Unsolicited Advice for Stars

Butch Francisco, a veteran and well-respected entertainment columnist gave unsolicited advice to young stars.

The other day, I started dishing out unsolicited advice to some of our TV and movie celebrities who are very visible on screen at the moment. Here are some more of my humble suggestions to them:

Mark Herras — Start taking acting lessons seriously. You are not getting any younger and you have to mature as an actor. Perhaps you can also work out that body. But don’t forget your dancing. Keep developing it. That’s your edge among the rest. And while we’re on the subject of getting serious, maybe you can also start getting serious with just one girl who will eventually serve as inspiration for you to do better.

KC Concepcion — You have the right pacing so far. But be more choosy and careful with your movie roles. I have yet to see When I Met U, but I hope your part is better-written than the one you played in For the First Time. It was a good thing it made money and you managed to rise above the material — thanks to your acting ability and magnetic screen presence. At this point, maybe you can also do a regular drama series on TV to hone your talent some more.

Richard Gutierrez — Be more experimental with your roles on the big screen — that is if you have time to experiment (given all the things you have to do). Maybe you can seek advice from showbiz’s other Richard — Gomez, who has been there. Goma was daring with his choice of roles and established himself early on as a great actor in cinema. I believe you can do the same. After all, you were already impressive even in your launching film as a leading man in Let the Love Begin. A respected Hollywood actor (was it George Arliss?) once told the great Bette Davis: “Never stop daring to hang yourself.” Maybe this can apply to you. Just learn to experiment and in time you’ll be among showbiz’s greats.

Dingdong Dantes — Try to get more challenging roles both on TV and especially on the big screen. Around this time you should already be preparing for your ascent as a more serious actor. Perhaps you can also direct some more little projects here and there (the episode that you directed in the trilogy film Angels was the best). And please don’t change. Stay the way you were when you were starting in show business — and even in the years that followed that.

Marian Rivera — You and I never had problems. I’ve always thought of you to be a very nice girl. But that incident with PR manager/journalist Ernie Pecho was unfortunate, especially since he is among the good-natured members of the press. Now I’m glad that you’ve settled that between you two. I can only hope there is no repeat of that with other members of media in the future. I know you are always tired and begging for rest. But be more patient in dealing with the press and especially with the general public. It’s not always easy being on top. But would you rather be at the bottom?

Sarah Geronimo — Pray that movies get to be big business again. With your talent, charisma and popularity you would have been another Sharon Cuneta by now — that is, if they were making films like they were during the time of the megastar. Meanwhile, train some more in singing and acting. You can never tell when the movies will make a big comeback.

Kim Chiu — Stay cute and sweet. But start preparing for bigger challenges ahead. If you are determined to be a big star (and you have the potential), you will need all the training you can get — now.

Cristine Reyes — In terms of popularity you are definitely the bigger star now compared to big sister Ara Mina. But bear in mind Ara is still the more established actress. Why am I telling you this? So that you will be challenged to do even better — until you reach the respectability earned by your sister in the movies. If you can surpass Ara’s achievements — all the better. But believe me, it was a difficult climb for her. From being a sexy star she became an award-winning actress — thanks to the directors who handled her (Joel Lamangan, Jeffrey Jeturian, etc.). Now, if you are looking for a role model, why bother to look far? Big sister is right there. If and when you’ve outdistanced her, always remember to look back and never forget all the good things your sister has done for you from the beginning.

Karylle — I’m so happy that you were able to turn a personal tragedy into a professional triumph. But you have to work hard to sustain it. Of course you do that through hard work and prayers. And I wish you all the luck. Here’s hoping you find the love of your life in 2009.