I just realized only few people, especially nowadays, can say “My parents celebrated their 50^th Wedding Anniversary.” And beaming with pride, I want you to all know that I am one of those lucky few.

My parents started planning the celebration last year. They set the date for February 23, 2008, Saturday, but their anniversary falls on February 21.

Since I’m their only child who lives in Manila (my whole family is based in Las Vegas), I had to plan and get airfare tickets ahead of time. My parents wanted to renew their vows—nothing fancy, just a private, small celebration to be witnessed amongst family, relatives, and friends.

What I was secretly pleased about was that my daughter Karylle was joining us. It was her first time to be with Dolphy in a trip with me. Now there’s a long story I personally don’t want to delve into, but needless to say, I felt it was about time that we would be going there as a family.

My other daughter, Nicole, is back in school at Melbourne. And it was just too bad that she wasn’t able to join us attend the celebration. So it was just I, Dolphy, Zia, and Karylle.

We took the PAL flight from Manila to Vegas. As you all know, it stops for a few minutes in Vancouver. We left on a Thursday and arrived the same day. No time for jetlag and such, the party took place on a Saturday.

And what a party it was! My sister Suzy organized the whole party and I must say she did a fantastic job. She tearfully told me that my Mom mentioned they never wore wedding rings because they could never afford it when they got married. And then came the kids, and the bills just came pilling up. So, she surprised them with a pair that was beautifully set in gold inlaid with diamonds.

The ceremony, which started at 6 p.m., was simple yet solemn and as the priest asked all children to stand behind our parents, we couldn’t help but cry. What flashbacked in my mind were happy and trying times all eight of us shared together in a small two-bedroom house in San Juan. We were poor but we had each other. This line sounds like a cliché, but believe me, growing up in hard times is not something one tends to forget. It teaches you so many things very early on in life. And hearing my parents speak of their undying love for each other as they said their vows was an inspiring, awesome experience. Since we weren’t around to witness it the first time (naturally), standing there witnessing their renewal of vows felt a bit surreal.

Let me tell you a bit about their love story: My father met my mother when they were teenagers. My Dad is five years older than my Mom. They were neighbors in the street I grew up in. It was a short courtship. They married when my Mom turned 18 and my Dad, 23 years old.

During the party, my Dad’s sisters would yell, “Kating, alas once na ‘yan!” Curiously, I asked my Dad why it sounded like a familiar joke they would tell my Mom. He explained that my maternal grandma would call for my Mom whenever my Dad would visit. It meant it was time for my Dad to come home because it was already 11 p.m.
My Dad would always lovingly recall how beautiful my Mom was during her prime. I agree. But my Dad was a handsome man. He also told me that he knew for sure that she was the woman who would bear his children. That immediately after meeting her, she was the one he’d marry and that they would be together for life. And that’s exactly how it is today.

Back to the party, after the ceremony came dinner, then Karylle presented my parents with three surprise videos. One was a video slide that showed family pictures. She used my interpretation of the song, “Through the Years” and “Ikaw Lamang” as background music.

Another video was of friends, celebrity friends, and relatives from Manila expressing their congratulations.

The last video was the funniest. Karylle wrote the script and directed the short video. She titled it Secrets to a Happy Marriage. My other daughter, Zia, who also aspires to be a director, helped edit the video overnight. Dingdong starred as my Dad and Zia (who can best imitate my Mom we fondly call Manga) played Manga, and my only nephew, Caden did a cameo as himself. How Karylle was able to convince a 4-year-old is beyond me. He was quiet a revelation, my pamangkin. A natural.

My family and I are thankful to Dingdong for appearing in the video. And to everyone who was in the video greeting, many, many thanks! I hosted the party alongside my other sisters and I was especially proud of my daughters’ work.

To all the guests who came from different States and drove or flew in for the celebration, maraming salamat sa inyo. You all made the night magical with your presence.

After showing the videos, friends and family said a few words for the “bride and groom.” My parents thanked the guests and were extremely happy that night.

There was dancing after and we wrapped up the party before midnight.

Fifty long years of togetherness. It is rare. It is inspiring. It is gold. It is a union that has met many challenges; a marriage that has withstood the test of time. Just like the vows my parents uttered that night, I hope and pray that they would be together forever and maybe, in another 15 years, say the same vows that go: “To have and to hold, from this day forward; for better, for worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness or in health; to love and to cherish… ’till death do us part.”

After I finished my commitment for the teleserye, Lastikman, I thought my schedule would ease up. It did, a bit, but I found myself almost as busy.

The only difference is that I get 8-10 hours of sleep nowadays, something that was somewhat of a luxury while I was busy with tapings.

