But how about rumored erstwhile girlfriend Krista Ranillo? After Krista mentioned Cogie in an interview about her budding romance with young actor John Lloyd Cruz, Cogie now also feels free to talk about whatever he shared with her. He has been accused of hiding his relationship with Krista under the guise of a special friendship."Nagulat na lang ako sa mga nababalitaan ko na may bago na siyang boyfriend," (I was just surprised with the news that she already has a new boyfriend.) says Cogie. But he insists that he has no problem with it, although he and Krista haven't spoken about the issue yet.
More Fame After the MMFF
"Sabi ko nga, I don't consider myself better than anyone else dahil hindi naman talaga." (I've always said that I don't consider myself better than anyone else 'cause I really am not.)
Just about to turn two years old in showbiz, the past year has seen Cogie being cast as lead in the movies "Yakapin Mo Ang Umaga" and "Deathrow." The latter garnered second place as Best Film in the 2000 Metro Manila Film Festival.
Considering his "small beginnings," Cogie says he is very happy about how things have turned out, what with the big surprises that came his way. "Commercial lang naman talaga ang plano ko. Hindi ko inambisyon na mag-showbiz o mag-artista," (I only planned on doing commercials. I never wanted to be in showbiz or be an actor.) he says.
Although he's not having a hard time adjusting to the pace of his job, Cogie admits that he's not used to being as busy as he is now. He adds that he feels the change in the limited time he now has in going out. "Dati kasi, pwede pa akong mag-malling anytime na gustuhin ko. Puwede pa akong gumimik sa labas," (Before, I can still go to the mall anytime I want. I can still go to gimmicks outside.) says Cogie.
This writer remembers last Chat Fever 2 (October 6 to 7), when Cogie was invited to chat. He did drop by, but was only able to log in for 15 minutes, needing to rush back to a meeting for a particular movie with veteran actor Eddie Garcia. He promised to return, which he did so later on in the day, but was only able to stay for another 15 to 20 minutes. Little did we know that at that time, the movie that would launch Cogie to greater heights in his acting career was already being planned.Cogie admits that the award-winning film was finished in a jif and that there was no time for workshops. "Kinailangan namin tapusin agad ang movie kasi kasali ito sa Filmfest kaya required akong pag-aralang mabuti ang script ng pelikula," (We had to finish the movie quickly because it was going to join the Filmfest, that's why I was required to study the movie's script very well.) says Cogie. He shares that he spent his time inside his room, studying the script and setting his mind on the role he was about to play. "Pero 'pag talagang hindi ko alam what to do, tinatanong ko si Direk Joel. Hindi ako nahihiya sa kanya," (But when I really don't know what to do, I ask Direk Joel. I'm not ashamed of doing so.) Cogie adds.
Although many people have been congratulating him for his superb performance in the movie, Cogie thinks he still has much to learn. He humbly says he doesn't want to think that he's already a good actor this early. "Sinusunod ko lang naman 'yung pinapagawa sa akin ng direktor ko kaya siguro siya natuwa sa outcome," (I only followed the director's instructions, maybe that's why he liked the outcome.) says Cogie.He also extends the credit to his co-stars Eddie Garcia and Pen Medina, among others. "'Pag magagaling ang artistang kasama mo sa movie, mamo-motivate ka rin nila to give your best," (When you're in a movie with excellent actors, you'll also be motivated more to do your best.) he says.