Why Atom Araullo Chose Not to Pursue Acting
ATOM ARAULLO – Seasoned broadcaster Atom Araullo revealed why he chose not to pursue acting.
Alfonso Tomas Araullo, popularly known as “Atom,” is a multi-awarded journalist, TV host, model, triathlete, United Nations advocate, and now a newbie actor and scriptwriter. Before becoming a renowned journalist, documentarist, and broadcaster for 24 Oras, Atom almost appeared on TV as an actor.
However, according to him, he wasn’t comfortable with the idea of being an artist.
On the 100th episode of the Surprise Guest with Pia Arangel podcast, Atom Araullo recounted that back in high school, someone invited him to audition for a teleserye.
He said, “It was, uh, a teleserye, if I remember correctly. I don’t recall which particular one. Pero, kahit noon, ano na ‘yan, naka-feel ako ng discomfort.”
Atom mentioned that he was extremely shy, and even though he had some experience in theater acting, he still felt overwhelmed.
“’Pag pinapanood ko ‘yung buhay ng mga artista, parang feeling ko hindi ko rin kakayanin,” he added.
Atom Araullo also admitted that he was once interested in acting. However, he said that his desire to finish his education solidified his decision not to enter showbiz.
“Kasi feeling ko baka umabot sa ganun point na kailangan kong pumili between doing a show, and finishing my studies in Pisay (Philippine Sceince High School). So sabi ko, kung talagang ito ang gusto kong gawin, baka kahit after college na lang,” he said.
But as Atom continued, “Pero hindi na rin ako ever bumalik.”
According to Atom, he knew from a young age that he was introverted because he often found it easy to get tired when interacting with people. He also added that he easily gets overwhelmed in large crowds like parties.
“Before, I couldn’t understand it eh. Parang bakit ako, all of a sudden, I wanted to hide in the bathroom, or I wanted to leave and not say goodbye to anyone, things like that,” he said.
He mentioned that he doesn’t believe people are simply divided into introverted and extroverted. He explained, “I think all of us have some introverted ‘tendencies’ and extroverted tendencies.”
And according to Atom, because of his job as a reporter, he also learned how to deal with people.
