Aside from being one of the country’s top ranked tennis players in the country, Nio Tria, who is also the son of multi-awarded actress Cherry Pie Picache, shared his first reaction when he was invited to be part of Squad Plus this year.

“Siyempre nung una kong nalaman na magiging part ako ng Squad Plus nagulat ako kasi never ko inakala na magiging part ako sa mundo ng mom ko at saka magiging Kapamilya ako. Pero nag-usap kami tapos tinanong niya ako kung sigurado ako na gusto ko pumasok dito and sinabi ko naman na desidido ako to do my best dito sa Squad Plus and pagiging Star Magic artist,” he shared during the Squad Plus media launch held last April 26.

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Even while busy with his tennis career, Nio admitted he also wanted to try being in front of the camera.

“Nung start kasi, may interest naman ako mag-acting and maging part ng showbiz pero hindi ko lang na-pursue yung passion na yun dahil sa tennis ko. Marami akong tournaments and training na kailangan puntahan so prinioritize ko muna yun and eventually nung nagkaroon ng pandemic, alam ko na mahirap na times yun sa lahat pero nagkaroon ng blessing in disguise na binigyan ako ng chance na maging part ng Squad Plus and ngayon thankful din ako na I get to pursue that now,” he explained.

Aside from working hard on acting, Nio shared that he plans to use his background in sports to his advantage in showbiz. “Siguro yung sa tennis ma-a-apply ko na lang yung discipline ko sa sport. Siyempre madami rin akong natutunan sa tennis, yung discipline and perseverance. As well as mahilig din akong mag-gitara and kumanta so hopefully mas paghusayan ko yun and mag-practice para mapakita ko yung talent na yun,” he said.

Even with his mom’s extensive resume in showbiz, Nio said she has been the best kind of stage mom to him growing up and until now that he has joined Squad Plus.

“Ever since naman sobrang supportive yung mom ko sa tennis career and sa acting career. She’s very supportive and hands on as a mom kahit busy siya sa trabaho. Very grateful ako and very blessed na ganun yung mom ko, na siya yung mom. Sobrang matulungin siya sa career ko ngayon sa pagiging artista. She makes sure na maayos yung mga lighting, ganun. Very blessed lang ako and I’m just happy na supportive yung mom ko,” he added.