John Lloyd Cruz opens up about why he took a break from showbiz and moved to El Nido, Palawan

John Lloyd Cruz has opened up about why he took a break from showbiz in recent years and found refuge in El Nido, Palawan.

In an exclusive interview with "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," the Ultimate Leading Man of Philippine Showbiz said he took a break because he found it was the right time to finally be kind to himself.

"It was the right time to be kind to myself, to start some healing. It was the right time to start the journey of unlearning," he said.

"Prior to that, mga dalawang dekada akong kayod nang kayod [I've been working nonstop for two decades]," he added.

The thing with acquiring 'yung mga natututuhan natin, may mga kaakibat din siyang mga bagay na kakapit sa 'yo na mahihirapan kang magpagpag."

[The thing with acquiring knowledge is that it comes with things that will cling onto you that are hard to shake off.]

During his break from showbiz, he found himself on the beautiful island of El Nido.

According to Regine, a resident in El Nido, John Lloyd usually ate in her carinderia. She said that at first, the actor looked shy and wore a cap at all times, but he slowly opened up and began talking to other people.

"Nagpa-picture po kami tapos sobrang approachable nya. Nakausap pa namin siya sa phone kasi binigay niya number niya," said Fatimah, another resident.

[We asked for a picture with him and he was so approachable. We can also talk to him on the phone because he gave us his number.]

According to John Lloyd, he chose El Nido as his place of refuge and healing because he found it enchanting.

"Para kang binabalot ng hiwaga ng lugar eh. Kahit sabihin mong kung saan-saan kang dako ng mundo ka nakakarating eh, nandito lang pala oh, isang lipad lang 'yung katumbas," he said.

[The place is enchanting. Even though I've been to different places around the world. I had no idea that what I was looking for was here all along, just a flight away.]

John Lloyd said his time on the island played a deep and meaningful role in his life.

"'Yun lang paglalakad eh to get from Point A to Point B na sanay na sanay ka na kinokotse mo, 'yung mga bagay na nakalimutan ko na," he shared.

[Like walking to get from Point A to Point B when you're used to cars. It feels like I've already forgotten about those things.]

"Bilang bagong dayo, ikaw 'yung nagmamasid. Ikaw 'yung nakatulala sa paligid mo. Sa mga panahon na 'yun para sa isang katulad ko na nagnanais lang naman na tumahimik, hindi ka mawawalan ng dahilan para mag-extend nang mag-extend at bumalik nang bumalik."

[As someone from the outside, I was the one observing. I was the one staring in wonder at my environment. For someone like me who wanted peace and quiet, there's always a reason to keep returning.]

Asked about his image as the ideal boyfriend for portraying iconic characters in his blockbuster films, John Lloyd said there was a price to pay.

"Parang merong great danger na kalakip eh. Parang bawal kang magkamali sa mata ng audience mo. I think 'yun 'yung kapalit nun," he said.

[A great danger comes with it. I could not make any mistake in the eyes of my audience. I think that was the price to pay.]

Recalling his time in showbiz before his break, John Lloyd said: "Importante rin 'yung may tama kang motivation habang sinusuong mo 'yung daan doon sa hinahanap mo... hindi ko nabantayan 'yung kapit ko sa sarili ko, sa kung ano 'yung mga prinsipyong pinapaniwalaan ko."

[It's important to have the right motivation while you're on your path to whatever it is you're looking for... Back then, I failed to get a grip on myself and on the principles I believed in.]

—Kaela Malig/RC/MGP, GMA News