The title of Gretchen Barretto's new album is sure to raise more questions than answers.
"Because my life is complicated and my status is complicated kaya Complicated ang title. Di ba, obvious naman?" smiled Gretchen when probed by the entertainment press earlier today, March 24, before the contract signing ceremony held at ABS-CBN's 9501 restaurant in Quezon City.
Complicated is the follow up to Gretchen's 2008 debut album Unexpected released under Star Records.
The former actress's romantic life has always been a matter of public interest and typical of Gretchen, she teasingly played coy when asked whether the album title and the songs included in her latest disc are reflection of her current personal state.
"Not that I want my life to be complicated, but it is complicated," she readily acknowledged.
"If I take things too seriously and really just dwell on my life being complicated, I'd really be so down and outl. So I'd like to celebrate that my life is complicated because I know that someday, it won't be. I know that I have something to look forward to and that's a settled life, a more peaceful life."
Gretchen added, "I never lied to my public. It's complicated so I'm not gonna hide it and say, 'Oh, I have a peaceful life and my life is happy.' You know, it is happy but it's complicated."
SAYING 'I DO.' A self-confessed hopeless romantic, Gretchen was uninhibited in expressing her desire to finally settle down for good.
It is common knowledge that certain legal impediments prohibit her longtime live-in partner, business magnate Tonyboy Cojuangco, from marrying her. Many surmised that Gretchen's rumored romantic affairs outside her relationship with Tonyboy were brought about by her frustration.
Her new album's inlay dedication actually carries a curious message, which Gretchen read to the reporters:
My dear groom to be:
Our music has captured life at its finest. Our precious moments can wither away my darkest shame. Our love is born. To us who dare to love shall live forever. For the way your eyes sparkle when you look at me. For the golden smile that greet me. For the warm embrace that held me. For the constant laughter that drives my tears away. For telling me you'll take the good and not so good times and that you love me anyway. For choosing to focus on my strengths. For the songs you sing to me. I live for the moment when we will finally say 'I do'.
Your wife to be,
Bridey
"I'm so maarte, 'no?" Gretchen gushed after reading the dedication note.
But when can she finally say that her life is no longer complicated?
Without batting an eyelash, the controversial former actress turned singer replied: "When I finally say 'I do.'"
Does she see herself saying those words in the immediate future?
Turning serious, Gretchen said, "Well, I can only pray and hope."