MANILA, Philippines — Vin Abrenica is a man of contrasts. He loves the freedom to experiment in what he wears, and what he shows on his skin (e.g. an anchor tattoo which reminds him of his girlfriend, Sophie Albert).
Yet, in an industry noted for short-lived relationships, he has remained loyal to Sophie for seven years. He has turned down indecent proposals that flooded his social media account even before he entered showbiz.
These contrasts have a lot to do with Vin’s age and family background.
At 28, the Kapamilya hunk is a millennial, entitled to his share of out-of-the-box thoughts. For instance, Vin isn’t averse to wearing kinky designs on his underwear, which may come in pinks or yellows — colors a regular guy avoids.
“I’m experimental in my underwear,” the newest Hanford endorser told media after he signed a two-year contract with the brand. But this doesn’t mean Aljur Abrenica’s younger brother avoids neutrals, like white and black. It’s just that Vin isn’t afraid of looking weird or out of place in a world that sticks to tried-and-tested neutrals instead of exploring other things.
That’s as far as Vin’s exploratory nature goes though. He insists that rumors saying that he and Sophie are living in are false. They visit each other in their respective homes, but the couple prefers marriage over living in.
He believes getting extra intimate with the woman he loves is a prize he’ll look forward to during their honeymoon. This, however, won’t happen anytime soon, because Vin thinks he and Sophie must focus on career first.
“I believe in forever,” he smiles.
Forever also means standing by Aljur when they got into boyhood fights against eight to 10 bullies.
Vin admits he was shaking in fear, but he took out his belt, put up a brave front, and prepared for a showdown. Aljur’s presence reassured Vin things will be okay.
“We’re solid,” he declares.
Vin sees himself and Aljur in Alas Joaquin and Axl Romeo, the latter’s sons by wife Kylie Padilla. The boys, Vin explains, were also born almost a year apart (Aljur is a year older than Vin). So Vin is excited to see history repeat itself in his little nephews.
“I look forward to seeing them grow to be the best of friends.”
They had their usual boyhood fights as brothers normally do, but they will look out for each other in the end. Vin recalls how his father almost separated them — Vin in Batangas, Aljur in their mother’s home in Pampanga — when they were at each other’s throats. The brothers only smoked the peace pipe when they got a little older.
Now, Vin looks forward to seeing action with Aljur on the big or small screen, “never mind if I play the villain, and he’s the good guy.”
The idea of working with Aljur brings a big smile on Vin’s face. So, too, does the idea of seeing self-confidence in a woman. This — not her physical qualities, he says, makes her sexy. Vin has admired this in Marian Rivera even when she was a showbiz newbie, and in Heart Evangelista.
Of course, Vin admires this self-assurance in Sophie, who is also his best critic. Vin is proud of the fact that Sophie woke up bright and early that Tuesday morning to apply light make-up on face for the press conference. It’s also Sophie who chose the white cotton shirt and casual pair of pants he wore at the event.
They know the value of give and take.
“We have our own strengths. I take care of the decision making. She’s in change of girl things like fashion and shopping,” says Vin.
Trust is the other key to their relationship. Vin is excited to see Sophie’s love team with Alden Richards grow. Vin won’t get in the way if a scene requires his girlfriend to go sexy or kiss Alden with passion.
“Alden is Alden,” Vin explains.
Besides, he wants to see Sophie grow as an actress, the way she’s excited to see him on billboards in his first-ever endorsement. This is not the only blessing going for Vin this year. He will play a millennial in the upcoming film Coming Home.
The role — that of a carefree, indifferent guy — is miles apart from the real Vin. But it’s something he can’t wait to sink his teeth into.
The film is also why Vin has no definite summer plans, aside from continuing his regular gym workouts and vlogging about them. He has to maintain those abs and rippling muscles — assets that landed him the endorsement, and will hopefully get Vin his dream role in an action movie.
Vin waited seven long years to see his name on billboards. He’s willing to wait again to see the rest of his dreams come true.