Kiko: A chip off the old block

It’s true, says Kiko Estrada, “I’m like my dad,” referring to reelectionist Quezon Vice Gov. Gary Estrada, “but only as far as nuances are concerned.”

Kiko plays the guy who has a crush on Barbie Forteza in the GMA soap That’s My Amboy. In the election-inspired movie diYOS-DIYOSan, directed by Cesar Buendia, he plays the classmate of John Prats whose character transformed from a young idealist to a deceptive, cunning and crafty politician by his teacher (played by Princess Punzalan).

“I think I know the ins and outs of politics because I’ve been helping dad campaign,” adds Kiko who is a cross between his parents (his mom is Cheska Diaz who is also in the diYOS-DIYOSan cast). 

Asked what advice (tips) his dad has given him, Kiko answers, “For showbiz, not much; but in life, a lot. He showed me how to be disciplined and how to have the right mindset.” And what about where girls are concerned? “Not from my dad but from momma…that is, to always be a gentleman, so yeah…hahahahaha!”

He admits that he and his dad are different in a lot of ways. “We have different likes and dislikes, magkakaiba ang needs namin. I don’t think that is bad at all because I believe that we’re all unique. Uniqueness is beauty in its raw form. I just think that people take that for granted most of the time.”

Is he close to his cousins on the Estrada side?

“Yes,” says Kiko, “I am close to my cousins from the side of my Tita Kate (Papa’s sister). But I’ve been busy so I miss them.”

Kiko completes the following:

• I avoid people…who cause trouble and hurt in my life.
• My greatest pleasure is…seeing the special people in my life happy.
• My worst moment was…on March 3, 2011. I lost a part of my heart. My Lolo (Paquito Diaz, Cheska’s father) passed away that day. He took care of me and helped my mom raise me. It’s funny how we take the most important things for granted. I know that people know my Lolo as one of the greatest kontra-bidas in Filipino cinema. Well, he’s a hero in my life. He was very special to me and I miss him. He will be forever missed.
• My biggest fear is…losing the people special in my life. They give me strength, happiness and peace. I think those are important to have in life.
• I pray for…good health and a beautiful life not just for me but for everyone.
• The most important people in my life are…my family and close friends.
• If I were to be reincarnated as an animal I would be…an eagle. I guess because I would love to see the world from its point of view.
• My most traumatic experience was…(also) losing my Lolo.
• I deal with gossip by…focusing on my goal and simply ignoring negativity. I don’t let anyone distract me from my goal. That’s where discipline comes in. I appreciate Papa for showing me that discipline is very important in life.
• The one thing I can’t do without is…well, it’s not a thing but my beautiful, strong, smart and loving momma. I’m a Mommy’s Boy, I guess. I will do anything for her. I love her till they take my heart away. It’s ironic and funny because she used to sing “till they take my heart away” to put me to sleep, hahaha!”
• Am I afraid of growing old?... No, I am not afraid of growing old. I am afraid of not living well.
• The type of girls who turn me on?...I don’t have types. For me, every girl is beautiful in her own way. I love girls who show me the real them. I guess that makes me a hopeless romantic, hahahaha!
• The type of girls who turn me off?...Like I said, I’m not the guy who has types but I would be turned off if I feel like the girl is lying to me.
• My philosophy in life is...“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
• I lose my temper when…the people important to me are hurt. Other than that, when traffic gets buhol-buhol on EDSA, hahaha!
• When I’m alone in my room I fantasize…about the future I want for me and for the people special to me.
• If I were somebody else I would be…FPJ because I always wanted to act with my Lolo in a movie, TV series or a play. FPJ and my Lolo were best friends and they were in a lot of movies together, so yeah…
• I am happiest when…I see my family happy.
• I am saddest when…I lose someone who is special in my life.
• My ultimate goal in life is…to win a Best Actor award because I promised my Lolo that. Well, that’s just my personal goal. My main goal is to take care of my family. They’re my priority.
• What I like about myself?...I don’t really know how to answer this question because I tend to criticize myself and my performance all the time. I guess what I like about myself is when I commit that I won’t stop till I get what I want because I will work hard for it.
• What I don’t like about myself is…I lack discipline at times.
• Face to face with God, I’d tell Him…please show me where my Lolo is.

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