Pinta*Kasi was supposed to be his breakthrough role. 

But more than two years since the film's shoot wrapped up, it was another actor, the then-struggling JM de Guzman who took center stage.

John Wayne Sace—who plays DJ, the male lead, in Governor Imee Marcos's project—was inadvertently put in the shade.

During the movie's press conference held last month, he said, "Kung yun ang nagustuhan ng tao, wala tayong problema sa akin."

But he didn't seem comfortable being in front of reporters again. In fact, he left the interview area hastily after the question and answer portion.

PEP (Philippine Entertainment portal) saw him enter another door, and just waited.

After a few minutes, he obliged to our request for a one-on-one interview, where the question that greeted him was, "Ano bang nangyari sa iyo?"

The guy who used to make the ladies swoon because of his mysterious charm answered in a quite unsure tone, "Nagpahinga lang po. May mga inaayos..."

Jawe (his nickname) is still slim, but his physique is no longer as lean as before. Short spikes replaced his quite long hair, which now has blond streaks.

What's with the hairdo?

With his eyes smiling, he told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), "Sinubukan ko lang. Ayaw ko na nga, e. Ang pangit...Papalitan ko na kulay."

Six years ago, he was one of ABS-CBN's busiest stars—working with three regular television projects (Sa Piling Mo, Your Love, and Love Spell) almost at the same time.

Also in 2006, he starred in the movies Don't Give up On Us and Kutob.

It was also around this year when reports about his being pasaway began to surface.

John Wayne's expression turned a bit morose upon mention of the old times. "Nung bata ako, wala akong pinapakinggan. As in wala. Hari ako ng sarili ko," he admitted.