Arnell Ignacio is on a roll.
After serving in government for some time (he was Assistant Vice-President of Community Relation and Services Department at the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) before serving as Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Deputy Administrator), he has now returned to showbiz work and is busier than ever.
He made waves as the titular character in the critically-acclaimed film “Damaso” last year, going on to land several hosting gigs including one on TV (IBC-13’s “Arnelli In The Haus”) and another on radio (DZMM’s “Labor Of Love”).
“Ang maganda dito, ‘yung mga raket ko extension lang din ng aking passion for public service so, hindi rin ako nalalayo,” he said.
Looking back, Arnell said he harbors no regret serving under the current administration.
“My time in government was very educational. Ang dami kong natutunan and I think it made me a better person.”
So why leave it all behind?
“Sa totoo lang mahirap, malapit talaga sa puso ko ang public service kahit noon pa. Kaya nga noong na-assign ako sa gobyerno natuwa ako. Sabi ko, katuparan na ng pangarap ko na makapagsilbi kahit paano sa bayan. Pero, may kapalit. I can still do showbiz work, but the position prevented me from earning, and hindi biro ang isinasakripisyo ko financially speaking.”
Beyond that, Arnell also lamented how government life took a toll on his relationship with his daughter.
“Kasi sa gobyerno kung totoong nagtratrabaho ka, wala ka na talagang oras para sa sarili mo, sa pamilya, at ang hirap noon,” he explained.
He is happier now?
“Not necessarily happier, pero may oras na ako sa sarili ko, and that’s good enough. Isa pa, I could do some of the things uli na nakalimutan ko na gawin, sa sarili ko, sa pamilya ko. Importante ‘yun e, lalo na sa edad ko ngayon,” he said.
Just recently, Arnell signed up as contract artist of Viva Artist Agency.
Asked what exactly the contract entailed, he related, “Wala pang kongkreto pero maraming plano si Boss Vic (del Rosario) dahil limang taon ito. Eh ako naman, ipinagkakatiwala ko na sa kanila kung ano man ang ipagagawa nila sa akin.”
“Basta ako noong nagkausap kami ni Boss Vic sabi niya e, tutulungan din naman niya ako sa mga projects na gagawin ko outside showbiz, lalo na ‘yung para sa mga OFW so, isa ‘yun sa mga naging dahilan kung bakit ako pumirma.” (Neil Ramos)