I can again indulge in reading. I just finished The Book of the Dead by Patricia Cornwell, one of my favorite writers. I still have several books, which I ordered at Amazon, that I’m raring to read. And that doesn’t stop me from purchasing more books. I just bought the latest John Grisham novel.

So what kept me busy these past weeks? Here’s a rundown:

Two weeks ago, I did a corporate show with Gary Valenciano at the Manila Peninsula. Gary and I did a Standards Medley from our Valentine show, Faces of Love. During the sound check, we got to rehearse the dance steps. But for the record, I don’t dance. And when I do get the chance, the feeling I get from dancing is extreme—either I get too nervous and forget all the steps, or totally enjoy it. Thank god, it was the most fun number I had to do that night.

For the past 2 weeks, I’ve had meetings with my musical director, Louie Ocampo, for my upcoming shows titled Zeries @ 25. My repertoire is complete. I’m so happy that for each show, aside from Karylle, I’ll be having one or two surprise guests. I feel so blessed to have friends who are so accommodating and generous in sharing their time and talents. I’ll be busy with band rehearsals starting this week.

My former manager, Sandra Chavez, was the person responsible for the show’s title. I had several shows at the Mandarin with the Z title before—Zeries, being one of them. Sandra also attended our meetings and helped in choosing the songs for our repertoire.

Early last week, I also got to take my aunts out for dinner. They’re based in Las Vegas. Some of you may know that my whole family lives there, along with our relatives from my father’s side of the family. I took them to Abe Restaurant in Serendra. I’ve been in love with rice lately, so I promised myself to avoid it for the next two weeks. I need to fit in my gowns.

We also had a press launch for the new Belo ads. The new billboards for Belo’s thermage are already out and visible in Guadalupe EDSA, SLEX, and NAIA. Jun de Leon did the beautiful photography. My friend, Deng Foz, did the make-up. The billboard bore this text, “Timeless Beauty. Now that’s divine.”

And then there was this big event at the big dome last Friday, February 1. When I attended the rehearsals for Martin’s XXV concert, I was impressed that he had a full orchestra backing him up. His original songs sounded excellent with the new arrangements.

I’m so happy for this guy. He remains down to earth. I don’t need to talk about his personal life here. So much has been said about it. Whatever the case may be, I know in my heart that he’ll always be a friend to me.

When I agreed to be a surprise guest for Martin’s show, along with so many of his other friends (Gary V, Regine Velasquez, Rachel Alejandro, Jackie Lou-Blanco, Christian Bautista, Rachelle Ann Go, Sitti, Nyoy Volante, Paolo Santos, Top Suzara, Mark Bautista, Erik Santos, Jed Madela), he sent me a text message thanking me and saying that he owes me one. My reply was, “You don’t owe me one. You have done more than enough for me.” This much is true.

I’ll never forget the time when we once needed a guest and he was more than willing to go on stage and do just about any number we’d ask of him. He used to live in an apartment building, where my former manager held office, and they’d literally knock at his door, ask him to put on a coat, and sing with me. Just like that. He is one of the most accommodating singers I know. Napakadaling pakiusapan. I’m happy that his show last Friday, which lasted 4 hours by the way, was a huge success. He’s one of the most hardworking guys I know.

Also last week, I did a corporate show for Nescafe at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza for their sales force. This year, Nescafe is celebrating their 70th year in the market.

When I was asked to be part of their campaign this year, I couldn’t help but cry. Twenty-five years ago, I got one of my biggest breaks when I recorded the song “One World of Nescafe.” I was merely 18 years old. It was the same time I just landed an album contract with Willy Cruz’s Jem Recording. The jingle was included in my first album called Am I Your Kind of Woman, which, as some of you might recall, carried my first hit song Kahit Na.

Have you guys heard of the new Nescafe jingle? It’s called “Kwento.” I had a blast telling my kids that in the jingle, I got to sing with my berks—Parokya ni Edgar, Hale, and Barbie.

It’s really impressive how Nescafe thought of putting together some of the artists who, through the years, have done music for Nescafe.

I capped my weekend with ASAP, and how wonderfully so! To celebrate my anniversary, ASAP’s “Music Room” featured a medley of my songs beautifully arranged by Homer Flores. Again, I couldn’t help but cry. Hearing my co-artists’s beautiful renditions made my day complete.

I am looking forward to going down memory lane when I get to do my anniversary show soon. The repertoire consists of my original songs, adaptations, movie, and teleserye themes that I’ve recorded. I’m also doing medleys of songs by singers who have had the biggest influence in my career. It’s hard to contain my excitement!

If you have time, please drop by Mandarin Hotel’s Captain’s Bar. The show will run on Feb 8, 9, 15, and 16. Showtime is at 9:30 p.m. Musical direction by Louie Ocampo and regular guest is Karylle. I’m looking forward to seeing you guys!

