JOHN LLOYD Articles

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JOHN LLOYD Spills the Beans on Yuri

Dream Wedding (continuation)
StarStudio Magazine, June 2003
by: Tinz Fregilla

(Based on an interview with JOHN LLOYD Cruz who plays Yuri in Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay.)

Were you able to find out that Katrina had a crush on you when she was still young?

No. Hindi ko nalaman na naging crush niya ako.

But when you saw her eight years after did Katrina revealed it to you?

Hindi rin. Hindi ko kasi alam na siya si Katrina Argos.

Since you didn't recognize her as Katrina, did you feel something special for her?

Yes, iba kasi siya. Siya 'yung naka-break noong mga lines ko na "ngayon lang ako ulit nakaramdam ng ganito." Na after eight long years, eto magmamahal na naman ako. Sa loob ng period na 'yun noong magmula namatay ang tatay ko naging player ako.

Was it not because of Heleana?

Hind e. Basta wala nang importansiya sa akin ang mga babae. Na ang perception ko sa mga babae na darating yan mawawala din.

Even with Katrina, you were just playing or you fell in love the first time you saw her?

Katrina Argos caught my attention. It was love at first sight. Kahit napahiya ko na siya sa harapan ng classmates niya kasi nag-debate kami noon about the amendment of the constitution sa lecture hall nila.

Pinahiya mo siya but you came to the University a couple of times just to see her?

Actually, hindi ko naman siya napahiya. I just proved my point that I am correct. Binalik-balikon ko siya kasi iba siya. Hindi siya katulad ng mga ordinaryong babae na nakikilala ko. She's a unique gal. It was the first time that I was turned down by a girl and that never happens. 'Yung talaga ang naka-attract sa akin. So I decided na balik-balikan siya.

It was love at first sight but you didn't know that she was Katrina Argos?

Bago ko nalaman ang totoo matagal din kaya pala sobra na lang ang pagtatago niya and with that I was already freely falling in love with her.

When the truth came out were you hurt or walang lang kasi player ka naman?

Matagal ko din bago nalaman ang totoo. So noong nalaman ko without her knowing e na-shock siya. Kaya pala madami siyang excuses everytime I would like to visit her at their house. Ako rin nga na-shock kasi 'yung minamahal ko ngayon ay sister ng ex-girlfriend ko. Nag-away talaga kaming dalawa.

In short nasaktan ka?

Yes, because that time I was ready, so ready for a new relationship. So kung kailan naramdaman ko ulit biglang mawawala na naman.

Describe Katrina 8 years ago?

Ang pangit niya. You won't mind her. Wala talaga kasi that time Heleana caught my attention.

You weren't interested with her even before?

Interesado naman akong makilala siya. I remember when I used to visit Heleana at their house, tumutugtog si Kat ng piano so naririnig ko. I was amazed with her talent in playing the piano. Sobra siyang mahiyain and aloof siya sa mga tao actually sa lahat kahit bisita. For sure kapag may bisita tumatakbo na 'yan sa roon niya.

Why did you mind her after 8 years?

Noong first time ko siyang nakita sa lecture hall. Pak! A totally different Katrina Argos. Wala nang braces and she was able to overcome her shyness may confidence na. Iba na talaga siya maybe because of all the trials that came her way na rin and from our debate she stood by her argument. Possibly one of the factors that changed her was me. Actually, kilala niya na ako si Yuri na hate na hate niya tapos tumatak pa sa isip niya na sinaktan ko 'yung ate niya, di ba? Pero inspite of that minahal pa rin namin ang isa't isa.

So what's the most cherished moment with her?

When I asked her to join me at our outing. Wala talaga kaming problema dun at hindi kami nag-iiyakan. 'Yung bang free kaming gawin lahat na hindi kelangang magtago. But it was the moment na naiyak siay and she was telling me that she loves me tapos sabi ko bakit lagi kang umiiyak kapag sinasabi mong mahal mo ko nakakalungkot ba akong mahalin? 'Yung pagsama niya sa outing only means one thing na handa na niyang tanggapin na maging kami.

How far would you go for Katrina?

All the way. Handa akong ipaglaban ang pagmamahal ko sa kanya.

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Matinee Idol

S Magazine, September 2003



JOHN LLOYD Cruz at 20 is a picture of a full-grown fine young man. Far from when he started as a member of Star Circle Batch 5 and then with the trio, Koolits, but still very much oozing with that young man's zest for life. Having spent six years in the entertainment business, his enthusiasm for his chosen career as an actor has not waned down a bit. In fact, he feels he is just beginning his trek and a long road is laid in front of him waiting to be explored.
Screen Sweethearts

BUT what he lacks, he says is career planning on his part. "I know I should have that. Wala ako nu'ng five or ten years from now, how do I see myself. I tend to depend on people who are handling my career. Siguro dahil may tiwala ako sa kanila and I know that they know what to do with my career. Kaya siguro ganu'n."

