Kiko Estrada remembers his Lolo Paquito

CEBU, Philippines — Kiko Estrada revealed that he lost his drive to act and for life in general when his iconic grandfather, Paquito Diaz, passed away years back. The son of former actress Cheska Diaz and actor Gary Estrada was born to a showbiz lineage that includes the Diazes, Estradas and Ejercitos. His other grandpa is George Estregan, another Filipino movie icon.

“I lost Lolo Paquito in 2011, and my lola just a few years ago. So I was not motivated to act or do anything,” the 25-year-old “Bagong Umaga” star shared.

Kiko said he eventually emerged from his rut through “the support I got from my mom and my family to show what I can give, or if there is any talent to be seen.”

ABS-CBN’s newest afternoon drama “Bagong Umaga” also includes in the cast Bernadette Allyson, his dad’s wife, and while they have yet to have scenes together, Kiko praised her for being an excellent actress. He has no complaints with the lock-in taping arrangements, saying they are well taken care of so that they can “act to the best of our capabilities.”

“Unless you miss your family but there’s Facetime for that. It makes you more focused because you have nothing to do but study the script,” said Kiko of the new normal set-up. –VAB