Kiko Estrada is no copycat of dad Gary Estrada

Although Kiko Estrada is no copycat of his father, Gary Estrada, the former respects his dad’s decision to leave showbiz in favor of politics.

"I’m not Gary Estrada. I’m Kiko. I don’t take it (the comparison) as an offense kasi magaling ang tatay ko e. What can I do about it? I respect him. Syempre gagalingan ko rin. I am my own self. Wala akong ginagaya,” he said at the launch of GMA primetime series “Strawberry Lane” recently.

Dad’s advice

The 22-year-old actor said his father wasn't “too okay” about his plan to enter showbiz. But Kiko went on just the same—equipped with the things he learned from a year of workshops and his dad’s pieces of advice: be disciplined, professional and show respect.

Kiko related that he looks up to his grandfather Paquito Diaz (his mom is Cheska Diaz).

"Pinaka-idol ko si Paquito Diaz umarte. Ano siya e, he’s a good guy and totoo. But everyone thinks he’s such a bad person. I mean, that’s a good artist. You make someone believe you’re opposite of what you are.”

He added, "And I want to attain that… not naman kontrabida but something na he did ‘coz ‘yung character niya nakilala and not Paquito Diaz."

Back from Kapamilya

“Strawberry Lane” is Kiko’s comeback project on GMA after his brief stint in ABS-CBN. The actor recently signed up with his original home network—indicating that he has moved on from his "bad experience" in ABS-CBN.

Kiko confessed that he got upset when the Kapamilya network replaced him as Julia Barretto’s leading man in “Mirabella.” The role eventually went to Enrique Gil.

“Nakuha ko ‘yon (the role) through audition. Of course, nalungkot ako noong natanggal ako. Sinungaling naman ako kung 'di ako nalungkot, kasi it’s a big show, it’s a primetime show. They promised me na gagawin akong bida ng ABS-CBN. I studied the show for three months kaya nasaktan talaga ako.” 

The Kapuso actor said he “feels safe” with GMA. 

“I feel safe here kasi babalik ako sa bahay ko, at GMA ang bahay ko. I grew up in GMA, my dad stayed here sa GMA. I’m happy to be home.”

Leave of absence from school

Kiko admitted his education has taken a back seat because of showbiz. 

"Medyo nag-suffer, but I love what I’m doing e,” he said, adding he has one more year to finish his Diplomatic Affairs course at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

The actor said his education is his ticket to politics, and he has his dad’s blessing should he pursue public service.

"You know, I can always run for politics. Diplomatic Affairs is pre-law. And there’s also economics there and you can mix business… you know the economics you know the business. It’s a versatile course and I like it.”

He continued, “He said go! [He advised me that] The younger the better to enter politics. That’s why I’m trying my best.”

Gary is on his second term as board member of Quezon province’s second district.

Kiko concluded, "I just don’t wanna eat my words [on entering politics]. Kasi pag tapos na 'yung career mo, you know it finishes… where are you going? So I just don’t wanna eat my words one day that I’m not gonna go into politics.”

On being a politician’s son

Kiko also stressed that his dad is good at what he does, considering the limited resources he has as board member.

"He’s really good. For a board member to be able to gumawa ng housing and schools? That’s impossible! Kasi ang board member ang sweldo is P2 million per year… that range. And what he’s doing is an impossible job. He’s really a good politician and he’s  a good person and a good dad and a good actor, too.”

Kiko will never lead a lavish lifestyle the way other politicians’ children do.

"I’m a very simple person. I grew up in a simple family. I do chores, gumagawa ako ng gawaing bahay. Pumupulot ako ng leaves sa farm namin. Kasabay kong kumain ang mga boy namin minsan kapag may trabaho kami sa farm."