Xenoa: One Daring Move

Three siblings. Two worlds. One Empire.

At last, the movie that will make a difference amongst the usual Filipino crap we see in moviehouses.

Drei was involved with this film since Sean Lim, the director, commissioned him to be a part of the production design team but work restricted him in doing so. He just gave his sketches and, among all those pieces he made, I really love the modern Trinity pendant design that can be detached to form three pendants designed for the three siblings. It's the main "logo" of the movie. And so I digress.

Xenoa is a planet with the same politics we know: a powerful ruler against a power-seeking kontrabida. You can check the site for more info: XENOA, A Sean Lim Film.

The cast is now making the rounds to promote the independent film. I am proud of what the Filipinos can do so I am appealing to you guys to check the movie out on August 22, 2007. Come on, you want to see the hot and sexy Isabel Granada in the big screen again, right? I myself can't wait to see it.

 Tangkilikin natin ang sariling atin. 

RED CARPET PREMIER:

August 14 - 6pm, SM Megamall CINEMA ONE 

MALL TOUR SCHEDULES:

August 17 - SM Manila

August 18 - SM Southmall

August 19 - SM Clark, Pampanga

August 22 - SM North Edsa

070707

I was not expecting that something special would happen. Some people believe that today is everyone's lucky day. But a miracle did happen.

As usual, Drei and I fought about work. I just thought that he was being a sourpuss again so I just shrugged it away. But his attitude was dragging. He went to the pantry twice and his pace was unusually slow. I know that he' s trying to keep his cool. I know that there is something wrong but I didn't realize it was that intense. I even joked about it with my agents. For me, it was nothing but a chronic bickering between two minds competing at work.

It turned out to be the worst case. We ended up throwing coarse words against each other — proving who is really wrong. No one's prepared to concede. I hurt him physically. I lied when I said I don't want to be with him anymore. I cried and I cried. It seemed endless.

It was so sudden. He said he'd let go of my hand if he doesn't love me.

I have this thing inside me that's decaying. I keep my composure because I don't want it to die. 

If I wanted to let you go, I should have had let you walk out of that door the minute you told you would do so. You are the only woman I loved that I stayed loyal to; if being loyal means pain everyday, I'd rather go to the mountains. That's always been my dream. I don't want problems anymore.

My feelings for you lessen everyday but there's this speck inside my heart that only you can turn into a boulder. That means I cannot let go… because every time I feel that the love is almost gone because of pain and hatred, there you are building a rock, solid hard.

Walk out that door if you are decided. If not, let's talk things over.

I was so surprised. I couldn't imagine myself crying my soul out to Drei. I did. I just did. He made me see my mistakes. Why do I always think negatively? It's because I know that I am a loser. I know that nobody's perfect and that's my defense. He made me realize that I didn't have the confidence and that I feel like everybody surrounding me is actually there to point out how great of a loser I am. He knows my past and he believes that I became very unpredictable because I am abused by the people I loved.

He pointed out the truth and yes, the truth set me free. Insecurity, jealousy, envy and false strength were all washed away. I think I became a better person. I will be challenged, I know, but with what Andrei told me, I think I can face it.

I am here. WE can do it.

Assuring and comforting. Another success.

It's not with the date or the moon alinement or the feng shui. It's the everyday miracle God had set that we just ignore. Drei is my miracle. Mushy.

I Loved You First

At the moment, this is the song that makes me shut up. Of course, I Will Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie is still number 1 but this song has this certain eerieness that makes me sit down and shut up. Yes, shut up.

Samson

Regina Spektor

You are my sweetest downfall
I loved you first
Beneath the sheets of paper lies my truth
I have to go
Your hair was long when we first met

Samson went back to bed
Not much hair left on his head
Ate a slice of wonder bread and
Went right back to bed
And the history books forgot about us
And the bible didn't mention us
Not even once

You are my sweetest downfall
I loved you first
Beneath the stars came falling on our heads
But they're just old light
Your hair was long when we first met

Samson came to my bed
Told me that my hair was red
Told me i was beautiful and
Came into my bed
Oh i cut his hair myself one night
A pair of dull scissors in the yellow light
And he told me that i'd done alright
And kissed me till the morning light
[Samson Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com]

Samson went back to bed
Not much hair left on his head
Ate a slice of wonder bread and
Went right back to bed
Oh we couldn't bring the columns down
Yeah we couldn't destroy a single one
And the history books forgot about us
And the bible didn't mention us
Not even once

You are my sweetest downfall
I loved you first

Soul Sisters

She's one of those girls you would find inside the library doing a real research. She laughs at almost anything. She has a very deep opinion about love and sex. She is my alter-ego: my own sister.

Dindi Sagario Yu was born on February 15, 1984 in our house in Pasig City. She was the Black Buddha because she was reddish, shiny black. She had this Jaya lips that we tease aside from her very popular GMA mole beside her nose. We never really expected that she'd become the woman she is right now.

We were both weaklings. We had weak lungs. Dextrose was our very bestfriend. Mama had no choice but to shave her hair — yes, G.I. Jane shave — because of the allergies in her scalp. She was a very clumsy little child. It is a mystery up to now as to why it's always her head that bumped on almost all of the objects she happened to hold or walk through. She was also a very silent child. She never complained about anything she felt. I will never forget when Mama told us that when she was still a toddler, she sat silently at one corner of our small house. Mama was looking for her and when she found Dindi, Dindi was delirious with high fever. She tried to keep everything to herself. That story never failed to make me cry. Just imagine a child, around 3 to 5 years old, trying to fight influenza by being alone.

Then she started studying. As a nursery student, and a year younger at that, she was very timid and inactive. She'd just wait for uwian because Mama or Papa or whoever would be available would pick her up. She wanted her alone time at home. She transferred to where I was studying, Prince n' Princess Grade School. Same routine for her, only more interesting because she got to know more things. She had more books to read and classmates to compete with. For her, as a kid, competition is like the usual games little children play in the damp streets of Pasig City.

One day, she went home quiet as usual. She talked to Mama about something her teacher wanted our mom to do: a valedictory speech. Dindi was the same as everyday, expressionless. She just told my mom to make a speech for her graduation which was less than a week hence. Mama was shocked and happy. Dindi had no idea what she just did at school, and what honor it just brought to our humble home. She was all and the same: no care to the world.

