Manila’s teen heartthrob stars in ‘She’s Dating the Gangster’

For millions of his fans, he is the one — the only teen superstar worthy of their adulation. The brightest teen icon in Philippine show business, Daniel Padilla, speaks to tabloid! about his career and latest movie, She’s Dating the Gangster, which will hit UAE cinemas this week.

You are considered the biggest star among your peers. How do you feel about that?

I feel honoured, but I don’t think about it much. If I let it get into my head, I know nothing good will come out of it. My mother always tells me to keep my feet on the ground, because show business can be cruel to those who don’t look back which is also what my Tito Robin [Padilla, action superstar] keeps telling me, if I want to last long in the business.

What do you think of the fame you now have?

I’m very thankful I was given the opportunity to be what I want to be. Since I was born, I’ve dreamt of being an actor. Now that it has become a reality, it is just an unbelievable feeling. The fame is just a bonus; what I really love is being able to do what I want, and having fun while doing it. It’s a job, but not really.

It has been quite some time since your last movie with Kathryn Bernardo (Growing Up). Back then you were just starting, now you’re the hottest love team in town. What can you say about that?

Very happy, and very thankful for the support of all our fans. I’m glad we did this movie together. Kathryn and I got a lot closer doing this film; we were much more comfortable doing our scenes together. I hope our fans abroad will like it.

What’s the real score between you and Kathryn?

We’re at that stage that we are very comfortable with each other. That’s the best way of describing it. It’s a special relationship between special friends.

People say you’re a bad boy just like your uncle Robin. Your reaction?

It’s just an image. But when people get to know me better, I hope they can see the real me — simple guy with simple joys, but with big dreams.

Since joining show business, what big dreams have you fulfilled?

That I am now an actor, and I am having all these wonderful opportunities. That I am now able to help our family, and we have now built our dream house. Bigger dreams included being a respected actor, just like my uncle Robin. He is not just an action star, but is also respected for his acting skills.

Do you have Kathryn also somewhere in your dreams?

(Laughs). She is a part of my life now, my reality. She’s no longer a dream.

Tell us a bit more about your role in this movie, She’s Dating a Gangster.

I play the role of Kenji, a gang leader in the movie. This is my most challenging role yet, as this is not the usual teeny-bopper role. There’s a bit of light drama, so it was really challenging. I get involved with Kathryn, and that’s where the romance comes in. I hope they watch the movie, as they will see a different side of me.