But the young actor stresses that his mother studio, ABS-CBN 2, is very open to suggestions coming from him. "Sometimes, I tell them (Talent Center people) what I really want to do, pero alam kong hindi lahat puwede ko nang gawin agad. Mas alam nila 'yun dahil matagal na sila sa industriya. They know how to handle things, kaya ako, sumusunod lang."

Like being paired to young actresses as screen sweethearts, First there was Kaye Abad in the teen oriented TV series Tabing Ilog, and now there's Bea Alonzo in the soap Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay.

JOHN LLOYD recognizes the advantages as well as the disadvantages of having a screen love teammate. "I think it's advantageous in the sense that madali kayong makilala dahil nandu'n yung kilig factor. Ang dami kaagad na mga kaedad n'yo ang nakaka-identify sa inyo. And I think it's part of the culture in the Philippines movies, eh. Parang lahat dumadaan sa mga loveteam-loveteam.

"And not only you become 'saleable', but with the team-up, natututo kang makipagtrabaho sa iba; nagkakaroon ka ng kaibigan; nagkakaroon ka ng responsibilidad na kailangan okay kayo ng ka-partner mo, which leads to helping each other."

But the downside is, "it limits you in doing roles that you really want to do. Like ako, nag-iisip ako ng something na importante talaga; 'yung marerecognize ako. Dati hindi ko pa 'yun naiisip dahil bata pa ako, pero ngayon, I feel that it's important na.

"With a love teammate, parang may hindrance na I can't do the roles pa that I really want to do, kasi baka hindi bumagay. Baka mag-conflict sa image ko because I'm maintaining pa a loveteam," explains JOHN LLOYD, and then adds, "But I'm 20 pa lang naman. Marami pa akong time. And as I said nga, alam naman ng mga nag-aalaga sa career ko kung ano ang dapat gawin sa akin."

Personal Life

Does having a screen sweetheart not get in the way of his personal life? Everybody knows that he and young actress Ciara Sotta is very much on at the moment.

"Sa akin, what's personal is personal," he answeres. "I can say na hindi naaapektuhan ng trabaho ang personal life ko because I don't allow my personal life to get into my work. Ganu'n lang naman 'yun. Kung hahayaan mo, mangyayari talaga 'yun."

Exactly the reason why he quickly begs off to answer queries concerning him and Ciara. "Whatever we have, sa amin nalang 'yun," he explains. "It's more than enough that we know the truth. Kasi, the more we publicly talk about our relationship, the more people will intrude or start intruding. Kaya nga I've been saying to everyone, it's a matter of respect na lang."

"Celebrities are public property" is an aphorism that JOHN LLOYD isn't buying. "It's not true na 'pag artista ka, public property ka. Nobody owns you. You have your right," he philosophies. "Ako, I strongly believe na nasa akin pa rin 'yun. Kung ano 'yung napi-feel kong dapat sa akin lang muna, puwede kong lagyan ng wall. Ikaw ang magdidikta kung hanggang saan lang ang puwede kang pakialaman. Ikaw ang magdu-draw ng line kung hanggang saan lang."

JOHN LLOYD is much comfortable talking about his screen sweetheart, Bea. He has nice words for her although they are quite new as a love tandem. "She is nice to work with dahil from the very beginning, hindi ko siya nakitaan ng kung anumang negative trait," he says. "She's very hardworking and very patient. In fact she's more patient that I am."

"One thing good about her is she's very eager to learn. She takes criticisms positively and never gives up. Ang tiyaga niya."

Of course he finds her pretty. "Maganda siya dahil she has different feature. Half-Brit, half-Pinay kasi sya. She grew up here with her mom kaya very Filipina ang upbringing."

Las August, he and Bea have started shooting for a flick under Star Cinema, their first big screen exposure as a loveteam. "It's a twin bill featuring us (him and Bea) and the loveteam of John Pratts and Heart Evangelista," he enthuses.

JOHN LLOYD smiles when asked how it feels to be young and sikat. "I'm not sikat," he humbly objects. But sikat or not, he admits that there are things that he missed as a teenager having started in showbusiness at an early age of 14.

"Na-miss ko 'yung high school life dahil I have to make do with home studies because of my schedules," he says. "Eh, 'pag ganu'n naman, you easily get bored dahil mag-isa ka lang, kaya hininto ko rin."

If his schedule would let him, he still plans to carry on with his studies, hopefully in a "normal" school this time. "Gusto ko pa rin makatapos ng kurso," he reveals. "Hindi ko pa alam kung anong course basta gusto ko lang may matapos."

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the Cruz Control

By: Jerome Gomez
Star Studio Magazine, September 2003




As Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay closes its final chapter this month, JOHN LLOYD Cruz, the hot young actor of the moment, reflects on his party-hardy past, his never wanting to be an actor, and finally learning to love his craft.

For a guy who used to party like there was no tomorrow, JOHN LLOYD Cruz doesn't look so bad. True, the dark circles under his puppy dog eyes need a retouch of concealer every so often for the cameras. But the circles are not anymore products of those all-nighter gimiks that often went on until early morning.

