Celebrities’ advice to colleagues in politics

PINKY Amador: Use your voice for the benefit of your kababayan.

Since it’s crunch time for election candidates, I asked some celebrities for their unsolicited advice to our show biz colleagues, who are running for various political posts.

Actors-turned-politicos may have an unfair advantage due to their popularity but they must not rely on fame alone. They will get nowhere if they just sit on their laurels. Being idolized by legions, they are given little leeway for mistakes. They should have something more substantial to offer. In public service, there’s no retake, no pack up and no director to shout “Cut!” Politics is a totally different circus than show biz. Either you are a ringmaster or just one of the clowns.

Pinky Amador: The greatest role you will ever play is that of selfless service to your country and remember, the “star” is now your constituents. I hope you also remember to give back to the industry that created your career. So rehearse, do your research, work tirelessly and use your newfound voice for the benefit of your kababayan.

MARVIN Agustin: Make sure you know what you’re getting into.

Everyone shares centerstage in this curtain call.

Marvin Agustin: Many actors have served in government. And they have proven to deliver with no personal gain. Please make sure you know what you are getting into. Make sure you love to serve because serving the country is not just any other job. It’s a vocation.

Jim Paredes: Develop your critical thinking skills, and constantly remind yourself where your north star is. Even as you hire good advisers, learn the duties/responsibilities of your elected position and execute them with efficiency and sensitivity. As quickly as possible, grow into the job and (acquire) gravitas so you earn the people’s respect. And yes, radically slow down on show biz gigs until you practically stop doing them altogether.

SUZI Entrata-Abrera: Value people’s trust.

Jose Javier Reyes: Winning the elections is not the happy ending. It is the beginning of the true test of intelligence, competence and dignity. So Lights, Camera and give us some real Action!

Suzie Entrata-Abrera: Remember that your voters look up to you. And that even though you may or may not have had political experience in the past, your voters put their trust in you. That is something you should honor.

Kim Atienza: Why get into politics in the first place when it’s great in show biz? If it is your passion and vocation to serve, here’s my advice: It would be hypocritical to say that politics has no perks but go and serve with all your heart and soul first then the perks would be just the

icing on the cake. If you go for the perks first before service, politics will eat your soul and you will be fat and dirt-ugly despite the designer barong and plastered smile. You will also go to hell! Good luck!

KIM ATIENZA: Serve with all your heart and soul.

Tommy Abuel: To those who would need it, take public administration classes immediately if their busy schedule would permit. They must also remember that there’s a difference between show biz and politics and between public service and entertainment. They would need to change their attitude and frame of mind. Whereas as stars, their focus was on themselves and what would be good for them and their careers, now as politicians their focus should be public service and what would be good for their constituents. Most importantly, they must remember that they are now public servants. Alipin na sila ng taong bayan (They are now slaves of the people).

Martin Nievera: Whether we like it or not, we as show biz personalities are public figures. We are blessed with magic to move people with our music and with the roles we play in our respective areas of show business. Are we convincing? Can we stay in step, in tune and on script? Can we as show biz personalities keep promises, too? If the answers to these questions are answerable by a “yes,” then we can do all of the above in making our country stronger and better in a political office or not. But if the answer is “no,” then we lose more than just a career; we lose the faith of the people who gave us this role… (which could) weaken this country.

TOMMY Abuel: Take public administration classes immediately.

‘Tarzan’ is coming

Viva Atlantis Theatricals is mounting the Asian premiere of Disney’s “Tarzan” at the Meralco Theater from June 14 to July 7. Top-billed by Broadway actor, Dan Domenech and Rachelle Ann Go as Jane, it also features Calvin Millado, Ima Castro, Jeffrey Hidalgo and Eugene Villaluz with music by pop icon Phil Collins (including his Grammy- and Oscar-winning song, “You’ll Be in My Heart”) and based on the book by Tony award-winning playwright, David Henry Hwang.

Avail of 30 percent discount to selected show dates if you buy tickets until May 15.

(Call 891-9999 or 840-1187 or log on to www.vivaatlantistheatricals.com).