2. GOOGLING ALEX CASTRO

ALEX CASTRO is such a common name that in the advertising industry where I work, there are about 3 or 4 other Alex Castros that I know. There was a time when a tukayo of mine—Alex Castro of Philippine Advertising Counsellors—served the same San Miguel account. As a result, documents and call reports meant for him were sometimes delivered to my office, and vice versa, causing panic attacks, considering the strict confidentiality clause observed by agencies and clients.

 In one advertising affair, we were even asked to present a creative award together and we were introduced thus—“To present the next award, ladies and gentlemen, here are--Mr. Alex Castro and Mr. Alex Castro!”. We launched into our scripted spiels in which we accused each other of being an impostor, amusing the audience no end. Of course, I always like to point out that I am the “more creative and younger Alex Castro”, he being with Client Service.

 One day, on a whim, I gave in to the irresistible urge of googling my name: Alex Castro—and I came up with a list of my namesakes—real people with varied personalities, occupations and persuasions—bound by a a common, ordinary, dime-a-dozen name.

 1. ALEX CASTRO, CEO and Co-Founder of Pluggd.

 Big boss of a digital company that provides video search and online video-ad targeting technology to content creators and video-sharing sites. (Wow! I can never be this Alex Castro because I am technologically challenged. I cannot differentiate a megabyte from a frostbite.)

 2. ALEX CASTRO, Foot fetishist, Hedonist, Atheist, Novelist.

 I just found this tukayo on flickr, where I am also a member. This Brazilian, who is now based in New Orleans, has “the best feet collection” on flickr, as one fan gushed. Wait till he sees my petite, size 38 foot.

 3. ALEX CASTRO, Councilor, Part-Time Actor

 A konsehal from Marilao, Bulacan who has just joined showbiz as Richard Gutierrez’s sidekick in the GMA movie, “My Best Friend’s Girlfriend”. (Mmm, I didn’t know my name had star potential..)

4. ALEX CASTRO, Artist. 

Just found his picture on flickr. (OK, I share his name, I share his love for arts. That’s it.)

 5. ALEX CASTRO, the Paint Master.

 Painter of miniature statues and figure models. (There is a remote correlation somewhere, since I am into painted religious statues—although this Alex Castro is heavily into action figures of the Conan the Barbarian type).

 6. ALEX CASTRO, Salsa Singer.

 Popular salsa singer—and a Pastor!—from Puerto Rico. He continues to perform and record today—so please listen to his music! By buying his CDs, you honor me.

 7. ALEX CASTRO, Star of American Gladiator. Exotic Dancer. Porn Star.

 I was fiddling with a laptop in front of my Client on one visit and I decided to google my name. Out came this Alex Castro photo—of a muscled “exotic dancer and bodybuilder from Cuba”. Boyoboy, was my client impressed! Little did I know that this Alex Castro would go on to greater fame by making it as the character “Militia” in the current U.S. TV series, “American Gladiators”. Of course, his shady background in the porn industry came to fore, and pretty soon, his revealing pictures were all over the place!

 So, what’s in a name? A lot. Just ask Google.

 (28 July 2008)