In their first pictorial together (only for The STAR) two years ago, Vin Abrenica (left) and his Kuya Aljur demonstrate how they support each other (you know, he ain’t heavy, he’s my brother) — STAR/ Ver Paulino
When Vin Abrenica showed up for the recent presscon for the Valentine offering of TV5’s Wattpad Presents, he proudly announced to a huddle of movie writers that he was wearing the briefs of his Kuya Aljur.
“We share everything,” said Vin, “idol ko si kuya, eh. We are of the same size, so share-share kami sa shirts, shoes and pants…except toothbrush, hahaha! We are really that close.”
But not close enough to share confidences about their love lives — “Unless we ask each other about it,” explained Vin who at 24, is a year younger than Aljur.
Told that Aljur was reported to have reconciled with Kylie Padilla, Vin was surprised (or was he pretending to be?).
“Nagulat ako d’un, a,” he said. “Is it true? I haven’t asked him about that.”
But if ever Aljur would ask him, Vin would readily open up about Sophie Albert (who, along with Vin, topped the Kapatid Network’s Artista Academy talent search). Unlike most young stars who lie about their love life, Vin and Sophie don’t hide the fact that they have been going steady for almost three years now.
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Asked if he’s faithful (considering the many girls sending him “feelers”), Vin admitted, “Oo naman. I’m a good man.”
Sophie (related to Kris Aquino and Mikee Cojuangco) is also in Wattpad Presents but not with Vin. In the episode Cupid’s Fools (by Pajama Addict, with 5.5 million reads and over 151,000 votes on Wattpad, airing until Friday, Feb. 20), Sophie plays a lovelorn girl who finds a new love in heartthrob Adelph (played by Ahron Villena).
The next episodes are Ex Ko Ang Idol N’yo (by Shanee, with 4.8 million reads and 41,000 votes, airing Feb. 23 to 27), with Marvelous Alejo and boyband member Chicser in a story about a loser (Marvelous) trying to catch the attention of an ex-boyfriend (Chicser) who has turned into every girl’s fantasy; and Bitter Ella (one million reads and 12,938 votes, airing March 2 to 6), with Katrina Velarde a.k.a. Suklay Diva as a pessimist whose outlook in life changes when she meets a campus crush (played by Phytos Ramirez).
Vin stars in the fourth episode, My Fiancé Since Birth (by Kagome Anna, 4.8 million reads and 41,000 votes, airing March 9 to 13), which the story of Alyssa (played by Yassi Pressman) betrothed by her mom when she was being conceived to a guy she will meet only when she grows up and has fallen for another man (Vin).
Insisting his Kuya Aljur is his idol, Vin only shrugged off observations that he is the better actor.
“Kuya Aljur has been in the business for eight years while I started only three years ago,” said Vin. “He has proven himself as an actor.”
Up to now, Vin is a “boarder” in the house that Aljur built in the Scout Area, Quezon City. They used to share the same room when they were staying in an apartment and now sleep in separate rooms.
“I pay for the bills for water, power, cable and Internet,” disclosed Vin, “so para na ring pang-rental. I haven’t really fixed my room yet because I plan to move to my own place but Kuya wouldn’t let me. Ayaw niyang magkahiwalay kami. When Kuya was 16 and he moved to Manila (from Pampanga), hindi ako makatulog sa gabi because I missed him. He told me, ‘Kahit magka-pamilya ako, hindi ka pa rin aalis sa bahay ko.’ So, hayan.” (It was Aljur who sent Vin to college.)
They are each other’s confidante, also sharing more than clothes and secrets but also what’s in the ref.
“We have changed the contents,” added Vin. “Instead of meat, pinuno namin ang ref ng fruits, fish and vegetables. We eat black rice. We are not into a starvation diet; we just eat healthy.”
At bedtime, they exchange stories and opinions about showbiz issues, touching on Aljur’s unresolved problem with his home studio GMA.
“When he wants to pour his heart out, I’m the first person that he seeks out,” said Vin. “I’m flattered. He still accepts offers (from other sources). He can’t stop working because he has been working since he was 16. But he has more time for himself. He’s catching up on things that he missed.”
Asked if he stands behind his kuya, Vin said, “Yes, whatever his decision is, nasa likod niya ako.”
And what has he learned from his kuya’s experience?
“That family is very important. Friends come and go, but when the going gets rough, the family stays and stands behind you. Family is forever.”
(E-mail reactions at entphilstar@yahoo.com. You may also send your questions to askrickylo@gmail.com. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.)
Aljur cheers Vin right on when Vin appeared in a Cosmo show