It's an afternoon at the Talent Center's lounge area and the soap star, clad in slim black shirt, arrow-straight denim jeans and sleek square-toed shoes, fresh from a full eight-hour sleep and a new haircut, is being asked to take us back to those party-hardy days.
He replies with that famous sheepish grin. He was around 16-17 then, he says, when he and his friends didn't see the need to call it a night because, hey, all of them were still up and there was always another bar to close. He misses those days. He sits back on the gray sofa and smiles at the memory. "That was the time na, 'Sarap nito! Baka wala nang ganito. Let's seize the day!' "
Last June, he turned 20 and, for now, all that's in the past - the party-hardy days, not the "seize-the-day" part, JOHN LLOYD, if you haven't noticed, is the hot young actor of the hour. He headlines the highest-rater of all the teleseryes, Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay, Tabing Ilog, the Sunday drama he shares with other stars from this Star Circle batch, is still going strong on its fifth year; the love story that involves his character and that of Kaye Abad's remains the program's main focal point.

And then there are the product endorsements. He's the new image model for the clothing line Blue Soda and footwear brand Outland. There's that little sanitary napkin and that whitening soap, too - both targeted for female consumers but curiously relying on the association with this male celebrity endorser. Come October, just after Kay Tagal's final book comes to a close, his first feature film, My First Romance, where he stars with her small-screen partner Bea Alonzo, is due for the movie houses. Talk about seizing the day.

"I never wanted to be an artista," says the boy who still dreams of becoming a pilot. "When I was growing up, every Sunday we had a family gathering, so we always watched mga Sunday noontime shows. My cousins, nababaduyan sila, 'Yuck, artista.' " And then a talent agent spotted him. "napilit nu'ng discoverer 'yung parents ko. Sabi nila dapat lang huwag ma-affect 'yung studies, so sinbukan ko."

His dad's business of selling marble wasn't doing as well as it used to. The family, which includes his mother Aida and two brothers, was struggling financially and the 14-year-old wanted to help. He was launched as part of Koolits, the trio of boys that included Baron Geisler and Marc Solis. Even with a regular stint at ASAP, the group never took off. He became the family's breadwinner when Tabing Ilong came.

"I learned to love the job lang after a year or so (in show biz), but not the craft," he says. "A year ago, du'n ko lang na-realize na 'Ay, ganito pala, ito pala 'yung craft na gusto ko.' " This was the time Kay Tagal arrived. It was also the break that would make him a star. That his name is now in the same privileged ranks as Piolo Pascual and Jericho Rosales is not surprising. He has that Piolo air of mystery, and Jericho's easy, approachable charm. He is Piolo but cooler and Jericho but more laidback. Like the two, he is steadfast in becoming a serious actor. The only difference, perhaps, is that their passion doesn't seem to occupy their minds the way it does JOHN LLOYD's.

Whoever said it's easy to be an actor should have a session with the guy. And it's best to take him seriously because, after all he's already got notices. In 2001, Jericho lost in the Best Actor category of Star Awards for TV. He talks about getting into further, losing JOHN LLOYD and embracing other personalities totally different from his. Like that of Rovic, the young father in Tabing Ilog, or Yuri, the vengeful son and lawyer in Kay Tagal (some text missing)
"I'll tell you what," he says, "Kapag mas bata ka, mas sensitive ka, madaling umarte, mas madaling umiyak. hindi mo pa alam yung craft so hindi mo ma-meet 'yung dalawa. Andun yung lines pero hindi mo alam kung paano mo i-deliver. As you grow old, you learn the craft but your emotions nagfe-fade out. If I'd been playing a role for a long time, mas pwedeng mag-endure sa isang pain for so long kase tatagal, matatanggap mo na 'yan, lilipas na 'yan, mawawala na 'yan, so du'n pumapasok yung craft. You get into the character, you learn techniques."

"Kaya as an artist, minsan gusto ko ng sakit eh, I'd love to welcome pain because I know it will help me in a way with my craft. So, parang, 'Come on, give it to me!' "

This is, the pain outside of the scripts come in trickles, if they come at all. The last time he was in major news was not even about him; it was about his girlfriend Ciara Sotto's rumored attempted suicide. Before that, the two had a sort of falling out and the gossip mills were citing this temporary break-up as cause for Ciara's being rushed to St. Luke's Hospital. The Sunday that followed, the young singer-actress celebrated her birthday in ASAP and she would tell her guest, cousin Mico Sotto, "Sana ikaw na lang boyfriend ko kase pinaglalaban mo girlfriends mo." JOHN LLOYD chose to be quiet about all this, and now he and Ciara are a couple again.
Are there things about being an actor, one with the kind of popularity he now possesses, that keep him from living a more interesting personal life? "An actor's life is very interesting," he says. "Dami mo nakikilala, dami mong nagagawa. Feeling ko being an actor is a journey, portraying different roles. Parang ang sarap kase. Parang may nabubuksan kang isang side sa buhay mo. Hindi naman siya talaga nangyayari sa buhay mo pero parang, 'Ganito pala dito, dami mong nae-explore, kung saan-saan ka nakakarating. Actually it won't stop you from being someone or something. Siyempre merong downside, unang una, being an artista, nag-suffer studies ko, (and) time for my family (which) I'm trying to regain now."