She is not autistic. It's just that she's so quiet she doesn't know that she has a lot of things to brag about. She started grade school with almost perfect to perfect scores bagged with everyday quizzes and examinations. She joined quiz bees and declamation contests. Only one instance made her cry, and that one instance she never forgets… until now.

She was in Grade Two. If I am not mistaken, it was a review for her Science Quiz Bee. Her own adviser called her tanga for something I think every normal Grade Two student would be confused about. A grade two student was challenged by her own adviser. This brought out her fury and strength. She proved to everyone — most especially to that bitch of a teacher — that she maybe quiet but she can kick ass, too. She began collecting gold medals and other awards and recognitions. Then we transferred to Calamba.

Different environment, different people, one goal: to get quality education. We were supposed to study in an exclusive Catholic school in Canlubang but we were late for enrolment. I studied in a public school just to finish Grade Five while Dindi and our sister, Joe-na enrolled at Kapayapaan Ville Academy, a then start-up private grade school in the village. She found it hard to adjust since most of her teachers were fresh graduates and Cebuano/ Waray. They had this certain accent that was new to her ears because we were used to the strict English Only Policy at PPGS. On the first week as a Grade Four student in a new school, she got a score of 4 out of 10 in Spelling. Why? The teacher asked them to spell hin (hen). Expect everyone to fail.

Dindi and the school grew together. The directress and owner of the school, who became a very understanding family friend, began hiring more qualified teachers. I transferred there for my final grade school year. Dindi was still the first honor student she was since Kindergarten — timid but intelligent. Competition between us ensued. Knowing that Dindi already gained her a very impressive reputation, I tried to shone as well. I finished elementary as the class valedictorian… and as a tradition, I passed on the key of responsibility to the first honor student from the Grade Five class. You guessed it right. It was Dindi.

I transferred to Saint John Academy in Calamba because KVA was not ready to offer secondary education. As expected, Dindi graduated Valedictorian in her class. KVA was starting to gain attention and respect among private schools in Canlubang. Here's this small school that had students with great potentials. We were even trained to make our own graduation speeches. With this, the school management announced the opening of first and second year high school. So I went back.

This may not be known to all who studied in KVA the same time we did but Dindi and I had a very tight competition. I maybe her senior but she became more open to other school activities unlike before. I joined the school politics, the school paper, sports — practically everything — and she did the same. I wanted to excel to everything I know I could do and I felt like she's doing the same in an effortless manner. There was even an instance wherein we joined an extemporaneous speech contest. We were enemies. I won maybe because her question was hard or I was just very much prepared for it, I really don't know. But, one thing is for sure: we were slaves of honor and fame.

She already had hundreds of awards and recognitions when I started collecting my own. This was very tough because I had the eldest pride. I pushed myself too hard without noticing that my ADHD was at its worst. I became unfocused. I finished high school as a Salutatorian.

Yes, I envied my sister when she accepted huge medals when she finished high school as a valedictorian, with a scholarship from the University of the Philippines Los Baños in tow. I was rebelling with the thought that my parents did not allow me to study at UP Baguio. I was planning to take up Journalism — very far from my father's dream of having a doctor or a lawyer in the family. Maybe, Dindi would like to become a doctor, I thought. I did not care anymore.

Instead of envy, and it was instantly, I suddenly transformed into the ever-proud and loving

ate Dindi had long expected me to be. I defended her in every way I can and helped her in things she can't do. Even gods like her need help from simpletons like me. She was still the quiet and intelligent Dindi that our whole clan was proud of. The only difference was, she already knew how to smile and laugh. She became more humble and God-fearing. She took up BS Chemistry. She became the music ministry director and song leader of our church (which would be up until she leaves).

I moved out of the house. She never lost hope. She knew one day we'd see each other again. And we did. When that day came, she hugged me like the usual sisterly hug she gives me. I felt the love she was never able to talk about in all those years. She still laughed at my silly jokes about her mole.

She was already teaching while taking up some masteral units at the university when we reunited. I really forgot the timeline, but I guess I am almost correct. I talk about her everywhere I go until now. I am very proud of her.

I have loads of stories about her — some nasty and naughty; mostly, inspiring like now. She will soon be leaving to study at the University of Houston. I asked her last night and she told me that it would take her 3 years to finish her Masteral Degree (since, she perceived, the units she took up here won't be credited) and, hopefully, two years for her Doctorate (which would depend upon the recommendation she'd get from her professor there). She will be far, far away from my mole teasing and boob jokes. I'm gonna miss my kambal.

Neng, remember what Papa and Mama always tell us: 'wag tatanga tanga, tumingin sa kanan at kaliwa. I am very sorry but I don't want to see you leave so I will not be there in the airport. Don't expect me to be there. This is your dream and God made everything possible for this dream to come true. We all know that 95% of the reaction we got from our relatives and friends is positive so you know that nothing can hinder to your pursuit. Don't forget to read my blog during your first few weeks in Texas to remind you of things you should and should not do:

1. Sa airport pa lang ne, 'wag ka ng pasaway. 'Wag mo nang balaking magdala ng tawas. Nakakahiya.

We are the yin and the yang; the bitch and the hopeless romantic. Kami ang Super Twins, ang kambal ng tadhana.

And oh yeah!

11. Size 5 ang paa ko.

God bless you! Rock on, sis!

Get Down With the Sickness

Literally.

I'm sick since Saturday afternoon. Yes, if you know how to read, I am still feverish until now. That means, I haven't taken a bath since Saturday night because my housemates don't allow me to. I stink like an Indian running away from the Speedy Gonzales of a telephone shower from a newly-installed 2nd bathroom inside the holy house of the third appointed guru. My dandruff's everywhere like tuna flakes in my oily hair that's why i don't move that much. I washed that thing down there by the way (No, I will never be an American). I want my tool down there clean and fresh so I washed it with Drei's feminine wash. My armpits are worse than the devil himself, but thanks to D&G, I only smell like Marimar. I saw some scorpions trying to get out of my mephitic feet. Did I say Drei tried to kiss my nape and turned into a pillar of salt for a while? And it's my third day of menstruation?

