2011 was very fruitful for JM de Guzman, especially since his career took off last year. “Sobrang daming blessings, sobrang blessed year ko [ang 2011]. Masyadong maraming pumasok [gaya ng teleseryeng] Mula Sa Puso, [debut] album, Angelito, Batang Ama. Dito rin ako nasali sa ASAP (via the singing group Boys Are Boys),” he said when Push.com.ph caught up with him backstage at ASAP last January 8.
JM said that his main wish for 2012 is to remain active in the industry. “Sana sa 2012 makapag-invest na ako sa bahay. Gusto ko talaga ng bahay for my family and kung hindi man umangat ‘yung career, sana ma-maintain.”
Push.com.ph also asked the actor-singer if he does not mind being part of a singing group even if he has been launched as a solo singer already. “Okay naman wala namang kaso sa akin,” he assured. “Wala namang naging problema sa akin kasi exposure, tsaka pwede kong maipakita ‘yung talento ko sa pagkanta.”
This is also his reason for feeling pressured even if he has taken on a lead role via the afternoon serye Angelito, Batang Ama. “Meron pa rin (pressure) siyempre, malaki pa rin. Araw-araw pressured pa rin kasi natatakot pa rin ako. Kasi anytime pwedeng lumaylay, anytime so kailangan ko ring mag-ingat.”
However, he is thankful to ABS-CBN management for finally entrusting him with a launching project. This is also why he wants to be on his toes to make the program better. “Overwhelmed. Parang minsan ‘di makapaniwala saka masaya na kinakabahan. Ngayon mas nagiging maingat na ako sa mga galaw ko. Sa pagtatrabaho kailangan maingat na ako, sa pananamit kasi may mga taong nago-observe.”
At the press conference of Angelito, Batang Ama months ago, veteran actress Elizabeth Oropesa (who protrays JM’s character’s mom) praised the actor who still works even if he is sick. JM confessed that he has learned his lesson when he was previously criticized for his shortcomings in his previous program, Mula Sa Puso. “Siguro po dati kasi dun sa Mula Sa Puso naging lesson siya sa akin na andaming naturo sa akin ni Direk Wenn (Deramas) sa pagiging disiplinado maging sa ibang istilo ng approach. Siguro ganun po ako na tipo ‘pag nakita ko ‘yung mistake, ‘di ko na uulitin.”