Christian Vasquez: Who wouldn’t support this cutie’s career?
November 8, 2001 | 12:00am
"Dad, mag shift na ‘ko sa fine arts…"
"Kung san ka masaya, suportahan ta ka…."
These are the memorable lines that catapulted Christian Vasquez to "stardom." You know him, the guy in the PLDT ad campaign, the one with the piercing eyes and the extreme sensitivity. Now a TV mainstay in the shows Attagirl and Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan, Christian is on his way to becoming a full-fledged artista.
Those who know him from his modeling days reckon it was just a matter of time before this 24-year-old economics major from Bacolod hit the big time. With his exquisite mestizo features and that hunky build, Christian is surely destined for fame. He is a star in his own right in the modeling world, having graced numerous commercials and fashion shows. TEEN caught up with him one afternoon in between schedules of rehearsals and tapings.
Teen: For the record, how did you get into modeling?
Christian: It’s a long story, but, anyway, to cut it short, I met Raymond Lontok, the owner of Metropolis (modeling agency). He basically introduced me to the world of modeling and commercials. I met him during Fashion Watch, which was my first fashion show here in Manila.
Teen: Was it your dream to become a model or become someone famous?
Christian: When I was still in Bacolod, I started doing ramp modeling, too. My dream was just to do one ramp show in Manila. I sort of wanted to try out modeling but I felt it was impossible.
Teen: Impossible? That’s a bit hard to believe…
Christian: It’s probably because of my personality… I’m not the type who would stay in front of the mirror and try to fix myself up. I mean, when I was in college, I used to go to school wearing plain T-shirts and tattered jeans. I wasn’t particular with the way I looked.
Teen: How long have you been modeling?
Christian: I started modeling in September, 1999, but I did it only for three months. I was 22 then. I went back to Bacolod and stayed there for eight months. I didn’t do any modeling stints. I was doing nothing. The next year, I came back. Raymond was persistent and patient enough to ask me if I wanted to continue modeling. But during that time, I was thinking if I still wanted to do it or not because, really, I wasn’t sure if modeling was right for me.
Teen: How come?
Christian: In the beginning, I wasn’t getting any projects and I was always rejected.
Teen: Now, we’re sure you really enjoy modeling…
Christian: I’ve been modeling for more than a year, and it’s really fun. I get to meet a lot of new friends and learn new things. And I get to do stuff I never expected I could do.
Teen: What sort of things?
Christian: Like acting… ha ha ha…Well, I became more sociable and friendly. Back in Bacolod, I was a very private person. Oh, one thing more, I learned how to save my money.
Teen: So you’re saying the job is financially rewarding?
Christian: With my lifestyle, it’s really rewarding. I live a very simple life. I even share my (earnings) to my friends from Bacolod. We don’t even have a sofa and table.
Teen: We’re sure being a model has many perks and advantages.
Christian: Well, I like the working hours. It’s not like I have to work eight hours everyday. It’s a very "lenient" job. In a day’s work I can earn a whole month’s salary. I get to be interviewed. But meeting new friends is the best part of it.
Teen: What about the downside to it?
Christian: People are hesitant to approach you, because they think you’re mayabang, which, in my case, is not true. One thing I hate is that people label us as bobo. They think we are all dumb, which is not true at all.
Teen: How do you do maintain your looks and build?
Christian: I work out. I go to the gym. Back in college I also enjoyed swimming and mountain climbing.
Teen: Who are your favorite models here and abroad?
Christian: Female models, Laetitia Casta and Giselle Bundchen. Male, I like Antonio Sabato Jr. Locally, there are lots. I’d rather not mention names.
Teen: Since the pldt commercial, you’ve become easily recognizable. How are you coping with your popularity?
Christian: It’s funny. Like, people call me…"Oh, that’s the guy from Suportahan Ta Ka!" It’s a nice feeling…like people say the commercial has heart, and it’s great to be identified with that.
Teen: So you’re enjoying your popularity?
Christian: The feeling is nice, but I’m just not used to the attention. I don’t know how to react.
Teen: In what way are you similar to the character you play in the commercial?
Christian: I’m really close to my parents and my family now. I used to be a very quiet person, I never opened up to them before. But as I got older, I learned how to reach out to them.
Teen: Is acting your new focus?
Christian: I love what I’m doing right now. I want to be both a model and actor if I can…
Teen: Do you think you achieved success in such a short period of time?
Christian: I don’t think it was that fast. (The pace) is just right. It’s not like I had it easy. It was really hard. There was even a time when I had only five pesos in my pocket. I actually had to struggle to get to where I am right now. I had to be financially independent and not rely on my folks back home. I was alone. I wasn’t making money from jobs. And like what I said before, in the beginning I always got rejected for castings. It was really frustrating. So I decided to go home to Bacolod.
Teen: What kept you going?
Christian: Raymond Lontok actually helped me realize I had potential. He even gave me a ticket to go back to Manila and try modeling one more time, and because of that, I believed in myself. I realized it wasn’t a one-shot deal. I had to work hard and keep on trying. It’s all about believing in yourself.
