What is the best thing a girl has done for you?

I’m not materialistic, so when a girl I was dating spent more time bonding with my family and friends during an outing more than me, it really meant a lot. That’s important to me. Up to now, she is still friends with my parents even if we’re no longer together.

What turns you on?

A nice butt, girls in tight fitting jeans, and a girl I can get along with.

You’re part of an industry where imaging is everything, how vain are you?

I’m clean and proper. I’m not a fan of overdressing and as long as I’m neat, I’m ok.

If you could go back in time to redo one thing, what would it be?

I would beat SM to it and be a successful businessman.

If you were given just a weekend to live, what would be the three things you’d do?

Bungee jump because I need to overcome my fear of heights, give Kristin Kreuk a bath, and drive a Ferrari.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

With my kids, my family and my own home. I want to put up my own business, maybe a bar and hopefully my showbiz career is still successful.

Do you kiss on the first date?

I have in the past, but it depends on the girl. I’m usually shy on first dates but if she makes a move for it, I don’t see why not.

Whose body would you feel like touching?

Jessica Alba. Locally, Maja Salvador.

What do you love about your job?

I’m not going to be a hypocrite; I’ll say the money, the pleasure, and doing what I love… which is acting.

What do you hate most about your job?

The waiting. Although its part of the job but the hours you spend doing nothing, sayang because I can do so many other things in between.

You’ve done everything from drama, to fantasy and even comedy. What role would you still like to do?

I want to do an action-packed movie. I want do a big fight scene complete with guns and explosions just like the old Robin Padilla movies.

What’s the last thing you think about before going to bed?

I pray every night and I also think about what I’ve accomplished that day and if I was productive. If I missed something, I make sure to do it the next day.

If you were to invite five personalities to a dinner, who would you invite?

Michael Jordan, Peter North, Jessica Alba, President Barack Obama, and Jose Rizal.

Who is the most overrated person you’ve worked with?

Marvin Agustin.

What do you look for in a girl?

The more you become specific about what you’re looking for, the more you won’t find it. You just end up disappointed.