Words Cemara Dinda Illustration Mufty Fairuz

Busy-bee entertainer Gading Marten’s drama-series 3 Semprul Mengejar Surga (3 Fools Chasing Heaven) is in its fourth season thanks to its successful mix of laughs and tender moments. However, the presenter, emcee and actor has preferred to be behind the camera for the past two years. “I like to learn by doing by taking photos every day while also learning from others,” he said. Little did we know that the outgoing Gading has a quieter side, reflected in his attention to detail in photographing endearing moments of his loved ones.

I am, in three words …

Fun, easy-going, optimistic.

My best trait …

I’m always happy. I try not to complain too much, but rather take the positive from everything that happens.

And my worst …

Cuek (nonchalant). Sometimes I can act too aloof or indifferent.

I am proudest of …

So far, for work I can survive for almost 10 years in the entertainment business, and of course, being a dad!

My bad habit …

Hmm, I tend to overspend ...

I would never …

Eat vegetables!

My hero …

My Dad. Ever since I was young, I looked up to and wanted to be like him. But I realized that I need to be my own person, I need to be Gading. Nevertheless, I’m so proud to be his son.

I am bored by …

Pretentiousness.

I laugh at …

Everything!

I cannot stand …

Show-offs.

I still need to …

Save some more money!

The superpower I wish I had …

To jump really high.

My biggest fear …

Losing my family.

When the going gets tough, I …

Pray. Although everything is according to His time and not ours, we hang on by praying.

On my travel bucket list …

I’d love to go to Iceland to witness the Aurora and St. Martin’s Island in the Caribbean.

A great weekend for me …

Is being anywhere with my wife and daughter.

People would be surprised that I …

Fall asleep easily! And I tend to be quiet, especially when I’m at home. Even when I’m angry, I’ll keep it to myself.

Two people I would love to have dinner with …

Scarlett Johansson, because she’s a good actress. And the second is Jimmy Fallon because I really look up to him as a TV host, although I think I would be pretty speechless at first…

My life motto …

La vita è bella perché adesso, or life is beautiful because of today (now). Think of today as if it’s your last. Tomorrow has its own problems.

My biggest regret ...

When I think about it, nothing really. Because everything that happens in life, the good and bad, is a journey to make me stronger as a person.

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The writer is an intern at The Jakarta Post.

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