Jomari Yllana couldn’t help but laugh when asked about the recent viral scandal involving his longtime friend and fellow “Gwapings” member, Mark Anthony Fernandez.
“Siyempre, anlaki ng reaction ko,” Jomari said with a chuckle during the April 29 press conference for Motorsport Carnivale 2025 at Okada Manila. “Sabi ko, ‘Anong nangyari diyan? Hindi ka naman ganyan kalaki noon!’ Joke!”
The actor-politician, who took a break from showbiz in 2015 to serve as councilor of Parañaque’s 1st District, revealed that while they rarely see each other, his friendship with Mark remains strong. “Ganyan talaga kami, alaga ni Douglas [Quijano]. We always joke like that. But dikit-dikit na ‘yung mga pusod namin,” he said, referring to the late talent manager who handled the trio.
Jomari admitted he was surprised when the topic resurfaced, adding with deadpan humor, “Very impressive.”
Despite his absence from acting for nearly a decade — his last teleserye being ‘The Half Sisters’ on GMA Network — Jomari has not lost touch with the entertainment scene. He even hinted at an unreleased project and expressed daily longing for the craft: “I miss the world of make-believe.”
Currently, Jomari is focused on organizing Motorsport Carnivale 2025 through his Yllana Racing Team, in partnership with Okada Manila. Set to launch on May 4, the event aims to put the Philippines back on the international motorsports map with categories like Super Car, Muscle Car, and Vintage Car.
Meanwhile, he remains hopeful for a reunion project with Mark and fellow ‘Gwapings’ member Eric Fructuoso. “I wish some producer would set up something for us. I’d love to see us together in a photo,” Jomari said. “Tutal, nandito na si Abby [Viduya],” referring to his wife and fellow ‘Guwapings: The First Adventure’ co-star, whom he married in Las Vegas in November 2023.
Though busy campaigning for Abby — who is running for his former councilor seat — and helping coordinate his racing event, Jomari says he’s open to projects, especially if it means reuniting with old friends: “Mag-reunion tayo. It would be nice.”
