Everybody loves Jugs
Jugs Jugueta is a busy man. Apart from playing with his band, The Itchyworms, he’s now suddenly found himself playing host on Channel 2’s popular Showtime alongside the likes of Anne Curtis, Vice Ganda and Vhong Navarro. Exactly how bizarre this all is isn’t lost on the musician. He’s genuinely grateful though if a bit still perplexed on just how he found himself as everybody’s favorite new star on television.
You front one of the best local bands and have released three solid albums. How’d you find yourself on Showtime?
Why, thank you! In 2006/2007, usong uso ang mga banda, and we were fortunate enough to hit it big during that time. Local rock was mainstream then and I was always being invited on TV shows like Game Ka Na Ba?, Wowowee, Boy & Kris, Umagang Kay Ganda, Singing Bee… But I always lost! Anyway, because of that, I always got invited back! Kapag nanalo ka, ’di ka na pwede sumali nang matagal! Ayun, kaya unti-unti kong nakilala yung mga staff and bosses ng game show group ng ABSCBN. When they thought of Showtime, I was on their short list. Buti na lang hindi pumayag yung iba! Suwerte lang talaga!
Is showbiz different from rock n’ roll? If yes or no, could you explain?
Yes. Pag suplado ka sa rock scene, pwedeng cool pa yun eh. Kapag suplado ka sa showbiz, talagang suplado ka! Seriously, ibang klase ang reach ng Showbiz, lalong lalo na ang ABS. And with greater power comes greater responsibility.
The Itchyworms parodied the music industry’s pressure on you guys to conform to certain standards regarding physical appearances in one of your music videos. Did being on the show bring more or less pressure on that aspect?
Ang maganda sa mga Showtime people, they got me for who I am. Never nila ako sinabihan na magpa-payat para sa show. That’s what’s great about Showtime. They’re not forcing me to be what I’m not. Even when they make me dance despite having two left feet … cute naman daw. A lot of people didn’t think the Itchyworms would make it because they thought we were fat. But we had songs that people liked and we play them well … nakakatawa naman kami, at hindi naman kami panget ah. (Laughs.)
How have the audiences for Itchyworms gigs reacted to your being on one of the most successful shows on TV now?
Grabe, sobrang dumami yung nanonood ng gigs dahil sa show! The long time Itchyworms fans have been supportive also. I used to say that if we got a hundred more people listening to our music then joining the show would be already worth it. But it’s actually doubled and even tripled! Sobrang nakakatuwa, kasi mas maraming nakakapakinig ng music namin.
How have your band mates reacted to your parallel career?
At first, they were apprehensive like I was. But after a while, they got into it as well. Now they even come on the show to do a segment every Friday called Himagsikan.
On a different note, you’re currently planning your fourth album. Any hints on what direction it’s gonna take?
A friend of ours said that we’ve already done our “Revolver” and “Sgt. Pepper;” It’s time to make our “White Album”... I think he’s correct.
After all these years, what keeps the band going — given that sometimes success is more deadly than failure?
I was already older and hopefully wiser when the band became popular so that’s kept me grounded. Personally, I know that all of this is just temporary. I’m not being philosophical or anything. I’m just being realistic. Any day, pwedeng mawala ang lahat ng ito. But hopefully not for a very long time. (Laughs.)
Is there any chance that the band will finally release that long-awaited live album?
(Laughs) That’s tough since we had different labels for each album! But I do hope that that happens in the future.
Are you where you thought you’d be career-wise?
Never. When I was in college, I just wanted to play in my band and release albums on a major label. But I never thought I’d be able to do these things for a living. I am thankful for everything. Thank you, Lord! And like I always say, being with the Itchyworms and being in Showtime are the two best jobs in the world! Amen!