The studies part is what he really wants to come back to, except that his schedule won't permit him yet (he was a sophomore under the Distance Learning Center when he stopped). For the teleserye alone, he tapes two to three times a week, from sun up to sun down. So he's trying to make the most of this moment. And getting as much life lessons as he can. "I find it more interesting kung nasaan ako ngayon. Alam ko importante pag-aaral pero mas masarap na teacher yung experience eh."

Indeed, where else would he rather be? In a club partying? He smiles again. It's part of group up, he says, taking this path that chooses to be more focused on this career, and this craft he's learned to love. After all, before he decided to meet Ciara's mom Helen Gamboa for the first time to ask for permission to court her daughter, he promised to himself that he would leave the party-hardy days behind.

"Alam ko, 'yung having fun, hindi mo mababayaran 'yan," he says. Never mind that he still doesn't get as much sleep as he wants, or that sometimes he still misses those non-stop all-nighters. Never mind the concealer retouches. For now, those things under his eyes are like badges of honor that say this boy's grown up, working hard and with the dark circles to prove it.

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45 Things You Don't Know About Idan

Star Studio Magazine, September 2003



1. He was born June 24, the feast day of St. John the Baptist, and that's where his parents Aida and Luisito got his name.

2. As a toddler, JOHN LLOYD has his favorite unan. 'Pinipirut-pirot niya ang dulo ng unan habang dumedede para makatulog," reveals his mom.

3. When he was eight months old, JOHN LLOYD was hospitalized due to measles and diarrhea which nearly took his life.

4. While some people call him "LLOYDY," his real nick is "Idan." Don't ask us why.

5. JOHN LLOYD was always in the "star" section and on the top ten students' list when he was a grade schooler.

6. His favorite subjects were Science and Pilipino.

7. He played a saint in a street parade when he was in Grade 6.

8. As a young boy, JOHN LLOYD was always prone to indigestion, "Mahina ang pantunaw," says his mom Aida.

9. There was a time when he lost so much weight and got so thin that his mom reprimanded him for playing roller blades in the streets everyday.

10. He was never bullied by his two older brothers even though he is the bunso.

11. He still plans to go back to school and fulfill his dreams of becoming a pilot.

12. Igoy, or Rodrigo, is his favorite cousin because they went to the same school. Igoy is his "gimmick" partner until now.

13. JOHN LLOYD nearly drowned when he was seven years old during a family outing in Olongapo. "Tumaob ang salbabida niya," his mom recalls.

14. The songs "Cruisin" and "Just Once" are enough to set him in a romantic mood.

15. He loves rock music as well.

16. He has this wooden box that turns into a drum which he likes to play with during his free time to de-stress himself.

17. JOHN LLOYD has a guitar and has just started getting the hang of strumming it.

18. You can't force him to eat okra because he hates its slimy texture.

19. He pigs out on seafoods, especially crabs.

20. Everytime he eats out with friends or family, expect to see him bringing out some of the food and giving them to street children.

21. He loves Chippy, the original barbeque flavor in red pack.

22. "Dilis na sinawsaw sa suka na may sili," according to Kay Taga co-star Bea Alonzo, is his favorite snack during taping lulls.

23. JOHN LLOYD needs utmost concentration when he's eating. He doesn't like people talking to him when he's having a meal.

24. JOHN LLOYD is not a coffee drinker, instead he goes for juice as a morning pick-upper, and only occasionally drinks milk.

25. His favorite sawsawan that goes well with his pritong isda is dinurog na sampalok with patis.

26. His favorite breakfast fare is tinapa and (some text missing)

27. He spends an average of 10 minutes in the bathroom.

28. He always has trouble deciding what to wear. "Nakakasampung palit muna ng damit 'yan, bago makapag-decide kung ano ang isusuot," says his dad Luis.

29. He loves his shoes. When SSM shot him for the JOHN LLOYD-Bea June 2003 cover, his shoes were still inside the original box.

30. According to Bea, JOHN LLOYD always arrives on the set of Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay in shorts and white shirt.

31. He always has a strawberry-flavored lip balm on hand. That explains why Yuri's lips look so kissable on- and off- screen.

32. "'Pag nag-internalize sya as Yuri, he walks to and fro biting his lips," according to Bea.

33. He always forgets his shades and that's why he ends up borrowing that of his road manager's.

34. Not too long ago, during a provincial show in Bicol, the hotel they were billetted in caught fire, JOHN LLOYD got really sad because he wasn't able to save his favorite white K-Swiss rubber shoes. He didn't know that Grace, his road manager that time, was able to save the shoes because she was the last to run out from the hotel.

35. His handler in ABS-CBN's Talent Center, Neneth Roxas, says JOHN LLOYD loves being with kids, especially his mga pamangkin.

36. JOHN LLOYD would make an effective secret agent because he loves to scrutinize details of anything he comes across with, especially during on-location trips. "Pagpasok sa hotel, expect mo na kukutingtingin niya 'yung ilaw. Bubuksan ang mga drawer, ang ref at kung anu-ano pa," says Tess Gubi of Talent Center.

