President Rodrigo Duterte met John Lloyd Cruz during the private dinner in Malacañang last Tuesday, but the former said that he was not able to recognize the acclaimed actor because of his new look.
After going on a hiatus from showbiz and keeping a low profile for over a year, Cruz have made a few public appearances sporting a rugged look with a scruffy beard and long hair.
Because of this, Duterte said that Cruz was unrecognizable from his usual boy-next-door image.
“Nakita ko siya sa party sa Malacañang. Hindi mo na siya makilala. Nagpatubo ng bigote’t balbas, nagpahaba ng buhok,” Duterte said.
During the said private party which was organized by Duterte’s common-law partner Honeylet Avanceña, Cruz attended wearing a black outfit and sunglasses tied around the back of his neck with a rope.
The president also said that he shared his impression of Cruz with his his son Baste.
Baste previously dated actress Ellen Adarna, who is currently the girlfriend of Cruz. Cruz and Adarna also have a child.
However, despite the failed relationship of his son and Adarna, Duterte only had good things to say about the actress.
“‘Yung totoo, walang biro, isa siya sa mga nakita ko na magandang mestisa na Pilipina. Maliit na babae, pero maganda ang katawan,” he said.
