DIEGO LOYZAGA feels so fortunate that after he signed up with Viva, they gave him two projects right away.
He’s now doing a weekly TV series currently showing on TV5, “Encounter”, with Cristine Reyes and he also stars in a full length film, “Death of a Girlfriend”, directed by well known horror films director, Yam Laranas.
He’s paired with newcomer AJ Raval, the daughter of former action star Jeric Raval.
So how is it working with AJ? Who initiated in making the first move on their first shooting day?
“I did,” says Diego. “Kasi pareho kami, first project namin ito sa Viva. Actually, nauna ko itong i-shoot sa ‘Encounter’. Dahil nauna ko kay AJ sa showbiz, I have to make her feel comfortable para maganda rapport namin.
"We learned we have mutual friends, so doon nagsimula. We talked about them. We also had an intimacy workshop for us to be more relaxed with each other in doing our love scene. Magaan katrabaho si AJ and she didn’t make it difficult for me to do our demanding scenes together.”
Direk Yam Laranas says the film is a different kind of love story as it involves the mystery as to who killed his girlfriend. How is it shooting the film?
“I love it, kasi it’s not your usual teleserye type or teeny bopper love story, so it offers a different challenge from the actors. Mas ginaganahan kang magtrabaho kasi naiiba nga ang ganitong kind of movie.”
He turns 26 on May 21. How would he describe himself now compared to when he started in showbiz as a teenager almost 10 years ago?
“Definitely, mas seryoso ako sa work ko ngayon. Mas focused. Kahit may pandemic, 2021 has been good to me and I want to thank Viva for trusting me and giving me another chance.
"Also God for His blessings, good projects to help get me back on the ball.”
What is his birthday wish?
“Una sa lahat, matapos na sana itong covid kasi ang dami ng nahihirapan, even worst, namamatay na tao. Ang hirap, the entire world is affected. Hindi tayo makapagtrabaho nang maayos.
"So sana matapos na. ‘Yun ngang ‘Encounter’, pause muna kami ng taping dahil sa bagong quarantine. We don’t know yet as to when we will resume our taping.”
Is he happy now?
“Yes, God gave me a second wind. It’s a comeback and so far, it’s going well. Sana, magtuloy-tuloy lang. Pati sa lovelife ko, I’m happy now.”
So would he say his current girlfriend, Barbie Imperial, is the right one for him? “Yes, I can say it, siya na nga.”
Wouldn’t she get jealous that he did sexy scenes with AJ in “Death of a Girlfriend”?
“No, hindi naman nagseselos si Barbie kasi alam naman niyang trabaho lang ito. She is also an actress so naiintindihan niyang part ng work namin ito.”
Looks like they are very serious in their relationship.
“Ganu’n naman dapat, di ba? Bata pa si Barbie, pero mature na thinking niya.
"Ganu’n naman kasi talaga when you’re in a relationship with somebody, sayang naman kung you’re in a relationship with somebody tapos parang naglalaro lang kayo.”
What does his dad, Cesar Montano, say about his acting? “We haven’t talked lately, so di namin napag-uusapan.”
Cesar is a big star in local cinema. What does he do to step out of his dad’s shadow?
“Kahit ano naman ang gawin ko, hindi ako basta makakawala. I cannot step out of my dad’s shadow kasi si ‘Jose Rizal’ yan. He did great films like ‘Muro Ami’ and ‘Bagong Buwan’.
"He’s a legend. So I will never really make an effort to try stepping out of his shadow. I will just do my own thing and hope that the public will recognize me on my own merits.”