Teen: So what’s your motivation now?
Christian: Of course, I can say it’s the money. Second, I’m really interested in what I’m doing. It’s fun.
Teen: What has modelling taught you?
Christian: I learned to save my money. I learned to be independent. I do everything on my own.
Teen: What’s your advice to aspiring models?
Christian: You know what? A lot of my friends who are just starting out are complaining they don’t get as much attention as they want. You have to be patient. You have to work hard. If you go to a casting session and get rejected 10 times, don’t be discouraged. And don’t ever think it’s all about fame because there’s more to it than becoming famous.
Teen: What kind of questions do you fear?
Christian: There’s no question that I fear.
Teen: So, is christian seeing anyone?
Christian: Nope. I’m single. But there’s someone I really like.
Teen: What do you notice first in a girl?
Christian: It’s the character. Well, of course, you first see the physical features. But the next thing is character. I want her to speak her mind. I want her to be stronger than me. I want someone who is very responsible and, most importantly, someone I can trust.
Teen: Do you believe in flings or are you the serious type?
Christian: I had relationships before and I had flings, but I think now, with what’s going on, I prefer to stay with just one girl. I mean, now I’m busy, and if I have a girlfriend I want to give her all the time I can give.
Teen: Who is your dream girl, looks-wise?
Christian: Claire Forlani is pretty.
Teen: What do you do in your spare time?
Christian: My schedule is really hectic since I started TV so when I have free time I just stay at home and rest. Before I used to go to the malls and watch movies but now, wala na. But when I have time I also go to the gym. I draw and I read poetry.
Teen: What are you reading now?
Christian: It’s a book called If Life Is A Game These Are The Rules.
Teen: What’s your favorite movie?
Christian: Last of the Mohicans. That’s my favorite movie. It’s really nice. I believe I’m a reincarnated Mohican (laughs).
Teen: What kind of music do you listen to?
Christian: I listen to all kinds but my favorite are ballads.
Teen: Who are your favorite artists or singers?
Christian: I like Martin Nievera, Agot Isidro and Side A. I like a lot of Filipino artists. I also like listening to The Corrs.
Teen: What do you want people to know about you?
Christian: That I’m friendly and I’m not suplado. People think I’m intimidating kasi.
Teen: What keeps you grounded?
Christian: My family. They’re really supportive.
Teen: How do you see yourself 10 years from now?
Christian: I see myself married, probably with three kids. I’ll probably play the dad in the PLDT commercial.
"Kung san ka masaya, suportahan ta ka…."
These are the memorable lines that catapulted Christian Vasquez to "stardom." You know him, the guy in the PLDT ad campaign, the one with the piercing eyes and the extreme sensitivity. Now a TV mainstay in the shows Attagirl and Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan, Christian is on his way to becoming a full-fledged artista.
Those who know him from his modeling days reckon it was just a matter of time before this 24-year-old economics major from Bacolod hit the big time. With his exquisite mestizo features and that hunky build, Christian is surely destined for fame. He is a star in his own right in the modeling world, having graced numerous commercials and fashion shows. TEEN caught up with him one afternoon in between schedules of rehearsals and tapings.
Teen: For the record, how did you get into modeling?
Christian: It’s a long story, but, anyway, to cut it short, I met Raymond Lontok, the owner of Metropolis (modeling agency). He basically introduced me to the world of modeling and commercials. I met him during Fashion Watch, which was my first fashion show here in Manila.
Teen: Was it your dream to become a model or become someone famous?
Christian: When I was still in Bacolod, I started doing ramp modeling, too. My dream was just to do one ramp show in Manila. I sort of wanted to try out modeling but I felt it was impossible.
Teen: Impossible? That’s a bit hard to believe…
Christian: It’s probably because of my personality… I’m not the type who would stay in front of the mirror and try to fix myself up. I mean, when I was in college, I used to go to school wearing plain T-shirts and tattered jeans. I wasn’t particular with the way I looked.
Teen: How long have you been modeling?
Christian: I started modeling in September, 1999, but I did it only for three months. I was 22 then. I went back to Bacolod and stayed there for eight months. I didn’t do any modeling stints. I was doing nothing. The next year, I came back. Raymond was persistent and patient enough to ask me if I wanted to continue modeling. But during that time, I was thinking if I still wanted to do it or not because, really, I wasn’t sure if modeling was right for me.
Teen: How come?
Christian: In the beginning, I wasn’t getting any projects and I was always rejected.
Teen: Now, we’re sure you really enjoy modeling…
Christian: I’ve been modeling for more than a year, and it’s really fun. I get to meet a lot of new friends and learn new things. And I get to do stuff I never expected I could do.
Teen: What sort of things?
Christian: Like acting… ha ha ha…Well, I became more sociable and friendly. Back in Bacolod, I was a very private person. Oh, one thing more, I learned how to save my money.
