Kapamilya actor JM de Guzman got real about his personal struggles while working on the hit 2023 series ‘Linlang’, which starred Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino, and Maricel Soriano.
Though his performance as the antagonist earned praise from critics and fans alike, JM revealed that he was not happy with how he looked and felt during the show’s run.
“Actually, hindi nga po ako happy dun sa performance ko sa Linlang e. Pero acting-wise, parang feeling ko, kaya ko pa,” he admitted during the premiere of his latest film Lasting Moments on June 2.
JM said his weight gain during the time affected his confidence and emotional state.
“Ang pakiramdam ko, parang gusto ko na lang siyang matapos. Siguro na-depress ako kasi nga tumaba ako,” he confessed. “’Pag pinapanood ko, hindi katulad ng dati na parang, ‘Oo… kaya ko pa ito, ah. Hindi naman ako ganitong umarte, ah.’”
These reflections came as ‘Lasting Moments’, his new movie with Sue Ramirez, began to draw attention for its tearjerking story and strong performances. While he also appeared heavier in the film, JM said it suited the character and he’s proud of his work.
Now starring in ‘What Lies Beneath’, JM is back on track and working on himself, both physically and mentally. He shared that he’s been doing intermittent fasting, going two to three days drinking only water in a bid to lose weight.
“Nagfa-fasting ako. Two to three days, wala akong kinakain. Tubig lang.”
JM is also continuing his healing journey following his stint in rehab—and giving credit to his girlfriend Donnalyn Bartolome for her unwavering support.
“She inspires me kasi. Saka tinanggap niya ako na walang judgment sa past ko. Sobra akong… parang dun ako lalong na-in love sa kanya,” he said. “Actually, pinapakilala niya ako sa mga spiritual healers, sa mga kaibigan niya. May psychiatrist kami pareho. Bukod sa sarili kong psychiatrist, meron kaming psychiatrist para mas maayos kami.”
JM also opened up about how Donnalyn’s love has helped him rediscover how to love properly.
“Siyempre gusto rin niya ako maintindihan. May mental health issue ako, siya wala. So gusto niya rin… dahil mahal niya ako, gusto niyang maintindihan kung ano ba ito. Ano ba itong depression, anxiety. Grabe siya magmahal. Sobra siyang… unconditional, hindi siya nagte-take. Hindi siya nag-e-expect ng take. Natuturuan niya ako kung paano magmahal nang tama.”
‘Lasting Moments’, directed and produced by Fifth Solomon, opens in theaters nationwide on July 30.
