The treasures of Eugene Domingo

Eugene Domingo is more than grateful to have been offered a pioneering show that bears her name. Three years since being handed award-winning game show Celebrity Bluff, the multi-awarded actress returns to comedy in Dear Uge, the first and only comedy anthology in local TV, which started Feb. 14.

“Para gamitin nila yung pangalan mo na banner ng show, it means you have made it,” says Eugene, who at 44, has gone a long way from graduating with a Theater Arts degree from the University of the Philippines to being a recipient of the prestigious Asian Film Award.

“After all these years of working for TV, for movies, loving your job and feeling everything — from frustration, depression, fulfillment — para mabigyan ka ng show na dala-dala ang pangalan mo, it’s a big accomplishment,” she reasons. “That’s how I see it. It’s like Nora, Vilma, Sharon, Marian. The show has your name, and you should treasure it.”

Dear Uge features beloved actors in light, comedic performances. “Ito rin talaga yung unang nagustuhan ko sa concept nito. It’s pioneering,” says Eugene, who as the titular character will narrate true-to-life stories based on viewer submissions. “Abangan din nila yung cameo roles na gagampanan ko every episode,” she teases.

Eugene draws up her own wish list of guest stars: Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, DongYan (Primetime royalty Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera), and Superstar Nora Aunor (“Mahusay talaga siyang magpatawa. Nakakatawa siya sa totoo lang. And it’s very refreshing to see dramatic actors portray funny roles for a change.”)

She is also hoping to invite the Comedy Queen. “Sabi ko nga kay Ms. Ai-Ai (de las Alas), talaga ha, lalabas ka, kasi alam mo naman ikaw ang pambato ko,” she laughs. “It’s a very good opportunity for us to be seen together in a scene again.” Eugene and Ai-Ai have been frequent collaborators, appearing in several comedy films in the past decade.

Meanwhile, Eugene shares her greatest treasures.

The comedienne with her Dear Uge co-star Divine Aucina

Most treasured person: The 44-year-old comedienne hints at a reason for her ubiquitous smile these days. “He makes me really happy and I enjoy talking to him,” she reveals a wee bit about her non-showbiz beau.

Eugene values her private life. “The most important thing is that someone makes you smile, and you treasure it. And if you say you treasure it, you wish it won’t end.”

Most treasured show: “Lahat naman ng shows pinahalagahan ko at binigyan ko ng value,” she says. But if she were to pick her favorites, it boils down to two of her most recent Kapuso shows: Celebrity Bluff and Dear Uge (on Sunday afternoons).

“(Celebrity Bluff kasi) lagi siyang nare-recognize sa mga award shows here and abroad, at hindi ko inasahan na made-develop yung skills ko as a host.” Eugene shares that she has always loved hosting, even as a kid. “Kahit sa classroom, sa bahay, kahit walang okasyon, basta may mic lagi akong nagho-host.”

She adds, “Hosting Celebrity Bluff is not easy, but it’s always fun. And umabot siya ng three years. So I’m hoping that dahil we treasure the game show, umabot pa siya ng maraming, maraming, maraming taon.”

Most treasured travel destination: Eugene frequents a luxury spa resort in Lipa, Batangas, which, she says, keeps her young and refreshed. The lush, eco-friendly sanctuary is a Zen-inspired wellness retreat that offers health and fitness programs. Eugene’s off-duty routine: Regular detox sessions and juice cleansing.

She spills her best-kept beauty secret. “I think I’ll be going there forever kasi nakakabata siya. I take care of myself and my body. Just taking a break, being healthy, loving your body and appreciating yourself and nature.”

Eugene is all about enriching the self — body, mind and soul. She names a travel destination that nourishes one’s spirituality, above anything else. “India,” she mentions the top entry in her travel bucket list. “Everything about it is interesting. Ang gusto ko talaga yung may immersion as a tourist.” She also admires India’s rich culture and diverse “film factory.”

Most treasured thing: For a devoted fur mom like Eugene, her pets mean the world to her. “I have three dogs and one cat, and maybe 75 lizards,” she quips. Eugene owns an all-male Shih Tzu brood — Coconut, Mufasa and Mickey, and a lone black cat called Bambi.

“Lahat sila kamukha ko,” she jokes again.

Eugene also talks about her deceased dogs: a Golden Retriever named Shakespeare and her first-ever canine companion Praise (Coconut’s father), a Shih Tzu gifted by her closest friends — among them, comedian John Lapuz and actress Harlene Bautista.

Most treasured moment as a Kapuso: Eugene answers from the heart. “Every time I say thank you to GMA while holding a trophy, because I offer it to them. Lahat ng mga karangalan na natatanggap ko sa mga palabas na binibigay nila at nasasabi ko sa mikropono na, thank you to GMA, that is my most treasured moment, to be able to say thank you back to the company that loves you.”

Eugene’s early television credits include Kapuso shows D-Day with Ms. Dina Bonnevie and Kirara, Ano Ang Kulay ng Pag-ibig, both in 1999. In 2008, Eugene was cast as a mainstay in Ako Si Kim Samsoon, upon the request of lead star Regine. Since then, the comedienne stayed with the network, appearing in a string of primetime series, comedy skits and late-night programs.

“I’m very thankful — really, really thankful, sometimes di rin ako makapaniwala,” she recounts. “I think what makes me stay here in GMA Network is their trust, and their passion to create new shows that are very Filipino, for the Filipino.”

Eugene feels at home as a Kapuso. “Ipaparamdam nila sayo yung totoong ibig sabihin ng Kapuso. Kung anong tinitibok ng puso mo, kung anong kulang diyan sa puso mo, nararamdaman nila at ibibigay nila sayo kung anong makapagpapaligaya sa puso mo.

“At ang kapalit noon, buong puso mo ring gagawin ang trabaho mo kasi nararamdaman mo na talagang ang Kapuso, puso sa puso.

“Hindi lang ito dahil sa pera, o dahil sa kailangan mo lang magtrabaho. Dito sa Kapuso, talagang pusuan. Dinadama nila kung anong makapagpapaligaya sa puso ng artista, at sa puso ng manonood.”

Most treasured advice: “Enjoy the moment while working for the future,” is her quick response. “You should have a balance. Enjoy the moment, huwag natin masyadong seryosohin ang mga bagay-bagay.”

Eugene takes every moment in stride. Will she be willing to do another teleserye? Yes, but she has a few considerations. “At this point, I’m already thinking about my audience. They should be happy, and I should be a part of their happiness. The honor and pleasure is mine. I am happy to make them happy.”