TOM TAUS
Many Filipinos remember him as Cedie, his role in the popular ’90s movie “Cedie: Ang Munting Prinsipe.” Some recall his works in the films “Anak Ng Bulkan” and “Batang Z.”
He’s all grown-up now. Right, DJ Tommy?
Former child actor Tom Taus left the country at age 13. Since returning from Los Angeles last year, he has been focusing on his career as DJ here.
“It was a decision I made a long time ago,” he said of his current path. “I love performing live, spinning discs and performing in a large crowd with everybody screaming and having a good time.”
When he left for the US, Tom was quite the bankable star. His contemporaries are Camille Prats, Angelica Panganiban and Carlo Aquino, who’ve done well in show business.
Still, Tom thinks his foray abroad was worth it. He took the risk of starting over again and it’s been paying off.
“At first, dapat bakasyon lang sa US. But then I wanted to stay there and go to school and experience the American lifestyle. I wanted to explore and figure out what I wanted to do,” he recalled.
The field he chose isn’t easy to crack. In LA, DJs are dime a dozen and he has had to find a way to stand out. He paid his dues by performing in small clubs when he was just starting. Being Filipino helped, he said.
“I was surprised that people living in the States know where I came from. It was kind a nice thing to know that they know me as Filipino,” he said.
Asked what the goal is, Tom said he wants to be as big as Pitbull or David Guetta.
Indeed, aim for the stars.
This is my now
When will Tom return to acting? It depends.
“Hindi ko naman masyadong (na-miss ang acting). Pero siguro kapag may dumating na project na gusto ko; something heavy and dramatic, ’di naman action. Basta ayaw ko lang ng mababaw na role,” he said.
It was fun while it lasted, though. Tom remembers working with veteran actors during his time from whom he learned a lot. He also stayed in Spain for two weeks to shoot scenes for “Cedie.”
“I will never forget the experience and travelling,” he mused.
That was then, this is now. From an adorable child star, Tom is considered by some as a hunk. Looking at him, it’s obvious Tom has been going to the gym for years. Last year, the DJ flaunted his toned body in a sexy fashion show.
“Consistency is the key,” he said on keeping fit. “I just try to go to the gym regularly to maintain my body though as DJ, minsan umuuwi na ako ng 5 a.m. so it takes effort. The right diet – not necessarily starving yourself – is important, too.”
Another downside of his hectic schedule is he has no time for love.
“Still single, no girlfriend. I just got from a long relationship. We were together for two years,” he said.
Move it!
DJing is mostly about fast music. No wonder Tom loves dancing and he is a big fan of Pinoy dancers. He is part of TV5’s “Move It: Clash Of The Street Dancers” along with Jasmine Curtis-Smith, and others.
“I didn’t know that they were that great,” he said of the contestants. “I have seen a lot of good dancers but they are different.”
The Top 5 finalists are Pangasinan Movement, Power Impact Dancers, Nocturnal Dance Company, FCPC Baliktanaw Performing Arts and FMD Extreme. The grand finals is tonight at 8.
Even though hip-hop dancing didn’t originate in the Philippines, Tom believes Filipino groups that are into it have a big chance of making it in the international scene.
“Kahit sa US, ang daming Pilipino dancers du’n na sobrang cool, sobrang galing. Madalas Filipino dancers stand out and mas lalo akong napa-proud that I’m Pinoy, too.”
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