Twelve years ago when I first met Fernando Carillo, he didn’t charm me the way he did now.
It was also Viva Films Boss Vic del Rosario, who, according to Fernando, represents him in the Philippines, in his showbiz career, who invited us to Fernando’s first presscon. Then, he was promoting his Mexican teleserye, Rosalinda, with whom he had for his leading-lady Thalia (better known among Filipinos who watch Mexican telenovela as Marimar), now married to an American recording producer.
Thalia now has two kids, Fernando told members of the entertainment media, who attended his second presscon in the country, this time, to announce that he is now an entrepreneur as well.
He is now, Fernando said, part owner and executive of Sunset World Resorts and Vacation Experiences. He holds the position as VP Sunset World Global Expansion.
Sunset World is located in Cancun, Mexico.
The reason he is in town, he said, is because he and his lady companion, also an executive of Sunset World, in-charge of the company’s marketing arm, they are treating their Filipino employees, numbering to about 400, to a blowout.
These Pinoys are employed by the Sunset World as call center agents. They help their company entice Filipino tourists to visit their resorts and hotels in Cancun.
Looking back, mas guwapong di hamak si Fernando ngayon. And more of a charmer din. (Wow. Parang super special na agad ang friendship ninyo ni Fernando. Hahaha. - SVA)
He is now 42.
His first visit to the Philippines, he revealed, ay napatunayang memorable, as it was, while he was here that he received words from his father that his beloved mother was diagnosed with cancer.
She died six months later.
His father, who handled his showbiz career, with a brother of his passed away three years ago.
Fernando would not pinpoint on these tragedies sa kanyang pamilya and the failure of his six years marriage, na nagbigay sa kanya ng pagkakataong maging ama to a now six year-old kid, which discouraged him na gumawa ng telenovela.
Nor is it his decision to turn entrepreneur.
Now that the is older and wiser, however, ewan daw kung bakit suddenly there is an urge for him to do telenovelas again. He is, in fact, doing one soon, to be titled in English, The Magic of Love.
He will start taping for it either in February or March.
He will have for his leading-lady his ex-wife at sa kabuuan daw ng Sunset World Resorts and Hotel’s gagawin ang location ng telenovela.
He will, likewise, not just star in it kundi producer din.
A long-time resident of Malibu in California, Fernando said, he had appeared in a few independent movies, which made big money for its producers.
By the way, one day soon, he said, he plans to do a musical series, with, perhaps, some young talents, who will include a few from the country, co-starring with him. Puwede raw siyang gumanap bilang music teacher.
Aside from being an actor, Fernando can sing, too. In fact, he said, he has just finished an album which will be released soon internationally.
While in town, his Filipino fans will have the chance to watch him, when he appears in Bandila, ABS-CBN daily TV news cast, being interviewed by Boy Abunda; ASAP on Sunday and will also tape an interview with Sharon Cuneta for her TV5 talk show, Sharon: Kasama Mo Kapatid.