Donny: Yes, there’s life after DonKiss

Up to now, even with DonKiss gone (hopefully not forever but for the meantime?), the ardent fans of Donny Pangilinan and Kisses Delavin continue to shed tears, not quite above hurling darts here and there while lamenting over what-might-have-been. Sadly, it’s Donny who is getting much of the “blame” even as he claimed that he gave “my very best” to the team-up.

But fans shouldn’t fret. Even if Donny and Kisses are pursuing different directions, big things are for sure waiting for them. Yes, there’s life after DonKiss.

Let’s get to know Donny better in an exclusive post-DonKiss interview.

So now that DonKiss is over, can you share about that experience? How would you now tag your relationship with Kisses?

“I gave my very best to the partnership, as Kisses herself did. I think everyone saw that, solid fans and ‘ships,’ too. As my management and I have shared, it seemed like we had different expectations from the LT (Love Team), and so projects ended as Star Magic reviewed the partnership.”

When was the last time you talked to Kisses, and how would you now tag your relationship with her?

“I haven’t spoken to Kisses recently…not sure how to tag the situation at present, but my friendship with her will stay forever.”

I think many people don’t know you very well. Let’s talk about your family. How much are you like your mom (Maricel Laxa) and how much like your dad (Anthony Pangilinan)?

“I am a mommy’s boy. I got my physical features mainly from my mom. We are both naturally introverted as well. I think my personality though is a lot like my dad. Many of my friends who know my dad personally would say that I act a lot like him, like my gestures and the way I talk.

“My dad likes to compete as well, and he pushes himself to test his potential. I’ve seen that in me, too. Both my parents want to put God first, but admit it isn’t always so. I think that’s what I cherish the most, and I hope I really embrace that for always.”

How were you and your siblings raised by your parents?

“They raised us with love and of course discipline. ‘Love and Logic,’ they call it. Stuff they learned over time. They were the right amount of ‘strict.’ Growing up was a roller-coaster ride because we were four siblings who all slept in the same room as kids. There were times when we’d all play and have fun, but there would also be times when we would fight and our parents had to step in. Well, sometimes, they fought, too!

“We traveled a lot and did sports such as triathlon as a family. I am grateful for my parents and siblings. We are not a perfect family, but I would not trade them for the world. As my co-managers with Star Magic, my parents give my career a new dimension. We are constantly testing, redefining boundaries. Sometimes, we find ourselves in conflict. But in the end, I think the whole experience prunes us all.”

How would you describe your showbiz journey so far (mention what you think are the “upside” and “downside” of showbiz)?

“It has been a crazy ride so far. Obviously, there are plenty of ups and downs in showbiz just like almost all things in life. When I decided to jump into it, it shocked my parents because I was the last they expected to join, me being introvert and all. I am thankful for the breaks given to me to start my career. But breaks don’t make you, they only make you stronger. I worked and studied hard to get initial roles. My parents insisted I did my best, and it’s an ongoing thing.”

Have you become comfortable with being a public figure?

“Once you become a public figure, the more you’ll realize that you really can’t please everyone. And that’s okay. It’s important to allow yourself to be sad. Most people see what’s onscreen and online, not backstage and discussions behind closed doors. Sometimes, you just want to tell people all, but you choose not to since you will break trust, and hurt more hearts along the way.

“I’ve learned a lot of lessons from my family through the many years we’ve been in showbiz. One of them is to focus on positivity. I am blessed to be given an amazing support system, and supporters that are there for me through thick and thin. I met a lot of new friends that I now call family, and experienced a number of new things that I never thought I’d ever get to do. Right now, it’s more of me improving my craft, and trying out new projects. I have a lot of things to work on. I want to be the best version of myself and by God’s grace, I am in process.”

When did you realize that you are the son of a popular celebrity couple?

“Growing up, I knew my parents were somewhat (popular) in the business. We shot commercials as a family when we were really young. I also used to go with my mom to her set and just observe. And we were often in interviews on TV, print and radio. But, one thing for sure, we were brought up just like other regular kids.”

Donny on an outing with parents Maricel Laxa and Anthony Pangilinan and siblings

You and Kisses have been raised well, God-fearing and respectful. It’s a pity that your “LT” didn’t prosper.

“But as I’ve said, my friendship will stay forever.” (Trivia: Donny is 21 and Kisses is 20. Both of them are engrossed in their studies, Donny at UP Open University taking up Multi-Media Studies and Kisses at La Salle taking up Accountancy. Also, they are too busy pursuing their goals to have time for love. Donny is NGSB [No Girlfriend Since Birth] and Kisses is NBSB [No Boyfriend Since Birth]. Sayang, they would have been a perfect match.)

Like your parents, you are health-conscious. Let’s do a little “body talk” for a breather. What kind of diet do you follow?

“Hahaha!!! I eat anything I want and all the McDo I can consume! I eat so much but never gain weight for some reason. I guess it’s a stage of growth and my metabolism. My dad went through it, too.”

‘I’ve learned a lot of lessons from my family through the many years we’ve been in showbiz. One of them is to focus on positivity. I am blessed to be given an amazing support system, and supporters that are there for me through thick and thin.’

What’s usually for breakfast, lunch and dinner (and snacks)?

“It depends. At home, it would be the usual home-cooked Filipino meals. But when I’m eating out, my favorite cuisine would be Japanese. Snacks? I love Oreos and milk!”

What vitamins are you taking?

“I take Usana vitamins in the morning as much as possible. It’s been a family thing. Good to be in the company of Olympians and Astronauts!”

How much water do you take per day?

“I have this Kleen Kanteen jug that I always carry around. It can hold two liters. I try to finish it or drink even more before the day ends.”

What workout do you do and how often do you do it?

“I play ball maybe once or twice a week, and try to lift weights twice or thrice a week. But sometimes I get lazy, hahahaha!!! And then, somehow I get re-inspired and I start all over again. Occasionally, I still run with my parents and my siblings. With so many Adidas shoes, sayang naman!”

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)