A congratulatory word for Rico, a new BS Management graduate from De La Salle University. "It wan't easy mixing showbiz and studies," Rico recalls. "I thought I was doing both at a mediocre level. But I just had to do what needed to be done. I sacrified my social life."
12 Job Offers
Rico is proud that his thesis on Burger Machine was nominated best thesis. The young graduate has received 12 job offers to date, but he says he would rather stick to showbiz. Aside from the irresistible paycheck he gets from acting, what is it that makes him cling to the entertaiment world?
"It makes me a well-rounded person -- although I didn't think I was cut out for showbiz when I started," Rico says. "It didn't jibe with my personality. I am a reserved person. There are times when I don't feel like talking and would rather prefer to be left alone.
Public personalities are not supposed to be like that. Dapat palagi silang nakangiti. Just the same, I like show biz because you meet all the kinds of people. I also like the glamorous acting offers."
There must be something the young actor dislikes about showbiz?
Hypocrisy
"Oh, yes. I don't like the hypocrisy, the backbiting and the intrigue," says Rico. "I've discovered how cruel the world of show business is. Some people will do their best to pull you down. Others smile at tyou but talk against you once your back is turned. I take everything in stride. But all this has made me realize that the only person I can trust is myself."
For Rico, there is no right word to describe some showbiz denizens who at one point even dared to question his sexual preferences. "I kepp a shield up. Whatever you say to me won't affect me -- but it does make me 'stone-hearted,'" he says.
The Yan family is very supportive of Rico's career. His parents, who recently reconciled (another cause for celebration for Rico), never failed to attend his movie premieres.
Fourth Film
"Paano Ang Puso Ko" is Rico's fourth movie and his biggest to date. "I play a role of Jason, who just arrived from studies in the States. I get attracted to Cecille (Judy Ann Santos), not knowing that my first cousin Ruben (Wowie De Guzman) is secretly in love with her," says Rico about his role in his latest film.
With only four pictures to his credit, Rico finds it too early to assess his acting range. "I have no proof to show that I'm doing well -- except director Rory Quintos would pat me on my shoulder for following her instructions properly. She is a nice person to work with, very contemporary and patient. In terms of acting, though, I am still in my 'teenybopper' stage."
New Contract
He dispels rumors that there is a friction between him and and ABS-CBN. Rico describes his working relarionship with the Star network as "simply great! I just signed a new contract with them which allows me to do movies for other companies, subject of course to their approval," he reveals.
Rico wishes he can play challenging roles like the one Leonardo DiCaprio portrayed in "Basketball Diaries." "He turned to drugs, and it was a very meaty portrayal," Rico says with great admiration.
Rico won't divulge the ending of "Paano Ang Puso Ko."
But what about his own heart?
"You mean my love life? I am single and still looking!" But he admits that Judy Ann's long tresses are a big turn-on for him!