Just like the song goes, “Saying goodbye/ is never an easy thing,” I find myself humming Taylor Dane’s “Love Will Lead You Back” since our superserye Lastikman is already on its final week of airing.

I started working on the said TV series in July, but main filming started in April. Through six months, I have grown closer to my cast mates, the directors, staff, and crew. Nakakalungkot isipin na ‘di na kami magkikita-kita on a regular basis. Three times a week pa naman kami kung mag-taping.

Nakakalungkot man, but all good things must come to an end. Ganyan talaga ang buhay teleserye.

To those with whom you’ve had a great working experience, you pray that you’d see them on the next project. To those who have been difficult on the set, wish mo lang na ‘di mo na makasama. So far, in all honesty, wala pa naman akong nasusumpa on the set!

Sa buhay teleserye, may mga character kang gagampanan na hindi mo basta-bastang mabitiwan. At kahit marami ka ng ibang role na nagampanan, yun pa rin ang pinakatumatak sa mga tagapanood.

I guess with every role that an actor portrays, some scenes really remain in the heart. Kahit sabihin pa natin na “umaarte” lang kami, may mga eksena talaga na ‘di mo na makakalimutan.

Sa lahat ng nagawa kong teleserye, pinakatumatak sa akin ang role ko sa Bituing Walang Bituin.

The role of Rosa Mia has been my most challenging role to date. Napakahirap mag-drama at kumanta pero dream role ito ng bawat singer-actress na katulad ko. Para akong nananalo sa lotto sa tuwing mabibigyan ng singing role! Sobrang fulfilling talaga!

Kapag naririnig ko yung musikang ginamit namin sa teleserye, mabilis akong napapaluha. Nagpa-flashback sa akin yung mga eksenang ginawa namin. In fact, kapag kailangan ko ng motivation sa set ng Lastikman, pinatutugtog ni Direk Jerome Pobokan ang kantang, “Kung Nasaan Ka Man” (isa ito sa mga kantang ginamit naming para sa teleserye). Madali akong napapaiyak. (Read more… )

It’s that time of year when we all feel the need to bond. It maybe due to the warmth the holiday season brings. Families just gather and the need to be together is strong.

And so I felt the need to spend time with my daughters—Karylle, Nicole, and Zia.

I originally wanted to take my three girls to The Farm. It’s a holistic place in Batangas where one can “detoxify.”

I sounded off my idea to Karylle but she wasn’t in the mood for cleansing and I figured my other girls wouldn’t be too keen on the idea either. So maybe, we could do that another time.

Karylle had another idea in mind. She suggested that we rent a house in Tagaytay and just have a picnic or grill bar-b-que, and just lay back.

I liked the idea since December was loaded with work and my holiday vacation was too short. The need to de-stress was on top of my list.

She told me she knows of this beautiful place called Balai Taal. We could rent the place for a day. It has 5 bedrooms, too big for the four of us, so we could invite friends over.

I chose Monday for our bonding trip but forgot that school would be back and my youngest daughter, Zia, would have to attend class before coming over.

Nicole, however, is still on vacation from her studies in Melbourne and will leave Manila  by the end of this month.

We left for Tagaytay Monday morning.

Karylle came with her friend, AB. She is a very talented artist and Karylle had my portrait done by AB as a gift. It now hangs in my living room.

Nicole brought her friend, Nik.

We arrived in Tagaytay after an hour and a half and went straight to Buon Giorno for lunch. It is a place with a spectacular view, and people can dine al fresco.

After lunch, we proceeded to Balai Taal.

Balai Taal is breathtaking. The three-story house, which is one of four, sits on 19 hectares and boasts of a forest.

I was happy that what was shown on the website was more than what I expected.

We did our share of adventure when we went trekking for about an hour and a half.  The place features 14 Stations of the Cross, all with beautiful woodcarvings.

Tired and thirsty, we went back.  I hit the shower while Karylle and AB prepared the marinade for the bar-b-que.

My daughter Zia arrived past 5 p.m. From school, she had to pick up Karylle’s dogs at the latter’s house in San Juan.

Karylle’s dogs, Kung fu fu and Jack loved the garden and we’re so cute in their red outfits.

Dinner was delicious! And it felt good just seating behind a big dining table and eating with the girls. Can you imagine we don’t normally get to do simple things like this at home?

After dinner, it was nice and breezy outside so we sat by the swing and played with the dogs.

We were all tired and went to bed early. The next day, we woke up at 6:00 a.m. because Zia had to go to school. We watched the sunrise and took photos.

We had breakfast together, and when Zia left for school, we went back to siesta.

I wanted to go out for lunch but was pressed for time. I had to go back home and change cars for taping. I had a 3:00 p.m. call for Lastikman.

