John on Derek’s hesitation to take the plunge

John (lower left) and Priscilla Estrada (extreme right) with John’s kids, Yuan, Ina and Kyla

I had a blast at the intimate birthday bash of my good friend, John Estrada. His fab wife, Pri (Miss Earth 2004 Priscilla Meirelles), organized the surprise party. It was held in their cozy resthouse, right in the middle of a golf course.

Next to acting, John’s passion is golf. But instead of golf, it was gulp, gulp, gulp for the birthday boy. I always rib John about his striking resemblance to JM de Guzman. The seasoned actor does not seem to age at all. So we were all teasing him that he is “a la Benjamin Button.”

John has wrapped up his work for GMA 7’s “Kara Mia” (KM) and the network’s upcoming movie, “Family History” (FH). Before he starts his next project, John is taking a vacation with Pri and their adorable daughter, Anechka.

The Kapuso star is busy being happy—and happy being busy.

Here’s my chat with John:

What makes FH different from all the movies you’ve done? The plot is something else. It’s a comedy with a twist. It’s my first time to work with Michael V as my costar and director. He’s a genius. It’s also my first time to be in a movie with Dawn Zulueta. She’s ageless and is such a brilliant actress.

What was your most memorable experience while doing KM? As with any other TV series I’ve acted in, the bond I share with my coactors will always be memorable.
For KM, it was the first time I’ve worked with Barbie Forteza and Mika dela Cruz. I was in awe of how good they were, and I admire their dedication.
It’s always refreshing to work with the younger generation because you also pick up things from them. Their work ethic and life lessons.

If GMA 7 would make you choose, what role would you want to portray next? I want something like “The Pursuit of Happyness,” perhaps that of a poignant father role. Or “Blow,” which features the kind of character you love to hate, but you end up rooting for him, anyway.

As the best friend of Derek (who’s single again), what kind of girl do you think would make him want to kiss his bachelor days goodbye? I can’t speak for him, but most men need someone they can connect with, in every sense of the word. Marriage is something you work on every single day. It’s not a walk in the park, so I understand Derek’s hesitation to jump in (laughs).

What excites you about your upcoming family vacation in Europe and the UAE? Spending quality time with my family. Having time off work and just chill. Not thinking too much and just enjoying the sights. It will be my first time in Europe and the UAE, so I feel like a kid bursting with excitement.