After taking a two-year hiatus from showbiz, Kapuso actor Tom Rodriguez is re-discovering his love for acting. 

"Siyempre ang tagal ko pong nawala, kaya I really wanna do my best and enjoy the craft. It's like falling in love again, reigniting the passion for acting," Tom said during the sideline interviews at the Ryan Chris fashion show at the Hilton Manila. 

(Of course, I've been gone for a while, so I really wanna do my best and enjoy the craft. It's like falling in love again, reigniting the passion for acting) 

Tom left the Philippines in 2021 after separating from his wife, actress Carla Abellana. The actor has spent two years living in Arizona, while Carla stayed here in the Philippines. 

Although they kept their lives private after the break-up, Tom surprised his fans and celebrity friends when he arrived in the Philippines earlier this year. 

He made his first appearance during "All-out Sunday" on Feb.11, then followed by an episode in "Magpakailanman", where he portrayed the life of Bryan Benedict. 

According to Tom, he still feels overwhelmed with all the support and words of encouragement from his family and friends.

"I've been so overwhelmed with the support, [ang] pinadala kay Popoy [talent manager]. I heard it from my mom and my friends, kahit yung assistant ko naiyak din, kaya it's such a huge compliment for me," Tom shared.

(I've been so overwhelmed with the support. They've been sending it to Popoy [talent manager]. I heard it from my mom and my friends, even my assistant cried too, so it's such a huge compliment for me)

"Kudos to Bryan, I thank him for being such an amazing person. I feel so honored to have been the one chosen to play as him, nakakataba ng puso," he added.

(Kudos to Bryan, I thank for him for being such an amazing person. I feel so honored to have been chosen to play as him, it warms my heart) 

Tom last appeared in the 2021 GMA primetime series "The World Between Us," starring Alden Richards and Jasmine Curtis-Smith.

Fashion show for a cause

After getting compliments on his recent TV comeback, Tom made another public appearance as he joined Ryan Chris's fashion show and charity gala named "Aspirations and Inspirations." 

The event was a charity gala for the Bahay Aruga (A free halfway house for Pediatric Cancer Patients) Inc. Ryan Chris is known for his notable and elegant designs for both men and women. 

After the show, Ryan thanked all the people who supported the event. He also gave a special message to his mom for supporting him throughout his journey as a designer. 

"Thank you so much, everyone! Tonight, we didn't just celebrate my birthday, we also celebrated the time of giving. Nagpapasalamat din po sa aking Mama, ang babaeng nagturo sa akin kung paano magmahal at magbigay," Ryan said. 

(Thank you so much, everyone! Tonight, we didn't just celebrate my birthday, we also celebrated the time of giving. I am also grateful to my Mom, the woman who taught me how to love and give) 

Garnering over 127 models, the fashion show also features Sparkle artists Kimson Tan, Matthew Uy, Kaloy Tingcungco, Anjay Anson, Brent Valdez, Royce Cabrera, Josh Ford, Seb Pajarillo, Sandro Muhlach, Larkin Castor, and Dylan Menor as they strut on the runway.