Patrick Garcia looks back on his ‘heartthrob’ image in the past

Patrick Garcia looks back on his ‘heartthrob’ image in the past | Images: Instagram/@onlypatrickgarcia

Patrick Garcia said he wasn’t aware that he was such a “heartthrob” during his early years as an actor, and only realized it when fans went crazy over him during shows.

Sitting down on “Toni Talks” on Sunday, March 3, Garcia had the faintest idea that he was being admired by fans for his looks as he was busy enjoying his role as an actor.

“I didn’t know it back then… I just felt it during the out-of-town shows,” he said. 

Despite winning the Best Child Actor award at the FAMAS Awards in 1996 for the film “Madrasta,” Garcia underscored that it was only when he starred in “Tabing Ilong” that he got to enjoy the industry more.

“You don’t expect that when you’re a child. You don’t act to win. ‘Yung award parang ano na lang ‘yan icing on the cake,” he remarked. “I enjoy it also, especially during the Tabing Ilog days. I was working with serious actors. That’s when we were diving into the craft.” 

The “Ang TV” star said that what he disliked most about being in the limelight is the lack of privacy. “Wala kang privacy masiyado, during those times. But after a while, nasasanay ka. Kailangan matibay rin loob mo,” he said. 

The 42-year-old actor reflected on the online bashing and shared that he never engages with his detractor.

“Kahit mag-explain ka may iba pa rin dyan who will just bash you just because they wanna bash you, regardless if you’re correct or not… When it comes to bashing online, mga nagmemessage sa Instagram. Never did I react. I never replied to any basher. Kapag nag-engage ka, nanalo na sila, so block,” Garcia said. 

When asked if he’s okay with her children entering showbiz at a young age like him, the “Pangako Sa’Yo” actor remarked “not yet, not this time.” 

Garcia married Nikka Martinez in March 2015. They have one son and three daughters. He previously dated Jennylyn Mercado, with whom he shared a son, Jazz.