MANILA, Philippines - You know you have it all when your private views on an international star scandal become the top headline of Yahoo Philippines. You have it all when you are not in one, not two, but three landmark, iconic television shows: Pinoy Big Brother, ASAP and The Buzz. And you know you really have it all when you have a handsome, accomplished boyfriend who adores you unconditionally and a solid supportive family. It would all seem overwhelming but Toni Gonzaga’s effortless wit and charisma makes you think, hey, maybe you can have it all, too.
When Coke Zero announced that their new brand ambassador was to be Toni Gonzaga, media personalities from top dailies, glossies, lifestyle and entertainment reporters as well as her ardent and loyal fans filled the gallery of Greenbelt 5. Though she did have a slim stash of cue cards, Toni never even peeked at them, and she spoke completely spontaneously, directly from the heart.
Gretchen Fulido asked what everyone must have been wondering: “What more can Toni Gonzaga want or ask for?” Toni candidly confesses, “Of course, I still want my own TV show. I have a lot of ideas and I would really love to have a show that is my concept, and that I can host.”
When Leila Chikadora asked how she felt about being called a “hot” woman, Toni expresses genuine surprise. “Wow, hot! Never has that adjective been used for me. Ang usual na sinasabi sa akin ay, confident! Smart! So thanks for that, what an honor!”
A nervous fan asked when she would settle down. Toni smiled widely and quipped, “I don’t believe in going down, I just believe in going up, up, up, especially with Coke Zero. All sentences end with Coke Zero!”
During the more intimate one-on-one interviews, Toni was still warm and energetic. When asked when she felt she really had it all, she answered, “Ever since I was a kid, long before my dreams came true, I had it all because of my faith and my family. That is why I feel so blessed to be working with Coke Zero because we have the same values, that you don’t have to compromise; for me to have it all means that you don’t have to compromise on the things that make you happy, for as long as you put your heart into it.”
Having it all means giving your all, but Toni is far from burning out. “I think because my mom is my manager, my health is still her priority, so she makes sure that I don’t get fatigued.”
When she was preparing for her 10th anniversary concert at Araneta, she tried Bikram yoga to improve her breathing and she is now enjoying it. She used to be a gym junkie and as a child, she was a competitive swimmer. She also has a deep motivation to strive in her life. “I have come so far, so now I want to keep on inspiring others. I want to inspire people that they can achieve their dreams without compromising your beliefs, that you have to stay true to yourself.”