That Daniel Padilla Mystique

 

So what is it really about Daniel Padilla that makes him so swoon-worthy?

Honestly, when I first met DJ last year at a photoshoot for StarStudio magazine, I really didn't expect that the tall, lanky guy dressed in slim-fit pants and leather jacket would end up being 2012's showbiz "It" boy. He was shy and short with his answers then. Kasama kasi niya Daddy Rommel niya and his siblings who came to watch. Along with his older brother who entered the PBB house. During that time, hindi pa maugong yung balita sa kanila ni Kathryn Bernardo and "Kathniel" was unheard of dahil she was still paired with her Mara Clara loveteam partner Albie Casino. Except for a small role in Gimik 2010, the name Daniel Padilla was still basically unheard of.

 

Nung nag-start na yung Growing Up in 2011, DJ's fan base slowly started to grow in strong proportions. Not only did they have a strong presence online (his Twitter account @imdanielpadilla already had more than 800,000 even before the show started). His followers rivaled that of then more popular Kathryn Bernardo, which meant na kahit wala pa yung loveteam, certified heartthrob na talaga si DJ!

 

After Growing Up came Princess and I which solidified Daniel Padilla's staying power. He also proved how popular he was with a successful new album, numerous mall shows, fans day, a movie and so much more. Ilang beses na nabalita kung paano niya na napupuno ang mga venue even to the point na nagka-stampede sa mall dahil lang sa kanya! Kayang niyang magdala ng solo show regardless where in the country he is. Nasasanay na nga akong nababasa na trending topic ang kung saang province ang nag-re-request ng visit from him. Now if that ain't considered success then I don't know what is!

 

I think part of DJ's appeal also lies in his close ties to his family. From the start, he has never been ashamed to show how close he is to his Mommy Karla. In fact, close din siya sa Mommy Min ni Kathryn! That's how much of a good boy he really is. Kaya tuloy kahit mom ng nililigawan niya, approve sa kanya.

 

Today I think the chemistry between Kathniel is undeniable on AND off screen. The fans see it and that's why they enjoy supporting this lovable teen couple. They are fun, happy and just give all-around good vibes. No wonder sunod-sunod na mga major projects nila like playing a crucial role in Star Cinema's 24/7 In Love and also in what is bound to be the blockbuster MMFF movie Sisterakas. Grabe ha, ang laking compliment yun na mahilera sa top loveteams in the country and this December naman with Vice Ganda, Ai Ai Delas Alas and Kris Aquino. Ibang level na talaga sila. Pero effortless lang, walang pilitan. The fans just simply love them because it's oh-so-easy.

 

So to sum it all up, what is the Daniel Padilla mystique? Is it because of his bad boy image of being a Padilla? Or is it because of his super kilig quotable quotes pagdating sa kanyang ladylove na si Kathryn Bernardo? Either way, does it really matter? I think what's important is that he has the uncanny ability to make his fans happy without really stepping on anybody else. And I can't wait to see what showbiz has in store for him in 2013! -Manila P. Santos