37. He gives his earnings to his mom until now, "humihingi lang siya ng panggastos," says Mommy Aida.

38. He has a hair whorl (puyo) on his forehead.

39. Because of his puyo sa noo, JOHN LLOYD is forbidden to travel by water because it is believed this will lead him to end up in an accident.

40. He never misses good films but he hates watching movies during premiere nights.

41. Before he was discovered, his favorite local TV show was Gimik. Little did he know that he'd be on of the stars of the youth-oriented program.

42. He is allergic to pain relievers which cause his eyes to swell.

43. "Three times siyang nabagok nuong bata. Isa po sa isang jeep. Kaya po siya ganu'n," says Bea.

44. Wonder why he always look fresh and rested despite the puyatan during tapings? JOHN LLOYD takes naps during lulls. Sleeping is one of his "talents," because according to his current road manager, Danilyn, "madali siyang makatulog."

45. Don't be led to think that he's as reserved and quiet as we see him on TV. When he's in a playful mood, he likes to tickle his close friends--to death. His favorite attack are? "Sa may bilbil," says on friend.

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It Might Be Her

Teenstar, 2004
by: Diana Casacop



JOHN LLOYD Cruz isn't someone who's born with a silver spoon in his mouth... rather someone who is born with talents coupled with charisma to make it a star.

Unlike his screen parther Bea Alonzo, this actor has an impressive record of shows tucked in his belt. He's been part of Palibhasa Lalake, ASAP, Kaybol, G-mik and Tabing Ilog. The latter is where he was able to first showcase his acting range, more so when he joined soap princess Judy Ann Santos in Sa Puso Ko Iingatan Ka.

Ask why he's in showbiz, he'll tell you because he needs to-- at the same time curious to know how it is to be in the work of show business.

"I never dreamed to be in show biz. I wanted to be a soldier, a marine, and then a scientist, but my fond dream is to be a pilot. When I go back to school, maybe I should take up a course in flying.

He had undergone extensive training in acting, personality development and physical enhancement to actually fit in. Now, he does a lead part in ABS-CBN soap It Might Be You-- after the higly successful Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay. The said soap taught him so many things in acting and gave the biggest break in his career for it made him an instant popular. JOHN LLOYD, along with Bea, has a box-office movie to boot (My First Romance). He, too, got a lot of endorsements after-- Urban Bags, Outland Sandals, Blue Soda, Libresse, Sarah Lee, Silka-- and still counting. What else could he ask for?

Reality check, one can't have it all. If you have fame, you can't have a good, lifetime relationship. They say, that's the prize show biz personalities, at least most of them, get. Should we say that now includes JOHN LLOYD?

Everything was going smoothly, with Ciara Sotto, the ever understanding and supportive former girlfriend of JOHN LLOYD. The ex-couple tried not to be affected by the favorite tandem on TV thing, but that's how show biz goes. As I said, on can't have both fame and someone to hold on.

Said to have been trying to win Ciara back, JOHN LLOYD is happy to be doing another movie (of course, with Bea, which has a working tie of Because of You), getting good ratings again with It Might Be You and being voted, along with Bea, as the Most Popular Love Team in the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Foundation. Surely, Talent Center is all smiles for the two. Just how in the world were they able to build chemistry with two persons who have a four-year gap?

Mystery must have been playing behind the loveteam, disclosed JOHN LLOYD. "Ang dami pang hindi alam ang mga tao between me and Bea. Let's admit that we have a chemistry. When we execute it's as if it's for real."

Really, as if for real?

"Yes," Bea's quick reply. "Even before Lloydie and I were like that, but we're much okay now. We're becoming comfortable with each other. Just like that. We never takl about ourselves or the intrigues."

Okay, they are not lovers; tell hten just how close they are right now.

"I believe there's a certain level of closeness and certain level of maturity, 'yung maturity ng relasion n'yo. Meaning, talagang we're good friends. We are not close, but she's my friend," JOHN LLOYD said.

He said they met at the audition. He kinda felt awkward because she is just new then, "I thought parang bata," he admitted, but adding that through the soap's (Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay) workshops, he got to know her and has seen the teener's ability to act a role more than her age.

Will they be partners for real? JOHN LLOYD said, It takes time and a long while. They just have to leave it open.

With Bea, she can't tell, but she believes in the so-called destiny-- if you're destined to be partners, no matter what happens, you will still end up with each other.

Should destiny tell JOHN LLOYD "It Might Be Her" after all?

"I just hope, if we ever end up together, there would be no pressure from the outside, he ended."

Is he saying this basing on a past relationship?

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This Good Boy Wants to Change the World

Philippine Daily Inquirer
by: Pam Pastor
August 3, 2007



JOHN LLOYD CRUZ DOESN'T think he's sexy. In fact, Bench's offer to make the 24-year-old actor their next big endorser came as a surprise to him.

"Sa tingin ko lahat ng Bench models may common denominator. They ooze with sex appeal, which I don't have."

The countless camera-armed fans who mobbed the huge Bench store in TriNoma, where this photo shoot was held, obviously don't agree.

