Bugoy Drilon is among celebrities who know all about the probinsyano aiming to make it in the big city. After all, it’s his dream come true.
Dubbed the "farmer's son" on "Pinoy Dream Academy," he traveled all the way from Camarines Sur to pursue a singer career in Metro Manila. He rose to fame by landing second place in that reality singing competition.
In a recent interview, Bulletin Entertainment asked Bugoy to share his thoughts on the government’s Balik Probinsya program, which aims to decongest Metro Manila in light of lessons learned especially in this time of global health crisis.
"In my perspective, the government should provide more work opportunities in provinces. Coming from my experience, it's true na tumatakbo talaga dito sa Manila para mag-trabaho. I think dapat lahat ng opportunities, i-distribute ang mga businesses sa rural areas. In that way, mas mag-gu-grow din ang ekonomiya natin," he said.
Bugoy planned to go home to Camarines Sur when the lockdown was imposed. He set aside the idea, however, upon realizing he still needs to work in order to provide for his parents who live there.
"Naisip ko nga na that would have been a good opportunity para makapag-bond ako with my family. Ang problema, paano ako makakapagwork kapag umuwi ako doon eh walang internet doon," said he, who has been relying on performing online since the pandemic escalated. "Pwede rin sana na yung parents ko ang pumunta dito kaya lang napakasimple lang nila talaga. Ayaw nila eh. Gusto nila sa probinsya lang. Ako naman, bilang breadwinner wala akong choice but to provide for my family."
Speaking of work, will he appear as guest performer on other networks too now that ABS-CBN failed to renew its franchise?
Reiterating that he will always be grateful to ABS-CBN, Bugoy said he is just here to work wherever one can be found.
"Malaki po ang utang na loob ko sakanila. Sila ang nagbukas ng pintuan sa'kin. They actually changed not only my life, but the life of my entire family," he said of the Kapamilya network.
"However, I just want to work. Kung ano pong blessing ang dumating, hindi ko po yun tatanggihan. Yung interes po ng pamilya ko ang unang concern, kaya kung may mag-ooffer po from other network, nandito lang po ako para magtrabaho."
Outside show business, Bugoy has several business ventures. He invested in a water refilling station and a gym.
He also released his newest song "Impossible Love;" about love facing challenges whether it be distance or cultural differences or other romantic conflicts. He and his team from the U.S. wrote, produced, and recorded “Impossible Love” during this COVID-19 lockdown.