It’s been exactly two decades since he graduated from ABS-CBN’s iconic kiddie sketch show Goin’ Bulilit and CJ Navato admits he is already used to the public still remembering him as a child star from the show up until now.
“Ngayon I just laugh about it. I think okay lang naman sa akin na naaalala nila ako from Goin’ Buliit. I think maganda rin naman yun na makita nila na ito na ako ngayon. Nothing to take away from Goin’ Bulilit dahil yun naman yung nag-shape sa career ko eh, yung pagiging komedyante ko,” he told PUSH ABS-CBN in an exclusive interview.
READ: Ex-'Goin' Bulilit' star CJ Navato recalls cherished memories with kiddie show
The 28-year-old actor, who was part of the fifth batch of the show along with fellow alumni Kathryn Bernardo and Jane Oineza, credited the show for honing his talent in comedy and acting, which is evident in the success most alumni like him have gained in their career.
“It’s rooted in me being a Goin’ Bulilit kid na hanggang ngayon may comedic timing ako. Hindi ko kayang mag-perform na walang comedy. Kailangan talaga magpatawa ako kahit konti, like it’s just part of me. Pati sa mga tao rin, kung paano ako mag-interact. I love making people laugh. So hindi naman masama para sa akin yun. Sabi nga nila kung galing Bulilit, galing Bulilit so I take that to heart. Thank you, thank you direk Bobot (Mortiz) for that,” he added.
READ: Former 'Goin' Bulilit' star CJ Navato finishes college
This year, CJ headlines another major theatrical production after starring in PETA’s One More Chance musical in 2023. This time, he is one of the male leads of 9 Works Theatrical’s original play Liwanag Sa Dilim which will feature the songs of OPM icon RIco Blanco.
“2025 has been really busy. I started the year na second week pa lang nag-start na yung rehearsals for Liwanag Sa Dilim. I also had to do Kislap at Fuego sa PETA so crazy yung umpisa ng year ko but I’m very, very thankful kasi natapos ko yung sa PETA, I don’t know how but nagawa ko yun, dalawang prod na magkasabay and now I can focus on Liwanag sa Dilim na. May mga ibang offers na hindi ko alam kung matutuloy but it’s a crazy year. Ang daming learnings!” he admitted.
Despite not being as active on screen as much as he is on stage, CJ said he still maintains a good relationship with his friends from Goin’ Bulilit.
“Si igi Boy (Flores) lagi kaming nag-pi-PM, and si Carl Barrameda, kasi sa TV5 na siya nag-wo-work eh. He’s a director now. He offers me projects pa rin. And si John Manalo, mga best friends ko sa Goin’ Bulilit. Magkakasama pa rin kami. I’d like to think na gusto namin mag-reunion nila Alfred (Labatos), yung mga boys, si Nash (Aguas) gustong gusto namin magkakasama but pare-pareho kaming may ibang ginagawa sa iba ibang field eh. Yeah we’re still in touch pa naman,” he said.
When asked how he maintains his signature look which has not really changed since his Goin’ Bulilit days, CJ humbly said, “I guess it’s just being happy. Iba yung love ko for myself, yung love ko for God, love ko for people. Thank you sa mga taong tingin nila mukha pa rin akong bata (laughs).”
Watch CJ Navato in the newest Original Filipino Musical featuring the songs of Rico Blanco Liwanag Sa Dilim opening on March 7 at the RCBC Plaza, Makati City. The cast also includes Alexa Ilacad, Khalil Ramos, Nicole Omillo, Vien King, and Rita Daniela. Directed by Robbie Guevarra and produced by 9 Works Theatrical. Tickets are now available via ticket2me.net/LiwanagSaDilimMusical.