Being a Godparent for the 16th Time

Characters:

Kazier "Zee" Hussin - my inaanak

Karen Beldia - my close friend; Zee's mom

Albert Velasco - or Nico, Karen's boyfriend and a good friend, too

Me, Reign and Glen - the ever chismosas

Jazz Hussin - Zee's father with some girl I don't care to know

Drei (my lovelife), Julian (the boytoy), Riztil (the stallion, baby! Yeah!), Ed (the horny dancer) - the guys who went there for the free food

Church - Glen's boyfriend

Zee's yaya, Karen's friends, Jazz' friends, and some guys I don't care about, really

We went to Zee's binyag (not tuli) after finishing half of the reports we need to send to our client. We need booze and nothing could stop us.

Though I am not Catholic, Kazier "Zee" Beldia Hussin is a very dear 2-year-old friend so I really need to go there. Drei and I arrived "fashionably late" but there were some guys who went in much much later, to our dismay. Sacred Heart Church. Ah! Yes, I know that place. When Karen (Zee's mom) and I were still housemates, we passed by that church. There was even this one time that we were so broke we have to walk from Kamagong St. corner Dungon St. of San Antonio Village to the 10th floor of the JAKA Building along Ayala Avenue. So why should I forget that holy place? Tears.

As I stepped out of the cab I saw Reign, my former colleague from PeopleSupport who is now a successful Center Manager in a call center in Caloocan. We haven't seen each other for almost a year (or I'm just exaggerating. Basta, it's that long ago na) and we hugged each other tight. You see, I am just 5'2" and Reign's almost 6 feet. Imagine me embracing The Thing. Ngyahaha! Glen, a former colleague at PS, was also there with… ahemm! his boyfriend, Church (I really cannot remember that guy's full name because it's goddamn Russian). By the way, these are the gays I was with since day one of training at STC Solutions - PeopleSupport. July 4, 2005. I will never ever forget that day. And I envy these guys, err, gays because their names are longer than mine: Reign's full name is André Phillip Loleng and Glen's, Glen Paul Diaz. To my dear mom, I want a longer name.

Anyhow, we went inside the christening room (or whatever you call it, I really don't know!). We only saw three familiar faces and like the usual me, dedma lang. Keblar. But, of course, I should be friendly because I was with Drei so I managed to pull off a smile from my nose. My kumares were kind so I wasn't able to be the devil inside the church.

I was not expecting to see Zee's father, Jazz, because he's a Moslem. You might have been ROFL if you were there. My jaw dropped when I saw Jazz, with a date. And Nico, Karen's boyfriend, was there, too.

PHOEBE: I am so loving this.

REIGN: Me, too.

GLEN: lol

Then, the old priest came into the picture. Silence.

He started with the usual things he had to do until he asked the question I was waiting to hear (being the tamed devil):

PRIEST: Are you married?

KAREN: No.

PRIEST: Why? (To Jazz) Do you love her?

JAZZ: (smiles)

KAREN: (To Zee) Come here.

PRIEST: You should be married.

KAREN: (To the priest) He's a Moslem.

PRIEST: Ohhh… (thinks) Even though! He also believes in God. (To Karen) You believe in christening so that means you have to believe in all the sacraments…

Have I mentioned that Zee wanted to get out of the room? And Nico whispered that he wanted to do that, too? I was really loving the scene.

Zee was all over the place. Of course, he wanted to sit on my lap. I missed the kid. And I was so hating the priest. I formulated a scheme to end up the homily that's really not a part of the program. I told Zee to get the huge candle from Lolo (the priest).

ZEE: Uy, lolo. Asan yung ngyanyunyanyinyi…?

PRIEST: Kaya dapat kayo, magpakasal na para sa bata…

ZEE: Uy! (goes to the priest's table) Saan? Saan?

PRIEST: Let's all stand up and chuva chuva chuva…

Effective. So, priests are impatient with kids, too. Ngyahaha! After the long program, we went to Dencio's in Jupiter St., Makati for the reception. Gawd! The buffet was good for 30 people. The guests were barely 20 in number. It was so plenty that we feasted with the sisig like it's rice. Their barbeque is a must-try, too. Drei had to gawk out everything he ate for the leche flan to have space in his enormous stomach. Then, he went back to the office.

In every occasion, like a ritual in our barkada, we went straight to our old tambayan (Digi Cafe which has a new name and I, being the lola, forgot it). I was impressed because the place was clean and sosyal unlike before. And the same as our old rituals, we sang videoke like hell.

It ended up with me going back to work to pick up Drei and have dinner with the other guys. It really was a tiring day since we didn't have a decent sleep.

Oh yeah, I will again be attending a christening on July. The 17th time. I feel like I am a celebrity. A poor one.

Gossip In Style

Gossiping is a part of the Filipino culture. Everybody might not admit it but we are all guilty of saying shit about our neighbors. We may defend ourselves by saying that what we do is an innocent chat of someone’s private life. Pure innocence… really. What the fuck?

Odeck, a friend I met through the FHM Bullboard, blogs anything from jokes to serious things (like how to properly prepare instant noodles). But this series he recently posted is really interesting (nak, the blogs were for private viewing. But don’t worry, it’s the od3ck blog©. (n_n))

And unknown to most of the Filipino tsismosos and tsismosas. Like me. Glamorous? Read on.

Untold Pinoy Story No. 1 - Beyond Sibling Rivalry

If your siblings are married to huge celebrities and you’ve just lost your chance of marrying one, would you still strive to surpass their feat? But how could you beat being married to an award-winning actress whose mother is a beautiful actress and whose father is the original Agent X-44 of Philipine movies?

Or being the wife of Mr. Pure Energy?

Or being Mr. Megastar?

Now, aren’t you glad that you’re not among the Pangilinan siblings?

Former Penthouse Live co-host and newspaper columnist Anthony Pangilinan married Maricel Laxa, an excellent actress who is the lovechild of circa 60s actress.

Imelda Ilanan and action star Tony Ferrer. She is also the half-sister of 1990 Miss Asia runner-up Mutya Crisostomo Laxa.

Anthony’s brother, Senator Francis Pangilinan, was a campus figure in UP Diliman. He was the chairman of the UP Student Council in 1986. He married no less than the megastar, Sharon Cuneta.

