He misses it.
And so much so.
This is what Arnell Ignacio told us relating showbiz work.
He even intimated how he actually called Viva big boss Vic Del Rosario at one point, asking for a project.
Arnell would go on to address the Viva boss in jest.
"Hoy, Boss Vic, wala na akong ginawa kung hindi mag-workshop. Nag-workshop na ako sa Stella Adler. Nag-workshop pa ako ng RADA - Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Nag-workshop pa ako kay Malou de Guzman. Tinatanong nga nila ako bakit workshop ako ng workshop e wala naman akong project..."
His admission came as a surprise knowing how busy he is as Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) head.
There is also his hair replacement business, Creative Hair Systems, which has opened a new branch in Visayas Avenue.
But Arnell maintained, "Iba kasi ang trabaho sa showbiz. Masaya."
"I think with proper time management I could do it," he added.
His wish is to land a hosting gig, pointing out: "Ang pagho-host sa akin, hindi trabaho yan e. Kapag kinuha ako, wala akong limit. Una, madaldal din ako. Hindi ako nag-i-script. I just get all the things I say out of what I see."
But asked as to what show he wants to join, "E.A.T.," "Eat Bulaga," or "It's Showtime," Arnell laughed.
"Parang mahirap yatang sagutin yan," he said.
He was quick to add, however, "Ang tanong, tatanungin ba ako? Hindi naman ako tatanungin."
But what if?
He said, "Basta sabi nga ni pastor kung ano yung ibigay sayo, tanggapin mo lang at do it very well. Anything that would be given to you ay magpapasalamat ka. At I hope that the Lord will guide me as to the choice that I will make."
"Duon sa three noontime shows, I think they are all doing very well. Ngayon pa lang, sasabihin ko na: Thank you for providing noontime entertainment for the whole Philippines."
As to acting projects, Arnell wants something that is totally out of the box, something that people will not expect from him.
"Pero kunyari I will come out as Arnell Ignacio, aba'y hind naman pu-pwede na magkakandirit ka ng landi duon e ikaw ay government official. Pero kung bibigyan ka ng role that calls for mga eksena, at alam naman ng mga taong role lang yun, gusto ko talaga off-beat."
If ever, he would like to try his hand as antagonist, relating he has not portrayed one.