How Bong Revilla handles detractors

Bong Revilla Jr.

Bong Revilla Jr. is turning a year handsomer on Sept. 25. He has aged well. There must be some truth to the urban legend about the Revillas’ “agimat.” Let Bong’s chinky eyes say the rest.

I have always been apolitical, so I’m featuring Bong as an actor, not as a public servant—no politics involved, just pure show biz. Après tout, it’s Bong’s action movies that catapulted him to fame.

Here’s my chat with Bong:

What are some of your realizations as you turn a year older? We’re not getting any younger. Kidding aside, I realized that even with everything I’ve been through, I still have so much to learn. With age comes wisdom. We become better, wiser and prudent with our words, thoughts and deeds.

Mayroon tayong pinagkatandaan. I have seen my faith stretched, strengthened and tested in fire.

Sabi nga, ang pinakamatibay na bakal, nagdadaan muna sa pinakamainit na apoy upang ma-panday. I have come out stronger and more courageous than ever before.

Tell us a bit about the next movie you plan to make. I am cooking up a surprise for my fans. I have a number of projects lined up. I will make sure my next movies will be “sulit sa ibabayad ng tao.”

What makes your marriage work? I honor my wife Lani (Mercado) for always trusting and believing in me. The past five years was the toughest season of our life. I would not have surpassed all these without her by my side. There’s only one thing that can make any marriage work—make Christ the center of your union and family.

How do you handle detractors? I just pray for them. If you are at peace with the truth, there’s nothing to be worried about. Alam mo naman, habang tayo ay tinatapakan, lalo lang tayong pumopogi n’yan (laughs).

What’s the best and toughest part of being a Revilla? Being a Revilla is like being on two sides of the same coin. I carry with me the legacy of my father, Ramon Revilla Sr. I need to live up to whatever expectations people have of me. If you are loved by so many, there will always be haters and doubters. Worse part these days, they bash you on social media.

What’s the craziest thing that you and Lani have done? When we were young and madly in love, we did a lot of crazy things. But I would rather keep those as our “naughty little secrets” (laughs).

How do you and Lani handle your differences? In the face of trials and challenges, we always go back to the very reason why we fell in love with each other. That is enough reason for us to continue to course through life together.

What do you want to change in yourself or improve on? I always … [ask] God for wisdom to discern as to whom to trust.

Milestone for wedding band

Premier wedding band 3rd Avenue celebrates its 15th year in the biz via the concert, “3rd Avenue 3XV,” at the Music Museum, 8 p.m., on Sept. 26. Its special guests include Morissette Amon and Jake Zyrus. Let the band’s songs lead you to your “happy ever after.”