Their sister, Angeli Pangilinan, was a campus beauty and brain while she was a student at the UP School of Economics in Diliman. Angeli married Mr.Pure Energy himself, Gary Valenciano.

REWIND: In the early 80s, teenager Edgardo Jose Martin Santiago Valenciano or Gary V. to most of us, fell deeply in love with a teenage girl who eventually
became his girlfriend. Gary’s true love, they said. And they really looked perfect together.

Their friends said that they were truly meant for each other. They were the picture of pure bliss. But not for long.

Few weeks before Gary’s first major concert in 1984, a female singer became pregnant. And Gary was the alleged father. Gary did not deny it. At 19, Gary
joined the growing list of unwed teenage fathers.

Gary’s former girlfriend was shocked upon hearing about Gary’s indiscretion. She felt betrayed by Gary and the female singer. Gary’s former girlfriend was devastated.

The pregnant singer who bore Gary’s child was a former Camay girl who joined the ultra exclusive league of several generations of Camay beauties from the first Camay girl Paquita Roces to her two daughters, Maritess Revilla (Ang lahat ay napapalingon¦ At muling napapalingon) and Rosie Revilla to actress Rosa Rosal’s daughter Toni Rose Gayda (Kutis porcelana) to concert pianist Ingrid Sala Santamaria’s daughter Crispy Santamaria to a few others. The female singer indeed looked devastatingly beautiful in her memorable Camay TV commercial. But there was a teeny weeny objection among his friends: She was too old for the
teenage and vibrant Gary whose popularity was just beginning to zoom up.

Everybody knows that the female singer who became pregnant with Gary’s child was Maria Anna Elizabeth Nepomuceno Pangilinan. In 1985, Gary exchanged vows with the female singer who is more popularly known by her nickname: Angeli.

Angeli retired from her singing group, Music and Magic. Angeli sacrificed her flourishing singing career and left behind her fellow Music and Magic members led by jeepney driver’s daughter-turned- nurse-turned- singer Kuh Ledesma, tenor singer-turned- Music and Magic co-founder-turned-musical director Jet Montelibano and singer-turned- comedian- turned TNT-turned- bogus political asylum seeker-turned- Michael Garfinkel endorser Fe de los Reyes.

Angeli decided to become a full-time wife to Gary, baby Paolo’s Mom and Gary’s talent manager. Meanwhile, the pain of losing Gary has left Gary’s former
girlfriend in deep shock. Gary and his new bride tried to comfort her but Gary’s former girlfriend was inconsolable.

PLAY: Gary Valenciano’s most inspired and most popular composition was first heard as the theme song of a Vilma Santos movie before it became the title of an Aga Muhlach-Lea Salonga flick and later, the title of a Kim Chiu-Gerald Anderson TV soap opera.

The haunting melody and melancholy lyrics of this beautiful song make one wonder where Gary drew the passion and longing for lost love which every line of this
song clearly evokes.

Listen:

Sana maulit muli
Ang mga oras nating nakaraan
Bakit nagkaganito
Naglaho na ba ang pag-ibig mo?
Sana’y maulit muli
Sana bigyan pansin ang himig ko
Kahapon, bukas, ngayon
Tanging wala ng ibang mahal
Kung kaya kong iwanan ka
‘Di na sana aasa pa
Kung kaya kong umiwas na
‘Di na sana lalapit pa
Kung kaya ko sana
Ibalik ang kahapon
Sandaling ‘di mapapantayan
Huwag sana nating itapon
Pagmamahal
na tapat
Kung ako’y nagkamali minsan
‘Di na ba mapagbibigyan
O giliw, dinggin mo ang nais ko, oooh…
Kung kaya kong iwanan ka
‘Di na sana aasa pa
Kung kaya kong umiwas na
‘Di na sana lalapit pa
Kung kaya ko sana
Ito ang tanging nais ko
Ang ating kahapon sana maulit muli
Kung kaya kong iwanan ka
‘Di na sana aasa pa
Mahal pa rin kita
O giliw, o giliw ko, oooh…

This song was originally written by Gary in English. Ironically, the one who translated it to Tagalog was Gary’s wife, Angeli.

FAST FORWARD: Now, Gary has three grown-up children with Angeli. On the other hand, Gary’s former girlfriend is now known as Mrs. Buizon. She occasionally hosts a show on TV.

The pain has eased. Somehow. Even if the former lovers get to see each other regularly. They meet at her Mom’s house during important occasions:

Christmas. New Year. Birthday of Mrs. Buizon’s mother. Mrs. Buizon’s birthday. Gary’s birthday. Holidays. Easter Sunday. Every Sunday, in fact.

Gary’s equally famous in-laws were witnesses to the former lovers’ meetings. But they do not mind at all. Gary’s wife, Angeli, does not make a fuss over it.
Even the family matriarch, retired public school teacher Mommy Emma, is not bothered by it.

But the truth is, they could not prevent the former lovers from seeing each other.

Because Gary’s former girlfriend has to join her mother, siblings and in-laws during important family occasions. And because Gary’s former girlfriend was Felichi Buizon. And because before she got married, Gary’s former girlfriend was known as Felichi Pangilinan.And yes, because Felichi Pangilinan-Buizon is the younger sister of Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano.

And none of us would probably ever know the rest of this intriguing triangle’s story.

Untold Pinoy Story No. 2 -  It Could Happen Only in the Movies

These two women move in different circles but they seem to lead parallel lives.

Barbara C. Gonzales is the great-granddaughter of national hero, Dr.Jose Rizal. Her great-grandmother is Dr. Jose Rizal’s elder sister, Maria, a liberated woman
who was separated from her husband Daniel.

Barbara is more popularly known by her nickname, Tweetums. She once appeared in a Del Monte tomato sauce TV commercial featuring three generations of women in the kitchen. Yes, that was Tweetums with her daughter,  Panjee, and Tweetum’s mother whom they fondly called Mamu. Tweetums was married to Ramon Tapales, a successful businessman. Their daughter, Panjee Tapales ( a.k.a. singer Panjee Gonzales), was co-host of ABS-CBN’s daily morning show,
Alas Singko Y Media (now Magandang Umaga Pilipinas) and its defunct Sunday morning game show with Roderick Paulate and Eric Quizon. Panjee soon became the second wife of ABS-CBN chairman, Gabby Lopez. (But that’s another story.)

