ROBIN PADILLA ON THE YEAR THAT WAS

ROBIN PADILLA ON THE YEAR THAT WAS
by Pablo A. Tariman

In this near riotous encounter where it was hard to decipher the movie fan from the media person, Robin Padilla had no choice but to share snippets of his life in 2015.

On the whole, it was a very good year.

Robin Padilla as Andres Bonifacio: an international version of the film is now showing in selected SM theaters.

There were new projects and new endorsements and the awards kept coming for his film Andres Bonifacio.

Yes, he is proud of his film and he likes to think that the film paved the way for the acceptance of other historical films like Heneral Luna.

Way before Bonifacio and Luna, there was Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s Jose Rizal.

Robin admits he doesn’t expect to match Cesar Montano’s achievement in the Abaya film but he is happy more people are supporting films about national heroes. “That is why I am happy that he took over my role inNilalang. It was a perfect choice as far as I am concerned.”

On the other hand, it was also a very trying year.

He had hoped to be a brand new father once more but it wasn’t meant to be.

The loss was devastating because it was not just one, not just two but three little angels joining their family. For some reasons, he and his wife Mariel had to cope with another trial in their conjugal union.

Robin Padilla during the contract signing for Northern Cement Corporation. His motto: Buy Filipino.

Robin’s face book post — with picture of his wife in the hospital — says it all in his own language: “Ang lungkot at ligayang dulot ng pagtatapos ng isang kabanata sa Buhay patungo sa pagbubukas ng panibago.”

Rued he: “Yes, it is depressing to lose something you looked forward to nurturing,” said he with a hint of tears in his eyes.

He related how he tried to make sad moment lighter for his wife but in vain. He noticed how Mariel gained weight when coping with depression.

At 46, Robin has coped with fame and misfortune and emerged strong and invincible. “You can’t ask what you always deserve and when the blows come, I know I am better off accepting it than blaming yourself or other people. I am one of the few who went through true-to-life rehearsals of misfortune and I am glad I went through everything and survived it. It is the mark of my faith and my character.”

Robin recently figured in a contract signing as celebrity endorser of the products of Northern Cement Corporation (NCC).

According to NCC Vice-President and General Manager Oliver R. Gorospe, he finds Robin the perfect endorser for NCC because he epitomizes the ultimate Pinoy Tigasin. “His unmatched strength of character, steadfast resilience in the face of adversity and modern heroism are all aligned with NCC’s brand characteristics.”

On his part, the actor said he decided to endorse NCC products for only one big reason: he wants to support Filipino entrepreneurship and Filipino products. “We have been inundated by foreign brands. In this age of so-called globalization, we can do our patriotic share by supporting the best of everything Filipino.”

Meanwhile, the international version of the Robin Padilla starrer, Andres Bonifacio is now showing in selected SM theaters as part of the celebration of Bonifacio Day. An entry to the 2014 Metro Manila Film Festival, Bonifacio did not fare well in the box office but went on to win over 20 awards not only from the MMFF but also from the FAMAS and the PMPC Star Awards for Movies this year, including Best Picture from each of these award-giving bodies.

Of course he will miss the excitement of having an entry in the coming MMFF. “My outlook has changed over the years. It must be part of my maturing process. I only enjoy doing a project if it has a good mission. With Bonifacio, I knew that both the old and new generation can learn from the film life of the father of the revolution. Indeed, we can learn a lot from our past.

Robin Padilla in another setting. He went through a lot and emerged strong and invincible.

He looked relieved and thankful that his favorite candidate might yet make it in the presidential race.

He said he has learned a good lesson endorsing politicians. “Politics has its good and bad side. That is why when you are in showbiz, you have to be extra careful. I know that my nephew’s choice (Daniel Padilla’s) is bound to be controversial but he is 18 years old and I give him that right to decide on his own. My only regret is that in my time, I endorsed someone who went to jail. That is why Daniel has to be careful who he is endorsing. Politics and showbiz make for a fatal combination if not handled discreetly.”

In parting, the actor said he is thankful for the blessings and thankful that he and his wife are coping very well. “It was a very good year and come year end, we all have reasons to celebrate one way or the other.”