Miguel Tanfelix urges youth to unplug and reconnect with nature

It was last year that Dingdong Dantes, Chris Tiu and I started Be Juan Tama, an advocacy campaign encouraging viewers to choose content and TV programs that foster mental, emotional and social growth.

Through our respective GMA programs, namely, “Amazing Earth,” “i-Bilib” and “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda,” Dingdong, Chris and I zealously promote the value of learning, discovery and meaningful conversations for Filipino audiences. We also remind viewers always to choose accurate information. With so much information available, it is important to discern which content offers precise facts.

If you notice, every time I do the closing spiel on my show, I always say that whatever is happening around us, or even if what is going on with life right now gets confusing, let’s just all look and go back to what is right — Be Juan Tama.

Our advocacy campaign is yielding positive outcomes. In addition to the good news, Be Juan Tama has a new ambassador in Miguel Tanfelix. He will join us in pushing our objective of making every Filipino Be Juan Tama through his infotainment program titled “Planet XP.”

Miguel gave detailed information on how “Planet XP” is aligned with the Be Juan Tama campaign during his guest appearance on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.”

“Basically, it (‘Planet XP’) teaches people, the youth, to reconnect with nature, especially today’s generation na puro nakaharap sa gadgets, sa screens. So, it’s important to have time for nature to gain knowledge and understanding, and the viewers will see in the episodes of ‘Planet XP’ how different communities (in the country) are deeply connected to nature,” said Miguel.

“I am with you in choosing the right values and accurate information. Laging tandaan, matuto, matuwa, Be Juan Tama.”

In “Planet XP,” Miguel showcases the beauty of nature and the stories of people living in a community that he visits.

Learn and discover more about Miguel in our one-on-one interview. Below are excerpts.

Miguel, who is pictured with the women weavers of Cavinti, Laguna, says ‘Planet X’ (airing Saturdays) shows how deeply connected communities are to nature.

As a citizen of this country who is in your 20s, what comes to mind when someone says to you, “Be Juan Tama”?

“First, as one of the faces of the campaign, I feel pressure because, aside from me being included in the advocacy campaign with you, I need to be conscious of the things that I will do because there will be eyes fixed on me. And as a citizen, this is the campaign I want to support and follow because it leads the youth to programs that are accurate, educational and entertaining.”

As a person and as an actor, are you afraid of committing mistakes?

“Yes, it’s scary to make mistakes, especially in my case, where I grew up in front of the cameras. Simula bata ako, ang daming nakatingin, but I would like to remind people that mistakes are a natural part of being human, kasi kahit na mga artista, tao pa rin sila.”

How ready are you to take risks as an actor?

“Whatever it is that is given to me, I will give my 100 percent. Wala na akong pakialam kung gaano ka-risky basta gagawin ko ito para matuto, and at the same time, to grow as a person and as an actor.”

Do you believe it when people say that you are blessed with talent and good looks?

“I would like to believe that I have a talent for acting. As for good looks, when I look at my mom and dad, I can say that they both look great. So, baka blessed din ako with good looks, hahahaha.”

What’s right and wrong for you when it comes to love?

“It’s hard to say, Tito Boy, because it’s very situational and very personal, like there will be something right for me but wrong to other people. So, it really depends on the situation or relationship. For example, others will say it’s right to give a second chance, but that’s hard for me. But if I love the person, baka kaya ng isa pa (chance).”

How do you deal with temptation?

“It’s normal to have temptation, and it is up to you if you give in to it. For me, I will pray about it because it’s the work of the devil. So, you need to pray and ask God for strength. Saka lagi mong tatanungin ang sarili mo, ano ba ‘yung values mo as a person?”

You and Ysabel Ortega have been together for three years. What is the status of your relationship now?

“Very stable, Tito Boy. We’re very happy. I love Ysabel so much.”

Do you talk about the future?

“Yes, Tito Boy, we talk about our plans, like at what age we want to settle down. I like to settle down in my early or mid-30s. So, matagal-tagal pa, marami pang dapat gawin.”

You are said to be in your sexy era. Would you do daring roles?

“My New Year’s resolution — to take a risky path this 2026, outside of my comfort zone. So, I’m not only gonna take risks but whatever (role) will be given to me.”

At this point, what do you wanna tell yourself?

“Keep going.”