Tweetums writes about art and culture in her column for the Philippine Star. She has published a couple of books consisting of collections of her essays from her newspaper column. She remains a highly-respected media personality, being the president of a major advertising company.

Socorro Alicia R. Quirino is the granddaughter of former president Elpidio Quirino. More popularly known by her nickname, Cory, she hosts a lifestyle show on TV. Her kidnapping ordeal a few years ago was made into a movie entitled, The Cory Quirino Kidnap, which was directed by massacre king Carlo J. Caparas. Cory was married to Roman Cruz, Jr. who was the president of Philippine Airlines and head of Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). Cory writes a regular column on fitness and health for the Philippine Daily Inquirer. She also published a series of health, beauty and inspirational books. She remains a highly visible media personality with her radio and TV programs.

While Tweetums and Cory were both successful in their respective  careers, their personal lives were not as rosy. Tweetums Gonzales and her husband, Ramon Tapales, eventually decided to lead separate lives. Likewise, Cory Quirino and her husband, Roman Cruz, Jr., soon parted ways.

Indeed, Tweetums and Cory seem to lead parallel lives.

Then, in a strange twist of fate, the unthinkable happened. While geometry teaches us that parallel lines can never intersect, the parallel lives of Tweetums and Cory did intersect. Tweetums Gonzales got married to Cory’s former husband, Roman Cruz, Jr. Meanwhile, Cory Quirino got married to Tweetum’s former husband, Ramon Tapales.

Just like in the movies.

And you know the rest of their story.

Untold Pinoy Story No. 3 - Her Mother’s Joy

Her mother has always been proud of her. Mighty proud. And rightly so.

In the spring of 1991, Julia Roberts graced the cover of People Magazine’s special issue featuring its annual list of The 50 Most Beautiful People in the World. Together with Julia Roberts in this ultimate list of the most beautiful people were Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Madonna, Mel Gibson, Whitney Houston, Michelle Pfeiffer, Isabella Rossellini, supermodels Claudia Schiffer & Naomi Campbell and oops!.. a Filipina?

Yes, People Magazine’s 1991 list of The 50 Most Beautiful People in the World included a true-blooded Filipina who was born, raised and educated in the Philippines.

Unlike most beautiful Filipinas who were the products of mixed marriages and who have therefore acquired foreign physical features, this Filipina was born to a Filipina mother and a Filipino father. It is no wonder that she does not typify a beautiful woman by any standards: She is short, standing only 5′2″. She has a huge and deep acne scar on her forehead. She has that distinct Asian nose (read: flat). She uses only Avon cosmetics (gasp!) and applies makeup by herself.

During her pre-Inno Sotto days, her clothes were not made by known couturiers: They were lovingly sewn at home by her mother who is a dressmaker. She does not even have the right genes to inherit beauty from: Her mother was plain, even stern-looking. Her father was a dark-skinned guy with the tough facial features of a hardened military man.

Although both the first names of her mother and father means happy in two different languages, their union was not as joyous. Her mother and father were never
married, making her and her only brother illegitimate children. In the mistress hierarchy, her mother was not even her father’s second woman. Her father had a first mistress who ranked above her mother.

She and her brother only belong to their father’s third family. And yes, the gay club performer who once appeared on national television was indeed her half-brother. She couldn’t therefore be faulted for not talking about her father. In contrast, too much has been known about her mother. Her mother was always visible, too visible for comfort.

Her mother gave her the name Carmen and raised her in a province north of Manila. However, when it was time for her to go to school, her overprotective mother brought her and her brother to Manila to give them the best education. Carmen studied in Preciosa Soliven’s Operation Brotherhood Montessori in Greenhills where she emerged as the school’s valedictorian. However, Carmen’s academic rival protested the school’s decision to award Carmen the school’s highest honors, claiming that she had better grades than Carmen. Carmen’s rival even revealed that the school’s owner, Mrs. Soliven, was only fond of Carmen because she always performed in school programs which gave Carmen an edge in extra-curricular activities. But academically, Carmen reportedly did not really rise above her rival.

Lured into show business, Carmen became part of German Moreno’s inane daily afternoon TV show, That’s Entertainment, where she got paired with comedian
and now Quezon City Vice Mayor Herbert “Bistek” Bautista. (Some say that Vice Mayor Bautista was so enamored with Carmen that he later refused to marry his partner despite their having a child.) As one of the countless stars of Kuya Germ’s That’s Entertainment, Carmen’s talent was overshadowed by the ridiculous
mass appeal of the triumvirate of Sheryl Cruz, Manilyn Reynes and Tina Paner. Later, Carmen made a couple of forgettable films which were big flops.

Unsuccessful in local show business, Carmen enrolled as a BS Biology student in Ateneo de Manila, hoping to become a doctor. However, the lure of fame and fortune shattered her medical ambition. She followed her other dream and landed in a ¦Dreamland! Yes, instead of comforting innocent and fresh-smelling babies in a hospital, she ended up entertaining horny, sweaty and foul-smelling drunken men in seedy bars.

When Carmen was a little girl, a local manghuhula predicted that she would be crowned Miss Universe. Her mother, legally known as Miss Imutan, was ecstatic
upon hearing this. Sadly, the prophecy did not come true.

However,when Carmen was 18 years old, she bagged a beauty title. But it was farfetched from a Miss Universe crown. Carmen became Miss Saigon.

Yes, the only true-blooded Filipina who was included in People Magazine’s The 50 Most Beautiful People in the World in 1991 is Feliciano Salonga and
Ligaya “Joy” Imutan’s only daughter: Carmen Lea Imutan Salonga.

Most of us know her simply as Lea Salonga.

Untold Pinoy Story No. 4 - Dorothy and Marcial

At a tender age of 17, Marcial was a war correspondent for The Manila Times. Marcial’s war experience provided him with a treasure chest of stories which inspired him to write a movie screenplay. His screenplay was made into a movie, starring Jaime de la Rosa and a 16 year old actress named Dorothy. Helmed by renowned director Lamberto Avellana, the movie was a huge success. During the first FAMAS award ceremony in 1952, Dorothy received the first FAMAS trophy for best supporting actress for her role in the movie.

