Rocco Nacino reveals he almost entered politics, chooses showbiz for now

Rocco Nacino revealed he came close to entering politics, but ultimately decided to continue pursuing his showbiz career.

On Friday's “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda,” the Kapuso actor admitted he nearly entered politics, having had expressed his interest to run for public office in Antipolo City, where he currently resides.

“Muntik na Tito Boy. Muntik na. Nagbigay rin po ako ng intensyon. May mga kinausap din po bilang options din. Pero pinili ko pa rin mag-showbiz,” Rocco said.

(I almost did, Tito Boy. I almost did. I also expressed my intention. I spoke to some people about the options. But I ultimately chose showbiz)

"I wanted to start at the bottom naman para makapag-umpisa at makapaglatag ng mga programs siguro like sports, anything medical dahil nga linya ko po iyon, and anything to help kumbaga,” he added.

(I wanted to start at the bottom so I could begin and lay out programs, perhaps for sports, anything medical since those are my fields. Anything that could help.)

Rocco also shared his belief in Antipolo’s potential and said he wanted to contribute to the city he now calls home.

“Nakita ko rin kasi ‘yung potential ng Antipolo eh. Marami pang pwedeng ibigay eh. So bilang doon ako nakatira, baka makatulong din ako,” he added.

(I also saw Antipolo’s potential. There’s still so much it can offer. Since I live there, maybe I could also help)

Asked what ultimately stopped him from pursuing politics, the “Tirik” star said he was concerned about the number of projects he would have to give up.

“Yung dami ng proyektong mawawala sa akin. So parang sayang. Kasi may pamilya na ako at maisasantabi mo na ‘yan,” he said.

(It was the number of projects I would lose. It would feel like a waste. I already have a family, and I would have to set those things aside)

While Rocco did not completely rule out a future in politics, he said the door is currently closed.

"For now, I would say it’s closed," he confirmed in Filipino, adding he's started getting audition offers for projects abroad.

“Kung mangyari po ’yon, ibang klaseng pinto na rin po ang mabubuksan,” he said.

(If that happens, then a different kind of door will open for me)

Rocco currently stars in the Cinemalaya film “Tirik” where he plays the role of the priest Paring Bert.

"Tirik" follows Paring Bert and taxi driver Santos, tackling themes of faith, guilt, redemption, and justice as they encounter the grim realities of Manila at the height of the war on drugs.

He is also set to star in the upcoming Kapuso action-series “Hari ng Tondo” with Ruru Madrid and Dennis Trillo. — LA, GMA News