Karylle and AB stayed in Balai Taal ‘till 5:00 p.m.  She sent me a text message while I was at work saying it was hard to leave the place.

I agreed, since my mind was still there and I felt taping was going to take long that day. In fact, I was still on “vacation mode” when I got to work and kept looking at the photos in my camera.

As you can see from the photos, we had a really good time.

I’m looking forward to our next vacation—even overnight trips like this one, as long as we can all be together and have fun, fun, fun!

Natawa na lang ako dahil nung November, excited ako at nauna pa sa karamihan sa pagkabit ng Christmas décor. Nung dumating ang December, biglang napuno ang schedule ko at dumaan na lang ang Pasko nang ‘di ko na namalayan dahil halos wala ng pahinga sa trabaho at pag-asikaso ng mga regalo.

For the past three weeks, nagkasunud-sunod ang taping schedule namin sa Lastikman. Nag-u-umpisa kami ng maaga at natatapos kinaumagahan.  Last week, nag-marathon taping kami ng apat na araw. Bago mag-Pasko, natapos kami ng taping, Sunday, December 23, at 7:00 a.m.

Monday, December 17, nakapagpahinga naman kami at nag-Christmas party.  Birthday ng yaya ko kaya may sarili kaming party sa Circle KTV. Ang saya!  Sinabay ko na din yung annual Christmas party ng mga angels ko.

Pagkatapos nun, tumuloy kami at naki-party sa lahat ng shows ni Deo Edrinal.

Dahil halos alas dos na ‘ata ako nakarating, pauwi na si Gary V, Gab at Homer Flores when I arrived at the party.  Yung mga taga-production naman ng ASAP, mukhang mga pagod na pagod na. I gave my donation for the raffle draw and went to the Lastikman group.

Pinakamasaya para sa akin ang grupo ng Lastikman kaya sa kanila ako naki-chika.  Sayaw kami ng sayaw.  Sabi nga ng iba, napaghahalata na yung grupo namin had the least social life!

Maganda ang theme na napili nila para sa party—80’s. I suddenly felt corny because I was in a military get-up. Sabi ko sa kanila, di naman nawawala sa uso ang military look. Palusot.

Di ko lang talaga feel nung araw na yun na mag-tights, mini-skirt at heels. Dahil sa pagod, I wanted to be in my most comfortable attire and so, I was in jeans, military jacket, and sneakers. My hair was tucked in a cap.

But a lot of people there were game enough to attend in full get-up, with matching 80’s hair and make-up pa. Ang saya tignan!

What they were most excited about that night was the contest. Too bad I missed it.  It was all they were talking about.

Bongga naman daw ang number ng Lastikman, with matching harness pero aminado sila, na dahil sa hectic taping schedule namin, ‘di sila naka-rehearse as much as they wanted to.
Sumali lahat ng taga-production ng mga shows. Balita ko, first runner-up ang grupo ng Lastikman at ang nanalo ay ang grupo ng Palos. Congratulations, guys!

Tungkol naman sa Christmas shopping, kapag may libreng araw kami, pumupunta ako sa mall para mag-shopping.  As always, I was able to do some of my Christmas shopping by making orders on the phone.  I got a lot of Hizon’s goodies.

Last Sunday after taping, I was able to sleep for five hours, then got ready for family day.  After we heard mass, my family was gracious enough to accompany me to Rustan’s to do more shopping.

My driver did most gift deliveries Sunday.  Kaya para sa mga inaanak at kaibigan na nakaligtaan, tuloy pa din ang pasko hanggang Three Kings!  ‘Di na yata matapos-tapos ang listahan ng reregaluhan!  Pasens’ya na sana kung may nakaligtaan.

The other night, Christmas eve, we threw a party at our house in Marina. I had my caterer e-mail the menu and got to choose the food the day before.  Puro last minute!

Masaya naman, but we ended unusually early because we had to pack and get ready for an early flight.

Nasa Hong Kong kami kahapon, Christmas day. Idea ni Dolphy na magpahinga dito. He loves this place so much.  I was not up to it and wanted desperately to just sleep, eat, and rest at home, but I am glad that he insisted we relax here.

Iba pa din somehow family bonding namin kapag umaalis kami ng bahay. My other daughter, Nicole is home from Melbourne, so masaya kami at kumpleto kami sa Pasko.

Today, I will try to rest my voice.  Mayroon kasi akong New Year’s Eve show at the Shangri-La Makati.

I’ll be back at work on the 28th.  I have to attend band rehearsals pa so, I’ll be taking an early flight back to Manila.

Meanwhile, my family will stay behind.  They’ll leave Hong Kong on the 29th.  They chose to take the last flight.

I’ll be guesting in Wowowee and resuming taping for Lastikman on the 29th.

