As early as July 19 (2004)—three days before Donita Rose-Villarama gave birth—GMA-7's showbiz reporter Lhar Santiago and his cameraman were already in Singapore arranging for Donita's postnatal interview. So he got a scoop when it was time for the birthing.
In the morning of July 22—11:09 a.m. to be exact—Donita, with husband Eric at her side, gave birth the natural way to her first child, Joshua Paul.
Some three hours later, Lhar Santiago was already interviewing
Donita. Says Lhar: "Parang hindi nanganak. Ang lakas-lakas niya. Bubbly pa rin, considering na fifteen hours siya nag-labor."
Lhar's video footage and interviews were aired on five GMA-7 programs—Unang Hint,"24 Oras,"Saksi,"Startalk," and the defunct GMA-7 talk show "S-Files." These exclusive still photos of the Villarama family, he gave to YES!
Our many thanks! Here are Lhar's photos of Donita and Eric with then three-hour-old Joshua Paul.