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Paco Arespacochaga: Frustrated actor, aspiring perfect father
During the ‘80s, Introvoys was one of the pop rock bands that made it big in the Philippine music industry because of their heartfelt and relatable songs. It was known for its hit songs “However Which Way,” “Di na ‘ko Aasa,” and “Will I Survive.”
But the song that gave their enormous success was “Line to Heaven” that was composed and sung by drummer Paco Arespacochaga.
Paco the actor
Photo courtesy of Lui Arespacochaga
Before “Paco” (Enrico Arespacochaga in real life) entered the music scene, he had wanted to be a matinee idol. In an interview with “Tunay na Buhay” host Rhea Santos, Paco said, “I wanted to be an artist, an artist actually, maniwala ka o hindi... I wanted to be a matinee idol, siguro mga 10 years old ako sabi ko magiging matinee idol ako.”
“Talagang nagsusuot ako ng shades, tapos aayusin ko yung buhok ko, tapos ‘pag pumupunta ako sa parlor kasama ng nanay ko makikita ko lahat ng nakapormang picture dun gagayahin ko ‘yun,” Paco added.
Since his father was a former vice president of a production company, Paco had easy access to famous persons in the local showbiz industry – such as the late Fernando Poe Jr, actor and currently Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, and star-builder German Moreno. Thus, he had the chance to join various TV commercials and movie auditions.
Fortunately, he was in the cast of Aga Muhlach’s movie “Campus Beat” in 1984. There he played as one of Aga’s classmates.
“Even up to now ‘pag inilagay sa YouTube n’yo yung “Campus Beat”... I mean ang dami kong parts mukha akong butiki. As in I was one of the cast, barkada talaga ni Aga. I had a part, I had dialogues, I have all these stuff,” Paco said.
After his first “big” break, Paco also did some movies namely: “Erpats kong Forgets,” “14 going Steady,” and “Pare Ko.”
But no matter how hard Paco tried, it seemed like his dream of becoming a matinee idol was unreachable.
“Nakita ko na wala akong fans, kailangan mo ng fans ‘di ba? Sila Aga Muhlach ang daming fans. Kahit wala siyang gawin, siguro kumindat lang siya siguro sampung libong fans kaagad ang makukuha niyang ganun, ako kahit kumindat ako wala akong makukuhang sampung libong fans,” Paco said.
When he was 14, Paco’s mom advised him to take a break from showbiz. This led him to pursue music and the rest is history. Paco, along with his friends formed Introvoys and his name became known since then.
On being a father
Aside from being a musician, Paco was also known in the showbiz circle because of his past relationship with singer-actress Geneva Cruz. Their love-hate relationship ended after three years but they had a child, Heaven.
Even if Paco and Geneva got separated and had other relationships, they continued being friends for the sake of their child. In a video message, Heaven said, “My mom was always willing to leave a door open for my dad and my dad would always put the effort to be a part of my life.”
During Santos’ interview, Paco also admitted he now has three sons from three different mothers.
Paco with his youngest son, Raiden
When asked to describe himself as a father, Paco said, “I’m not a perfect dad, simulan na natin sa ganun. I mean there are a lot of dads better than me, mas mababait, mas hands-on. [Pero] hindi ako ‘yung ama na magdidikta sa anak ko kung anong gagawin nila.
Paco with his eldest son, Heaven
He also shared one conversation he had with his eldest son Heaven. “Sabi niya, ‘you know what dad? gusto ko lang sabihin sa ‘yo... you might not be one good husband, you might probably suck as a husband, pero you’re one hell of a dad.’ It made me feel good,” Paco said.
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Paco with Introvoys
Now, Paco resides in the States and works as a medical representative aside from his continuing stint as drummer of Introvoys which is also based in Los Angeles.
Tunay na Buhay is a profile magazine show that airs every Tuesday afternoon, 4PM on GMA7. Follow their official Twitter (@TunayNaBuhayGMA) and Facebook account (Tunay na Buhay) for stories of hope and triumph from your favorite celebrities.-Gerald Vista/LG, GMA News
