Rofel for real
As an actor in Jesus Christ
Superstar
* He has three dreams --- Broadway, broadcasting and politics
HE'S a city boy who loves to party. He's the type who will not greet you if you don't say 'hi' first. Suplado.
These are just some of the impressions that people have on Rofel Parreno, marketing and communications officer of Robinsons Place Iloilo, actor, singer, host and many more.
But are they really true? Kathy M. Villalon finds out in this interview.
Kathy M. Villalon (KMV): I sometimes see you in parties. Are you the type who smokes, drinks and parties in excess?
Rofel Parreno (RP): No. I don't smoke and I only have three glasses of mixed drinks at the most. I don't dance. Rather, I just stand on the corner and observe people.
KMV: Hmm, why?
RP: I'm health conscious. I only drink and go out of there is a social event or if I have friends around.
KMV: What are your other efforts towards a healthy lifestyle?
RP: I'm the type of person who wants to get enough sleep. If I don't get my six to seven hours of sleep, I get grumpy. So, I make it a point to sleep after watching "Pinoy Big Brother" (laughs).
My work in marketing is also a good avenue to be health conscious because you also market yourself.
I don't eat pork and as much as possible I fast every Saturday by not taking lunch. I just take water. It's part of cleansing .. my way of giving my digestive system a rest. I see to it that once a day, I eat vegetables. I don't drink softdrinks. If I were to choose, I'd drink water. I'm taking iced tea now because you ordered iced tea (laughs).
I could gobble up one gallon of water in the office.
I also miss the gym. So, I'm doing push ups nowadays.
KMV: What are the other surprising things about you that we need to discover?
With Iloilo's 'musikeros' and friends Mark
, Bloody, Em-em, Irene and Justin
RP: I love nature. It's so funny. People think that I'm a city boy. But, let's go camping and I can sleep soundly in a tent. I could live on the mountains and in beaches. When I was in college, I go nature tripping ever month. It's my outlet. I don't want to be confined in the four walls of the office.
KMV: I understand you're also in theater.
RP: Yes. Eversince I was in college, I was already part of Teatro Amakan in the University of the Philippines in the Visayas.
KMV: How do you juggle your time between your work and your other activities?
RP: My other activities are not on a regular basis. I take one project at a time. For example, my voice lessons, I have that every Friday, my day-off. When I take theater projects, I rehearse after work.
After work, sometimes I really want to just go home and sleep. But I have to catch up on friends, so I give time for them. I make it a point to live a balanced life. I believe that intelligence is not just being adept with books. Rather, knowledge is gained when you socialize and travel. One has to experience life day and night.
KMV: How's your life in the mall's marketing department?
RP: It's fun because you tend to handle a lot --- events, advertisements and public relations. I also plan activities for the mall. I make ads, like those that you listen to in the radio and TV. You also need people skills in this job. Some people think that this is a glamorous job because you get to meet clients and well-known personalities, but it's not because you're carrying a big responsibility. Also, you have to conduct yourself in a wholesome manner because you are carrying the name of the company.
KMV: What are your top three dreams?
RP: First, is to perform in Broadway. Music is my passion, apart from theater. I took up piano lessons. I have been to Cebu to accompany a choir. I'm also the pianist in our Seventh Day Adventist church in Jaro. Second is to be a host or broadcaster. Third, to be a politician.
KMV: Politician? That's a surprise.
RP: My middle name is Tupas. My grandfather is a Tupas from Barotac Viejo. Since I was a child, he had been pushing me to seek public office someday. It's always been in my mind. I'm working towards that dream --- maybe to become a councilor in the local level.
KMV: Is that why you are extra nice to everybody?
RP: No. Honestly, I don't even know how to get angry. Like, for example, if we are arguing now, I'll just say "Okay" and let you talk and I'll just listen. I think it's a weakness because I can't resolve a certain issue if I can't show my side. I also make it a point to earn at least five friends a month.
With RLC Marketing Communications
team Stella Salcedo-Hembra and
Don Protasio during a recent trip
to Manila.
KMV: If the inability to get angry is your weakness, what is your strength?
RP: Patience.
KMV: What things affect you?
RP: I love kids, especially the chubby ones. Also, I feel bad when I see beggars and street children. I also feel bad about child exploitation and abuse, about helpers being abused by their masters.
KMV: Will you make these your platform when you run for office?
RP: Yes. Including drug trafficking and smoking.
KMV: Back to the lighter side, what else do we need to know about you?
RP: I'm comfortable in jeans, semi-fit shirt and Havaiianas. I have seven pairs of the latter. I love shades. I love the colors orange and blue. My bedside book at present is "The Five People You Meet in Heaven." I love to watch TV. I'm a couch potato. I have an eclectic taste in music --- I listen to all genres.
KMV: Any parting shot?
RP: Although we can't stop people from thinking bad about us, it doesn't matter so long as your conscience is clear and that you have no bad motives besides just being friendly.