Nikko Natividad, Zeus Collins look back on humble beginnings before entering showbiz

Before breaking into showbiz, Nikko Natividad and Zeus Collins navigated challenging paths, each driven by unique circumstances and a determination to rise above their humble beginnings.

On Friday’s “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” Nikko and Zeus took a trip down memory lane and shared how they juggled jobs to make a living.

“Marami akong napagdaan na work,” Nikko said.

Among the past jobs the model and actor took on were serving as a waiter and wedding coordinator, as well as cleaning jeepneys and even working at a salon.

“Plantsa, blower, ayon. Kasi assistant eh. Muntik akong turuan mag-gupit talaga, kaso nga nakapag-abroad. Hindi ko naman gugustuhing matuto. Ang habol ko lang, Tito Boy, ay trabaho. Kita. Siyempre, dahil doon, kailangan mong matuto,” he said.

His pursuit of better opportunities led him to work abroad in the United Arab Emirates as a florist, admitting that he had no actual knowledge of flower arrangement but claimed he did to secure the job. 

“Sinabi ko marunong ako kahit hindi. Kasi ang mindset ko dati, basta pag nakapag-abroad, gaganda buhay. ’Di ba laging ganyan noon?” he said.

Meanwhile, Zeus’ story is deeply rooted in his lifelong passion for dance.

“Tinuruan po kasi ako ng nanay ko, anim na taon pa lang ako. ‘Yun, nilalaban niya na ako sa fiesta, sa mga bara-barangay, kung saan-saan na ako nakakarating. Taong kalye talaga ako. As in, sa street talaga ako natutong sumayaw. ‘Yung mga kasama ko sa Pasay,” said the professional dancer. 

He recalled his father often got angry because he would stay out late dancing.

“Sa sobrang hirap ng buhay namin noon, sa Pasay, 15, nagtrabaho na ako. Tumigil ako ng pag-aaral para makatulong na ako sa magulang ko. ‘Yun, dire-diretso na po. Wala na po akong alam na ibang trabaho,” Zeus said.

He also had offers to become a macho dancer in a gay bar.

“Siyempre siguro dahil matangkad ako or kahit papaano, may katawan ako nang konti. Na-offer na po sa 'kin yan,” Zeus said.

However, Zeus declined even if it meant that he would earn more.

“Hindi ko naman po inaano ‘yung gumagawa ng mga gano’n. Ako naman, parang sabi ko, sarili ko, hala, hindi ko kaya ‘yan. Kasi, siyempre may mga ibang skills ‘yan eh. Kasi bata pa ako noon eh. Gano’n pa ‘yung isip ko,” he said.

Instead, he chose to rely on his talent for breakdancing and hip-hop. His ambition was to participate in competitions or, if fortunate, become a backup dancer for celebrities.

Zeus is currently part of “Stars on the Floor,” which is hosted by Alden Richards.

It airs Saturdays on GMA Network at 7:15 p.m.

—Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News