Ideally, no-talk ulit ako by the 30th.  It helps a lot when I get to rest my voice.  Iba naman kasi ang nagagawa ng pagod at puyat sa taping.

But please don’t get me wrong, kinu-kwento ko ito sa inyo, not because I’m complaining.  I really love to work. I’m glad and thankful that during December, most artists become very productive.

I hope that during this Christmas season, you got to spend it with your loved ones like I did. Dumaan man ang Christmas ng pagkabilis-bilis, ang importante, sama-sama pa din kayo ng mga mahal ko sa buhay.

Happy holidays, everyone!

Maiba naman. Dark humor yung last kong blog, may mga ‘di nakasakay. Ok lang. Maiba lang, ika nga.

Tagalog naman ngayon kasi baka sabihin ng iba, “Bakit kapag nasa soap opera ako, ok naman ang Tagalog ko? Matatas naman.”

Gusto ko lang kasi mag-praktis magsulat sa purong Ingles. Alam mo naman tayong mga Pinoy, karamihan sa atin, Tag-lish ang salita.

Kahit nga sa mga interview ko, kadalasan, kapag ‘di ko matandaan yung salita sa Ingles, sabay lipat sa Tagalog. Kapag nagta-Tagalog naman ako at di ko maalala yung salita sa Tagalog, sabay lipat sa Ingles.

Maraming may akala na laki ako sa yaman. ‘Di po yun totoo. Laki ako sa hirap. Swinerte lang ako sa buhay.

Lumaki ako sa isang lugar na sama-sama mga apat o limang pamilya sa iisang lote sa San Juan. Sa awa ng Diyos, nakapagpatayo naman ang Tatay ko ng sarili naming bahay, pero dun pa rin sa lote ng magulang n’ya sa San Juan. Ayaw n’ya kasing malayo sa Lola ko at mga kapatid n’ya.

Malalapit sa pamilya ang mga Padilla. Nasa Las Vegas na ang karamihan sa kanila, pero bihira ang nasa ibang estado. Sama-sama pa rin silang lahat sa Las Vegas.

Sa aming magkakapatid, ako na lang ang naiwan dito sa Pilipinas.

Gusto kong ipamahagi sa inyo yung mga pinagkaabalahan ko nung bata pa ako. At pakiramdam ko, masarap sariwain kung sa Tagalog ko isusulat. Di pa naman ako Inglesera nung mga araw na yun, ano?

Masaya ako nung bata ako kasi laman ako ng kalye. Lahat ng klaseng laro, sinasalihan ko.

Aaminin ko, wala ako noong hilig sa pag-aaral. Gusto ko lang ang maglaro. Wala akong ginawa sa eskwela kundi hintaying matapos ng klase.

Paborito kong laro sa lahat, tumbang preso. Ang kaso, palagi kong nawawala yung tsinelas ko. Kung saan-saan ko kasi iniiwan.

Ewan ko ba, ayoko talagang mag-tsinelas. Hanggang ngayon naman, gustung-gusto kong nakayapak. Iba kasi yung nararamdaman ko yung lupa. Feel na feel ko talaga. Kahit sa bahay naming ngayon, bihira akong naka-tsinelas. Kahit sabihin mong Havaianas pa s’ya! (Read more… )

I thought of coming up with my own version of Kate Hudson’s How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days. It’s a light (and quite hilarious) topic for the women out there

It’s 15 days before Christmas! If you want to start the New Year right by dumping Mr. Right Now, in the hope of finding Mr. Right, I suggest you start today and follow 15 easy steps to losing your man. You may do this in 15 days.

1. GO SHOPPING WITH YOUR MAN. You’re really not going to buy anything. But go to the plushest store in town and point at everything with a tag not less than five figures in it. And for every item, say how much you’ve been dreaming of owning one forever. Go to name brand stores and try everything in sight. Gush over items and if you could be a little teary-eyed while trying on a pair of shoes or an outfit, you earn extra points! The one who comes home with the most shopping bags is a definite winner.

2. TOTALLY EMASCULATE HIM. Make him in touch with his feminine side. You don’t even have to be nasty. Forget kinky ideas like making him paint your toes or try your underw*ar. Invite him over at your place. Say you’ve lost your last pair of contacts and can’t see a damn thing in the mirror, and you need help putting your make-up on. Make him do it for you! Teach him step by step, how to put on your foundation, blush on, and lipstick, and how to do your eyebrows and eye make-up. If he enjoys it more than you expected, manipulate him into trying your new outfits for you. Dress him in your clothes. Make him your personal Barbie for the day!

3. DIG HIS FAMILY. Think of the all the things you hate about his family and totally blow it out of proportion. Dig out family secrets and medical history. Imagine your luck should you discover that lunacy runs in his family. It’s time to rattle bones hidden in his closet. Make him feel his family is more dysfunctional than yours!

