After he was evicted from the Pinoy Big Brother house, Rico Barrera was so overwhelmed by his instant celebrity status that he contemplated quitting show business.
"It's totally crazy. I hopped from one guesting to another. Buong araw ko, wala akong ginawa kundi lumabas sa iba't ibang shows. I admit para akong nalula sa dami ng ginagawa ko. Dumating ako sa point na parang ayoko na," says the hunky Rico, during the press con of Star Magic December celebrants last Friday, December 15, held at ABS-CBN.
His acting talent was put to the test in the soap drama Gulong Ng Palad, where he played TJ Trinidad's friend. Of that stint, Rico says frankly, "I think I acted badly. Isang araw lang kasi kaming nag-workshop, tapos salang na agad doon."
To the avid viewers of Pinoy Big Brother Season 1, Rico was the most daring in the group. He was the only housemate who was not shy about wearing trunks and showing his well-chiseled body in front of the camera, much to the delight of both female and gay audiences of the reality-based show.
"Wala naman kasi akong malisya in showing my body. Am I an exhibitionist? Definitely not! Let's just say, I believe in the saying, ‘if you have it, flaunt it,'" he reasons out.
Having said that, Rico is willing to do a sexy film.
"Kung maganda talaga ang project. Saka, I have to hone my acting skills pa, e. Kailangan ko pang mag-workshop," Rico tempers his enthusiasm.
How much flesh can he show?
"No frontal nudity. That's a big no-no. But I'm willing to show my butt," he answers.
Before entering the Pinoy Big Brother house, Rico was a ramp and commercial model. He is currently the image model of Bum Equipment. He will soon be seen in Super Inggo and Pedro Penduko. Rico will turn 22 on December 29.