Actor Boogie Bugayong has been away from the limelight of the Philippine show business for more than two decades now.
Curious about his showbiz history? Let your fingers do the walking and click your favorite search engine. There, you will chance upon some stories stating that he was one of Star Circle Originals that included the likes of Diether Ocampo, Marvin Agustin, and Patrick Garcia to mention a few.
A Filipino male supermodel who sashayed on catwalks, fashion shows, and editorials, Boogie had iconic television commercials for an alcoholic beverage brand opposite the then sex kitten Joyce Jimenez and as the everyday man for the nation’s flag carrier airline.
Presently, Boogie gets a showbiz welcome in the much-loved GMA 7’s First Lady with Sanya Lopez as the titular lead and Gabby Concepcion as the president.
Boogie gives life to a Presidential Security Guard named Ramil: “I’m truly humbled to be part of a top-rating show. After being in hiatus all these years, I was surprised that I was given a good role, and the opportunity to work with some of the most talented and respected actors in the industry.”
“It’s funny because I guess after being inactive for more than two decades, I’m not surprised that no one really recognizes, or has heard of me compared to my more famous batch mates from StarCircle,” Boogie humbly declares.
“When the taping started I expected that most would think I’m a newcomer, and that’s perfectly okay with me. So each time I’m on the set, I try my very best to be as professional and a team player as I could, be always on time, come in prepared, know my lines, and that I am always ready to give my small contribution to ensure the continued success of the show,” he goes on.
The story arc he shares with Sandy Andolong who plays Edna as Lopez’s mother gets a lot of positive buzzes as they give a fresh spin and portrayal to the always intriguing cougar and cub relationship with the kilig moments their characters share.
Boogie reveals: “More twists and turns will happen to PSG Ramil and Edna, and that is all I can say, for now. As Ramil, the audiences will be definitely intrigued with his character’s development.”
Prior to this new rosy career phase, Boogie reveals how the ongoing pandemic impacted his life: “It was stressful and I felt that I was at the lowest point of my life—jobless, directionless, and a stranger in my native land, so different from the one I knew twenty years ago”.
His earth angel manifested and came to the rescue: “I received a call from Artist Manager Ricky Gallardo, a friend from way back who managed to keep in touch all those years that I was away. Sir Ricky saw a photo that I posted on Facebook and asked if I was in town for good. I took that as a sign, so I gathered enough courage to ask him if he wanted to catch up.”
“It was the height of the pandemic and we talked for hours at the roof deck of a Quezon City condominium where Sir Ricky had an office at. I told him that I needed his help to get back into show business since I missed acting very much and thought that doors might still open.
Surprisingly, he didn’t even hesitate, and nicely offered to help me get back into the industry, not promising anything because most productions were put to a halt. He simply said that he’ll give me a push, and let’s see which doors will open for me,” he adds.
With patience, prayers, constant affirmation, and encouragement, the tides have turned and Boogie says that he’s finally back and feels like “I found where I belong again.”
After First Lady, Boogie is slated to do an international film to be shot in the Philippines and hopes to be cast in the many new shows that the GMA Entertainment and Drama group will be producing in the months to come.