But Cruz may have a point. After all, he has been picked to be the face of Bench's new campaign: "Good Boys Wear Bench."

"See?" he says, laughing.

Bench's big boss Ben Chan explains, "JOHN LLOYD was chosen specifically for our clothing line and another product which we are set to reveal later. John is good-looking. He is a matinee idol and a wonderful dramatic actor. More importantly though, he has a clean image that embodies the good qualities of a Bench endorser."

Lifestyle brand

Cruz is happy about this new endorsement. "They treat you like family," he says of bench. But more than that, he has total confidence in the brand. It is not just a clothing brand anymore, he acknowledges, but a lifestyle brand. "They have food, even wipes. Lahat ng kailangan ko as an artista mahahanap ko dito sa store nila, which is great. And hindi nagsa-suffer yung quality ng products nila. Yung clothes maganda ang quality and style, very updated. Magaling."

The actor is a fan of Bench's pique shirts, which he feels fits his taste for basic and classic clothes. "A lot of times, you'll see me wearing preppy clothes. I'm very comfortable with that style."

But he has no problems experimenting with color and style either. "It all depends on my mood. I believe pink is also for men. My style can be provocative, I like to challenge rules. I love skinny jeans and I love neon colors. Through the years, na-liberate yung fashion sense ko."

Soon, images of Cruz will be plastered all over Bench stores in malls around the country ---a full circle moment for the actor whose road to stardom started inside a shopping mall, too.

Flashback

It was 10 years ago when an agent first spotted JOHN LLOYD in a mall where the then 14-year-old was about to watch a movie with two friends. Because this was during the time the very controversial story of a manager who took advantage of his talents was circulating, Cruz tried avoiding him at first.

The talent scout's persistence paid off. Cruz's acting career took off, and with enough hard work he was soon a household name. He has made a number of movies, has raked in acting awards and his soap operas have kept viewers glued to their television screens.

There are many, many things he loves about being an actor -- but you might be surprised what they are. "Fame comes last," says Cruz. "Di mo na iisipin yan eh. I love studying people, human emotions and human interaction. Kung hindi ako naging artista, hindi ko made-develop yun."
Although he expresses frustration with some of the things he has to deal with in the movie world, like people who have no respect for his privacy ("Sana lang mas maging open-minded yung mga tao na kahit artista kami, we're human. We deserve our privacy. It's our right and priviledge to be human beings.") and how he's had to sacrifice time with his family ("Having time to be with my family has become a luxury for me, but they understand"), Cruz remains grateful. After all, the good things outweigh the bad.

He is thankful that he's in an industry that allows him to touch people.

No matter what a big star you are, he notes, you're this small. He holds his thumb and forefinger half an inch apart. When seen you in the global context, you're just a tiny speck, he says. But what amazes him is that as a movie star, he is able to reach people in a special way. When the going gets rough, when he's dead tired, he says, he relives those moments and he is refreshed.

He recalls one unforgettable moment in San Francisco.

"A woman who was probably in her 40s approached me at the ABS-CBN International Head Office in San Francisco. Hindi sya makasalita, nakatingin lang sya sa 'kin, tuwang-tuwa sya, hanggang maiyak sya. Pati ako muntik maiyak. First time mangyari sa akin yung ganun."
Cruz is such a hot star ABS-CBN has cast him in another soap opera called "Maging Sino Ka Man Book 2" with Bea Alonzo, who is co-starring with him in another movie.

"It's a light romance. Ang dami na naming nagawang movie ni Bea. With this one, we're trying to aim for a different approach. I'm excited but at the same time I know it will be challenging. After doing so many soap operas and four movies with Bea, ano pang maibibigay ko?"

Leaving a mark

Perhaps that's one thing that sets Cruz apart from other actors his age. While others are enjoying the fame and the perks of being a celebrity, he is constantly questioning himself, his industry and his abilities.

He says he wants to make movies that will show what is beautiful and what is ugly in this world. He's not content to make movies that merely make people laugh. "You can always do more," he says. "Yung pag lumabas sila ng sinehan, parang nag-leave ng mark yung movie mo. Parang gusto nilang may gawin dahil sa pelikula mo. Hindi mo naman mapipilit lahat ng tao to do something. But one out of ten would be good enough."

It is Cruz's desire to give more meaning to his acting career. "Sana mas mabigyan ko pa ng much more sense yung reason kung bakit ako nandito. Hindi lang yung artista ka, sikat ka, gawa ka ng movie, gawa ka ng album."

You only live once and you're only an actor, he adds, so he wants to be given the chance to do as much as he can. Not merely to earn millions, he points out. He says he wants to leave a mark, to make a difference in the lives of as many people as possible. "I want to change the world," he says. And this might sound cheesy coming from any other person, but his next words were rife with sincerity.

"I want to be more involved with life, to share what's good, to travel doing that. I want to go to the most depressed areas. That's where you'll feel your purpose. I want to do more good things for other people. That's how you pay your rent here on earth. Sabi nila every time you're helping, you're touching people's lives. Pero meron pa akong gustong ma-achieve. Kung kaya naman, bakit hindi?"

