Rob Gomez laughs off ‘kain’ jokes: ‘Busog ka na?’

After the recent spate of controversies about his family life and alleged affairs with his costars, Rob Gomez admitted that every day is still “complicated.”

But as he tries to right the ship, Rob said he would rather not speak further on the issue, so as not “to jinx” his efforts. For now, all he can wish for is a quieter 2024. “I want everything to go back to normal … I’m hoping for peace of mind, happiness, more projects,” he told reporters at the 10th anniversary celebration of the talent agency VP Global Management (formerly Virtual Playground).

The incident that opened the flood gates to intrigues was Rob’s guest appearance in “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” in August last year, where he claimed that he was single.

This didn’t sit well with his then fiance, former beauty queen and licensed dentist Shaila Rebortera, who then took to social media to expose that she and Rob were not only in a relationship, but are also parents to a baby girl named Amelia. They broke up afterward.

Last December, Rob posted photos from his daughter’s baptism, where he and Shaila were seen sharing a laugh. But just when it seemed like the situation was on the mend came another revelation.

A few days after the baptism, screenshots of his private conversations with his “Magandang Dilag” costars, Herlene Budol and Bianca Manalo, popped up on his Instagram account. Some of the exchanges were suggestive—naughty, if you will—prompting social media users to speculate that Rob was fooling around with the two actresses.

As it turned out, it was his ex-girlfriend herself who posted the screenshots, Rob said, after his phone was taken and used without consent.

Did Rob seek support or advice from his management and friends amid the ruckus? “We (Dondon Monteverde, his manager) have a very father-son relationship, but we didn’t really dwell on the negativity around me. So we just tried to focus on what’s next,” he said, adding that he didn’t really feel the need to confide in anyone.

“I was alone. There are stories we don’t tell others just to make ourselves feel OK,” he pointed out. Keeping things private

Now is the time to work, “find himself and maybe heal.” No time for new romance, Rob stressed. “I don’t want to sound like I’m a victim. I don’t want anyone to pity me. I don’t wish to share my problems with anyone. I don’t really want to talk about my personal relationship. It was just that, last time, I kinda had to because I had to plead for my love. This time, I will keep things private again.”

His conversation with Herlene—which contained exchanges about “eating” each other—became the butt of jokes online. Now, he can laugh about it. “Wala, tawanan lang po siya. We’re like, ‘Busog ka na (Are you full)?’ The people who make the jokes are close to me, so I know it’s all fun and not out of disrespect,” he said. Baby Amelia is currently in her mother Shaila’s care. Rob admitted that he hasn’t seen her daughter since December, but hopes he could have his daughter as his Valentine date this month.

Humbled

“I want my daughter to be my Valentine. I had plans last Christmas, but [that didn’t pan out],” he said. “She’s with her mom now and I pray that we’re going to be OK soon.”

If there’s anyone who keeps him inspired, it’s his daughter, Rob said. “I love being a father so much. I love everything—changing her diapers, feeding her. Now, she eats solid food … My daughter gives me so much fire and drive. When I lose sense of what I’m doing, job-wise or mentally, I realize that she’s alive, she’s there. She’s my everything.”

Despite all the intrigues, Rob, who was also part of the film “Shake Rattle & Roll Extreme” and GMA 7’s “Lovers/Liars,” said he’s thankful that projects continue to come his way. All he can do, he said, is hope that people “don’t forget what I stand for and what I can do in front of the camera.”

“I feel so humbled, down-on-my-knees thankful that I’m still here with a chance to prove myself. I love my job. I’m lucky I get to do this. How many of us can say, ‘I love my job?’” he said. “What I have learned is that the comeback is always greater than the setback. I’m grinding, working out, trying to get in the best shape of my life.”