FAMILY camping trip in Caliraya, Laguna (from left): Judy Ann, daughter Yohan, son Lucho and Ryan. FACEBOOK PHOTO
Today is a working Father’s Day for actor-TV host Ryan Agoncillo.
He will guest in the GMA 7 musical-variety show “Sunday All Stars” to promote his new Kapuso sitcom “Ismol Family.” Several interviews are lined up after that.
After all that, he hopes to sit down to a quiet dinner with his family: Wife Judy Ann Santos and kids Yohan and Lucho.
It’s a packed calendar for Ryan, who will leave for Singapore with his wife and the rest of the “Eat Bulaga” team Monday.
When they return later in the week, he is giving the kids back-to-back treats: “Stomp” at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and “Rak of Aegis” at the Peta Theater.
Ryan says every day is Father’s Day for him because Judy Ann, herself a busy actress, makes him feel special 24/7.
In spite of her own hectic schedule, Judy Ann manages to whip up gourmet meals that Ryan can bring to work.
“She wakes up at 4 a.m. to cook for us,” Ryan relates. “That’s because when I have taping [for ‘Ismol Family’], I leave the house at 5:30 a.m.”
He proudly posts snapshots of his wife’s sumptuous culinary creations on Instagram and Facebook, and has dubbed them “Dirty Breakfast.”
“We call one of her specialties Clint Eastwood Sandwich,” he says. “It’s made with chorizo, whole wheat bread and alfalfa. It’s named after Dirty Harry because ‘It will make your day!’”
Firm and fair
THE AGONCILLOS celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary in April. FACEBOOK PHOTO
It’s not exactly the healthiest of meals, but Ryan gets to burn the extra calories during rigorous triathlon workout sessions.
“We call it Dirty Breakfast because, straight from training, I would eat it even when I’m all sweaty and filthy. It’s that good.”
For Ryan, a perfect day is lounging at home with his family, doing absolutely nothing.
“I love time with the kids, even if we’re just sitting quietly in a room,” he says.
How would he rate himself as a father? “I think I’m doing a good job. I am not that strict; I am firm and fair,” he explains.
In “Ismol Family,” which premieres June 22, Ryan’s character lives with his mother-in-law (Carmi Martin) because his wife (Carla Abellana) works in Dubai.
“Carmi is a hoot and Carla is a breeze to work with,” the actor points out.
Fireworks are expected to fly between the in-laws in the new comedy show, but in real life, Ryan gets along swimmingly with his mom-in-law, Carol Santos.
Mutual admiration
“We have a mutual admiration club,” Ryan quips. “Mommy Carol and I have a good relationship. She’s considerate. She gives us plenty of space. She would stay with us for a few days, just enough time to enjoy her grandchildren’s company. We recently spent a weekend in Batangas. We are building a beach house there.”
No wonder he’s working double time these days.
Apart from “Ismol Family” and “Eat Bulaga,” he also hosts the Kapuso game show “Picture! Picture!” which is set to wrap up soon.
“But there is talk of extending the show or coming back after a short break,” he says.
There is also a lot of buzz about reviving the TV5 show “Talentadong Pinoy.”
“Nothing’s definite. We’re exploring all possibilities. But it should be with the same team—not just for sentimental reasons, but for consistency,” he notes.
(Email bayanisandiegojr@gmail.com)