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Soft-spoken, serious and unfailingly polite, Lino Cayetano, at a glance, seems to cut an unlikely "director" figure. Standing amid the brightly colored toys and expensive action figures that fill up MaxiWorks, the toy store that he partly owns with his elder brother Ren, it is almost difficult to imagine him working in the world of typically pushy, loud, flamboyant and, not to mention, mostly gay directors. But then, Lino is anything but a typical guy. "I'm not a film buff," he confesses. "I like movies but I haven't seen all of the classics or even the famous sequels. I don't go quoting lines from films because I don't memorize them." Big surprise from a guy who is looking forward to directing his own movie soon, but for Lino, creating films and TV shows is not about the cool factor -- such as how many pop culture references he can insert into scenes and dialogues -- or even the public acclaim. Rather, it is about imparting a message to the masses. "Television and films are only mediums that we use to express ideas," he states. "Everything we do, whether it is writing or teaching or directing, always comes back to who we are, to what we believe in." And what does he believe in? "I believe in giving hope to the people, in making our country better. I like family-oriented stuff because I believe in the importance of family values." Growing up with the late Sen. Renato Cayetano for a father, it comes as no surprise that Lino, like his elder siblings, developed a sense of personal responsibility to society. "When we were young, we were aware of what was happening in society. Nung EDSA I, nandun kami, nakikimartsa," he reminisces. "I think our dad is a big reason why all of us are involved with doing something for society." Now, with sister Pia and brothers Allan and Ren already in the field of politics, Lino gets asked a lot if he, too, would soon run for public office, but to this, he only answers with a laugh. "No, never. I choose to do my part for society in this field, in the media." AND HE'S ONLY 24 At 24 years old, Lino is one of the youngest in the new breed of directors. Making his Filipino pop culture debut via the first Starstruck, he went on to become a Kapamilya in order to immerse himself in the genre that he has set his heart on: drama. "In terms of drama shows, ABS-CBN makes the best of them. Plot pa lang, maganda na." Having done work for Maalaala Mo Kaya and Star Dance, he is now deep into a new drama series for the Going Bulilit kids, "kind of like the modern-day Batang Yagit." He has also signed on for a two-year deal with Star Cinema and is very much excited about doing a feature film in the future. For this guy, with all the projects he has going on, age really seems to be nothing but a number. "Age isn't so important," he says. "I was also one of the youngest teachers in UP when I started teaching Film Directing. It's really more about understanding people, of being open to them. I'm meticulous with my work but I like getting input actors." This attitude is probably why he has worked well with young people, from the teenage celebrity-wannabes of Starstruck and Star Dance to the grade school kids of Going Bulilit. "Hindi ko naman conscious decision ang mag-direct ng kids, nagkakataon lang," Lino explains. "But I do like kids. I enjoy directing them. It's hard but it's a different experience. It's also hard to direct adults so working with kids is another form of good training. You really learn to have patience." TOY STORY Speaking of kids brought up the topic of MaxiWorks and his involvement with the store. To this, he sheepishly admits, "Hindi ako talaga masyadong involved. It's really Ren who handles the business." He goes on to say, though, that handling a toy store, no matter how minimal his participation, is one way of helping him enrich his craft as a filmmaker. "As a director, I like to be involved with a lot of things because it allows me to gain more experiences." Just like his personality, Lino's other passions don't revolve around flash and fame: aside from teaching, writing and being an avid student of history and politics, he is very much into sports. "Last December, I went mountain climbing at Mount Pulag, which is the highest peak in Luzon," he shares. "Recently, I also went biking from Alabang to Calatagan for the benefit of the La Mesa Dam. I like doing things, especially those that involve sports, which encourage people to be more aware of what they can do for society." With his serious director's image and gentle demeanor, it's almost a surprise to learn that Lino is a serious athlete. But then again, when Pia was still campaigning for a seat in the Senate last year, a picture of her biking in the streets became one of the most recognizable images in last year's elections; the fruit never really falls far from the tree or, in these two siblings' case, from another fruit. It naturally follows that the athletic events he has joined are geared towards doing good: just last February, Lino biked up to Baguio for the benefit of the Cayetano Foundation to help in liver cancer research. Losing his dad to liver cancer has ignited his passion to raise more awareness to the importance of organ donation in the country. "As someone who has been an organ donor, I took that chance to help banish people's misconceptions. When they see me being active in sports, they go, 'O, okay ka na pala.' They find out that organ donors can help others and still lead healthy lives after." HE DATES, PERIOD With all the work and his apparent effort to become as well-rounded person as he possibly can, the only concern left is if he still has time for romance. Certainly, with his passion for work, talent and undeniably good looks, Lino has earned his good share of admirers. "I date," he cautiously says, clearly unwilling to divulge any further, "but it's really hard because of work. I don't know, I'm just focusing on becoming a better director right now." When pressed on what kind of woman is he attracted to, he safely replies, "Someone who is also passionate about the things that I care about." Perhaps sensing that his answers are simply too un-show biz, he explains, "I am happy right now with where I am. I'm pretty content. I think part of success is being able to appreciate what you've accomplished, kaya siguro di ako masyadong nagfo-focus on my love life. With my work now, I can honestly say na eto ang pangarap kong gawin. At this point in my life, I'm very blessed. I'm working on being the best that I can be, on making a difference. by Guia Guevarra Photograph by Milo Sogueco Add your comments Note: comments reported as offensive will temporarily be suspended until reviewed.
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 MR. GOOD DEEDS “As a director, I like to be involved with a lot of things because it allows me to gain more experiences,” says Lino. In this picture, Lino is seen doing a bike run, one of his favorite sports  Directing Marc Acueza and Ahron Villena  Directing John Lloyd Cruz who played Lino in the Maalaala Mo Kaya episode of Sen. Rene Cayetano’s life  Climbing Mount Pulag with his sister, Senator Pia Cayetano  At a triathlon from Alabang to Calatagan for the benefit of the La Mesa Dam  With brother Ren at their toy store |
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