Former actor Jomari Yllana is not considering making a showbiz comeback unless he is done with his mission as a public servant.
Unlike other actors who continue to act in both TV and movies during breaks or their free time, the former actor totally shunned showbiz work since getting elected, first in 2016, and again in 2019.
When he assumed office in his first year as councilor, he was named minority floor leader. He was also the first independent candidate who won in the city of Paranaque.
Speaking to Manila Standard Entertainment, the 45-year-old former actor said that he is seeking re-election as council member of 1st District of Parañaque because he would like to continue the works he’s done and serve his constituents who rally behind his efforts as a politician.
“What’s good about being in the position I’m at right now, when people approach you and express their gratitude for the things you’ve done. It’s interesting because you’re just doing your job and these people would tell you stories of how you’re able to help them. That’s very fulfilling,” the councilor said.
Yllana, who rose to become a top matinee idol in the 90s, turned down quite a handful of offers to act again since he got elected. He politely turned all of them down to embrace his new advocacy, public service. His last acting assignment was on GMA Network’s Half-Sisters, a long-running 2014 drama series.
“From the very start, I had been a hands-on public official. I run my own office. I don’t have a chief-of-staff, everything is coursed through me,’’ he said.
To strengthen his foundation in government service, Yllana attended all the classes offered at the University of the Philippines’ National College of Public Administration and Governance between 2016 and 2019.
The former actor described his second term as a council member as very challenging as it had caught up with the pandemic.
“Our focus in Paranaque is on livelihood and recovery, medical care and education,’’ he said.
Yllana is head of the council committees on information technology, tourism, and social services. He is optimistic hybrid education, a blend between online and classroom schooling shall soon be in place in the city.
Jomari, whose full name is José María Garchitorena Yllana, rose to fame as one-third of the 1990s teen group Gwapings together with Mark Anthony Fernandez, Eric Fructuoso, and later with Jao Mapa.
Among his more memorable films as an actor of note in drama are The Healing, Ikaw ang Pag-ibig, Sigaw, Minsan Pa, Gatas… Sa Dibdib Ng Kaaway, Bulaklak ng Maynila, Sambahin Ang Ngalan Mo, Sa Pusod ng Dagat, Diliryo.
