Ian: I’m human and not immune to temptations

Ian Veneracion

It’s a never-ending process. I’m still working on it,” said Ian Veneracion, who admitted that he was still not “immune to temptations,” even after being married for 20 years.

“It’s part of being in show biz. Of course, I experience temptations all the time. I’m only human, and I get to work with many beautiful women,” the 42-year-old actor said. “So far, I’m OK and in a good place.”

While he never stopped acting since he was 8, Ian said he got his “second wind” when he played opposite Jodi Sta. Maria in “Pangako sa ’Yo” (2015). They were also paired in the film, “The Achy Breaky Heart” (2016). Now, he continues to make girls swoon in the series “A Love to Last” with Bea Alonzo.

“She’s a confident woman—actually, overconfident! She ignores me sometimes,” Ian said of his wife Pam Gallardo, with whom he has three kids—Draco, 19; Deirdre, 16; and Duccio, 11. “She was never the jealous type. If ever she is, she’s too proud to show me. I love her for that.”

Ian said his wife was never the type who’d check on his whereabouts or ask him what time he went home the night before. “She’s cool that way. She makes me more nervous when she is quiet,” he said.

Asked how he was handling all the attention, especially from girls, Ian said: “I’m just enjoying the ride. The only difference is that more people are requesting for video greetings now … I refuse to feel affected by what people call success.”

Ian’s personal basis for success is a well-balanced life. “It’s not dependent on your bank account or the number of people who scream your name— these things are only temporary. I’ve been in the biz long enough to see so many actors come and go,” said Ian at a luncheon on Wednesday, organized by multivitamin brand Conzace.

Ian claimed he did not encourage his children to pursue acting. He would often tell them “to be the person you want to be. If you realize that I’m starting to impose things on you, don’t listen to me.”

The actor said he was still feeling ecstatic over the success of his recent performance with Sharon Cuneta at the Alex Theater in California, United States. “Performing to a live audience was very different. The venue was so big. I’ve always felt shy because singing is not my forte, although I’ve played the guitar and the piano since 11,” he explained.

So as not to feel too nervous, Ian said he sang to the audience as if it was a role that he needed to portray. “I imagined I was John Mayer or Dave Matthews. It was a trip! I did OK, I didn’t mess up. I enjoyed it because it enabled me to face my fear.”

He also denied that there was an offer for him to do a project with Sharon. “I haven’t received the offer yet. Who wouldn’t love to work with her? As an actor, I’m willing to do different roles. I’m just afraid when people start using the word ‘daring.’ I’ll have to pass on that. I don’t feel confident with my body. I’ve never had nice abs in my life!”