Despite JM De Guzman’s success both in acting and singing, during his journey as an artist, he had also gone through a lot of obstacles – he had faced struggles both in his career and in his personal life.
Looking back, JM is glad that he was able to survive that dark phase of his life and now being in “the best state of his well-being.”
In a press conference for his upcoming film, Adik Sa ‘Yo, JM admitted that at first, he was hesitant to accept the offer because of the stigma connected to his name.
“Nahihirapan po ako, sa totoo lang. ‘Yan po ‘yung actually constant pattern ko. Lagi pong and’yan ‘yung, ‘Ah, kasi gan’yan ‘yung past niya…gan’yan ‘yung ugali niyan,’” JM started.
JM plays the role of Paulo, a drug addict in the movie that pairs him with beauty queen-turned-actress Cindy Miranda.
“Hindi ko po ipagkakaila may na may kaba,” he added.
Known to many, JM became the talk of the town when he got himself involved with prohibited drugs years ago. Yet, with his strong will to become better and with the help and support of his family, he was able to gather himself and took another chance on his career.
Now that he was offered to play the character of Paulo, being the versatile actor that he is, the actor took it as a challenge.
“Well, I took it as a challenge na lang po na ma-ta-tap ko ‘yung past experience ko and ‘yung mga pianagdaanan kong struggles before. I just trusted the material,” said JM.
“S’yempre ginagamit ko na lang ‘yun motivation to move forward and ginagamit ko rin na opportunity ‘yung stigma na ‘yung nangyari sa’kin to create awareness sa mga pinapakita ko sa buhay ko ngayon,” he continued.
As an actor, JM is very passionate about his craft and continuously strives to improve his skills. For him, acting is an art form that requires immense dedication and hard work.
“Ang gaan lang katrabaho ni JM. Eh, ako naman, hindi ko masyadong alam sa nangyari sa kanya. Basta ang alam ko, very passionate siya work at gusto ko ‘yung taong ganoon,” shared Cindy.
When asked to share some words with those people who are struggling with the same situation that he had experienced, the award-winning actor advised them to surround themselves with people who could be their support system.
“Well, there’s always a circle of friends who are willing na makatulong sa’yo, whenever you’re feeling down, whenever you feel you need support. Seek guidance du’n sa mga professionals or as mga kaibigan na ni-tu-trust mo. And s’yempre kay God, ‘wag bibitaw du’n., ‘yung faith,” JM stated.
Directed by Nuel Naval, Adik Sa ‘Yo unspools today in cinemas nationwide. Under Viva Films, the movie also stars Meg Imperial, Nicole Omillo, Candy Pangilinan, and Andrew Muhlach.