The singer-actor in Alberta, Canada
It was hard to ignore James Reid’s stellar presence even as a frail and lanky 17-year-old in “Pinoy Big Brother,” where he eventually ended up winning the top plum in 2010.
While the now 23-year-old matinee idol looks back at those early years with bittersweet fondness, he says that the James his fans knew then was a far cry from the swoonsome matinee idol they idolize now.
“I’m still a bit shy, especially around people I don’t know. But now I know what I want, and I’m totally focused on that,” he tells Inquirer Entertainment in this exclusive interview arranged by the team behind James’ Milo #BeatEnergyGap jingle. “I know my strengths and weaknesses, so I’m better at making decisions. I’ve also grown as an actor, singer and dancer.”
If he could go back in time, James says he would dispense this advice for his teenage self: “Don’t take anything for granted. Put in the hard work.”
Health is wealth—and James Reid lives by this pithy aphorism. It’s for this reason why he says the youth should focus on fitness and wellness, not on bad habits and destructive vices.
“It’s ideal to start being conscious of your health at a young age, because that’ll be your building block when you’re older,” he explains. “The discipline will not only have a positive impact on your body, but also on your mind and emotions. It will serve you well for the rest of your life.”
James finds fulfillment in knowing that he is getting his body in the best shape it can be. “And every time you see some results, you get encouraged even more,” he added.
People shouldn’t let a busy schedule get in the way of living a healthy lifestyle. He says, “Because of my heavy workload, I don’t get to work out as often as I want. So I exercise every chance I get, whether at the gym or at home. I do basic weightlifting and core exercises…nothing out of the ordinary. I eat as healthy as possible to stay fit and keep my body protected from sickness, which is something I can’t afford to get much of.
James at the gym
Excerpts from our Q&A with James:
What do you do to decompress when you’re not working? I stay at home mostly, or I go on a road trip with Nadine [Lustre] and some close friends. Those are enough to clear my mind and recharge myself.
Your brother Jack is following in your footsteps in the biz. Last month, he was seen in the horror movie “Darkroom.” What advice do you give him and your sister Lauren, based on your own experiences in the entertainment biz? My siblings and I are quite close, but while I encourage them to give Philippine show biz a try, I’m not the type of brother who would tell them what to do.
I support their decisions and give them a helping hand when they need it. And I remind them to remain true to themselves no matter what.
What is it about your energy drink’s #BeatEnergyGap song-and-dance jingle that’s so catchy? It’s the melody—it’s upbeat and instantly memorable, so it appeals to everyone, from very young kids to adults. It was stuck in my head for a while even after the shoot. It’s cool to see how it has gone viral in social media.
Would you be comfortable to work in a project that doesn’t involve Nadine? I welcome any challenge in my career. Of course, it will depend on the projects being offered. If I’ll grow from them artistically and professionally, I don’t see why I shouldn’t do them.
Are you working on a new album? What kind of sound do you wish to pursue this time around? Yes, I am. It’s almost done, and I’m very happy with it. It’s funkier and more urban. It has a very contemporary sound. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!