JM on dark phase in life: Never again

Showbiz watchers are well aware that JM de Guzman has gone through a tough phase in life. Mercifully, JM emerged victorious from his battle related to drug use. He is now making a showbiz comeback with a firm resolve of never again be tempted to go back to the dark episode of his life.

ABS-CBN showed its support by welcoming JM with a new drama series, Precious Hearts Romances: Araw Gabi, where he shares top billing roles with Barbie Imperial. It was an overwhelming feeling for the actor to be welcomed with so much love. He couldn’t deny the amount of happiness for the love and support of people who stayed by his side.

“The love that I am receiving is overflowing,” JM said during his interview on Tonight with Boy Abunda. “I value it so much that I’ve been counting it every day for me to be aware of the bad tendencies I did before and to never be tempted to go back to that (ugly phase) again.” 

In one of his interviews, JM even expressed disbelief on getting another chance — a third chance, to be exact — since he knew that many had already turned their backs on him during the time when he entered rehabilitation facility for the second time.

“The second time that I was in the rehab, all the shows, movies and my endorsements had backed out. So it was clear to me that there’s nothing left and I told myself, ‘Wala na, tanggapin mo na at pwede ka siguro mag start ulit pero di ko na alam kung paano.’” However, while inside the rehab, JM decided to completely change because “it’s the best I could do for myself. Perhaps, it was the Lord’s way of telling me that fame and money are not important, what matters is to care for myself and treasure the people who love me. That’s why, I’m thankful to those who supported me and my family while I (was) in the rehab.”

Each of us must remember that every man deserves a second chance or rather an endless chance because that’s what life is all about. What inspires JM to better focus on his craft is his niece Yara whom he described as “our little warrior princess.” She’s a premature baby.

“When I was in the rehab, I was allowed to work for an endorsement and due to that emergency,” shared JM who has a soft spot for kids.

However, that side of his personality is not visible in his character in Araw Gabi where he appears to be bossy and grumpy due to a miserable past. Araw Gabi reunites JM with director Theodore Boborol, who handled him in his first TV lead acting vehicle Angelito. Basing from the teaser, the actor has daring parts with Barbie as they are seen locking lips in one sequence. When asked about how it was like working with Barbie, JM amusingly shared a story behind one of their kissing scenes.

“After we did our kissing scene, she admitted that she vomited because I didn’t know that she was sick. Tapos di n’ya alam na ang kukunan pala ay kissing scene after she threw up and she told me right after the take. I said, thank you for the information, sarap din (laughs).”  

But JM admitted he felt nervous upon knowing that his character requires him to show a buffed body. “Mahirap kasi baka ma-judge ‘yung mga fats ko,” he quipped.

What about the rumor that he is courting Angelica Panganiban whom he had given a bouquet of flowers as seen on the photo he posted on his social media account? JM set the record straight by telling that he and the young actress are friends. He added that their group of friends is tight, sharing how they have been wholeheartedly helping him in getting back on his feet.

“Their show of concern is genuine. They pointed out my mistakes as if they were slapping them on my face and I’m really thankful for that.”

Present at the audience panel at the time of the interview was Hukbong JM, the actor’s group of supporters that burst in happiness when JM made a promise that he will not leave them again. Talking to JM all the more made pleasant when he gamely obliged to do the two-minute Fast Talk. Read on.

Sipag? Talent?

“Sipag.”

Narra? Acacia?

“Narra.”

Pahalang? Pahaba?

“Pahalang.”

Sunrise? Sunset?

“Sunset.”

Sando? T-shirt?

“T-shirt.”

Pag-awit? Pag-arte?

“Pag-arte.”

Yakap? Halik?

“Halik.”

Boxer briefs? Boxers?

“Boxers.”

How many pillows do you have in your bed?

“Two.”

The last thing you do before you sleep?

“I pray.”

The first thing you touch when you wake up?

“My friend (smiles).”

What’s the name of your friend?

“Anthony, hahahaha.”

Favorite smell?

“The smell of fresh out of shower.”

Favorite holiday?

“Christmas.”

Taong ka-text mo araw-araw?

“Mommy ko.”

Yes or no, did you and Meg Imperial become on?

“No.”

True or false, all your ex-girlfriends became your friends?

“False.”

Hashtag ng buhay mo ngayon?

“Hashtag wagkasusuko.”

Your promise to your fans?

“I will never leave you again.”

Araw o gabi, workout?

“Araw.”

Araw o gabi, grocery?

“Araw.”

Araw o gabi, barkada gimik?

“Gabi.”

Araw o gabi, romantic date?

“Gabi.”

Araw o gabi, sex?

“Araw-gabi, hahaha.”

Sexiest woman in the Philippines?

“Barbie Imperial.”

Lights on? Lights off?

“Lights off.”

Sex or chocolates?

“Sex.”