Joel Torre's recipe for an enduring career

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NOTHING much is known about Joel Torre having begun his acting career at the age of 7.

Born Jose Rizalino, Joel is a proud native of Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. In exactly two days, the Ilonggo actor-entrepreneur turns 64.

Without much mental calculation, Joel takes pride in spending the most part of his blessed life in acting.

Joel Torre takes pride in spending the most part of his blessed life in acting. PHOTO FROM INSTAGRAM/JOSERIZALINOTORRE

Care to know his secret to staying this long in this dog-eat-dog world? "I don't look at it as a job," he shares.

In this profession he has tightly embraced, Joel says: "Of course, it can get a bit too tiring. But even if I come home tired, I thank God for putting me in this 'office'."

For the most part spanning his career, Joel remains deeply indebted to the late Vic Silayan for ingraining in his psyche the value of work.

It was in the film Karnal — an entry to the 9th Metro Manila Film Festival in 1983 — where Joel had the privilege to share the screen with whom he respectfully addresses as "Tito Vic."

"Imagine, it's been 41 years since then. But my fond memory of Tito Vic still lingers to this day," the actor beams.

Joel cites one particular instance on the set of the movie which he can't keep off his mind. During one of the shooting breaks, the veteran actor summoned him: "'Joel, Joel, come here,' Tito Vic goes, then he tells me, 'Hijo, love your job and it will love you back!' I could never forget his piece of advice!"

True enough, never does Joel run out of significant acting assignments, he has also reaped recognitions — here and abroad — for his gravitas-marked performances.

Among many others, who'd ever forget Joel in the 2013 film "On The Job" by fellow Bacolod native director Erik Matti? Ah, the list can be endless.

Just this April, Joel had two films shown days apart. You bet, these are not the run-off-the-mill.

At one point in his acting career though, Joel — like most entrepreneurial celebrities — has dipped his finger into setting up his own business.

Joel admittedly says he couldn't have done it all by himself without his wife Cristy.

Back in 2003, Joel and the love of his life cashed in on the native popular dish that his hometown is truly proudest of — the chicken inasal Bacolod style.

Hence, the couple built what now boasts of 35 branches nationwide — the JT's Native Grille which traces its roots to Quezon City.

Call it a purposeful, mission-oriented business as Joel selects particular communities giving away food packs — with grilled chicken in them — for free.

I wonder how "chicken inasal-ish" Joel's 64th birthday celebration would be with peers and pals!

* * *

LOOKS like the campaign blitz by Jojo Mendrez's team hinges on the single the singer's promoting next.

It's now way past getting the listening public aware of Jojo's two ditties "Somewhere in My Past" and "Nandito Lang Ako."

Jojo's think tank succeeded by way of using to full advantage Starstruck alumni Mark Herras and Rainier Castillo.

After serving their purpose, Mark and Rainier were made to go. Jojo would rather not spill the tea why he had to sever his ties — both professional and friendly — with Rainier.

One thing's for sure though. Jojo's next revival to promote is Timmy Cruz's "I Love You Boy," which needs a new male partner to collab with. There's even a nationwide search for "The Boy" to create a fiercer promo impact.

Tacky as it sure can get, it makes me want to barf!