STARDOM IS HARD WORK!

These familiar faces show up on our TV screens, movie houses, and thousands of magazine covers. In the pantheon of modern-day gods, they’ve been idolized, immortalized, and become sources of inspiration to thousands of devoted fans.

But celebrity status did not come overnight. A life that sparkles with the glitz and glam was frequently earned by blood, sweat, and tears. Like the non-showbiz career people, the stars have paid their dues and keep on sharpening their skills. That’s how they can burn even brighter.

Once in a while, JobsDB.com will chat up-close and personal with these celebrities. Though not all of us have been bitten by the acting and concert bug, the values and lessons in their success story are pretty universal.

DONITA ROSE:
“SUCCESS IS…DELIVERING WITH EXCELLENCE”
Interview by Tinna S. Bonifacio

For a number of years, she ruled the roost at MTV Asia as one of its most popular VJs. She even landed on the cover of TIME Magazine, the only other Filipina—aside from former President Cory Aquino—to be so honored. She has interviewed global superstars from Tom Cruise to Jon Bon Jovi, been introduced to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, and is a much-recognized face not just in the Philippines, but throughout Asia.

Now, Donita Rose moves on to conquer new horizons, but not without sharing her inspiring story with Jobs DB.com readers.

How were you, a Filipina, able to make it as an international VJ?
Before the first ever MTV VJ Hunt was ever announced, I had already done some “soul searching” and realized that this was the very thing I wanted to do. I discovered that the biggest reason why I couldn’t completely be myself while at work was because of the language barrier I faced in speaking Tagalog. I believed that I was a good contender, not only for the good mix of cultural backgrounds I have, but also because I already had a lot of hosting experience. I had also discovered the more bubbly and adventurous side of me through becoming best friends with Mo Twister. I believed that all I needed next was an outlet for me to be free, so I could express the real me. The answer came in the form of the MTV VJ Hunt!!!

I personally called to schedule an audition and was told to look out for the camera crew scheduled to visit one particular bar in a Makati parking lot. I waited a few hours for them to show up, only to have the camera turned on the minute I met them. They told me to “state my name, reason why I should be chosen as a VJ and introduce my favorite video”.

I was mortified!!! All I remember that night was that I cried in the car for a long time afterward, thinking I blew the only chance for my dream to come true. But something inside told me to have faith, that in God’s time, He was going to make me shine. Much later, I got called back to come in for a proper audition. I gave it my best and somehow, made it to the finals. Unfortunately, I had a prior engagement which I could not back out of, so I was disqualified and VJ Shannen (Torres) won the title that year.

How did you take it? How did you manage to hang on and not give up?
Despite my loss and all the other problems I was going through, I prayed that God would use these situations to mold me into a better person and hopefully, give me another opportunity.

And it worked?
Yes! Not much later, I received a call asking me if I was interested to fly to Singapore to be a guest VJ for a week. At the end of that week, I met the Vice President for Editorial of MTV-Asia, Nigel Robbins who offered me a one year contract with them based in Singapore. Looking back, I’d have to say that one of the things that helped me bag the job was my sheer determination to never give up hope despite all the obstacles that came my way at the time.

What is the secret of your success?
It was one thing to get the job [at MTV], but it was another to hold onto it for so long. There are many people out there who could have done a much better job, but I gave 101% of myself and trusted God 101% to do the rest. The experience was so overwhelming that I had no choice but to overcome a lot of insecurities through summing it up with one verse in the Bible: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Who have been your professional influences? What specific trait have you taken from each one?
Angeli Valenciano, for her wisdom and knowledge of the entertainment industry. Gina Valenciano, for her undying support and her great advice. Gary Valenciano, for his passion for excellence. Maricel Laxa, for her ability to balance family and career. Coney Reyes, for her desire to bring the light of God into the industry. Lastly, believe it or not, Oprah Winfrey, for her amazingly effortless ability to stay on top and inspire so many viewers everywhere.

What advice can you give to young people who want to follow in your footsteps?
There will be many people in your life who’ll discourage you on a consistent basis. However, I believe people were born with special gifts. Maybe someone who desires to be a doctor is actually very talented in singing... What I’m saying is, for you to find what it is you are good at, start with what you’re most passionate about, do some serious research on potential career-related opportunities, and most important, don’t just focus on your goal... enjoy your journey.

What does it take to be a VJ? Do you really need to know a lot about music?
You’ve got to have a passion not just for music but for entertaining people. Yes, knowing your content and music is definitely something that’ll take you to the top. Imagine if you’re interviewing a top celebrity or musician, and you don’t know a thing about their work? I was always researching, keeping up with the trends, who’s hot, who’s not, what’s my favorite song of theirs, and so much more, just to really have a great overall knowledge of today’s music trends. I also evaluated myself from time to time, to see if I was doing what I was supposed to be doing.

How were you able to successfully transition from such a high-profile career to the one you have now?
I’m actually on a break right now, doing some projects here and there. I love spending time with my husband (Eric Villarama), but most especially, this is a very critical time in my son, JP’s, life, that I want to make sure I’m a big part of it until I get back into overdrive for showbiz. Being in the entertainment industry demands so much of my time, and right now, I want to make Eric and JP my priority before I jump back at giving my fans 100%!

What's the best piece of career advice anyone has given you?
If you’ve been entrusted with a responsibility, you better be able to deliver what they ask for. Execute with excellence, never stop being a better person and always strive to do better!

Where do you see your career five years from now?
I would love to still see myself still in the international scene, being able to represent the Filipinos on a global scale. Now I’d like to be an inspiration not just to the youth of Asia, but to young women & mothers around the world.

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