In the meantime, Cruz will keep doing what he's been doing --touching people with with his movies and television shows, spending free days relaxing at malls and devoting time to his family.

"You get impatient sometimes. But in my mind, I know there's something very beautiful at the end of the line and gusto kong umabot dun," he says.

If Bench can put this good boy's outlook in a bottle and sell it, then the real world-changing can begin.

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Heartthrob

YES! Magazine Special Issue featuring 100 Most Beautiful Stars
August 2007

On JOHN LLOYD Cruz

The almond-eyed JOHN LLOYD Cruz has many of the physical features that Filipo fans look for in a leading man, says director Lauren Dyogi: "Maputi sya, 'Yong height nya, hindi siya maliit. Soft ang features ng mukha niya, maamo. Most of all, maganda ang mga mata ni JOHN LLOYD. Nagsasalita ang mga mata niya."

Direk Lauren, who handled JOHN LLOYD in the movie All About Love and the soap opera Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay, adds that the actor's personality contribute to his appeal: "Enigmatic kase ang personality nya. He's very quiet. Tahimik lang siya, so hindi mo talaga alam kung ano ang nasa isip niya."

JOHN LLOYD may not have the hunky build of other make stars. In fact, he looks like he still has his baby fat, Lauren points out. "But what puts him in the heartthrob category, first and foremost, ako ang paniwala ko--para siyang si Aga Muhlach. Being a leading man, dalang-dala niya 'yong being in a romantic lead in a dramatic mode...Hindi siya 'yong pa-cute lang. Hindi teenybopper ang appeal niya. May intensity at saka may lalim ang portrayals niya."

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Lloyd, Actually

Mega, September 2007 Issue
by: Michelle Ancheta



Get to know JOHN LLOYD's crazy side as he dishes about love, fame and what he really thinks is sexy.
While most men give rings as proof of their commitment, others have to recover their past, inherit vast amounts of wealth and survive a coma just to say, "I love you". That is, if you're JOHN LLOYD Cruz. In the hit TV series, Maging Sino Ka Man, JOHN LLOYD plays the character Eli, a young man who goes through insurmountable hardships for the sake of his one true love, Jackie (Bea Alonzo). But while the series ended with the couple "living happily ever-after," the appearance of the ominous dark character (Rosanna Roces) seems to suggest otherwise.
In reality however, JOHN LLOYD's life couldn't be more perfect. Being in the industry for almost a decade, he has mastered the tricks of the trade that has earned him the respect and recognition reserved only for the creme de la creme of actors. With a fan base ranging from pubescent teenagers to working women, to retired mothers and even (gasp!) my 90-year-old lola, there's no denying that JOHN LLOYD exudes a charm like no other. Luckily, meg was able to take in some of his charm in this exclusive interview--which inevitably began with the question...
What do you look for in a girl? Character, mystery, interest.
What do you first notice when you see a girl? Hindi talaga ako yung guy na nano-notice first yung physical [appearance]. Pero I don't know, skin tone? Mas unique, mas okay. Medyo on the extremes eh, either kulay ng Brazilian or a little bit on the whiter side, like mga Julianne Moore. I don't know, there's something about freckles na I find very sexy.
How do you know when you really like a girl? If I like a girl hindi ko siya kayang lapitan.
But then how do you get a girlfriend? Pa'no nga ba? (Pauses to think) Hindi ko rin alam eh! (Laughs)
Everyone knows you're very busy, but you still manage to maintain a relationship. How do you do it? I strongly believe sa sense of individuality, especially for [teens]; you should respect your being an individual and aslo dun sa boyfriend mo. Para hindi rin ma-suffocate yung growth. You're still trying to establish your personality and it's a long journey bago mo talaga ma-establish yung sarili mo. Take it easy.
How about you? Do you think you've established who you are? Lahat naman ng nagbibigay ng advice hindi naman nila nagawa e (laughs). Pero that's what I learned, so yun ang masasabi ko. Kung gusto nilang sundin pwede, pero kung ayaw nila and they want to learn the hard way it's up to them.
Now that you're older, have yo discovered anything new about yourself? Nadiscover ko na one can never be too mature for his age kasi parang ang dami mo pa ring hang-ups. Pero ang laki ng nadevelop sa akin and at 24, masasabi ko na kilala ko na yung sarili ko and I'm not trying to be someone I'm not.
Was there ever a time when you weren't comfortable with yourself? Before I reached my 20s medyo awkward, kasi you're trying to fit in. Actually now, may instances pa rin na nangyayari na ganun pero since alam mo na yung gusto mo at alam mo na kung sino ka, parang hindi worth it yung damage. 'Di kagaya nung younger years mo na mapapabarkada ka sa mga maling barkada. Akala mo back then ang cool-cool pero ngayon it's different, kasi alam ko na yung pupuntahan ko diyan.
You seem to be mature for your age. Was there ever a time when you did something crazy? I'm a crazy guy. Feeling ko 'pag pinakawalan ko talaga yung utak ko baka hindi ko ma-handle. Sa mga artista kase, when you try to live your life in a very celebrity-like way, hindi mo na namamalayan na parang you're losing yourself. Ako naman how I live my life, sobrang layo sa pagiging celebrity. What I'm saying is artista ako, pero ako pa rin yung magsasabi how I'm supposed to live my life.
If you weren't a celebrity, what do you think you'd be? I remember my first ambition was to be a soldier, tapos scientist, tapos (like a) typical guy, I wanted to be a pilot.
Is there a dream role you'd like to play? Wala talaga akong dream role. Pero my only thing with regard to [roles] is to be able to portray the most number of characters in this world kahit na yung mga unknown characters.
You've been in the industry for a long time. How do you keep your fans interested? Hindi ko talaga alam. Mind boggling talaga yung appreciation ng tao. Ako siguro, I try to live my life as an actor, to polish my craft kung paano ko gusto. Kasi sinasabi ng ibang mga artista na "Hangga't gusto ako ng tao, nandito ako." Actually baliktad e, hangga't gusto mong magtagal, it's in your hands, it's your call. Hindi [fans] yung magsasabi, andiyan lang naman sila para magbigay ng opinyon sa lahat, to judge you. Pero ikaw, it will depend on how you would want to be judged.
What's your mantra in life or the best advice you've ever received? I read it in an interview with Chris Cornell (of Soundgarden, then Audioslave), he said something like, "Even if you already have exactly the life that you want to have, you still have to change to survive."

