FROM the moment he stepped into the Big Brother house during the first edition of Pinoy Big Brother Teens on ABS-CBN, Joaqui Mendoza was controversial. Many found him to be abrasive, and mayabang. That is, until that incident where a mouse was placed in the house. He ran, screamed and shrieked, making him seem finally human to the audience.

Since then, Joaqui has been seen regularly on TV. Besides guestings on ABS-CBN shows, he will soon be in a movie from Star Cinema and an upcoming teleserye.

Hey, how’s everything so far with you?

Everything is doing quite well. I have my work, my taekwondo, and I’m an incoming junior in Ateneo de Manila University taking up Communication Arts, majoring in advertising and public relations. 

Why Communication Arts?

I’ve always been fascinated with media and how they work. I also feel the need to maximize my creativity. Options in this field are very diverse, too. I’m already working on-cam, and it will definitely helps me if I know what’s going on behind the scenes, too.

You’re still a full-time student in Ateneo even if you’re deep into a showbiz career?

Yup. My mom imbibed in us to prioritize our education. I don’t even underload.

Thank God, most of my work is on a weekend or after school and, now, during vacations.  

But you’re also an athletic scholar...

I am part of the taekwondo team of Ateneo, so I enjoy that privilege. It’s just a matter of prioritizing and balancing your life.

I don’t have a formula on how I do it. I just attack the day and schedule everything.  

But does that mean you don’t have a social life? Girls?

(Laughs) Like I said, it’s just a matter of prioritizing. They’re in there, too. (Chuckles) 

So what’s your type of girl?

I’m not into physical appearances. She has to be a good conversationalist. Someone who is sociable, or at least someone who is willing and able to withstand my being talkative. Silence for me is dullness.  

You’re now doing a movie for Star Cinema and a soap opera as well.

I don’t know if I’m allowed to divulge any information about it already but it’s fun doing those projects. The movie is very different from the usual types, so I’m quite excited when that comes out. It’s a youth-oriented movie but not the usual formulaic one. As for the teleserye, it’s lots of fun to do, too, because I play a gay character. 

Did you have any hesitations accepting the role?

If you’re talking about people thinking that I’m one, I don’t care. I’m just acting and I know what and who I am. Before entering the business, I usually didn’t care what people thought about me. But now that I’m in it, I would consider whatever is said but only take the constructive ones and learn from those. People tagging me as being gay, because I portray one in a show, wouldn’t affect me. If they comment on how I act, like if in one scene I wasn’t convincing as a gay guy, then that would affect me. 

So what do you think of gay people?

They’re fun to be with. I know a number of gay people and they’re smart, witty and funny.  

So are you gay?

I’m happy! (Laughs hard)

So you want more ‘Sex’?

HOLLYWOOD worships so-called four-quadrant films: movies that draw males and females both young and old. Sex and the City: The Movie might appeal to only a single audience slice, but its following among older women already is so robust that the film could soon prove its doubters wrong.

Gab Fab: Joaqui keeps his head straight

FROM the moment he stepped into the Big Brother house during the first edition of Pinoy Big Brother Teens on ABS-CBN, Joaqui Mendoza was controversial. Many found him to be abrasive, and mayabang. That is, until that incident where a mouse was placed in the house. He ran, screamed and shrieked, making him seem finally human to the audience.

Drinking in Europe

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