These days, anything Joshua Garcia touches turns into gold. The Mars Ravelo’s Darna leading man is on a winning streak, yet humbled by the fair share of challenges it took to get to this moment.

In this episode of Magandang Buhay The Podcast, the Kapamilya actor has a string of milestones to celebrate and be grateful for. But to reach the success he has now, Joshua has to experience life with sweat, blood, and tears, which he appreciates nonetheless since it helped him become wiser in life.

He recalled staying with his father in the latter's workplace, an auto repair shop in Binondo. They would sleep in a small office and share simple meals. When his father lost their source of income, Joshua and elder sister Lorenza had to weigh in on who between them should continue schooling. He gave way since Lorenza was close to finishing college.

A lot more has happened in between until Joshua found his way into showbiz. Later on, he shouldered his sister's education and is proud to share that she's finally graduated with a degree in Pharmacy.

Interestingly enough, everything suddenly got brighter for Joshua during the height of the pandemic, and after a heartbreak. Looking for ways to grow, he thought of going back to school, since reading books as a pastime, although helpful, wasn't enough. Coincidentally, he also reconnected with his estranged mother, asking her help in the enrolment process. His mom was a big help in boosting his confidence to go back to college. And until now she's his consultant in doing his papers.

Asked if he ever had ill feelings toward his mom for leaving him under the care of relatives as a kid, Joshua showed humility and maturity by choosing to look at the bright side, grateful still that her mom did the right decision.

Mommy Fe, in turn, is proud of the man his son has become, “Nakaka-proud po na ganyan siya lumaki. Parang lahat ng mga dasal ko… kasi, sIyempre, ‘pag malayo ka sa anak, ang magagawa mo lang magdasal na maging maayos ang buhay niya at maging mabuting tao siya.”

Joshua may not be born with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth but he was born with a piece of golden hair (true story!) and that’s how Mommy Fe knew her son is meant to succeed, although she didn’t expect he'd find that success in showbiz.

More of this story, plus Joshua and Mommy Fe’s touching messages to each other in this episode of Magandang Buhay The Podcast hosted by Regine Velasquez, Jolina Magdangal, and Melai Cantiveros.