The only child of a US soldier and a Filipina, Dorothy was also a semi-finalist in the 1952 Miss Philippines beauty contest. It was therefore not surprising that Marcial got so enamored with Dorothy that he did everything to court her. Marcial even carried Dorothy’s make-up kit during movie shootings. Marcial became Dorothy’s dakilang alalay.

Dorothy studied pre-Law at the University of Santo Tomas but her booming movie career made it impossible for her to continue. Likewise, Marcial took up Law at the University of the Philippines but the lure of journalism ended his dream of becoming a lawyer.

Marcial became known for his gift of gab and political skill. This led to his victory as a town mayor at a young age of 22. Meanwhile, Dorothy became popular for her acting prowess and dancing skill. This led to her victory in several acting derbies.

Marcial’s younger sister was the director of the movie which won for Dorothy her last FAMAS best supporting actress award.

But while Philippine politics and show business naturally intertwine, political kingpin Marcial and movie queen Dorothy were not destined to be together. Dorothy married a man named Victorino who fathered her only daughter. But their union did not last. After a series of unsuccessful relationships, Dorothy finally tied the
knot again with an American B-movie actor-singer. In contrast, Marcial remained faithfully married all his life to an American-educated woman who bore his only son and four daughters.

But while Marcial survived the Korean War which he covered,he did not survive the war on the home front. Likewise, Dorothy did not survive her own war at home.

Both Marcial and Dorothy suffered violent deaths. Marcial was shot. Dorothy was stabbed several times. Committed 18 years apart, the separate murders of
Marcial and Dorothy made headlines several years ago. However, both murders remained unsolved to this day. Some say that identifying their killers is not
the issue because everyone, except the authorities, seems to know the identity of their respective killers. Rumors even abound that the masterminds in the murders of Marcial and Dorothy were related to them by affinity. But the real mystery lies in the fact that the perpetrators of these high-profile crimes remain
scot-free to this day, despite the enormous clout which the victims’ respective family wields.

Some say that Marcial’s death was a result of his being branded a communist by the government. This is ironic because the screenplay which Marcial wrote and which won for Dorothy her first FAMAS trophy was the second in a trilogy of anti-communist movies which were produced by LVN Pictures in support of the government’s efforts to fight communism.

Dorothy’s shocking death led to embarrassing revelations about her painful personal battle. Marcial’s equally shocking death led to well-deserved recognition of his heroic political battle.

Dorothy was killed amid rows of cars in the covered and dark parking lot of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) building. Despite his escorts, Marcial was killed amid rows of airplanes in a wide open space in broad daylight while descending down the tarmac of what was then known as the Manila International Airport (MIA).

Of course, we all know Dorothy as Dolphy’s TV wife, Marsha.

And we all know Marcial as Cory’s real-life husband, Ninoy.

Yes, Dorothy Jones was the real name of Nida Blanca. And yes, Marcial Bonifacio was the fictitious name on the passport of Benigno Aquino, Jr. on the day that he was murdered.

And you know the rest of their stories.

Untold Pinoy Story No. 5 - Game Ka Na Ba?

She was born on the day of hearts, February 14. But her parents did not name her Valentina. Not even Venus or Aphrodite. They opted for the holy-sounding Kristina Bernadette. But she did not turn out to be a saint.

Being the youngest, Kristina Bernadette captured the heart of her father. Father and daughter were inseparable. Until tragedy struck.

Kristina Bernadette’s father was sent to prison. His heart ailment grew worse there.

On February 14, 1974, Valentine’s Day, Kristina Bernadette celebrated her third birthday with her father in prison. On the same day, a man was exchanging hearts with a southern belle in nearby San Juan church.

Nine years later, on August 21, the man who got married in San Juan church was celebrating his birthday with his basketball buddies. On the same day, Kristina
Bernadette’s father was killed.

Kristina Bernadette and the married man never knew each other. They lived very different lives. But in 1994, Kristina Bernadette and the married man met at work.
Their first meeting blossomed into deep friendship. Some said that she longed for a father figure. But the friendship blossomed into romance which went beyond
control. Kristina Bernadette used her heart, not her head. She decided to live with the married man.

Kristina Bernadette’s mother was furious at the relationship. How could Kristina Bernadette’s mother like a man who celebrates his birthday every year on the
death anniversary of her murdered husband? But more than this was the fact that the man’s heart already belonged to someone else. In fact, he has a grown-up daughter in New York who was nearly Kristina Bernadette’s age.

Despite her religious mother’s efforts to put an end to Kristina Bernadette’s adulterous affair with the man, Kristina Bernadette had her way. It didn’t matter to
Kristina Bernadette that her decision prevented her from receiving church communion because she was openly living in sin.

It did not take long before Kristina Bernadette gave birth to her love child who was the spitting image of her live-in partner. But Kristina Bernadette’s son was born
with Attention Deficit Hyper-Activity Disorder. Her son’s birth softened the heart of Kristina Bernadette’s mother who announced that Kristina Bernadette’s son was her favorite grandson. When Kristina Bernadette first planned to have a liposuction, her mother tried to stop her, warning Kristina Bernadette that she (the mother) was too old to take care of Kristina Bernadette’s son if something happened to her during her surgery. But as in the past, Kristina Bernadette had her way. She went on with her liposuction.

But Kristina Bernadette’s relationship with her live-in partner was not meant to last. In her Ateneo accent, Kristina Bernadette would always correct her live-in partner’s grammatical lapses. Her live-in partner also got annoyed whenever Kristina Bernadette would hand him a stick of Milagrosa candle every time he used the bathroom.

According to Kristina Bernadette, the candle helped drive away the stinking smell of her live-in partner’s crap. Kristina Bernadette confessed that she learned this
trick from her mother. And when Kristina Bernadette’s live-in partner stopped pursuing his petition for the annulment of his first marriage in San Juan church, Kristina Bernadette began to express doubt about her live-in partner’s sincerity in marrying her. Kristina Bernadette’s heart was hurt.

Their relationship turned for the worse. Kristina Bernadette finally realized that her live-in partner could never be her savior. She decided to leave the father of her son and her live-in partner for many years: Philip Salvador.

