ACTING is his passion, but Carlo is also involved in other business ventures that make him financially stable.
Actor Carlo Gonzalez says he is fortunate to have a family that supports his dream of making it big in show business.
“They know I don’t do things just for the heck of it. I make sure I’ll gain something from it,” Carlo tells Living Stars during a recent visit to the Gonzalez home in New Manila, Quezon City.
Carlo was first seen on television via the drama series “Stairway to Heaven,” which aired in 2009 on GMA 7. His latest appearance was on the recently-concluded Kapuso afternoon drama series, “Bukod Kang Pinagpala,” with Mark Anthony Fernandez and Camille Prats.
“I’m in show biz because it’s my passion,” Carlo says. He will be seen next in the coming drama series, “Genesis,” which also features Dingdong Dantes, Rhian Ramos and TJ Trinidad.
Tops
Carlo is a fan of Greek-American menswear designer John Varvatos. “I love wearing this blue pinstripe jacket because it’s modern and not too thick, so it’s perfect for our tropical weather.”
The only reason he buys branded items, is quality. “You pay for a name that’s reliable,” he says. “They make sure to use materials that are of high value and sturdy.”
HE WORE this UAAP basketball shirt when he played for Ateneo a few years back.
He has all kinds of shirts, from plaids to prints. “I like mixing and matching them with pants or shorts.”
One collared shirt is specially memorable to him. “It’s 10 years old but it still fits perfectly. I remember wearing this before every game when I was still on the Ateneo basketball team.”
Bottoms
When not at work, Carlo says, he is usually in jeans and a plain cotton shirt. “My favorite pair of denims is called Krooley by Diesel. You don’t wash it. The people in the shop I bought this from advised me to never put this in a washing machine and to remove dirt just with a towel dipped in soapy water. To maintain its crumpled look, I was told to put it in the freezer for a while.”
A PAIR of Diesel denims called Krooley
Carlo prefers slim bootcut pants because he likes wearing boots. “When you buy a pair of jeans, consider the shoes you’ll wear with it. If you have mostly sneakers, skinny jeans or straight-cut pieces are best. When buying shorts, consider the length and shape of your legs.”
Footwear
The actor adores his Paul Smith blue suede shoes, which he bought on a recent trip to the United States. “When it comes to dress shoes, it’s best to buy a pair exactly your size.”
THIS custom Nike KD (Kevin Durant) ID has Carlo’s name on it.
He is especially proud of his “customized” Nike basketball shoes with his name embroidered on it. I like its color scheme—white, with pink rubber soles. For his character Oscar in “Bukod Kang Pinagpala,” all he ever got to wear were casual pieces from Vans and Chuck Taylor.
The actor is also proud of his Palladium boots. “This is a classic. The soles are really sturdy. They’re made from airplane wheels.”
Scents
He likes the sweet, subtle scent of the French brand Creed. “Very masculine and strong—I just think it’s too formal. In the daytime, I wear Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male— minty but sweet and smells fresh, like I just stepped out of the shower.”
HE LIKES Creed and Jean Paul Gaultier scents because they’re “strong and very masculine.”
Memorabilia
A shirt that “still smells like smoke, though it’s been washed” is one of Carlo’s souvenirs from his stint on the reality series “Survivor.” He has also kept his band, a tote bag and a necklace that he won from one of the challenges. He used to collect weapons, “like swords and ninja stars.”
Carlo keeps a sketch pad within reach at all times. “I like drawing super heroes. I borrow pieces from the collection of Dingdong (Dantes, his cousin) and draw them.”
Accessories
He has a collection of hats, including fedoras that he asked friends to buy abroad. “I bought a straw hat from Topman for my recent trip to the beach. Beanies are too hot for summer; I use them only at night, or if I’m having a really bad-hair day.”
Carlo owns a couple of sunnies by Ted Baker and Gucci. He thinks the RayBan Aviator suits him because its lenses are “so dark, that sunlight can’t pass through.”
HIS collection of pricey watches
He’s addicted to watches. “They’re good investments,” he says. “For a starter watch, get something that will last you a lifetime, something that you can hand down to your son. A Rolex Milgauss, at P200,000 and P250,000, is a good buy. Do your research. There are known brands that don’t have good resale value.”
Bags
When he travels, Carlo makes sure to bring his Louis Vuitton knapsack. “It was my mom’s pasalubong from Singapore. It’s very fashionable, but functional at the same time. I’ve been using this for four years.”
Gadgets
It’s best to research, too, when buying gadgets, because “they are pricey. Find a model [like the iPhone] that has everything you need.” In his bedroom, Carlo has a 23-inch Samsung LED television and an Xbox game console, which his girlfriend, TV host Luanne Dy, gave him two years ago.
(Email mcruz@inquirer.com.ph)