With Rovilson Fernandez as host, expect the evening to have enough sass, nonsensical conversation and unexpected punch lines to leave you in stitches. Known for his program “Ang Pinaka” on GMA News TV and “The Cave” podcast, the California native is proving there’s much more to the world of hosting than just a cute accent. The variety of events he hosts in between his shows is a testament to his skill and ability to entertain. Outside of work, Fernandez helps spread awareness as an ambassador to WWF Philippines and the Office of the Presidential Advisor for the Peace Process (Opapp).
Amid all of it, he’s still in disbelief over his popularity. “I’ve certainly had a plethora of creative accomplishments that, when I just sit back and think about some of them individually and what it took to create, I’m dumbfounded. But the one that baffles me to no end is my longevity in this dog-eat-dog industry. I’m the Davidoff Cool Water cologne of hosting,” he quips.
Backstage Pass chats him up to find out what keeps him on his toes.
An awesome thing I’m able to do because of work is… help people. I love what we do in “Ang Pinaka.” We feature fantastic fledgling mom-and-pop establishments that otherwise get lost in the behemoth marketing tsunami of their corporate competitors and give them their 15 minutes of fame. When we successfully combine diligent research, opinions, the Internet, social media and TV into an “edu-taining” ball of a program, it makes it all worth it.
The mantra I live by is… It’s not about what you make, it’s about what you give.
The one film that has influenced me a lot is… “Superman.” It was the very first movie I saw and that made me want to be in the film biz.
A pastime I enjoy doing on my own is… dining alone. Try it some time.
How to make a good impression
You can tell a lot about a man by… how he greets a stranger. Is the handshake firm? Limp? Sweaty? Does he make eye contact? Properly introduces himself? Does he remember your
name? If he is seated, does he stand to greet you? This brief exchange tells everything about a man’s character. Which leads me to another favorite quote: “Character is how you treat those who can do nothing for you.”
I have a regular compulsion to buy… anything “gummy.” The worst part is, I don’t eat Gummi bears till I’m full, I eat until I hate myself.
My weekly workout regimen involves… CrossFit three to four times a week, basketball twice a week, and the occasional run (21K).
I’m really into… CrossFit. Love everything about it. CrossFit ideology encompasses everything you do outside of the box (gym) as well. It’s a lifestyle. Oh, and I now have complete admiration and a greater love for squats.
To keep me looking my best, I… drink water, play outside, eat the right foods in the right amount, have all my clothes tailored for a slimmer fit, don’t wear cheap shoes, look people in the eye, use sunscreen, don’t listen to other people’s opinion of me, exercise, and laugh as much as possible.
Skincare staples
My showers are always… quick, less than 10 minutes. Kiehl’s Facial Fuel scrub and a bar of Dove are all I need.
When it comes to scents… I admire guys who have that one scent throughout their lives. That’s their aroma. I can’t do that; I get bored. Right now, I’m really a big fan of the Bulgari lineup.
The grooming products I always get are… facial scrub, facial toner, facial moisturizer and body lotion. Once all are finished, I replenish the products with a new brand. The brands I’ve been rotating for the past decade are Clinique for Men, Shiseido for Men, Kiehl’s and Pevonia. And the one product I’ve purchased the most and will continue to patronize is regular Chapstick.
While Rovilson admits to keeping his style low-key, he’s definitely more stern when it comes to his skincare regimen. Reboot your Dopp kit with some of his tried-and-tested products. Start with Clinique, which recently relaunched its Clinique for Men lineup—a wide range of products that promises to keep men looking good by addressing their skincare and grooming needs. The new moisturizers are worth checking out. These include a new lightweight Moisturizing Lotion, an oil-free Oil-Control Mattifying Moisturizer, a wrinkle-fighting Anti-Age Moisturizer and nonirritating sun protector Broad Spectrum SPF 21 Moisturizer. All available at Clinique counters nationwide.
Rovilson Fernandez’s choice products come from Clinique counters at Rustan’s Department Store, Khiel’s boutiques, Shiseido boutiques and select spas and supermarkets nationwide. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @rovilsonfernandez