Yes, Kristina Bernadette is the youngest daughter of President Corazon (means heart in Spanish) Aquino and the late Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. And yes, Kristina Bernadette Cojuangco Aquino is the full name of Kris Aquino.

And everyone knows the heart of her story.

Untold Pinoy Story No. 6 - East and West

The Story of a Muslim Princess

Suppose that there was a Muslim princess from the flood capital of the Philippines, Malabon, who has just finished her degree in Mass Communications from the University of the Philippines with Latin honors (cum laude). Suppose that she decided to work for Discorama. Remember the Saturday afternoon show on GMA Channel 7 with former Senator Tito Sotto, his brother Vic Sotto and comedian Joey de Leon as hosts?

The Muslim princess was assigned to host the Tough Hits segment of the show. As Tough Hits girl, she did the weekly countdown of popular songs with bastardized lyrics to elicit cheap laughs. Her mother, who was an executive at the Philippine National Bank in Escolta, just shrugged her shoulders whenever her colleagues would ask about her favorite daughter’s TV show.

Soon, a female newscaster of a major TV network introduced the Muslim princess to her brother, a flight steward. After a whirlwind courtship, the Muslim princess married the flight steward who used to be a child actor whose only claim to fame was playing the role of a toddler Bongbong Marcos in a Marcos bio-flick. After a couple of months, the Muslim princess and the flight steward quietly separated.

But career-wise, lady luck smiled at the Muslim princess when she was given a big break by the major TV network. She bagged the plum assignment of delivering the evening news while at the same time hosting a successful TV magazine program which was pitted against a similar program in a rival TV network hosted by her former UP professor. However, the Muslim princess was such a perfectionist that it was reportedly not uncommon to see objects flying whenever
she was unsatisfied with her TV staff’s work.

Later, the Muslim princess got married again, this time to a well-known local politician from a province south of Manila. The namesake of her father, her politician
husband had grown-up children close to the Muslim princess’ age and it was being talked about that his first wife lived in the same condominium building where the Muslim princess and her new husband occupied the penthouse. The Muslim princess’ husband also reportedly decided to become a Muslim so that he could have more than one wife. They were blessed with two sons.

The Muslim princess’ husband soon retired from politics and became contented with being a magician and a human toothpaste applier for his Muslim princess’
toothbrush. (Incidentally, the Muslim princess once appeared in a Close-Up Toothpaste TV commercial.) Now, the Muslim princess and her magician husband (He could make a big Coke bottle disappear before your eyes.) are happily separated. Later, the Muslim princess’ husband was accused of being responsible for the disappearance of his close friend.

The Story of the Black Nazarene Devotee

Suppose that there was a  Black Nazarene devotee from the tamaraw capital of the Philippines who claimed to have graduated with a business degree from the University of the East despite his critics’ contention that he just bought his college diploma from the sidewalk of C. M. Recto Avenue. He worked as a radio reporter for a major radio and TV network. With perseverance, he was given a Sunday morning radio show. Later, he would occasionally pinch-hit for announcers whenever they would not show up for their radio program. He also hosted a daily radio serialization of movies for a program dubbed as Sineradyo.

His biggest TV break came when a TV network hired him for a top-rated showbiz-oriented TV show called See-Tru. The show was hosted by gossip queen, Lourdes Jimenez-Carvajal who was more popularly known as Inday Badiday or Ate Luds to her legions of fans. The Black Nazarene devotee’s appearance was only through voice-over (and he was never really seen by the TV audience) and it was always preceded by his usual line: “Ate Luds, may phone-in question po tayo rito galing kay…”. Yes, his job involved reading TV audience’s phone-in questions to Inday Badiday’s movie star guests. However, despite the TV show’s enormous popularity, it was immediately cancelled after one of the show’s female guests hurled an ashtray at another female guest.

Later, the Black Nazarene devotee married a lady executive of the radio and TV network where he had moved up to become the host of its early morning radio show. They adopted a girl and had a younger son later.

Never The Twain Shall Meet

Suppose that the Muslim princess and the Black Nazarene devotee met in the same office where they both work. Suppose also that the Black Nazarene devotee personally chose the Muslim princess as one of the principal sponsors for his adopted daughter’s wedding to one of the members of the staff of his widely popular TV program. Suppose further that both the Muslim princess and the Black Nazarene devotee became elected government officials and they both decided to run for the same government office on the same year. They both run for say, the presidency of the Philippines. No, that’s being too ambitious. Okay, suppose that they both run for the position of Vice President under opposing political parties. Who would you vote for: the Muslim princess or the Black Nazarene devotee?

If you would vote for the Muslim princess, you just wasted your vote. If you would vote for the Black Nazarene devotee, you are good at spotting a winner (but it does not mean that you did not also waste your vote).

Because the honorary Muslim princess is former Senator Loren Legarda who lost her bid for the Vice Presidency of the Philippines in the 2002 national elections.

And yes, the Black Nazarene devotee who helps carry the replica of the Black Nazarene image barefoot and wearing only a white undershirt (sans bullet-proof vest) during the annual Quiapo procession as part of his religious devotion (yes, he still does it up to this day) is Noli de Castro, current Vice President of the
Philippines.

Untold Pinoy Story No. 7 - Pure Innuendos

They were the best of friends. They were always seen together around the University of the Philippines (UP) campus in Diliman: one was undoubtedly a very good-looking guy and the other was unquestionably a plain-looking guy. Opposites really attract. Hey, but they’re both brilliant students. Well, birds of the same feather also flock together. Indeed, they were very close to each other. Unusually close.

They were the perfect tandem. Like suman and ripe mango. Or nuts and bolts. Peg and a hole.

They were both protégées of then UP Student Council chairman Chito Gascon. Soon, the good-looking guy took the helm as UP Student Council chairman. But the best friends seem to follow each other’s  path. The plain-looking guy also ran for the same position with the all-out support of his good-looking friend. He won, of course.

The good-looking guy was the crush ng bayan of the iskolars ng bayan.

During lunchtime, students of all persuasions flocked to the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) cafeteria to catch a glimpse of the good-looking guy. Even singer-actress Regine Velasquez  later admitted on national television that she had a big crush on the good-looking guy.

