Taking risks pays off for Tom Rodriguez

RODRIGUEZ. Hopeless romantic

“Change is the law of life—and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future,” so said John F. Kennedy. That is why hot-to-trot former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate Tom Rodriguez welcomes change with open arms: “Even before my transfer from ABS-CBN to GMA 7, the decision to come home from the States came with huge risks.”

The 26-year-old actor is now one of the Kapuso network’s hottest leading men: He topbills the primetime soap, “My Destiny,” and is slated to host the game show, “Don’t Lose The Money.” He shares, “Things happen for a reason—and everything leads us to where we should be!

“Initially, I just wanted to do my own thing—draw and paint, write poems, compose songs, read books—and swim against the current! But, I’ve learned to embrace new opportunities, and things have begun to open up for me: I get to act and sing—which I never thought I’d do for a living. If you enjoy what you do, nababalikan mo ang mga bagay na gusto mong gawin (You can go back to what you like doing). Now I can indulge in my other artistic pursuits even more!”

Indeed, everything’s coming up roses for Tom—even his romantic life. Like Lucas Matthew Andrada, his character in “My Destiny,” he says he is a hopeless romantic—and, yes, there’s someone special: “I don’t just want a lover, she also has to be a friend—because a couple really needs to mesh and accept each other’s differences.

“I don’t consider love a distraction—in fact, I’m sharper, and my brain works a lot better when I’m in love. Physically, I’m attracted to a woman’s eyes, but I get turned off by insecurity and jealousy—because the nature of my work requires a special kind of understanding.”

Breakout role

Didn’t he find it ironic for a matinee idol like him to break out in a gay role (“My Husband’s Lover”)? Tom grins, “Yes, as far as show biz templates go, I don’t think any newcomer would choose that risky route to jumpstart his career (laughs). The series was a welcome blessing, but it was scary because I didn’t know if I could pull it off.

“I loved the script the minute I read it, but I didn’t want my portrayal of Vincent Soriano to look like a caricature. A lot has changed in my perception of gay relationships after ‘MHL.’ We all go through the same emotions.”

How has he changed since he entered the “Pinoy Big Brother” house? “I don’t intend to change, I’m as normal as they come—I’ve been the same Tom for 26 years. The only difference now is that the public is seeing more of me. They’re aware of my geeky side.

“When I’m not working, I stay home, read a book, watch a movie and draw—which was something I thought I’d be doing for the rest of my life. In fact, I went to college for it (digital animation).”

What fulfillment does he get out of singing, acting in films, onstage and on TV, and painting? He explains, “They’re different forms of self-expression. Napu-fulfill nila ang iba’t ibang facets ng pagkatao ko (They fulfill my life’s different facets).

“You realize that all forms of art are interconnected: When you make movies, you have more time to prepare, whereas taping for a TV series has a quicker, more frenzied pace.

“Singing for PhilPop (‘Langit Umaawit’) and doing musical theater (‘Aladdin’) were different experiences altogether. I get panic attacks backstage, but as soon as I step out onstage and interact with the audience, I feel a surge of energy unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. It’s exhilarating!”