Putting it together with Nikki Gil

Celebrities nowadays are so many that you kind of lose track of who’s who in the entertainment scene.
You’ve got Pinoy Big Brother producing its periodic army of instant TV personalities. You’ve got Pinoy Pop Superstar and Little Big Star with seasons of honing the next Regine Velasquez and Martin Nievera. And you’ve got Starstruck and Star Circle Quest that measure just how bad people want to make it big in the cutthroat world of showbiz. Whether it be trying to become the next famous TV personality, singing sensation, or actor-about-town, these three hold one thing very much in common – celebrity and its analogous thrust to stardom.

In the golden days of Sampaguita Pictures and LVN, celebrities came in the form of Gloria Romero and Eddie Gutierrez with their alabaster skin and mestizo good looks. Then, fans would have literally flown thousand of miles for just a second’s glimpse of their esteemed idols. It must’ve been Juan de la Cruz’s fix on regal aesthetics, fueled by his incredible lust for celebrity. It must’ve been the possibility to live vicariously through his statuesque and mestizo counterpart. Nowadays, celebrities come in all shapes and sizes – from Mahal to Sandara to Richard Gomez to just about anyone who can strike the right note with the Filipino market. One need not have to look further for the Gloria Romero and Eddie Gutierrez of today. The categories of stardom have since diversified – now fluid and malleable with media and its constantly changing definition of the Next Big Thing. So-just who is today’s Next Big Thing? Well, just someone who’s managed to put together a tad bit of everything and come out with just the right blend. And just for the record, she ain’t the daughter of Eddie Gil.

The setting is Via Mare Oyster Bar in Greenbelt 3. As I walked into the culinary establishment for an afternoon rendezvous with Nikki Gil, I initially caught a glimpse of her sitting by her mom with her long hair and scintillating morena features. I can’t say I wasn’t intimidated at first. As I was entering the room, the prospect of interviewing a celebrity sort of scared me a little bit. And like the regular folk of yore, I would have been just as awestruck if not for the fact that she is a fellow Atenean who loathed calculus just as much. In a sea of mestizas in showbiz today, Nikki sure is a breath of fresh air. Wielding a charm and good will that most definitely broke the ice, she welcomed me for an afternoon of fun, laughter and conversation about just anything under the summer sun. Coke, please!

YS: The world first saw you singing in a commercial while handing out Coke bottles from your seemingly endless supply. How has your life changed since then?

NIKKI GIL: It’s changed a lot in so many levels. Aside from the media exposure, academically, I had to go on minimum load for my English Lit course in Ateneo. It’s weird ’coz I used to be really active back in my days at the Shekinah Christian Academy. I was in the student council, the cheering squad, the volleyball team. I was everywhere. But I’m enjoying college nevertheless.

Have you adjusted to the limelight?

Well, I’m better now. I feel more at home as compared to when I was just starting out. Like in hosting for example, siyempre you need to connect with the audience. If you’re stiff, then people won’t be as receptive of you. Now that I actually know some of the people, I’m more comfortable."

How are you able to balance school and your other engagements?

Well, so far, so good. I’m still able to manage school work and my career ’coz I’m doing mostly VJ work, hosting stints, and album promotion. But I have yet to see if I can handle the pressure of school when acting comes along.

Speaking of acting, tell us a little bit more about your upcoming soap.

It’s called Rounin, an anime-fantaserye for ABS-CBN about five gods and goddesses out to save the world. I’ll be playing a character called Lial. She’s a bit of a goody-goody who plays by the rules.

Cool. I’m a huge fan of superheroes. Will you be harnessing any superpowers?

Yup, I think I’ll have the power of electricity. I haven’t really seen the special effects that go with it but I’m sure they’ll be really nice.

I’m sure! So you’re also into singing, right? Who are your inspirations?

Definitely Lea Salonga! It’s always been my dream to play a Disney princess. So ever since she was asked by Disney to do the singing voice of Jasmine and Mulan, it kinda gave me hope that there’ll be a Filipino Disney princess someday.

So let’s talk about your album.

Well, I have a self-titled album out right now. So far, I’ve released three singles out of the 13 songs featured in the CD, one of which is the theme from a commercial I did.

So what’s your favorite track in your album?

I have a lot of favorites. But I especially like Answer to my Prayer. It’s a ballad and also my love song to God.

How is your relationship with God?

Well, I try to keep my relationship with Him very personal. I’m actually a part of a parish youth group in Alabang. I’m also in a band that performs there. I guess it’s my way of giving back to Him.

How do you survive with the deluge of personalities entering showbiz today?

It’s hard to compete. There are a lot of talented and good-looking individuals out there. If I try to compete, I’ll just end up being frustrated. I know my skills. I know what I’m capable of doing. I just find my own place and do my own thing.

Do you have any plans of joining theater someday?

I’d like very much to experience it at some point. Back in high school, I used to participate in one-act plays. And it was pretty fun. If only I can find the time...

So how much free time do you still have?

Well, it’s summer right now. So at least I have the weekends all to myself. And occasionally, I have the evenings free. My schedule’s very irregular.

Just for kicks, have you ever thought of joining Pinoy Big Brother?

Not really. First of all, I’m not that independent. I just can’t stand the idea of being separated from my parents. There was a time when they were in Paris for two weeks and I was crying every night. If I joined, baka kainisan lang ako ng mga tao. Haha!

So how long do you plan on staying in showbiz?

It’s really all up to the people. Longevity-wise, the career span of an actor isn’t very long. If people don’t accept you anymore, there’s really nothing you can do about it. At least I have my education as a fallback. Iba pa rin talaga if you have a degree!

I couldn’t agree more. Finally, what mottos do you live by?

I have a lot. But what I always tell myself when I’m at a crossroad or when I’m about to make a decision in life is that I’m glad I did it rather than I wish I had. No regrets! Even if it doesn’t come out right, I want to have been able to learn something from it.

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Catch your breath and let me know what you think at chasingtoff@yahoo.com.