But loveless Regine’s daring admission did not earn her even just a movie date invitation from the good-looking guy;instead, the good-looking guy merely flashed a demure smile in response to desperate Regine’s thinly-veiled date invitation.

But after finishing college, the best friends went their separate ways. (Or so it seemed). The plain-looking guy pursued his law studies and later taught law courses. The good-looking guy delivered the evening news on TV, hosted a TV quiz show and wrote analytical articles on pop culture. His good looks, intelligence and impeccable manner endeared him to televiewers.

Despite their divergent career choices, the good-looking guy and the plain-looking guy really seemed to follow each other’s path. But this time, their path led to a nice little apartment near the Ateneo de Manila campus. And they shared that nice little apartment. Just the two of them.

Yes, the plain-looking guy and the good-looking guy lived together.

Those gifted with wild imagination got titillated at the mere thought of these two young men sharing a lovely apartment. The moralists out there shook their heads at the mere thought of the goings-on beyond that innocent-looking apartment door amid rows of middle-class houses in Loyola Heights in Quezon City.

But the pair would not budge from their nest. Nor would they yield to any pressure. Not even from the plain-looking guy’s bible-reading siblings who berated him for living with another guy. The plain-looking guy’s own family started to cast doubt about his masculinity.

All telltale signs which have accumulated all those years could no longer be ignored. People started talking openly about the two guys.

Speculations about the true nature of the pair’s friendship became a daily fodder for gossip mongers. The academic freedom which alma mater UP’s oblation
symbolizes seemed to have gone beyond the duo’s lust for knowledge.

In order to prove to his family that he was not what they thought he was, the plain-looking guy suddenly announced that he was getting  married. His family jumped with joy.

But the plain-looking guy’s marriage did not dispel wild speculations about his sexuality; instead, it only succeeded in erasing any remaining doubt about his alleged agenda of using his wife to finally succeed in his failed initial crack at pursuing his lifelong dream.

And it was well worth his efforts. Because this former loser’s desperate act finally triumphed. Thanks to his wife.

However, the plain-looking guy’s deep friendship with his good-looking friend took a backseat as a result of the former’s new civil  status. The plain-looking guy
did not want to hurt his new wife’s flourishing career nor spoil his newfound success.

That’s why he played his role as a good family man to the hilt. However, he had not forgotten his good-looking best friend at all. As a token of their undying friendship, the good-looking guy stood as one of the godfathers of the plain-looking guy’s first baby, together with Edu Manzano, Cesar Montano, Cherie Gil,
Ciara Sotto, Angeli Valenciano, Fanny Serrano and a host of other household names.

Of course, the plain-looking guy’s wife was clueless about her husband’s past.

But the plain-looking guy’s wife had her share of dark past. She is a single mother who parted ways with her good-looking “first husband” after she discovered that her good-looking “first husband” was already married to another woman when she hastily married him after she got pregnant at a young age. This meant that her
marriage to her good-looking “first husband” was not legally binding after all.

Now, the plain-looking guy was her knight-in-shining- armor who rescued her from the stigma of being an unmarried mother.

Ironically, while her non-binding marriage with her good-looking “first husband” was solemnized by several high-ranking priests at the cavernous Manila Cathedral
amid countless clicking cameras and thousands of shrieking admirers several years ago, her supposedly legitimate marriage with the plain-looking guy was officiated not by a Catholic priest but by a pastor in a cramped living room, with only few relatives and friends as witnesses.

Later, the good-looking guy reportedly got married also without fanfare. They said that his bride was a creative consultant for ABS-CBN Interactive. However,
some women still believe and hope that he is still unmarried to this day.

The good-looking guy soon rose to become ABS-CBN News Channel’s ANC) Director for Current Affairs. He has been circling the globe as host of ANC’s weekly
travel show, Executive Class.

Yes, the good-looking guy is David Celdran.

And the plain-looking guy is megastar Sharon Cuneta’s husband, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.

All I Wanna Do Is Find My Way Back Into Love

I have been complaining about everything since Day One. It was a big mistake not to acknowledge the huge difference that we had. I was in love, or so I thought.

You were my superior and until now, you are still. I am so used to us talking "normally", like real human beings in love but when it comes to work, we have to be completely different individuals, which is unknown to me. I always think that I am in love with you. I should have seen this the first time: that it's just pity that you feel for me, far far away from the dream I call love.

I can never forget the first time you hit me. I know it was an accident because I made you furious. It made me very afraid of you. I don't want to see you shaking in angst anymore, 'coz even if it's not my fault, you might hit me again. But you promised that that will never happen again. And I believed you. Because you never hurt me physically since then, but the torture you do to me emotionally is more brutal and raw and unrelenting. I never thought that this day would come — this day that you subliminally told me that my future with you is hell.

Do I still see us celebrating our first anniversary? Yes. Do I still see you as my partner for the rest of my life? I am not sure. I am happy, though, that you missed me. Somehow, it eased the pain crying deep inside my weakening soul. But a blur is what I see with OUR future (the future I believe we have) and THE future (the future we are trying to deny).

I love you, I hope you still feel that… because I cannot feel you anymore.

END OF TIMES? North Korea’s Missile Hits the Moon

I was very busy reviewing the reports for my agents' sales performance last night  when this link was sent to me. My heart went away and my brains? Parang nawala! Gademit! Is it Armageddon?

We had 25 sales last night compared to 4 the other day. Julian, my kuya boytoy gave me a papaya soap. I ate Barbecue and Grilled Squid combo. I can understand Andrei's report now. My agents were very happy last night. I already finished my sister's first Science project. Are these the signs?

 It was Andrei's friend who sent this link to us. I was really flushed with so much fear of losing the earth I am beginning to love. And I don't have a baby yet for crying out loud! I was cursing the fuckin' North Korean asshole…

 when Andrei told me to try to click the tabs and the links on the footer.

Dammit!They were not working. Ergo, I am stupid, I snap and I am a moron!

To the guy/s who did this, nice one. Just make sure no religious group would teach about this on Sunday simply because, like me, they were stupid enough not to notice that it is actually a hoax.  Great job!

Fuck the World; World Peace!

I am beginning to detach myself from myself.

I had fun with the guys last Saturday. 

Yes,I was with the Gods