4. LOSE HYGIENE FOR A DAY. Pretend to be sick so that when he drops by your place late at night, you’ll be in the same jammies you slept in the night before. Don’t shower, don’t brush your teeth, don’t comb your hair, don’t wear make-up and don’t put on cologne or deodorant. Be totally revolting by letting out a barf or a fart. Eat sloppily and let food or sauce drip all over your clothes. Lose all manners while you’re at it. Talk when your mouth is full and say how you haven’t eaten the whole day and eat everything in sight! Copy the way he eats. Enjoy while giving him a dose of his own medicine.

5. GIVE HIM THE 411 ABOUT YOUR PAST. Tell all. Don’t hold back. Give him detailed info about all your s*xcapades and make up a few ones about all the men and women you’ve ever fantasized about. Be creative with this one. You earn extra bonus points if you jump in bed with him after, because “telling all” has totally turned you on.

6. BE TOTALLY NEGATIVE. Turn a beautiful day completely ugly by making the whole day about you. Be a drama queen! Be extra bitchy about your co-workers and your family members. Whimper and whine about every little thing. Sweat the small stuff. Complain, complain, complain!

7. BE A GUY. CHEAT AND GET CAUGHT. No explanation needed. Just be stupid. No practice needed. If you don’t have the stomach to cheat, at least make it appear you’re capable. Flirt with the cutest guy at work and make sure a jealous friend or co-worker who knows your guy sees it, so that it reaches him faster than Breaking News.

8. GO ON A DAY TRIP WITH HIM AND SING OFF KEY ALL THE WAY TO DESTINATION. The longer the drive, the better. Put on your favorite cd and sing your heart out!

9. BE A STALKER FOR A DAY. Be relentless. Follow him around. If you feel he hasn’t had enough of you for the day, call him every 15 minutes and say how much you’ve missed him and how you can never get enough of him. Text in between and send MMS. He’ll be throwing the word “space” faster than you can make another phone call.

10. MAKE HIM JEALOUS OF YOUR CAREER. Lie about how you’ve met a famous producer or casting director and you’re going for a go-see. Say that it’s your lifelong dream to be a star! If you think he wouldn’t fall for this one, lie about a promotion and all the perks that come with it, like trips abroad.

11. IGNORE THE FOOL. This is the exact opposite of being a stalker. Don’t call. Don’t show up on your date. Don’t send messages. Be unavailable. Turn off your cell phone. Put on the answering machine in your home phone. Be mysterious.

12. SHOW HIM YOUR OLD P*RN FLICK. Make sure he catches you wrapping it up as Christmas presents. He’ll be curious about it, so make sure to give him a copy and assure him that his parents will receive theirs before Christmas.

13. BE YOURSELF. NAG, NAG, NAG. Be extremely jealous of all his past relationships. Check all his phone messages and recite his messages to other women, verbatim. Include italics. You’ll need it for emphasis.

14. SLEEP WITH HIS BEST FRIEND. Nothing hurts more than being dumped for the man he trusts the most. His brother may sound like an exciting option but that’s already a bit too much. Although both pretty much leave a bad taste in the mouth.

15. TELL HIM YOUR EX IS DYING FROM AIDS. You’re bound not to get a call from him ever again.

If you’re desperate, start today. You don’t have to do it in order, but remember, you’ve only got 15 days before Christmas. So, hurry!

If you follow these 15 steps by heart and you’ve still got your man, I must congratulate you… you’ve found Mr. Right!

Or, if you plan sticking to your man because you think he is the one, hope you had fun reading this, the same way I had fun writing it!

I don’t know how personal I should get when it comes to writing about my life. But I guess it is a good way for all of you to get to know me better. I’ve been in showbiz for 24 years and, sometimes, I feel there isn’t much you don’t know about me. The press and my previous interviews have already said so many details about my life.

Nonetheless, I’m still giving you a brief history on how I started since it will sound different when written from my perspective.

I’ll be celebrating my 25th year in show business next February. Wow! I myself can’t believe I’ve been here that long. That does not even include my stint as a member of Hotdog (I was with the band for almost a year) in 1982. And you probably have no idea about the other works I did prior to that.

Would you believe me when I say that I was, at first, reluctant to enter show business? But it always had a way of making its way into my life.

(Photo courtesy of Summit Library)

If you search my name via google, you’ll be surprised to find out that prior to embarking on a solo singing career, I was a commercial model. I did a commercial for Nido milk when I was in my pre-teen years. My Dad had an uncle who was a commercial director and he got my father to play a Dad role in one of his projects. They needed lots of kids in the commercial and they asked him if he had a son or daughter who would want to join. I don’t remember whose idea it was to make me part of the cast, but I got the part (I have 5 siblings). What I had to do was drink a whole glass of milk, raise an empty glass, and smile contentedly after.

