Nickelodeon star Eduard Bañez on SoNA, being Filipino
‘The experiences in the entertainment industry made me a better man and person.’
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‘The experiences in the entertainment industry made me a better man and person.’
Former Star Magic talent and Nickelodeon star Eduard Bañez said in a recent online interview, “I left my heart in the Philippines. I miss the warm smiles and congeniality of my kababayans (fellow Filipinos). There is a happy chaos in Manila, yes, but one still feels that life is easy because you are home. There is rhythm and excitement on the streets. Nothing compares to our food. Our biggest resource is, of course, tayong mga Filipino mismo (we Filipinos ourselves). We are passionate. We are diligent. We persevere. We find means and ways. We look for solutions. We believe in dreams and make them into realities.”
Bañez also said: “In terms of our history and heritage, traditions and practices, humanity and sincerity, faith and God-given talents, these, I believe, are the aspects that make us the richest.”
The former Star Magic Batch 15 artist (whose batchmates were Megan Young, Bela Padilla, Jessy Mendiola, Jon Avila and Edgar Allan Guzman) currently works as a health and physical education teacher at Ralph Waldo Emerson Middle School in Beverly Hills.
“My being a teacher now has grounded me in mentorship, discipline and the importance of imparting values,” Bañez said. “I am passionate about teaching. To the children I teach, I give not just my time, but my attention. I observe them while they are doing the exercises and routines. I encourage them to play, run and enjoy their sweat. I teach them to be competitive and emphasize the value of friendship, team spirit and sportsmanship.”
He continued: “Being in the US, I have done odd and serious jobs. I have met and worked with ordinary people and VIPs. I grabbed and did not waste small and big opportunities. And the reason I am still standing, talking to you, smiling, hopeful, happy with my students and counting my blessings every day is because of my being Filipino. As one song said, may agimat ang dugo ko (My blood is infused with power). May agimat ang dugo nating mga Filipino (All Filipinos have power in their blood).”
Dream interview
The State of the Nation Address by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. excites the former host.
“I am aware, monitoring, reading, and thinking about the present political situation and living conditions in Manila,” said Bañez. “What President BBM will report in his address will show us where we are at the moment, whether the promises made in his last address were realized, how much of it is truthful, and what is plain rhetoric.”
If he gets the opportunity to sit down with President Marcos Jr., what would his talking points be?
Bañez answered: “Well, my first talking point would be about the Middle East crisis. What are the concrete plans he has to cushion its blow to the masses and the middle class, given the fact that because of the tension between the USA and Iran, developing economies like ours are the most affected?”
“I will also inquire how he plans to address the fact that the Philippines has some of the most expensive power rates in the world. What are the solutions being offered by the key government offices on energy to address this oppressive matter?”
“We have been most politic with the West Philippine Sea situation, and China is standing firm in bullying us and challenging our sovereignty. Kailan tayo kakasa (When are we going to step up)?” Bañez added.
Apart from political questions, Bañez said: “I want to ask him how he is as a father. What are the words of wisdom he has passed down to his sons on romance and relationships? And what is the special song he has for First Lady Liza?”
Will he ever go back to show business? That was my final question to Bañez.
His quick reply: “No. I had my time. I enjoyed every minute of it. The experiences in the entertainment industry made me a better man and person. In case I do change my mind about being in the entertainment industry, it will no longer be in front of the camera. I want to create and produce content.”
