e first gained public attention in the popular shampoo commercial where he was referred to as “Pare.” Equipped with good looks and wholesome appeal, it didn't become hard for Drew Arellano to penetrate the showbiz mainstream. It can be remembered that he became a mainstay of two GMA-7 topraters namely Click and All Together Now . He now appears in Studio 23's Wazzup, Wazzup and the GMA early morning hit show Unang Hirit .

Truly, everything's coming up roses for the cute Capricorn (he was born January 16). Aside from his stable hosting job which he loves so much, he's also a successful businessman. For those who supplies the country's leading sports houses. With his siblings, they opened a spa in Alexandra (where they own a unit) and a pre-school in Rockwell.

At 24, Drew is already assured of a good future. He just doesn't rely on his family's affluence but works on his own. A no-nonsense guy, he values hard work, dedication and focus. Armed with a degree in Marketing (he used to be connected with an advertising firm before he got discover for that breakthrough commercial), he knows how to maneuver his life towards the path of success.

Interestingly, his being a condo dweller very well speaks of his busy lifestyle. How does he juggle his time in the biz and his businesses? Does he still have time for himself? Let's take a peek on Drew's domestic side:

S: How long have you been living here?

DREW: Actually, I didn't grow up here. We moved here in 1992. But I love this place because it's nice. For one, it's very secured and cozy. It's also accessible to the malls, hospital and EDSA. I feel comfortable in here.

I sleep in the same room with my dad. He's a lawyer. Kasi , I just take a bath and dress up in my room. In this place, I stay with my dad and my sister. My parents are already separated.

S: How many are you in the family?

DREW: We're five. The eldest one is already married. The next one is a doctor is the States and the third one is Paula, she lives here. I am the next.

HOME ALONE: Drew sitting pretty before the camera, never mind that he just came from Unang Hirit, In one corner of his room are his gadgets, collectibles like caps, CDs, perfume, stuffed toys, etc.

Then my youngest brother. He's the only one studying. I don't receive any special attention in the family because I'm in showbiz. Every one of us has our unique personality kaya naha -highlight lahat .

S: What's your idea of a family bonding time?

DREW: Every Sunday. It's our day to be together. We always got to my lola 's residence in La Vista. After that, we go back to the mall. This is one reason why I'm sleeping in the same room with my dad. You know, I'm very close to him, eh. We share a lot of things. I learn so much from him.

S: Tell us about your business. It seems that your family is good at it.

DREW: I started trading business four years ago. We import cue sticks. Fortunately, America 's leading pool player Earl Strickland is endorsing us. We distribute in various sports houses. This is my very own. With my siblings naman , we opened a spa and pre-school. My sister's managing the latter. Yes, somewhat, we're all good in business.

S: Are you meticulous when it comes to the in-house decors? Do you have a say in the unit's physical arrangement?

DREW: From time to time we change the decors or arrangements of furniture in the house. Like ipapaayos ko na naman ‘yung room namin ni Dad since ‘di na kasya ang mga gamit sa loo b. We're not really that meticulous.

All of us kasi are madalas out of the house. So, when we go home, we just want to rest. Like ako , upon arrival, I go straight to my room, take a bath and sleep in my dad's room.

S: With your corporate background, why is it that you entered the world of entertainment?

DREW: I graduated with a Marketing Management degree and worked in an advertising agency for a year. But according to my friends, I have a natural knack for entertaining people, ‘di raw ako nahihiya . When I got to do my maiden commercial, ‘di na rin sila nagtaka.

S: How do you find your hosting job?

DREW: I find my job compensating. Yes, I enjoy it. I used to be in Click and All Together Now . At present, I'm doing Wazzup, Wazzup in Studio 23 and GMA's Unang Hirit . My family is very supportive to me.

S: You sacrificed your heartthrob potential for a slot in the public affairs department.

DREW: I wanna concentrate on public affairs that's why I accepted Unang Hirit even if it means I'll wake up much, much early. It's my line kasi I'm more into hosting than acting. But it must admit that the latter is cool, ‘yun nga lang , hosting is more like me.

S: Isn't it demanding?

DREW: I wake up at four daily for Unang Hirit . After the show, I go home, rest, and attend to some business matters. Then I tape for Wazzup, Wazzup in the afternoon. We'll wrap up mga 1:00 am na. I sleep three hours na lang . ‘Yon ang dusa, naa -alter ang sleeping time ko but no regrets. I love what I'm doing naman , eh. Aside from it, there are perks and I meet a lot of people.

S: What dishes appeal to you?

DREW: I love Chinese cuisine. Filipino dishes also. ‘Di ako mahirap pakainin .

S: What's your idea of a gimmick? What activity is your favorite pastime with your family?

DREW: Gimmick time for me is to be with my friends. Kuwentuhan and kaunting inuman . Simple lang . Our family is sports-minded. The sports we play are tennis, ping-pong, golf, badminton and basketball.

S: To set the record straight, did you grow up in the Philippines or abroad?

DREW: I was born in San Jose , California . After a few months, we came home here. I lived most of my life here. I love it in the Philippines .

S: do you spend time with your mother?

DREW: I see my mom weekly naman. We communicate. We have dinner together. She stays in Greenhills.

S: What is your idea of a dream house?

DREW: Dream house? Perhaps to have one in Tagaytay, ‘yung overlooking. It's refreshing, ‘di ba ?

S: Lastly, what makes you like condo living?

DREW: Condo living is more alive. I'm really comfortable in this kind of abode.
(Articles lifted from S Magazine) - -