40 is the new 20 for Ian Veneracion
‘Ako naman hindi ko tinatago ang age ko. I’ve been in the industry ng matagal na (panahon) and I’m just thankful na may nagtitiwala pa rin sa akin para bigyan ako ng mga projects.
Those who think the world goes downhill once they hit age 40 would do well to take a look at Ian Veneracion. At 41, the actor is just hitting his stride career-wise and looking good while at it. In fact, he has earned the moniker “BAEneracion,” a nod to his hotness.
How does it feel being matinee idol popular at his age, we asked.
“It feels great,” he said in a recent interview. “I’m just thankful na
ang dami-daming opportunities na binibigay sa akin.”
While some men of his age go through midlife crisis, Ian is the opposite, calling it “midlife blessing” instead.
“Ako naman hindi ko tinatago ang age ko. I’ve been in the industry ng matagal na (panahon) and I’m just thankful na may nagtitiwala pa rin sa akin para bigyan ako ng mga projects.’”
Working with Bea
A perk of Ian’s resurgence is being paired with young, beautiful actresses, among them Bea Alonzo, whom he stars with on “A Love To Last.”
It is the first time the two are working together and Ian is over the moon about it.
He is more than excited. “Matagal ko na talaga siyang gustong makatrabaho, so excited talaga ako,” he said, adding in jest, “Actually nu’ng una nagdalawang isip ako, sabi ko hindi ba siya masyadong old para sa akin?”
Ian revealed he first thought Bea would be a “spoiled brat.”
“’Yung tipong pa-superstar kasi everyone treats him like a queen, sabi ko ‘Ay maarte ’to,”’ he said. He was wrong, of course. “Sobrang down-to-earth pala niya. In just a few minutes, nakita ko na hindi pala talaga siya ganon.”
Bea made Ian comfortable through friendly ribbing, something he can relate to.
“Alaskador din ako eh and ako naman kunwari bagong kita ko pa lang ’yung tao tapos ijo-joke ko siya, it’s my way of saying na pwede mo din ako biruin, na magkakasundo tayo,” Ian shared. He recalled Bea initially called him “Tito.”
“Sabi ko, ‘Aba, aba! Ang lakas mang-asar nito ah.’ Pero ngayon kuya na lang (tawag niya). At least medyo na-upgrade ako and I’m so flattered,” he said, laughing.
Being open with their personal lives helped Ian and Bea maintain great bond.
“Kasi as actor you have to open up yourself ’di ba? Kasi the personal life is part of your work eh, so very important na as an actor, more or less alam mo ’yung core nu’ng ka-trabaho mo,” he explained.
“I always tell her stuff, eh. ’Pag nagkwentuhan pa naman kami, tuloy-tuloy na talaga at enjoy na enjoy na ako kaya nga madali kaming magkasundo. Behind the scenes, makulit lang (kami).”
In doing scenes together, Ian and Bea make sure they support each other.
More, he sees to it Bea does not feel awkward doing the intimate scenes.
‘Respect’
“A Love To Last” tackles relationships in a diversified family setting. Taking from the show’s title, we asked Ian how he makes love last. “Respect,” he said. “Minsan kasi makukulitan ka sa partner mo but the respect should be constant. I think ’yun ’yung main ingredient talaga eh.” Directed by Jerry Lopez Sineneng, “A Love To Last” also stars Enchong Dee, Julia Barretto, Juan Karlos Labajo, Hannah Lopez, and Ronnie Alonte, among others. The show airs weeknights on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida block.