One of the prominent families that made a mark in Philippine show business back in the 80s carried the last name Lauchengco. There was Raymond, the good-looking singer who was cast as among the five boys who top-billed that time’s most successful youth-oriented flick “Bagets,” and who popularized the classic graduation song “Farewell;” and then there was Menchu, who cornered most of the leading lady roles in local stage productions and musicales, eventually leading to her being called the First Lady of Philippine Theatre. Many years later, after both have gone on semi-retirement, a new Lauchengco is on the wings, waiting for the showbiz curtain to rise for his turn to take the spotlight.
Meet Derick Allen Lauchengco, the reigning Misters of Filipinas Second Prince and most likely, the country’s representative in the next edition of either Mister International or Mister Model Worldwide. Of late, he has also been frequently seen on TV, taking on challenging roles in mostly Regal Studios-produced teledramas. He attributes his interest to be part of the entertainment industry to his having showbiz running in his blood: “Syempre proud ako. Dapat proud ako sa na-accomplish at naabot nung mga nauna po sa atin. Actually, second cousin po sila ng father ko,” he says about his Tito Raymond and Tita Menchu.
While fully aware of how his relatives catered to the more highbrow markets in their forays into the worlds of music and stage, Derick intends his image to be more accessible and relatable to entertainment fans: “Huwag po nating pilitin na mag fit-in po sa kanila. I-improve po natin ang sarili natin na i-overcome po lahat ng weaknesses po natin at gawin po nating strengths.”
In fact, he admits to having a major weakness in his person that he believes can serve as an inspiration to others. He had been diagnosed to be suffering from a speech disorder that makes him stutter from time to time. “Gusto ko pong i-angat yung mga kagaya kong may speech disorder na para maging proud tayo sa sarili natin kailangan po nating i-overcome yung fear, kailangan po nating i-push yung limits na kaya nating gawin, if gusto natin,” says Derick.
At 22, aside from waiting for his turn to hit the international pageant stage later this year, he has had some breakthroughs in his young showbiz career. So far, he has done projects for Regal Studio Presents plus an ongoing teleserye, from Regal Studios and in collaboration with GMA, Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune.
Despite these achievements, Derick keeps himself grounded by keeping this reminder in mind: “Alam po nating swertehan po yan. Talagang maglalaan ka po dyan ng time, hardwork, and syempre po ung pakikisama natin, yun po ang pinaka-importante. Attitude comes first. Balewala yung pagiging magaling mo, balewala yung good looks mo kung hirap kang pakisamahan ng ibang tao.”
Asked what is dream roles are, Derick is quick to reply: “Bata pa po ako, mahilig na po ako sa mga classic films. Cesar Montano, Robin Padilla, Joko Diaz, action. Pagdating naman po sa comedy, Babalu, Redford White, yan po mga gusto ko.”
While packed with washboard abs and tons of sex appeal, the 6-foot stunner still has some hesitations to joining in the sexy bandwagon in his quest for showbiz stardom: “Sa pageantry alam po natin na may segment po na swimwear, kailangan presentable ka. Kailangan maganda katawan mo. Pero sa showbusiness, as a youth, nag-aaral pa po, may limit lang po. May limitations lang po yung klase po ng pagpapasexy. Kailangan po maayos at wholesome pa rin pong tingnan,” he declares.
Currently, a Business Economics major at the Enderun College in BGC, he looks at showbusiness as a stepping stone for an opportunity to eventually serve the people in a bigger way. “Business economics is in line with business and politics. Pangarap ko po kasing maging isang politician and public servant one day,” he reveals.
He points to a fellow Lagunense when asked who his showbiz idol is aside from his relatives: “Si Alden Richards, isa po sya mga tinitingala at ginagawa ko pong model ko pagdating sa show business, humble beginnings po na nauwi sa sobra-sobrang success.”
Gifted with naturally talented genes and a well laid out plan, it becomes quite obvious that it will only be a matter of time for this new Lauchengco to find his own “sobra-sobrang” success in the future, be it in show business or in life.