Interview by Tinna Bonifacio
She has been dubbed the “Ultimate Multi-Media Star”. A multi-platinum recording artist (she just released her third studio album under Star Records, titled Love Is…), TV host (of ASAP, Pinoy Dream Academy and Pinoy Big Brother , actress (in Crazy For You and Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik), box-office star (in You Are The One, You Got Me and My Big Love), commercial endorser and newly-crowned concert performer, Toni is one artist whose luck never seems to run out.
Humbly, Toni insists that a lot of her current success is due to luck. She remembers something that Hannibal and Silence of the Lambs star Anthony Hopkins once said in an interview about his success being attributable to “80 percent luck, 10 percent talent, and 10 percent attitude”.
But no matter by which yardstick you measure it, there’s no doubt that Toni’s success is truly amazing. She is one of the most hard-working celebrities in the business, and no matter how hard she works or how high her star rises, her feet are still planted firmly on the ground.
Toni says that when work threatens to overwhelm her, there is an easy way by which she brings herself back down to earth. Find out how she does it, and learn Toni Gonzaga’s other career secrets:
You said that you consider your career the result of 80 percent luck, 10 percent talent and 10 percent attitude. How else did you become the successful performer that you are today?
I’ve always believed in that saying. I really think that a lot of it is sheer luck. Because if you look hard, there’s always someone else out there who can do the same thing you can do—act, dance, or sing—and probably even do it better than you. I was just lucky, I guess, that I was in the right place at the right time, knew the right people, and was given the right breaks. And it’s also important to be focused and determined.
What would you say is the one word that defines you and your career?
Consistency. You have to consistently give your best, lalo kapag singer ka, when you perform live. Dapat, whether it’s a small or big crowd, you still give the same. When I was still starting as a singer, there were times that I would perform and only a few people would be watching. It wasn’t easy for me to be accepted as a singer because ang alam ng tao noon, artista ako at nakikita nila ako araw-araw sa Eat Bulaga. I had to work really hard and consistently give my best before people would accept me.
At saka siguro perseverance. Sabi nga, kapag may tiyaga, may nilaga.
What advice would you give to those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Never give up. If you really want it, then work for it. I went to a lot of auditions, VTRs and go-sees. Dumaan ako sa audience entrance. Pumila ng matagal. Lahat, nagawa ko. Kahit minsan alam kong di ako papasa dahil iba ang tipo ng hinanap nila for that commercial, go pa din ako.
I learned from each experience. Nagtiyaga talaga ako. I wanted it—and when I want something, I’ll do whatever it takes to get it.
Who has been your career role model?
Regine Velasquez. Ever since talaga, siya na. Napaka-humbling kasi ng story niya. Inspired na inspired ako.
You’re doing so many things. When you get tired, do you ever think of giving it all up?
Of course I get tired din. Tao lang naman ako eh. Pero ang iniisip ko na lang, this is my dream. This is what I wanted. I worked so hard to be where I am, tapos i-gi-give up ko lang dahil napapagod ako? Parang sayang naman, di ba?
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever been given?
My dad told me once that whenever I make a mistake, the best thing to do is just to move on. Sabi niya, “Don’t dwell on your mistakes. It’s not the quantity of your buckles, but the quality of your hosting that matters.”
Speaking of your father, how big a factor has your family been in your success?
We’re in this together. I want to experience this with my family. Family is important. These are the real people who’ll believe in you and love you till the end. My family keeps me grounded.
What for you has been the biggest reward of your career?
Getting to do what I love and what I enjoy. Everything else is just a bonus.
They’re now calling you the ‘Ultimate Multi-Media Star’. How do you feel about titles and about your current success?
I want to embrace it, pero ayokong i-accept. Mga tao lang naman ang nagbibigay ng titles eh. As a performer, you don’t want to put things like that in your head. When you’re in the business and people start to appreciate your work, it’s flattering and overwhelming, but it can also be a source of tremendous pressure. It can be tough trying to live up to people’s expectations. Ang importante, ma-enjoy mo ang ginagawa mo
What are your career dreams?
To earn more of people’s respect through the years.
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