Eduard Bañez

Ex-Nickelodeon star Eduard Bañez is still grateful despite the challenges as a Filipino in the US.

“I’m grateful for having gone through the trial I went through,” he said. “It’s very scary here in the US—asian hate crimes are everywhere. It’s a lot. But I’m very tough. Some people pa here are trying to hack my accounts. I don’t know what’s going on. It has to stop,” he added.

The US-based artist said he had a harder time fitting in. Though many Asian artists are getting their flowers now, the former Star Magic artist believes that Asian hate crimes are still around and that every day he has to work hard to prove himself.

The side comments and the feelings of not belonging are the two worst things he emphasized. “But I’m happy na Filipino community here is very strong. Laban lang.”

“Asian hate here is very wide. I wanted to make an impact in the community by increasing visibility. Kasi dapat nilang makita ‘yung value natin as a human. We are working so hard kaya sana ‘yung respeto nandun,” he told Manila Bulletin.

Bañez added, “Kapag napapanood ko sa tv na ang daming nakaka-experience ng asian hate, nalulungkot ako. We should treat people equally and gracefully.”

When asked if he has plans on going back to the Philippines and revive his showbiz career, the former MTV Asia host replied, “Of course. Nami-miss ko na ang Pilipinas. Iba kasi mag-welcome ang mga Pilipino. Nami-miss ko rin ang mga pagkaing Pinoy.”

He happily announced that he’s producing shows when he comes back. He plans to mount Ed Sheeran and Sia’s concerts in the country once he returns from the US.

“Naka-work ko na ang Team nina Ed Sheeran and Sia for my music video. They were very nice and welcoming. Sana matuloy ang pangarap kong concerts na ipro-produce ko,” Bañez shared.

Missing his showbiz career in the Philippines, Bañez was in the Star Magic Batch 15 alongside Megan Young, Jessy Mendiola, and Bela Padilla.

His learnings being a dreamer outside the country: “Accept who you are. Be happy on what you get. What you did is what you will get. Being successful is a process of determination,” he ended.