In the latest episode of “Tao Po” with Bernadette Sembrano, actor Thou Reyes opens up about a new chapter in his life that goes beyond the glitz of the entertainment industry. Known for his role as Jethro in “Lavender Fields,” Thou has ventured into the world of business, running a rice store with his family.

What started as a plan to give his retiring parents a meaningful activity has blossomed into a full-fledged business, with Thou at the helm. As things progressed, he took the lead in managing every aspect of the business. “I will wake up from 6 a.m. and then uuwi ako sa bahay ng 6 p.m. It’s just me,” he said.

Interestingly, this is not the first time Thou’s family has ventured into the rice business, making the transition smoother. His father, in particular, felt confident in reviving the business. Now, Thou has become so familiar with the different varieties of rice they sell that it hardly seems like this is his first time running a business.

He shared a surprising discovery about his customers: “Kapag masarap ‘yong bigas, kahit anong ulam mo pwede na,” he said, explaining that many customers, like the construction workers who frequent his store, prioritize taste over price. These insights have deepened Thou’s appreciation for the simplicity and richness of the rice business.

In the interview, they also delved into his acting career, which began when he was just 10 years old on “Ang TV” in 1994, alongside stars like Carlo Aquino and Angelica Panganiban. Over the years, Thou has consistently appeared in teleseryes and movies. Most recently, his portrayal of Jethro in “Lavender Fields” drew attention, with some viewers even finding the character irritating. For Thou, this was a new experience: This was the first time that many people hated his character.

He explained that the more detached viewers are from an actor’s real personality, the more invested they become in the character. He added that he had creative freedom in shaping Jethro’s look, attitude, and backstory. Every role he plays, according to Thou, is a world where his character is the star: “’Yung bawat karakter na ginagawa ko, 100% ‘yon e, so sarili kong mundo, bida ‘yong character ko.”

Thou also emphasized the responsibility that comes with choosing roles. He approaches each one carefully, aiming to empower his audience.

When Bernadette asked him the loaded question, “Sino si Thou?”, his response was reflective: “Actually, I don’t know how to answer that yet because I myself, feeling ko I’m just living the gift of life… It’s also unfair to just say na eto lang ako, ito ako, baka may iba pa Siyang plano. So, hinihintay ko lang ‘yung next chapters.”

In both his career and his new venture into the rice business, Thou Reyes is someone who embraces life’s opportunities as they come. Whether on screen or in everyday life, he approaches each role—each chapter—with passion and purpose.