Ian keeps it real, stays relevant
He started his career at the age of seven yet 42-year-old Ian Veneracion remains one of the most sought-after actors of his generation.
He started his career at the age of seven yet 42-year-old Ian Veneracion remains one of the most sought-after actors of his generation.
“It’s true what they say na life begins at 40. Sa akin, ang laking naging pagbabago career-wise, not only that but also my family, personal life. If I compare myself to the 21-year-old version of me, siyempre as an actor, husband, as a person, I know much more now,” Ian said at the Conzace press lunch. His youthful looks and toned physique makes him suitable for pairing with younger actresses as Bea Alonzo and Jodi Sta. Maria. One would think this baby-faced actor is vain but, no. “I’m so afraid to become vain. For example, never akong nagka-abs buong buhay ko. Hindi ko ma-imagine myself going to the gym, lifting weights. It’s so not me,” he said.
Ian is into adventure and sports, such as motocross, golf, basketball, and tennis. He goes to the gym not to develop pronounced abdominal muscle, but to train for sports.
“I don’t really go to the gym just to work out. Sometimes, I do exercises for basketball or soccer,” he said. “Very seasonal ako na gym-goer.”
Appealing and unaffected
While Ian doesn’t let the number of girls swooning over him affect his ego, he admits that the admiration of his fans is flattering. Ian attracts people of all ages, from the millennials to lolas. “Noong bata ako sabi ng nanay ko pogi daw ako, pero hindi naman ako naniwala. Parang sa ‘A Love To Last,’ merong isang araw na may isang magandang babae ang nagpa-picture. Sabi niya, ‘Can I have a picture?’
Sabi ko, ‘Sure.’ She said, ‘Kasi crush ka ng lola ko.’ Pero siyempre nakakaflatter,” he said. Ian never really left showbiz but he seemed to have his second chance to fame when he starred on ABS-CBN’s “Pangako Sa’Yo” paired with Jodi. This was followed by teleserye “A Love To Last” with Bea. He also did a number of movies, including “The Achy Breaky Hearts,” “Bliss,” and “Ilawod.”
“I still live in the same house. I still have the same wife, car, same guitars and motorcycle. Siguro the only difference is mas madami ’yung nagpapa-video greeting,” he said in jest. “I’m just enjoying the ride.”
On success
Ian knows how crazy the world of showbiz is. It can be fleeting and celebri-
ties just come and go. “Sa akin kasi my basis of success is leading a well-balanced life, being healthy physically, mentally, spiritually. At hindi nakadepende sa bank account mo o sa dami ng mga tumitili. Parang ang temporary lang ng ganoon eh. At sobrang mabilis mag-fluctuate and I’ve been long enough in the business to realize it,” he said.
Ian maintains a happy and healthy relationship with his family. He and his wife have three kids, aged 18, 16, and 11. “Parang mga barkada ko lang sila.
Ang lagi ko lang sinasabi sa kanila, just be the person you want to be. Don’t let anyone tell you how you should be, not even me,” he said.
He thanks his wife of 20 years for being supportive of his endeavors. “Hindi selosa ang asawa ko. She’s very confident, minsan nga over-confident. Parang ayaw ako pansisin. Hindi siya selosa ever since. At kung magseselos man siya, hindi niya ipapakita sa akin iyon. So, hindi siya ’yung magtatanong sa akin,” he said. Ian admits that being in showbiz has its temptations, especially being surrounded by beautiful women, but Ian remains faithful. “Sa amin sa showbiz, andyan ang temptations at tao lang naman tayo. Pero so far, okay pa naman ako. I’m still in a good place,” he said. Indeed, Ian takes work as it is and he does not let it rule his life. “Even my family, hindi naman showbiz ang wife ko and the kids. But my job I don’t really take it personally.” Does he let online comments affect him, we asked. “Hindi ako active online. For example, kung may compliments o bashing, hindi ako aware. It wouldn’t help me. Even compliments wouldn’t help me kasi baka lumaki naman ulo ko. ’Pag bashing baka sumama naman ang loob ko,” he said. (With report from Jojo P. Panaligan)
My basis for success is leading a well-balanced life and being healthy physically, mentally, spiritually. Hindi nakadepende sa bank account mo o sa dami ng mga tumitili yon.