Diego Loyzaga is back on track

CEBU, Philippines — A “happy boy” pretty much sums up Diego Loyzaga these days, as he so describes himself. Most everything he hoped for has come a-pouring – acting projects, a blissful romance, a healthy state of mind.

The comebacking actor, who is turning 26 years old this May 21st, signed up with Viva August of last year after almost two years out of the limelight when he was dealing with personal issues. When he felt ready to give showbiz another go, the former Star Magic talent wondered whether there was still a place for him.

“I wished na sana may mga projects na dumating so I can get back on the ball,” said Diego during a digital conference. “Dumating eh. Dumating talaga lahat. Of course I have to thank the Viva management for trusting me, and God for all the blessings. I have a series, this movie, and my love life…I’m a happy kid.”

Starting out as a Kapamilya Cutie, the son of award-winning actor Cesar Montano and veteran actress Teresa Loyzaga later on took the love team route with Sofia Andres before his self-imposed hiatus. Diego says he knows much better now.

“Dapat seryosohin ko lang talaga. Mas focused ako ngayon sa ginagawa ko. Alam ko na yung mga dapat at hindi ko dapat gawin,” he said. “I think this should be the last time that I’ll be introduced as the new heartthrob. Medyo matagal na ako dito but I understand naman bakit ganoon yung introduction sa akin. Kasi nga it’s a second wind. I just have to make sure that I keep doing things right, and tuloy-tuloy lang.”

Viva has kept him busy at a time when many actors and entertainment industry workers are scrounging for work due to the pandemic. He stars in the Philippine adaptation of Korean series “Encounter” (currently airing on TV5) where he plays the role originally done by Park Bo-gum, opposite Cristine Reyes in Song Hye-kyo’s older woman role. “Death of a Girlfriend,” the mystery love flick that he top bills with AJ Raval, recently premiered on Vivamax. More projects are lined up, including one that Rosanna Roces announced she is doing with Diego.

“In the almost two years that I was away there was a time I thought about what I really wanted to do, and if sakali bumalik ako, what exactly I want to happen. I can say eto na yun mismo. It’s literally an answered prayer. I have nothing else to do but be grateful, keep on working, doing things right, and not fall off track,” he said.

“Death of a Girlfriend” has him off to a good start. He usually doesn’t like watching his movies or television shows – “It throws me off” – but takes exception with this Yam Laranas-directed thriller, saying it’s one project of his that he’ll “definitely be watching over and over again.”

Responding to a question – of whether he struggles to step out of his famous parents’ shadow – that he said crops up without fail in every press conference, Diego offered, “Hindi ko na nga siya ginagawan ng effort, na sadyain ko na makawala sa shadow nila. Kahit anong gawin ko never naman yan mawawala. Legend na yan si erpat, ‘Jose Rizal,’ ‘Muro Ami’…there’s no way I can step out of his shadow. My mom, on the other hand, is a really great actress and an even better singer. I can’t out-sing my mom.”

“So I’m gonna do my own thing. If the day comes that I make a hit as big as my parents did, that would be great. But it’s not an effort that I really have to make. I’m proud that they are my parents.”

Of whether his dad has given him feedback on his performances, Diego shared that it’s been a while since he talked to him but that he is “definitely waiting for the day” that they get to exchange notes.

Lighting up at the mention of girlfriend Barbie Imperial, Diego said that what drew him to the young actress were her maternal ways.

“In a sense na para siyang nanay kung mag-alaga. At the same time, she’s like a baby. Yun naman yung gustong-gusto ko kasi baby ko siya eh. Gusto ko rin naman na ako yung nag-aalaga,” he shared.  “I like that she can bring out the best in me and take care of me, at the same time, pag kailangan niya ng alaga, hinihingi naman niya sa akin. That’s a big deal for me.”

For his end of the stick, Diego would like to think that he’s an understanding, loving and caring boyfriend. “I support her with what she wants to do and who she wants to be. Lahat tayo may topak minsan so there are days na seloso, pero bumabawi naman ako. Baliw ka talaga kapag in love ka eh. You become kind of a different person almost.”

And just mere months into their relationship, Diego is already thinking far ahead.

“Of course you’ll have differences, but you also have the same likes. It’s work like any other relationship, even friendship. But a relationship becomes different because yung pupuntahan niyo eventually is marriage, have a family and kids. Ganoon ko na siya tinitignan with Barbie, and the same thing with her. We understand each other. Not every day is a good day just like any relationship. And we understand each other more even on bad days.”