Gabby Concepcion is back home. And after 13 long years of living a relatively normal life in the United States, the former matinee idol is undoubtedly still a hot copy.
Arriving last March 30, at 3:27 in the morning, Gabby amiably granted his first interview in Philippine soil to ABS-CBN.
"It's nice to be back after thirteen years," said the former actor. "Well, masarap talaga dahil masarap umuwi sa pamilya," he added, describing the euphoric feeling of returning to his roots after living in a foreign country for more than a decade.
ESCAPING THE SPOTLIGHT. Hours after his arrival, Gabby made his first official television appearance on The Buzz where he was interviewed by host Boy Abunda.
Hurt and disillusioned with the state of his career in 1995, Gabby revealed that turning his back on show business was a decision he resolutely made back then after a thorough self-examination.
"Well, nung umalis ako noong ‘95, nilagay ko na sa likod ko ‘yon," confided Gabby, referring to show business. "Sabi ko, ‘I think I need to move on.' Hindi naman lahat ng tao magiging successful sa showbiz and I felt na I had my time. Thirteen years was enough sabi ko and I should move on, so nung umalis ako nag-decide na ko."
Like anyone who escaped the country to start a new life in a foreign territory, Gabby had to work extremely hard to earn a living and survive in his new environment.
"Mahirap, mabigat, masakit," Gabby said of his first few years in America.
The still goodlooking actor was not broke when he arrived in the U.S., but he knew that his savings would not be enough to sustain him especially since he already made a decision to stay indefinitely.
"Maghihirap tayo talaga because ang naipon natin sa show business, hindi naman puwedeng tumagal ‘yon. So ang mangyayari no'n, just like anybody else, maghahanap ka ng income."
To equip himself, Gabby enrolled himself at Lincoln University to strengthen his chances in landing a good job. For the former actor, it was a necessary step.
"Kailangan meron kang natapos, pero kanya-kanya ‘yon and nasa isip ko kailangan mag-aral muna ako. Wala na akong ibang paraan e, ‘yon ang naturo sa ‘kin, kailangan mag-aral ka para maging successful."
Living in America was a trying time for Gabby and he admitted feeling lonely at times. As they say, living independently, especially abroad, is a good way to develop a person's character.
"Siyempre, gagawin mo lahat ng paraan para sumaya ka," stressed Gabby to Boy Abunda. "At saka 'pag meron kang mga success stories behind you because of your achievements... Achievements ko dun hindi sa showbiz, it makes you happy it makes you stronger."
BALIKBAYAN JITTERS. Time and certain reasons ultimately weakened Gabby's resolve to leave his country for good.
