Last week, after a one-year star, Jiro has left the center where he also finished high school while undergoing rehab and attended the graduation of Rizal Experimental Station and Pilot School in Pasig for his high school diploma. He was given a special award as Most Inspiring Student.
“Bagong buhay ito for me,” says Jiro. “Inaamin kong naging iresponsable ako and unprofessional dahil sa naging bisyo ko. Nabarkada kasi, natutong manigarilyo, uminom, hanggang sa mag-drugs. Napabayaan kong trabaho ko. Salamat at nabigyan ako ngayon ng second chance.”
He wants to go back to acting but also plans to go to college. What will he take up? “I’m not sure yet. Gusto ko sanang maging pilot. Pero kundi ko kakayanin, puede ring culinary arts.”
Jiro became an unwed father when he was only 16. His daughter is now four years old. “Ang anak ko ang inspiration ko ngayon para di na ko bumalik sa bisyo ko at makatapos ako ng pag-aaral para mabigyan siya ng magandang kinabukasan.”
Jiro will turn 20 on May 9. He won several best actor awards for his title-role performance as the inspiring boy, “Magnifico”, in 2004 when he was only 12 years old. Here’s praying that Jiro will succeed in going straight this time.
