Jojo Mendrez starstruck by Joshua Garcia at Star Awards for TV

Businessman and social media personality Jojo Mendrez created a lighthearted moment at the 37th Star Awards for Television when he found himself starstruck by actor Joshua Garcia.

Mendrez was tasked to present the Male and Female Celebrity of the Night awards during the event. When Joshua Garcia was announced as the male honoree, Jojo admitted he was momentarily stunned as he handed over the cash prize.

“Di ako kumakamay dahil hawak ko ang mic, pinilit niya akong kinamayan.”
(I don’t usually shake hands when I’m holding the mic, but he insisted on shaking my hand.)

Aside from being stunned, Jojo admitted he also felt giddy during the encounter.

Recognition as Trending Social Media Personality

Known as the “Revival King,” Mendrez also received the Trending Social Media Personality award during the evening.

In his acceptance speech, he reflected on his journey in social media and the challenges he faced in establishing his presence online.

“Ito ba yung dahil sa issue kay Mark Herras, PMPC, o kay Rainier Castillo? Anyway, ang dami ko hong pinagdaanan po at lahat po nitong masakit o masaya sa social media. Pinagpapasalamat ko po sa Panginoon kasi marami ho akong natutunang bagay sa paggalaw ko sa social media.”

(Is this because of the issue with Mark Herras, PMPC, or Rainier Castillo? Anyway, I went through a lot, both painful and joyful, in social media. I thank the Lord because I’ve learned so many things from navigating this space.)

“Napakahirap pong magsimula kasi ho nakikiusap ho ako na makipag-collab ako, bilang nagsisimula pa lang ako, at ang dami hong nagpahindi po sa akin, na laging bahagi po yan ng buhay ko para magpatuloy ako. At ngayon ho ay napansin po ako sa social media,” he continued.

(It was very difficult to start because I had to ask people to collaborate with me as I was just beginning, and so many rejected me. But that became part of my life to keep going. And now I have been recognized on social media.)

He also mentioned how his viral acts of giving away cash, whether through escalators or elevators, helped him gain traction online.

Acknowledgments and gratitude

Mendrez took the opportunity to thank the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) for defending him whenever controversies arose, as well as his support system in the music and entertainment industry.

“Maraming salamat po sa PMPC. Thank you so much sa pagtatanggol sa akin everytime na may mga publicities na alam niyo ang katotohanan. At thank you so much to my Star Music family: kay Roxy and Jonathan Manalo, sa lahat ng projects na naka-line up for me. To my Artist Circle family, sa bago kong manager kay Rams David, maraming salamat. At sa ’yo, Panginoon, thank you so much po sa inyong pagmamahal sa akin sa paggabay sa akin. Maraming salamat.”

(Thank you so much to PMPC for defending me whenever there are publicities where you know the truth. Thank you to my Star Music family—Roxy and Jonathan Manalo—for all the projects lined up for me. To my Artists Circle family, to my new manager Rams David, thank you very much. And to You, Lord, thank you so much for Your love and guidance. Thank you very much.)