Celebs stage amazing comeback
As Filipinos commemorate Araw Ng Kagitingan today, a national public holiday to honor those who helped bring democracy to the country during World War II, we write about the stars who did a McArthur by making good of their promise after going under radar: “I shall return.” Here are some who got another shot at fame and glory – and how.
IAN VENERACION
Ian Veneracion has been in show business most of his life, joining the industry at age five.
However, Ian took time off from doing lead roles for many years until he got cast in the 2015 remake of “Pangako Sa’Yo” that marked his comeback.
At 43, the actor fully regained his heartthrob image through his team up with Jodi Sta. Maria in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “All You Need Is Pag-ibig,” followed by a teleserye “A Love To Last” alongside Bea Alonzo.
These days, fans call Ian, “BAEneracion,” a moniker that is a nod to his hotness. “It feels great (to be back). I’m just thankful na ang dami-daming opportunities na binibigay sa akin,” he said in one of his previous interviews.
JUDY ANN SANTOS
From a long hiatus, drama actress Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo returned to television last year by hosting the game show “Bet On Your Baby.”
The actress took a break after she got pregnant in 2015. Her supposed series “Someone To Watch Over Me” with Richard Yap was also shelved.
In a previous interview on “Tonight With Boy Abunda,” Judy Ann said she was reluctant to do a comeback because she was unsure whether the younger audience knows her or not.
“May mga moments din naman ako na parang, ‘Makakabalik pa ba ako? Kilala kayo ako ng millennials? Paano ba ito?’ I have doubts with myself, I have doubts with my skill. Kumbaga, minsan nandoon ka sa posisyon kung paano ko ba ipapasok ulit ang sarili ko?” she admitted.
February this year, the actress known for her role on “Mara Clara,” starred in her comeback movie “Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes.” It’s been reported she will also make a teleserye. “Teleserye soon. Thank you to my ABS-CBN and Dreamscape family for trusting me with another show,” she posted on Instagram, adding the hashtags “God is Good” and “Grateful Heart.”
MAKISIG MORALES
Makisig Morales gained huge popularity via the TV reality show “Little Big Star.” As child actor, he played the lead role in the International Emmy-nominated fantaserye “Super Inggo.”
In 2014, Makisig quit showbiz and migrated to Australia with his family. Several reports stated that he studied to become a chef at the Challenger TAFE – Beaconsfield campus. He also worked as a service crew in an international fast food chain.
After four years, the former child star makes a showbiz comeback through ABS-CBN’s fantaserye “Bagani.” He stars alongside Liza Soberano, Enrique Gil, Matteo Guidicelli and Sofia Andres.
In an ABS-CBN News article, Makisig revealed he was asked by the management to come to the Philippines for training and costume fitting.
He added that he couldn’t explain the feeling over the unexpected news but he was elated over the blessing. “Hindi ko ma-explain kung ano ’yung saya na nararamdaman ko. Masayang masaya ako na nakabalik ako sa showbiz. Blessing po talaga ito,” he said.
WALLY BAYOLA
The circulation of his, er, bombastic video practically wrecked the career of Wally Bayola in 2013. Five months later, the comedian made a comeback via noontime show “Eat Bulaga!” during which he publicly apologized over the matter and thanked the fans for accepting him still.
As fate would have it, Wally’s star has been redeemed tenfold by his alter-ego Lola Nidora on “Eat Bulaga’s!” “Kalyeserye” segment. He also top-billed a comedy-horror film “Trip Ubusan: The Lolas Vs. Zombies,” alongside “sisters” Jose Manalo a.ka. Lola Tinidora and Paolo Ballesteros a.k.a Lola Tidora.
JM DE GUZMAN
JM de Guzman started to become active again in showbiz after a two-year sabbatical.
Recall that the actor’s personal issues involving his love life and struggles got the better of him in 2013. He revived his acting career in 2015 through the indie film “That Thing Called Tadhana,” which became talk of the town. He also starred on his own teleserye “All Of Me.”
While everyone thought that JM’s professional life was getting back on track, rumors circulated that he got booted from the show and he’s out of the limelight again.
In an exclusive interview on “Rated K,” JM admitted he underwent rehabilitation treatment due to drug abuse.
“Hindi ako naging sincere actually and genuine sa pagconfront ko sa issues ko noong first rehab ko. Gusto ko lang makalabas, galit na galit ako, malungkot na malungkot ako deep inside. “The relapse itself is really painful for me. Nasayang ko ulit ’yung blessings and opportunities. ’Yung depression, ’yung anxiety, ’yung galit sa sarili, triple. I (was) slowly killing myself unconsciously.”
JM is back and ready again for work. He is shooting a teleserye and is seen on “ASAP.”