Meet Juan Ponce, a 22-year-old school teacher who is slowly but surely making it in show business. Ponce is set to appear in a still-untitled horror movie although he has done several television shows and fashion shoots.
A teacher at the Queen's Row Elementary School in Bacoor, Cavite, Ponce is a board passer who values education a lot. He is an eight child among 10 siblings in the family. The 5'9 hunk recalled he cried when he almost did not go to college for financial reasons. Thanks to his ever supportive family who help and support one another during crisis.
"Pinagmamalaki ko po ang pamilya ko sa ganyang aspeto dahil lahat po kami ay natutulungan. Sa ngayon nakapagtapos na rin kami halos lahat ng pag-aaral at may marangal na buhay naman dahil nag-aral naman ang lahat," said Ponce during an exclusive interview in Quezon City recently.
Ponce is being managed by award-winning fashion designer Edwin Rosas Visda who sees him as a promising talent.
When asked about his best reminders for Ponce on showbiz, Edwin said:"I always remind him about 'pakikisama' in show business. Beyond that, professionalism counts a lot. At dapat maging mabuti kang tao para tumagal ka sa industriyang ito."
Ponce said that he admires people who are more kind-hearted than being intelligent.
"Impress ako sa taong mabait at may puso kesa sa taong matatalino. Dapat ang pagiging mabait isa-puso natin 'yan at hindi sa isipan. Mahirap maging mabait sa tutoo lang kaya believe ako sa mga taong may mabuting-loob," said Ponce, who always reminds his students to practice good manners.
In show business, Ponce said he idolizes Lani Misalucha, Daryl Ong, and Michael Pangilinan.
This early, some of his co-teachers have already made comments about his sexy photo which was uploaded on social media the past weeks. But he tells them that it's just work.
"Napansin kasi nila sexy daw yung photo na nakalagay sa social media account ko at baka raw hindi maganda para sa mga kabataan dahil teacher ako. Ang sabi ko lang sa kanila ay wala naman akong ginagawang masama at sexy pose lang ang nasa photo. Trabaho lang ang lahat," Ponce pointed out.
The upcoming movie talent also said that he teaches his students to work hard and save money if they want to buy something.
"Mahilig ako sa watch and shoes so para makuha ko yun, pinag-iipunan ko talaga sila. Noong bata pa ako, kapag may gusto akong bilhin, tumutulong ako sa mga tita ko sa mga trabaho nila para yung ibibigay nila sa akin, iipunin kolang," he added.
Christmas is fast approaching but Ponce said that he might not be able to join his family to celebrate Christmas in Catanduanes due to showbiz commitments.
"Medyo busy ako rito sa Manila ngayon dahil sa work. Bibili na lang ako ng regalo sa kanila. Sa family namin, although hindi naman kami ganun ka-yaman, mas gusto namin yung regalong naka-balot hindi pera. Ganun na ang nakasanayan namin. May mga surprise na rin akosa kanila ngayong Pasko."