The pleasures of being AJ Dee

One year in showbiz and 22-year-old AJ Dee cannot be thankful enough for all the good breaks coming his way after he landed as one of the five finalists on MTB: Ang Saya-Saya’s TV Idol contest in August last year.

He hosts the Wanna Buzz segment every Sunday on The Buzz, made his big screen debut in the Piolo Pascual-Bea Alonzo Valentine starrer Dreamboy, and is cast in ABS-CBN’s newest primetime teleserye, Vietnam Rose, with Maricel Soriano in the lead. That makes AJ one of the more recognizable faces among the young stars on TV today. He is being co-managed by ABS-CBN’s Star Magic and Boy Abunda’s Backroom, Inc.

Off-screen, AJ remains a level-headed, unassuming guy who doesn’t allow fame to get into his head. While it is true that showbiz has been a life-changing experience for him, AJ’s pleasures remain simple, despite a frenzied schedule and the trappings of a celebrity.

"By being in showbiz, I was able to fulfill my dreams and give my family a better life," AJ offers. "Personally, I’m still the same. I’m looking at a long-term showbiz career. I’m willing to do anything in the mold of Piolo (Pascual), Boyet (de Leon) and Aga (Muhlach)."

With his showbiz earnings, AJ was able to buy a six-bedroom house in Quezon City for his family. He also put up an Internet Café, 3-Deez, in Naga.

However, with fame also comes intrigues and AJ has not been spared the nasty write-ups. In the course of getting the good breaks, he inevitably became controversial, too.

"Before, I would easily get affected when I read something written about me that’s not true," AJ says. "But my mentors helped me deal with the intrigues, which are part of the showbiz ballgame. Tito Boy (Abunda) told me, ‘Kung ganyan ka, wag ka na mag-artista.’ It’s easy to say you won’t get affected, but I’m really trying my best to do that. I’m learning to take the intrigues in stride."

His family’s new residence, AJ clarifies, did not come from any benefactor, as what had been maliciously written about. "Walang ibang taong involved when we bought our new house. My mom sold our old house in Sta. Ana and added my showbiz earnings so we were able to raise the down payment for the house. The rest came from a bank loan. We will pay for the house until next year, so we don’t have the title yet."

AJ is a boy-next-door type who spends his time watching movies, playing computer games and painting. His towering height, toned body and good looks gave him an edge over other showbiz wannabes who joined TV Idol. He frequents the gym and keeps fit by playing badminton. He looks up to Aga Muhlach, "who is a very good actor."

AJ has long been a ramp and commercial model and was the first runner-up in the Mossimo Bikini Summit in summer 2004, before he joined TV Idol. He was also a runner-up in last year’s Body Shots tilt.

The eldest in a brood of four, AJ lived in Naga most of his life since his father works as a Unilab salesman assigned in Bicol. AJ graduated with a degree in BSBA Management at the Ateneo de Naga, where he was also a member of the university’s theater group for which he did the play Stigmata (a five-act tragedy about the life of a 16th century Italian nun). However, AJ left his hometown after college in 2003 to seek out bigger opportunities in Manila.

AJ is excited about his foray into drama with Vietnam Rose, directed by Joel Lamangan with Don Cuaresma. AJ plays the Vietnamese leading man of Angelica dela Cruz in the series. The other is Jason Abalos. It surprised AJ when he was called on to join the story conference after initially getting rejected during the auditions.

"I really wanted to do drama," AJ discloses. "But I was given a hosting job (on Wanna Buzz) and I’m glad I tried it, too. I feel very lucky to be in Vietnam Rose. I’m working with big name stars and it’s a very good opportunity for me."

Quite expectedly, AJ’s dramatic talent did not go unnoticed. Direk Joel notes, "He (AJ) has the interest and passion to learn. For me, that’s a plus factor, aside from his great potential to become a really good actor."

Vietnam Rose boasts a powerhouse cast that includes John Estrada, Jay Manalo, Assunta de Rossi, Ricky Davao, Gina Alajar, Rosa Rosal, Chanda Romero, Tony Mabesa, Michelle Madrigal and Joseph Bitangcol. Supporting actors are Jim Pebanco, Ilonah Jean, Asia Agcaoili, Kathryn Bernardo, Luis Alandy, Karlyn Bayot, Kristopher Peralta, Joshua Dionisio, Edna Mae Landicho, Gilette Sandico, Nanding Josef and Ernie Zarate.

Behind-the-scenes credits are equally impressive. Ricky Lee is the series’ creative manager, with Felinda Bagas handling head writer duties. Another award-winning talent, Joey Luna, is the production designer. Desirey Fernandez-Juan serves as Vietnam Rose executive producer, with Cathy Perez as the series’ business unit head.

The comment from Direk Joel flatters AJ no end. That’s why he resolutely vows to do good in his latest TV assignment and constantly improve his craft.

Of course, AJ can easily pass for a leading man with his trademark boyish smile and cherubic face. But more than being remembered for his good looks, AJ aims to make a mark with his body of work. As he says, he’s into showbiz for the long haul. With his positive attitude toward his craft coupled with his enthusiasm to work and learn, AJ Dee is undoubtedly on the right track.