Ian has been devoting his time to preparing for his concert (April 21 at the Cebu Waterfront and May 13 at Resorts World Manila).
One of the most important lessons Ian Veneracion has learned from his father, acclaimed painter Roy Veneracion, is that maintaining a good reputation is “the best investment” anyone can have.
Thus, the actor has always made sure to draw a clear line between his career and personal life. “I’m proud to say that I’ve never been linked to any of my leading ladies, because I’m very professional,” he told reporters at a recent press conference for his coming concert, “Ian in 3 Acts.”
“Whether I’m paired with Bea Alonzo or Jodi Sta. Maria—work is work,” added the 43-year-old star. “I’m happy with my life.”
Regardless of one’s field of work, making a move on colleagues is something Ian finds “unprofessional.” “If you’ve been working with someone for a long time, then you start flirting with her … that’s awkward,” he pointed out.
It’s something he wouldn’t have done, Ian said, even back when he was still single. “Had I developed a huge crush on one of my screen partners, I would have waited for the project to end [before pursuing her]. Outside of work it’s fine. But during? It’s a no-no,” he said.
Ian is “happily married” to Pam Gallardo, with whom he has three children—sons, Draco and Duccio, and daughter, Deidr—whom the public gets to see occasionally through his posts on Instagram. Are his children interested in show biz?
He’s neither discouraging nor encouraging them. “If they were to pursue it, I don’t think
I would be able to help myself from making calls, asking people if they could cast my kids—that would be depriving them of the adventure,” Ian related.
Ian Veneracion
“What I enjoyed about my own journey is that I didn’t have a padrino; didn’t come from a show biz clan… I had to sharpen my skills and be kind to people. So, when I started landing jobs, I was confident that it was because of the work I had done,” Ian said. “I don’t want to put my children in a position where people would think they made it in show biz because of this and that. My kids can be whatever they want to be. I’ll just be here to support them.”
Ian has been devoting his time to preparing for his concert (April 21 at the Cebu Waterfront and May 13 at Resorts World Manila), because he doesn’t want to give the audience anything half-baked. “I want to do it right. I want it to be polished,” Ian said of the show, which, he said, will also let him showcase his talent and taste in music.
“Some of my influences are John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens,” Ian said. “I used to be so shy I couldn’t even sing in front of my wife. But music has been a part of my life; I started learning the guitar and piano when I was 11. Now I’m lucky enough to jam with some of my idols, like guitarist Chikoy Pura (The Jerks).”
He knows that the project will likely be met with surprise or skepticism. “I can’t please everyone. If they don’t like it, that’s fine,” he said.
And will be there dancing? Now that’s unlikely. “Maybe in another lifetime!” Ian quipped.