Keeping the faith: Regine, Dingdong, Atom and other celebs

Conclusion

With the promise of fame, fortune and all the other shiny trappings of stardom, show biz can be an overwhelming place. And without proper guidance or someone to put things in perspective, these things could very well end up not only distracting them, but consuming them, as well.

For many show biz folks, keeping a strong faith is one of the things that help them stay grounded.

And this coming Holy Week, they pointed out, presents yet another opportunity to take a step back, and reflect about their lives.

Regine Velasquez

My husband and I go fasting for two to three days during Holy Week. But that depends if we have work to do.

There are a lot of temptations and people trying to play you in this industry, so it’s vital that we get in touch with our spiritual side.

Also, when you read the Bible, you will discover that pride or being conceited is one of the gravest sins. Sometimes, you feel you’re already being humble, but you’re not—may yabang pa rin. And it’s natural, because we’re only human.

Here in show biz, the taste of being applauded can get into your head at times. It’s always good to get in touch with Him.

Dingdong Dantes

It’s important to have faith, regardless of religion. And it’s all about consistency. If you have a strong base or a guide you can always hold on to, then there’s lesser chance of you to feel lost.

In my case, I know there’s a Greater Being guiding me as I make decisions. I make sure I make Him a part of everything I do.

The Holy Week is the only time when we could just rest—the Christmas season is actually quite busy. But regardless of where we go, we make sure that we spend it as a family. We make the most of the solemnity of the occasion. We bond and avoid our phones and other distractions as much as possible.

Atom Araullo

I’m a homebody, so I just plan to stay home and relax.

I guess I do it (praying) on a more personal level than for any religious reason … I think it’s important to have a quiet time when we can shun distractions, meditate and take stock of our lives.

I take advantage of the fact that life slows down in Metro Manila during the Holy Week.

Iñigo Pascual

We’re all human—I can’t say that I’m righteous or wise, but I’m learning. The fact that I can have a personal journey with God makes me feel good. You don’t have to be of any specific religion, as long as you can “walk” alongside God.

I had a bit of a culture shock, when I entered show biz—there’s so much going on; you’ll be tempted to do lots of things. But, it’s all a matter of keeping your faith and standing up for your philosophy in life. Otherwise, it will be easy to get lost. You learn as you go along.

I’m usually with my family during the Holy Week. But this time, I will be working, and I’m excited about that. Still, I have to observe Lent, show my respect and pray.

Also, I don’t believe you need any special occasion for that. You don’t have to wait for a specific time of the year. You can do that every day.

Andre Paras

I spend the Holy Week with my family. And when I’m alone and don’t have to work, I relax and reflect—I think about what I have been doing and what I can do better.

Yes, I consider myself religious, and I think that’s why I stay grounded. It’s important to be respectful and have the awareness of your place [here in the industry].

You can’t be boastful. And it’s good to see people who are good in their craft, but remain respectful; they don’t feel the need to say or make you feel that “I’m better than you.”

Moira dela Torre

I consider myself a prayerful person. I feel like, more than rituals and religion, our relationship with God is crucial to stay grounded and grateful to keep your being intact. For me, the Lord is not an option—we need Him in our lives.

Last year, I spent the Holy Week at home, rested and bonded with my family. I went to church. My dad is a pastor. But this year, I will be working.

Gabbi Garcia

I spend the Holy Week every year in Manila. My family and I visit different churches as part of Visita Iglesia. I can’t say I’m a devout Catholic, but I have my own relationship with God, and that’s important to me.

Glaiza de Castro

I don’t observe the usual traditions, because I’m a born-again Christian. But I do attend services, or go to church for reflection.

I consider myself a spiritual person. Growing up in a Christian family … [we observe] many practices such as reading the Bible and praying every day. But honestly, there are times when I can’t do them consistently. But I always have that faith; it’s Him I believe in, from whom I ask for guidance.

I reflect on my actions and decisions. Entering show biz, you learn that there are lots of things that can sway you; you see the competition. Then, you begin asking yourself what your goals are. In my case, I just want to help my family.

Even if I play an antagonist who does all sorts of bad things, I make sure that the role has a redeeming quality.

Some of the most inspiring characters are flawed, imperfect, because I know that deep inside, they have a longing for something good; they want to be loved and accepted.

Julie Anne San Jose

I look forward to just resting and spending the Holy Week with my family. We vow to serve the Lord every year. I sing various praise and inspirational songs. We also do a show yearly, and this time, it’s going to be a “speech play of sorts.”

Neil Ryan Sese

I don’t exactly consider myself a religious person, but I have a good relationship with God. I say a short prayer every night, before going to sleep, thanking Him for the day I have had and for all the blessings He has given me.

Same goes when I wake up in the morning. I thank Him for giving me another day to live, because you never know when it’s going to be your last.

During Holy Week, I do the usual: I go to church and hear Mass; or I go to my home province, Quezon, and attend a Good Friday procession.

* * *
At 38, Neil, who’s known primarily as a character actor, is headlining the GMA 7 series, “Ang Forever Ko’y Ikaw.”

As a first-timer in the romantic-comedy genre, Neil said he had to relearn a lot of things about acting. “I’m a character actor who usually plays villains. But this is new to me. I had to start from scratch; I had to study,” he said.

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