Jefferson Long

Studies, not showbiz, is his priority
 

Jeff poses with his some of his guest on his 16th birthday party.

Jeff celebrates his 16th birthday party

Celebrating on the first month of the new century the 16th anniversary of his landing on Earth, Jefferson Long couldn't have chosen a better venue than the rooftop of the Emphire Plaza.  It wasn't a party exclusively for celebrities though, as most would have expected as Jeff must have wanted all the people in every aspect of his young life present for the occasion.

Everyone came on time, including his classmates who were all present.  Most of Jeff's contemporaries in showbusiness were likewise there.  They all sang and danced the whole night.  Everyone really enjoyed every minute of it and nobody left until the party was over.

The cuisine served was the best.  It surely made the occasion a celebration fit for a well-loved prince.  One can never have enough of it.  It's no wonder why the catering business owned by Jeff's parents, Mr. Jimmy and Mrs. Antoinette Long, is one of the finest in the land.

Everybody was quite surprised when Jeff revealed his birthday wish.  He said he simply wanted to finish his studies.  Most expected him to wish for more opportunities in his showbiz career.  But Jeff emphasized fame and fortune is not his priority.  He said showbusiness can wait and he wants to concentrate on his education.

Reporters asked him what he thought about the exposure now enjoyed by his contemporaries, particularly Stefano Mori, John Prats and Carlo Aquino.  He responded that he's very happy for the success they are now enjoying in their careers.  He said he's not in a hurry to share the limelight with them.  He knows when is the proper time for him to take centerstage.

Jeff began his career in showbiz as a talent of ABS-CBN.  He made his debut together with Tom Taus in the popular pre-teen show Ang TV, the same show that launched the careers of superstars Paolo Contis and Parick Garcia.  But it was in the Sunday noontime show Kaybol with Stefano, John and Carlo where he stood out as one of the brightest actors in the future.  He got his first big break in the silver screen when he co-starred in a blockbuster drama with Rico Yan.

Stefano, John and Carlo, together with Miko Samson and Janus del Prado are now the stars of the hottest teen show G-mik!, whose original cast included no less than Rico Yan, Patrick Garcia and Paolo Contis themselves.  Jeff says he isn't totally turning his back away from showbiz for now.  He'll have tv guestings from time to time as he did in Wansapanataym and Pahina, two educational Disney-like programs, and Katapat, the nation's leading program that reflects the criminal-justice system.

Jefferson Long certainly has a very positive outlook in life.  He has the contentment and maturity that is way beyond his years.  With his decision to stay in school, he will join the ranks of Rico Yan and Miko Samson, the very few amongst the flood of matinee idols with truly outstanding credentials.  It isn't what one earns but what one saves that counts in the long run.  Success is an honest achievement of something worthwhile that one waits out of life!