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JLC: Find You Niche, Learn What You're Good At

JOHN LLOYD Cruz: “Find your niche, learn what you are good at, and develop it! ”
by: Tinna S. Bonifacio, Jobdb.com Celebrity Profile



Philip Salvador, his co-star in Maging Sino Ka Man , called him “a brilliant actor; one of the best of his generation”. Intense and brooding, but immensely talented—that is JOHN LLOYD Cruz. The 2007 Star Awards Best Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Gabriel ‘Eli’ Roxas in Maging Sino Ka Man has trod a long and difficult path to fame, and it’s only now that his sacrifices have finally started to pay off.
Getting his first break in ABS-CBN’s youth-oriented shows like Tabing Ilog , and graduating to more demanding dramatic parts like that of hotshot young lawyer Yuri Orbida in Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay (where his love team with Bea Alonzo was born), JOHN LLOYD’s career is a lesson in patience and a living embodiment of the saying that “The best things come to those who wait.”
Here, JOHN LLOYD shares the words he lives by and the secrets of his success.
You have been an actor for so long, playing many different roles. What is the most difficult thing about your job?
Ang pinakamahirap is that as an actor, you deal with emotions. Sometimes those emotions are very heavy, and it’s hard to let go even after you leave the set. Kaya siguro minsan napapagkamalan akong suplado ng mga tao . What they don’t realize is imposible talagang di ka maapektuhan ng role, lalo na kapag mabigat na drama .

Do you sometimes feel that you’re misunderstood by people because of your job?
I get that a lot. Di ba nga, meron silang tinatawag na ‘JOHN LLOYD mood’? When I’m on the set and I’m internalizing a role, there are times na hindi ako makausap . I take my work seriously.

Is that really part of your work as an actor?
I guess. It comes with the territory. It might sound like nagsusuplado na naman ako, but I don’t expect everyone to like me, or to understand the way I do things.
Where does your motivation for your work come from?
One thing’s for sure: I don’t work for the awards. The acting awards are just a bonus. If people recognize your craft, that’s the main thing. Pero hindi awards ang dahilan kung bakit ka nagtra-trabaho . It should never be the case, otherwise you lose sight of the real reason for being here.
Your meteoric rise in the last few years has people calling you a big threat to the career of many of your fellow ABS-CBN talents, notably Piolo Pascual. How do you feel about that?
I’m just big; I’m not a threat. (Laughs). In all honesty, malayo pa ako sa naabot ni Piolo. He’s done a concert at Araneta Coliseum; I haven’t. I can’t even sing or dance. And seriously, mataas ang respeto ko kay Piolo, both as an actor and as a person. I don’t see myself as being in competition with him.
You have successfully established your own identity as an actor, apart from Piolo. How did you do that? What would you say is the secret of your success?
I think that what it boils down to is realizing and accepting what you can and can’t do. Piolo can sing; I can’t. But I can act. It’s important to find your niche, learn what you’re good at, and develop that.
Who are the people who have helped you succeed in your career?
A lot. Wala naman kasing perpektong artista. There is always something to learn from every person that you work with. Like in Maging Sino Ka Man , I’m privileged to work with really great actors like Tito Ipe (Philip Salvador) and Tito Boyet (Christopher de Leon). Ang dami kong nakukuha sa kanila bilang artista at bilang tao . And I always value what I learn from them. Sometimes, I even learn just by observing them at work.
What advice would you give to those wanting to follow your footsteps in this business?
You have to have a conscious desire to keep wanting to be better. That’s why I never see myself as being in competition with other actors; I’m in competition with myself. Each day, you have to want to better yourself. That’s the only way to succeed.