BB Gandanghari eyes directing career, acting comeback

After graduating summa cum laude from Los Angeles Film School, BB Gandanghari is preparing for a new chapter in her career. She shared that she dreams of directing films, producing her own projects, and making an acting comeback.

During her guest appearance on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” BB (formerly Rustom Padilla) reflected on earning her Entertainment Business Management degree from the Los Angeles Film School.

Taking pride in the achievement, BB said earning the degree required determination, discipline, and hard work. She also had perfect attendance throughout the two-year program, with no absences nor tardiness, because she remained focused on her studies.

“I'm really focused when I was doing it. And so when I graduated with honors, I was really proud of myself.”

BB explained that her degree is essentially business management with a specialization in the entertainment industry, combining business principles with entertainment-related studies.

She said she chose the program because of her background in acting and her long-term goal of creating projects. Initially, she envisioned herself becoming a producer, developing concepts and bringing them to life.

BB added that her ambitions have since expanded. "I want to direct also. I want to be a filmmaker, but in the end, I want to be that filmmaker who produces, who directs, who acts," she said.

She said she is already developing several concepts, creating presentation decks, and discussing one project with a producer while seeking funding.

According to BB, each project calls for a different role.  “Meron akong mga konsepto na mainly just an actor. And then, meron akong konsepto na mainly as a director or as a producer. Depende dun sa istoryang naiisip ko.”

BB also said she is open to making an acting comeback in the Philippines if given the opportunity. She said, "I'm more than willing.

“Syempre, hindi naman lahat pwede mong gawin on your own. I'm still looking forward to working with the directors,” she added.

She expressed admiration for the quality of local television dramas and said she hopes to work with GMA and become part of one of its series.

Whether it's playing a heroine or a villain, BB said she's happy to take on either role. She recalled portraying the bida-kontrabida in the 2014 fantasy series “Enchanted Garden,” saying it remains one of her favorite roles. “So, I was the evil queen. Ang mga tinatarayan ko sila Rufa, sila Alice Dixon. Enjoy na enjoy ako doon.”

She especially enjoyed working alongside Ruffa Mae Quinto, whom she described as naturally funny, and Alice Dixson, with whom she has always shared a great rapport on screen. 

BB also shared that she has been staying in the Philippines for more than two months to seek a second opinion on a cardiovascular condition.

She revealed that doctors in the US had found a blockage in her heart and initially recommended an angiogram, saying she might need a stent. “Sabi ko, babalik muna ako sa Pilipinas and have a second opinion over there.”

During that time, she also made significant lifestyle changes by improving her diet and prioritizing rest. She said she traveled to Iloilo to enjoy the fresh air, relax, and focus on her recovery.

“I had my procedure last week. And God is good. So, iyong blockage na nakita sa akin sa America was diminished.”

She said the blockage had diminished to the point that she no longer needs a stent.

She is currently enjoying her stay in the country and has reunited with showbiz friends including Ruffa Gutierrez, Mariel Padilla, Ana Roces, Annabel Rama and Eddie Gutierrez.