Robi sticks to his wholesome image

Eight years ago (in 2008) after he finished first runner-up to Ejay Falcon in Pinoy Big Brother (PBB), Robi Domingo could have pursued a career in acting (just like other PBB graduates Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson, Sam Milby, Melai Cantiveros, Daniel Matsunaga and others) but he opted to be a TV host.

Actually, he did try acting in a few Kapamilya shows (Your Song Presents: Boystown and My Girl) but he realized early on that acting was not his cup of tea. Asked why, Robi related a rather sad story.

“I was traumatized when I did Kapag Puso’y Sinugatan directed by Wenn Deramas,” said Robi. “I was asked to do a love scene. Biglaan. I was still in school at that time and it created a controversy. There was much pressure. I was courting somebody and she was crying and crying because of that love scene. That was in 2013.”

And that was how Robi’s acting career screeched to a sudden halt. No regrets, though.

“I am more at home in hosting (TV shows and events),” said Robi, probably Philippine Television’s most wholesome host who is not tainted by ugly rumors, as wholesome as ice cream on a cone.

When Funfare suggested to ABS-CBN PR Aaron Domingo that Robi qualified as subject for this corner’s broken Sexy Talk series (as per his fans persistent demand), Aaron begged off.

“Sorry po,” said Aaron, “wholesome siya.”

Robi (third from right) as host of Knowledge Channel’s new show MathDali with (from left) Vic Robinson III, Igi Boy Flores, Enchong Dee (host of AgriCOOLture, another KC new show), KC president and executive director Rina Lopez-Bautista, and twins Joj and Jai Agpangan.

No wonder Robi was tapped as host of MathDali, one of the two new shows on Knowledge Channel which is celebrating its 17th anniversary. The show aims to help Filipino students overcome their fear of learning math. A math enthusiast, Robi is perfect for the show. He helps Igi Boy Flores, Vic Robinson III, and twins Joj and Jai Agpangan learn to love math and master the subject in their fun adventures.

Hosted by Enchong Dee, the other show, AgriCOOLture, aims to make students realize that agriculture is a flourishing sector that can widely contribute to the country’s economy and uplift the lives of many Filipinos.

“Our two new programs are an embodiment of Knowledge Channel’s commitment to create engaging educational content that boosts the learning performance of Filipino students,” said Rina Lopez-Bautista, KC president and executive director. “We want to provide them with an opportunity to learn using multimedia tools to have an enriching academic journey.”

Because the shows target market is composed of students, it helps that Robi is a role model with not just a gift of gab but also sense of humor and the talent of cracking “wholesome” jokes.

Asked how he is related to Eugene Domingo, Robi quipped, “She’s my mother. Joke.”

Born Robert Marion Eusebio Domingo on Sept. 27, 1989, Robi (and his only [younger] brother Robert Marlo Domingo) were raised by parents who are both doctors, Roberto “Boy” Domingo (a general surgeon) and Mary Ann Delgado (a company doctor at SSS). Robi was studying at Ateneo (from grade school to college) when he entered PBB in 2008. He was thrice voted for elimination…to no avail…for the simple reason that coming from a well-off family, he didn’t really need the cash prize more than did Ejay (the son of a pier hand in Mindoro).

“No,” said Robi who dreamed to follow in his parents’ footsteps, “I haven’t really quit school; I can still go back and take up a medical course because I have my diploma in Pre-Med.”

By the way, the girl who cried and cried when teased about Robi’s love scene is now his girlfriend, none other than Gretchen Ho (a Chinese), the volleyball player who herself is making a name as a TV host. They have been going steady for three years.

Told that Gretchen admitted in one interview that he is “husband material,” Robi reacted poker-faced, “Solved! Ang guapo kong ‘to! Pera pa lang, solved na!” Another joke!

Are you faithful?

“Oo naman...One at a time.”

I’ll put it on the record.

“It’s a joke. Hahaha!”  

PR Aaron described Robi as “most sought after.”

Robi agreed, still at it.

“It’s true! I’m most sought-after kasi sa mga utang ko pa lang, hinahabol na ako.” Another joke that capped our interview.

By the way, is it true that “wholesome Robi” has remained “pure” and “innocent” all these years?

No, it’s no joke!

What’s up?

• Congratulations to Dr. Thelma N. Clemente of Capitol Medical Center which is celebrating its 46th year of providing Tender Loving Care (TLC) the Filipino way. Through the years, CMC has created its own brand of excellence in health care services and has been known as a hospital that caters to all patients regardless of race and belief.

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