The “Walwal Boys” (clockwise from top): Jerome Ponce, Elmo Magalona, Donny Pangilinan and Kiko Estrada
When millennials say “walwal,” it could mean getting wasted, doing mischief or just having way too much fun. Regal Films’ “Walwal Boys” tackles the follies and shenanigans of millennials.
The coming-of-age film, directed by Jose Javier Reyes, is topbilled by Elmo Magalona, Donny Pangilinan, Jerome Ponce and Kiko Estrada. These heartthrobs’ faces have launched a thousand shrieks.
Elmo, Donny and Kiko are true children of show biz, since they grew up in the limelight with their celebrity parents.
I know what it feels like because I am on the same boat. Trying to step out of your parent’s shadow (especially in an industry where everything is magnified) can be very daunting. It could be a blessing or a burden, depending on how you handle it.
This June, let the Walwal Boys remind us that, sometimes, a little madness is necessary to survive.
Here’s my chat with Elmo:
If you could send a text message to your dad, Francis M, in heaven, what would you ask him? Was he ever serious in his younger years with love? And is he proud of what I’m doing?
Which among your dad’s songs do you want to do a cover of? I’ve always wanted to do a cover of “Kaleidoscope World,” but that’s such a big responsibility because it’s one of my father’s biggest hits. It’s quite sacred to me, so I want to make sure not to mess it up.
What’s the naughtiest thing you’ve done? As a kid, I stole food in school. As an adult, I snatched food from someone else’s plate.
What advice from your mom do you find hard to follow? To eat healthy. After Dad passed away at a young age, Mom wanted me and my siblings to eat right, which is quite challenging for me because I can’t resist chocolates.
What’s the craziest thing that you and Janella (Salvador) have done? We shouted at the top of our lungs when we rode the London Eye.
Here’s my chat with Donny:
What’s the best and the toughest part of being the son of Anthony Pangilinan and Maricel Laxa? The best part is, since they’ve been in the industry for so long, they give me advice about stuff they’ve done in the past, which I can learn from. And if I need a support system, they’re always there.
The toughest part is being compared to them while I’m still finding my own niche in the biz.
How do your parents discipline you? They tell me what I need to hear and not what I want to hear. There’s no sugarcoating when they reprimand me.
What do you love and hate about show biz, so far? I love how it opened a whole new world for me and expanded my horizon. I hate bashers who are quick to judge. But I have to learn to live with that because it’s in the job description of actors.
What’s the sweetest thing you’ve done for a girl? I wrote her a love letter. A handwritten letter is far more romantic than a text message.
What do you find hard to understand about girls? Too many to mention—but, that’s part of their charm. Sometimes, guys just have to love girls even when we don’t exactly understand them.
What’s the best advice that your Tito Gary Valenciano gave you about your show biz career? Keep improving my craft, never stop learning, be consistent and give glory to God.