 Robi Domingo
Interview by Tinna S. Bonifacio
Since emerging runner-up in Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus, 19-year-old Robert Marion Eusebio Domingo has, once more, proven the truth of the saying that one doesn’t have to finish in first place to be a winner.
Now a college freshman pursuing a BS Health Sciences degree at the Ateneo de Manila while he makes a career in show business, Robi is setting a good example for young people everywhere.
A MYX VJ, actor, host and member of Star Magic and ASAP ‘09’s all-male dance group Gigger Boys (along with Dino Imperial, Sam Concepcion, Enchong Dee, AJ Perez, Chris Gutierrez and Aarron Villaflor), Robi is juggling two very demanding careers and proving himself to be a success at both.
How does he do it? Here, Robi shares with jobsdb the secrets of his success.
Why did you want to be in showbiz?
To become influential and through this influence, maybe I could touch others’ lives. Sure, there’s the fame, and the money and all, but what I’m after is for people to become inspired by what I’m doing. I’m not saying I’m perfect, but if I can do this, so can you.
You’re a MYX VJ, an actor, a host and a dancer—which of these things do you enjoy doing the most?
I like talking, hence I like MYX. VJ-ing and hosting is great because you don’t have to pretend or put on an act to do it. You can just be yourself, you let it out, you talk, and you have fun doing it.
How does it feel to be 19 years old and earning your own money?
It’s kind of awkward because I don’t even get to handle my money. Whatever I need, I get from my parents. I give the money to them, and they put it in the bank. A portion of it I plan to use to put up a business in Ateneo. I’m starting a business with my friends—we’re putting up a mini-canteen in Ateneo. It will sell chicken, and we’re planning to set it up next year.
You’re in school studying to be a doctor. Right now, you’re in showbiz. In the future, what will your career choice be? Medicine or show business?
I can’t really say that I’m going to take the path of being a doctor or an artista, but definitely, my heart is in helping people. Whichever path I may take, at the end of the day, my goal is to help people, whether through entertainment or the medical field. My grandfather and both of my parents are doctors (his father, Dr. Boy Domingo, is a general surgeon, while his mother Maryann is a pediatrician) and I’d like to be able to continue that legacy. Since I was a child, it’s been my dream. On the other hand, showbiz is one area where I can express myself, let it all out and be happy. But again, ultimately, my goal is to help people in any way I can.
What’s the best career advice you’ve been given?
My dad told me a number of years ago, if you’re doing something because you have to, it’s just something you do to earn. But if you love it, it’s an occupation.
How do you combine a career in showbiz with the demands of schooling?
At the end of the day, you just have to manage your time wisely. Appoint a certain time to study, to be a VJ and to do all the other things you have to do. Sometimes it means you have to sacrifice things like going out, or even sleep. Although it’s bad, sometimes I fall asleep in my classes and my friends have to wake me up!
Who is your career role model?
The superhero for all seasons, Luis Manzano. He is simple and he doesn’t try to impress. But you can’t fail to notice him. Plus he’s the perfect host, a good actor, and he’s funny. Best of all, he’s a nice person.
What career advice would you give to other young people who want to follow in your footsteps?
There is just one Filipino saying that I follow: kung gusto mo, maraming paraan. Kung ayaw mo, maraming dahilan. You have a lot of options, bad or good, if you really want to reach something and achieve it no matter what happens.
|
