If 25-year-old actor Tom Rodriguez doesn’t believe in complaining nor defending himself when intrigues or negative write-ups come out about him, it’s because he believes that it’s the people’s right to do so.

Since he entered showbiz in 2008 via Pinoy Big Brother: Double-Up, he has been a victim of cyber bullying from several social media networks; but instead of confronting these people, Tom opted to stay quiet.

“Sabi ko nga even those rumors that are not true, as artists we shouldn’t complain because the world is not fair,” explained Tom who landed the lead in Atlantis Productions’ staging of the Disney musical, Aladdin.

“I mean, how much are we paid compared to the people who are working their hearts out every day in jobs na mas mahirap pa sa amin, tapos ganun lang kikitain nila. I think they deserve the right to know about us and say things about us since we are public properties. Kahit gaano kasakit, it’s still their right because sabi nga nila that’s entertainment, and that’s the trade-off of our profession,” he elaborated.

He also never let intrigues affect his job, saying he’d rather leave showbiz than let these intrigues affect or ruin his performances.

“When I sing two songs in the provinces, I’m paid such amount of money. Tapos I’d look at my audience and I know how much they’d have to work to earn what I just earned for two songs. I often feel guilty and I kept thinking if I really deserve this. Kaya I’m very happy when I hear positive things because they really don’t have to say things like that,” that he related.

While still relatively new in showbiz, Tom has amassed various experiences in acting via different TV shows and movie roles. He is part of the ABS CBN daytime TV series Be Careful with My Heart, now is literally in a whole new world of theater.

He admits he was not a born singer, and cites as “karaoke family nights” as his foundation.

So when he was asked to audition for the role of Aladdin, he was naturally surprised, but gave it his all.

“Kinabahan talaga ako especially when I was waiting for the results which took weeks. When they told me I got the part, I was surprised. Even my own sister was surprised when I told her the news,” he shared.

Directed by Bobby Garcia and Chari Arespacochaga, Tom’s Princess Jasmine will be played by recording artist K-La Rivera. Aiza Seguerra and Calvin Millado will alternate in the role of Genie.

Atlantis’ staging of Disney’s Aladdin runs from November 16 to December 9 at the Meralco Theater and is made possible through a special licensing arrangement with Music Theatre International. For tickets and inquiries call Atlantis Productions at 892-7078.