Teen: So you’re saying the job is financially rewarding?
Christian: With my lifestyle, it’s really rewarding. I live a very simple life. I even share my (earnings) to my friends from Bacolod. We don’t even have a sofa and table.
Teen: We’re sure being a model has many perks and advantages.
Christian: Well, I like the working hours. It’s not like I have to work eight hours everyday. It’s a very "lenient" job. In a day’s work I can earn a whole month’s salary. I get to be interviewed. But meeting new friends is the best part of it.
Teen: What about the downside to it?
Christian: People are hesitant to approach you, because they think you’re mayabang, which, in my case, is not true. One thing I hate is that people label us as bobo. They think we are all dumb, which is not true at all.
Teen: How do you do maintain your looks and build?
Christian: I work out. I go to the gym. Back in college I also enjoyed swimming and mountain climbing.
Teen: Who are your favorite models here and abroad?
Christian: Female models, Laetitia Casta and Giselle Bundchen. Male, I like Antonio Sabato Jr. Locally, there are lots. I’d rather not mention names.
Teen: Since the pldt commercial, you’ve become easily recognizable. How are you coping with your popularity?
Christian: It’s funny. Like, people call me…"Oh, that’s the guy from Suportahan Ta Ka!" It’s a nice feeling…like people say the commercial has heart, and it’s great to be identified with that.
Teen: So you’re enjoying your popularity?
Christian: The feeling is nice, but I’m just not used to the attention. I don’t know how to react.
Teen: In what way are you similar to the character you play in the commercial?
Christian: I’m really close to my parents and my family now. I used to be a very quiet person, I never opened up to them before. But as I got older, I learned how to reach out to them.
Teen: Is acting your new focus?
Christian: I love what I’m doing right now. I want to be both a model and actor if I can…
Teen: Do you think you achieved success in such a short period of time?
Christian: I don’t think it was that fast. (The pace) is just right. It’s not like I had it easy. It was really hard. There was even a time when I had only five pesos in my pocket. I actually had to struggle to get to where I am right now. I had to be financially independent and not rely on my folks back home. I was alone. I wasn’t making money from jobs. And like what I said before, in the beginning I always got rejected for castings. It was really frustrating. So I decided to go home to Bacolod.
Teen: What kept you going?
Christian: Raymond Lontok actually helped me realize I had potential. He even gave me a ticket to go back to Manila and try modeling one more time, and because of that, I believed in myself. I realized it wasn’t a one-shot deal. I had to work hard and keep on trying. It’s all about believing in yourself.
Teen: So what’s your motivation now?
Christian: Of course, I can say it’s the money. Second, I’m really interested in what I’m doing. It’s fun.
Teen: What has modelling taught you?
Christian: I learned to save my money. I learned to be independent. I do everything on my own.
Teen: What’s your advice to aspiring models?
Christian: You know what? A lot of my friends who are just starting out are complaining they don’t get as much attention as they want. You have to be patient. You have to work hard. If you go to a casting session and get rejected 10 times, don’t be discouraged. And don’t ever think it’s all about fame because there’s more to it than becoming famous.
Teen: What kind of questions do you fear?
Christian: There’s no question that I fear.
Teen: So, is christian seeing anyone?
Christian: Nope. I’m single. But there’s someone I really like.
Teen: What do you notice first in a girl?
Christian: It’s the character. Well, of course, you first see the physical features. But the next thing is character. I want her to speak her mind. I want her to be stronger than me. I want someone who is very responsible and, most importantly, someone I can trust.
Teen: Do you believe in flings or are you the serious type?
Christian: I had relationships before and I had flings, but I think now, with what’s going on, I prefer to stay with just one girl. I mean, now I’m busy, and if I have a girlfriend I want to give her all the time I can give.
Teen: Who is your dream girl, looks-wise?
Christian: Claire Forlani is pretty.
Teen: What do you do in your spare time?
Christian: My schedule is really hectic since I started TV so when I have free time I just stay at home and rest. Before I used to go to the malls and watch movies but now, wala na. But when I have time I also go to the gym. I draw and I read poetry.
Teen: What are you reading now?
Christian: It’s a book called If Life Is A Game These Are The Rules.
Teen: What’s your favorite movie?
Christian: Last of the Mohicans. That’s my favorite movie. It’s really nice. I believe I’m a reincarnated Mohican (laughs).
Teen: What kind of music do you listen to?
Christian: I listen to all kinds but my favorite are ballads.
Teen: Who are your favorite artists or singers?
Christian: I like Martin Nievera, Agot Isidro and Side A. I like a lot of Filipino artists. I also like listening to The Corrs.
Teen: What do you want people to know about you?
Christian: That I’m friendly and I’m not suplado. People think I’m intimidating kasi.
Teen: What keeps you grounded?
Christian: My family. They’re really supportive.
Teen: How do you see yourself 10 years from now?
Christian: I see myself married, probably with three kids. I’ll probably play the dad in the PLDT commercial.
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