Eric Fructuoso had a promising start in show business in the early 1990s as one of the famous teen stars of the boy group Gwapings.
With Mark Anthony Fernandez and Jomari Yllana, they had their own variety show, Gwapings Live!, which ran in GMA-7 from October 4, 1992 to October 10, 1993.
But did you know that his eldest son, Frederick Fructuoso, had planned to follow in Eric's footsteps?
Frederick, also known by his nickname Tres, is the son of Eric from a previous marriage.
Frederick was 15 in 2015 when he auditioned for GMA-7’s reality program, StarStruck.
According to his StarStruck footage, Frederick was four when his parents separated.
He got in the show, but failed to make it to the Top 35.
In a post-elimination interview during the episode, Frederick told the host Rocco Nacino he actually expected to be eliminated.
He said, “Medyo expected ko naman po na hindi rin ako makakapasa. Parang hindi ko lang po nabigay lahat po kasi wala rin po ako masyadong talent po.
"Hindi po ako marunong sumayaw, hindi rin po ako marunong kumanta. Ang dami ko pong competition.”
His StarStruck batchmates then were Ivana Alawi, Arra San Agustin, and winners Klea Pineda and Migo Adecer.
After StarStruck, Frederick abandoned his aspiration of entering showbiz.
Currently, he keeps a private Instagram account.
His dad's last Instagram post about him was dated July 26, 2020, Frederick's birthday.
Dad Eric wrote in his post, “Nabuhayan ako nung nakasama kita during lockdown. Not just a son, but like my bestfriend. I thank God he gave me you. Miss you so much anak! Hope to see you the soonest! Happy happy birthday @tresfrux! Love you so much!”
In response, Frederick wrote, “Thank you dad! Di ko naramdaman ang lockdown sa sobrang saya ko na nakasama kita! Hope to see you soon din! Miss you so much and love you so much more!”
On August 11, a photo of Eric driving a tricycle went viral on social media.
Eric later explained that he does not drive a tricycle for a living. His photo was meant to inspire others who have been working hard in the midst of the pandemic.
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