FILIPINO fans have had their share of hunks and heartthrobs to scream and swoon over. But in the last 13 years, one name stands out not only because of his talent but also because of his universal boy-next-door charm. John Lloyd Cruz may not be a rock star, nor does he have abs of steel or the moves of some of his contemporaries, but his fans range from little kids to their grandparents in the Philippines and all over the world. John Lloyd, or Lloydie as he is becoming more commonly known, is so ubiquitous that one may not even pause to wonder if hes ever considered being anything else aside from an actor. Naisip ko din yon! But at a young age, na-appreciate ko na yung value ng art, of acting, in my life. I discovered that this is what I want to do, kaya this is what I will do. And arent we glad? We watched him grow from a teen on TV as Rovic in Tabing Ilog, then Yuri in Kay Tagal Kitang Hinintay, to a man, most recently as Armando in I Love Betty La Fea. While dominating TV, Lloydie has also managed to conquer the silver screen. His latest box office success is the movie reuniting him with longtime leading lady Bea Alonzo, Miss You Like Crazy. You can tell that his journey as an actor has progressed quite a bit as he tackles more roles that push the envelope. For a commercial film to be successful, the characters have to be understood and loved by the audience. But how do you make it happen if youre dealing with infidelity? Sa In My Life, I played a gay character. Again the concept is still not well acceptedThere are boundaries but you have to broaden your horizons.

 

 

His next experiment is his new team up with Angel Locsin for his return to primetime TV in a sequel to the fantasy thriller series, Lobo. Lloydie is no stranger to being paired up with the industrys prettiest and most talented actresses, but he stresses the importance of chemistry. I believe you cant create it, you cant fake it. Its a gift, and you have to share that gift. If you dont have it, it wont work. Having been paired with at least a couple of leading ladies in his successful career so far, we take his word for it. After making his point, he jokingly adds, Mga babae yan e. Kailangan ikaw ang mag adjust. Malaking part ng tinagal ko and ng success ko is through a love team. Half luck, half charm! Its the kind of charm that can make you cry in one second and laugh in the next. Its the kind that makes you forget the unpleasant and remember what matters. So what does matter to someone so unquestioningly adored? Saya. Even if the world is a little more cynical now, sana people dont forget that theres always an opportunity para magbigay saya, ng excitementkahit nalulungkot ka, may konting entertainment.

 

 

Through DIRECTV, Filipinos in America not only get to watch Filipino entertainment, they also learn. You know about the values and respect for elders, pagmamanoits not impossible that even if a Filipino is born and grew up in the States, they'll pick up something. It's a reminder these are your roots. For others, it's more than learning something, it's about missing the Philippines and your family and friends. It is bringing happiness in every circumstance, anywhere you may be. Summarily he says, When you have your TV on, there's part of the Philippines in one small corner of your home. So you never forget. How can you forget, when it's the boy next door that brings happiness all the way here?