Drinking milk was not a problem; it was smiling for the camera which proved to be difficult for me since I was painfully shy when I was a young girl. And boy, I still remember that it took several takes before dear Uncle director got contented with his close-up shot and, needless to say, I had the runs the following day.

At a young age, I realized that showbiz work was not easy, but it also had an upside—fame, or at least a few seconds of it. I realized that the most fulfilling part of showbiz work was when you see yourself on screen and people react positively to it. It’s worth all the hard work!

While the commercial ran, it felt good every time I was asked, “Hey, aren’t you one of those kids in the commercial?” And so, I enjoyed my first taste of fame, thanks to my few seconds of exposure on TV. Suddenly, I was more popular in my neighborhood, even in school.

But just as I was enjoying this newfound fame, it ended all too quickly when I started getting teased and laughed at for reasons beyond me. Kids would go, “Ah, s’ya nga yun…hahahahaha!” I was so clueless why suddenly, I was the object of ridicule. Kids could be nasty creatures sometimes. They would say all kinds of things for the heck of annoying a person, or laughing at somebody just because. But being a kid myself during that time, I didn’t know any better. Soon, the fame and “shame” came to an end. When the commercial stopped airing after a few months, I was just another normal kid again.

I also did a few print ads, bit parts in movies, all reluctantly. A friend or a relative would just convince me.

I’ll bet none of you would know that I was asked to audition for the group Music and Magic. This was during the time when Kuh Ledesma became so popular and was already going solo. They needed a new girl. I was even asked to sing “Don’t Cry for me, Argentina” during my audition. I never heard from them again because I got pregnant and “disappeared.” And my heart was, as usual, not in it, so I never even bothered to ask if I got the part. Looking back, they did not get someone else to replace Kuh. Some things were just meant to be.

After my pregnancy, my Uncle Bebong Osorio came to me to ask if I would be interested to sing for Hotdog. I was already married, back in college, and was raising a baby. After much thought, I agreed. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Singing has always been second nature to me. I was constantly singing even as a child. But it’s true that I never imagined I would be a professional singer, or an actress, even if my father was an actor, or his father before him. If you count all the relatives I have in show business, we can probably give the Salvadors a good fight, or the Quizons—but hey, I’m part of that clan now, too.

I can’t wait to celebrate my 25th year in 2008. Giving you a brief history on how I started has given me a fresh perspective on things: my indecisiveness then was not reluctance on my part, but ignorance—I didn’t realize that being in show business was my true calling.

Someone suggested that I make a list of my favorites. I thought it was an exciting idea! Other than the list I recently made for Karylle’s videoke bar Centerstage (she asked me to list down my top 10 Filipino and English songs), I haven’t done anything about my favorites. So here’s a random list:

1. Photo albums. I take a lot of photos, and I like organizing photo albums. I also like to put dates on the photos and I’m quite proud of how organized they look. I even have a desk outside my room which I use as an album workplace. I’m a little behind right now with my “album projects.” And I must admit, my desk needs to be cleaned and cleared for my next “project.”

2. Picture frames. Since I love photos, it’s only logical that I also love picture frames. I have it in every corner of my house. I fill my house with happy memories from trips, parties, get-togethers, and performances. I also receive a lot of frames as gifts.

3. Computers. I own several computers, mostly laptops. But my favorite is the MacBook Pro. I open my computer daily and use it anywhere at home because the whole house, conveniently, has wi-fi. I still have the old reliable dial-up as back up, just in case the wi-fi service becomes unavailable. I surf a lot, use I-tunes to store music, e-mail, and I love Photoshop!

4. Phones. I also cannot live without my phones. I can chat on the phone, send text messages and MMS endlessly! I love Nokia models. User friendly and drop-proof.

5. Books. I seriously need a library. Sadly enough, my book shelves are full, so I had to store some of my good books in big plastic containers. My books are nakakalat everywhere. I also love fashion magazines. I love to read!

6. I-pod. A must for a singer like me. My I-tunes library contains almost all kinds of music, from materials for concerts and my weekly musical show ASAP to the songs of my favorite singers. My preference is very varied, I have songs perfromed by bands and hip-hop artists; there are also Broadway musicals, classical, jazz, OPM, and top 40. I love country music (my secret passion) but I need to update my collection.

7. Clothes. Honestly now, if not for this job, I don’t think I’ll need as much clothes. Here’s a short list of some of the shops in Manila I frequent:

a. Rustan’s. They have some of the best name brands, such as Vivienne Tam, Adrianna Papel, Betsy Johnson, Max Studio, BCBG, Nicole Miller, Tadashi, Papelle Boutique, and Baby Phatt.

b. Mango. I normally go to Mango for taping clothes. I also love their jackets. Clothes are also reasonably-priced.

c. Zara. I love the jackets, pants, and dresses. Nicely-priced, too.

d. Mix. I buy most of my jeans there. They have the best collection of designer jeans.

8. Jewelry. Most women love their bling! I recently purchased a very nice cuff bracelet, an 18k white gold with diamonds from my jeweler, Golds and Gems, at Virra Mall, Greenhills. I also love hoop earrings. I have them in white and yellow gold. I also own a few watches but frequently use only one.

9. Make-up

Favorite foundation: Dior, MAC, and Lancôme
Favorite lipstick/gloss: Dior, MAC, Chanel, Shu Uemura, RMK, Stila.
Favorite mascara: Hypnose waterproof mascara by Lancôme
Favorite concealer: naturactor
Eyebrow shaper: Shiseido
Foundation Primer: Laura Mercier
Favorite make-up brushes: Shu Uemura
Favorite blush on: Stila, MAC, Nars
Favorite lip liner: Chanel, Bobbi Brown, Nars, MAC
Favorite eye make-up: Stila, Dior, Bedhead, Shu Eumura

10. Extensions and wigs. I never fail to go to my favorite store in Las Vegas, the Serge’s (www.showgirlwigs.com). It occupies a big area on the ground floor where you can find absolutely all kinds of wigs and clip-on extensions (real hair is best!). I spend a lot of time there choosing stuff I can use for concerts and for my characters in teleseryes.

11. Gym workout. I love having my workout at the Gold’s Gym (Glorietta) under my trainer, Rene Dio. I also work out at RCBC Plaza. I also love to swim at home and use the treadmill. My whole family is passionate about gym workouts and having a healthy lifestyle.

12. Eating. I love, love, love rice! But when I diet, I cheat by taking it once a week. I also love fruits, instant noodles, pork and beans, canned corned-beef, soup and salad, yogurt and tuna salad sandwiches. Most of my food, when I don’t cheat, are grilled. I eat a lot of grilled Chilean sea bass, cod fish, and salmon. Once in a while, I’m allowed to take steak and lamb.

13. Eating out. The restaurants I frequent are the following:

a. Le Souffle. My family loves to eat at their branch at the Fort. We frequent the place Sunday afternoons for late lunch.

b. Hizon’s Bakeshop and Restaurant. You should try their famous cakes and ensaymada. My grandmother used to be a baker in their original store located in Raon. So my association with this place is not purely because it is the favorite restaurant of Dolphy.

c. Shangri-La’s Shang Palace. I’d eat Chinese food here anytime! My favorite is their roasted duck.

d. Cibo. I love their salad and sandwiches and iced-tea.

e. Duo at Serendra. I love their steak and salad.

f. Abe at Serendra. The best Capampangan food I’ve ever tasted!

g. El Presidente Chinese Restaurant in Ongpin.

h. Tsukiji. It’s my favorite Japanese restaurant.

g. Kai in Greenbelt. My next favorite Japanese restaurant.

j. Fast-food chains like McDo, Jollibee, Starbucks, Figaro

14. Shoes. I have freakishly big feet and I buy most of my shoes abroad simply because it’s very rare that stores in Manila have my size. For gowns and formal dresses, I love to use Giuseppe Zanotti, Stuart Weitzman, Jill Stuart, Manolo Blahnik, Sergio Rossi, Christian Louboutin, Ann Klein, Jimmy Choo, Richard Tyler, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana.

For my taping, all my shoes are from Jessica Simpson—practical, trendy, and comfortable.
For my gym workout, I love both Nike and Adidas sneakers. Local brands which had made sandals for me in the past: Manel’s and Figlia.

15. Tupperware/Plastic ware. I have an obsession over these containers. I still store things—from food to canned goods to gadget connection wires—in see-thru plastic so I could easily find them.

16. Cameras. I own two Canon digital cameras and love taking photos. I also got a digital Panasonic camera last Christmas from Dolphy. With these gadgets, we get to film footage of concerts and pictorials and use them for promo purposes.

17. Plants. I grew up watching my Mama tend to her garden, so that’s how I developed my love for the plants. My garden is filled with lush, beautiful plants and flowers. I love bromeliads (Pineapple belongs to this family). And I’ve been wanting to get big, beautiful ferns.

18. Flowers. I get a natural high out of receiving flowers during performances and birthdays. Roses, liliums, and tulips are my favorites.

19. Sheridan sheets. I love collecting these cotton sheets from Australia. They’re simply the best!

20. Drinks: Coffee, coffee, coffee. Then there’s water. I drink 3 liters a day. I also like iced-tea and my cook does a mean concoction of fresh green apple juice with celery and carrots—it’s yummy and loaded with antioxidants. (Read more… )