Ariel and Gelli: ‘Happiness is being together’

Actress Gelli De Belen and singer-actor Ariel Rivera exude that “happiness is being together” aura, reflective of their happy wedded life.

The keyword for their marriage is ‘fun.’ “We want to live a happy life,” disclosed Ariel. “We want to be adventurous. If you have more fun in your marriage, you’ll spend a lot of time together,” said Gelli.

They both agreed that in marriage, love is not enough. It involves constant communication, honesty, and trust.

The husband and wife have agreed as well to keep on listening to each other. That’s their formula for long-lasting marital bliss. “I remember my parents saying, ‘Just listen to each other,’” said Ariel. “That’s what you have to do. As a husband be aware of your wife’s needs, you are already a team. It’s both compromise and negotiation. What’s important in our relationship is communication. And trying to keep our relationship happy and fresh.”

Describing each other

According to Gelli, one trait he likes about Ariel is that “he’s confident with himself. He doesn’t have insecurities.”

In Ariel’s eyes, Gelli is a very good wife. “She’s very thoughtful, sweet, pretty, sexy, caring. She has a lot of sense of humor. And she cleans well! (laughs)”

The husband and wife have agreed to keep on listening to each other. That’s their formula for long-lasting wedded bliss. Image: Personal file.

Gelli admitted that the years they have been together are enough for them to know each other very well. “Before we took the plunge, we’re sure, we already know our habits,” said Gelli.

If you live your life all over again, would you marry the same person?

“Of course,” said Gelli. “Of course, I would,” butted in Ariel. “I want to live my life the way I’m living now – with people I care about around me.”

#arielrivera #gellidebelen #celebritycouple #loveisintheair #preciousmoments

Featured photo courtesy of Facebook

Based on the published article by the same author at the now-defunct  Mirror Weekly magazine.

His Music Touches the Heart

Just like his songs, David Pomeranz has shown to us a part of his being. He is a truly caring soul who shows so much compassion and humanness through his music.

 

Some famous songwriters and entertainers are recognized the world over by their music alone. One of them is David Pomeranz – the voice behind the breezy and heartwarming hits like “King and Queen of Hearts,” “Got To Believe in Magic,” “The Old Songs,” “If You Walked Away,” “Undying Admiration,” and “Born For You.”

In an interview with David some years back, he related that he had visited Manila four times already. “I love Manila. That’s why I keep on coming back,” he said in his soothing voice. “The people are great, gorgeous, artistic; how they live here is so different from other countries. But I haven’t seen enough of the Philippines.”

He shared that his stay in Manila was something he will always treasure. David conveyed his wonderful message to his Filipino fans: “Thank you for liking my music and for opening your arms to me and letting me in. Expect more albums and more performances from me in the coming years.”

He revealed that his wife, Kelly, has been his inspiration in creating good music. They don’t have kids. It’s David’s third time getting married.

An enduring hitmaker

David was born in New York City and was raised in Long Island. At an early age, he showed signs of “things to come” by pretending to be a musical conductor while his father’s records were being played inside the playroom and putting on shows for neighbors in the backyard.

His first public singing experiences were singing duets with his father in the Synagogue choir. “I loved singing those beautiful songs. They have such soul and feeling and I’m sure they have a lot to do with how I interpret my songs today,” he said in a fact sheet provided to media.

Not too long after, he learned to play the piano and taught himself to play the guitar and drums.  At 14, he began writing his first songs. During his teens, he played in numerous rock bands, including a stint as lead singer with the Cincinnati group, East Orange Express (whose members later went on to become the hit band, Pure Prairie League). His first personal manager was a pop star, Leslie Gore.

At age 19, MCA Records signed David to a multi-album contract during which time he toured throughout America with the likes of Rod Stewart, Billy Joel, Badfinger, Three Dog Night, and even a “post-Jim Morrison” tour with The Doors.

“Boy, were those wild times! They were my first experiences playing in 20-25,000 seat auditoriums and I’d stroll out with my acoustic guitar and try to create an intimate experience with the audiences,” he recalled. “It took brass ‘you know what but it was great training for me.”

 

Throwback feature on David Pomeranz by the author

 

Dubbed by Cashbox Magazine as a “positive hurricane of fresh air” David’s varied career has spanned the fields of pop records, motion pictures, television, and musical theatre. If you still didn’t know, David was the voice heard of the hit ABC series, Perfect Strangers.

Loving musical theatre since childhood, David has also become involved in writing music for some musicals. One of those was the smash-hit West End musical, Time, which starred Cliff Richard and Sir Laurence Olivier, who appeared as a giant holographic projection on stage and recited the lyrics of David’s “It’s In Every One Of Us.”

David also wrote both music and lyrics of the ambitious stage musical, Little Tramp, which was based on Charlie Chaplin’s life story, and who happens to be one of David’s artistic heroes.

The brilliant songwriter-singer is also renowned for his countless charity concert appearances over the years, which have benefited several institutions. It only proves that David is willing to share his blessings with other people.

Just like his songs, David has shown to us a part of his being. He is a truly caring soul who shows so much compassion and humanness through his music.

Featured photo courtesy of David Pomeranz Facebook page

#ThrowbackSeries #DavidPomeranz #singersongwriter #musicicon #entertainment #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

Ronnie Alonte and Loisa Andalio Star In Parokya Ni Edgar’s ‘Rosas’ Music Video

Parokya Ni Edgar’s comeback music video for their latest single “Rosas” is exuding with romantic vibes as it showcases the captivating chemistry of real-life couple Ronnie Alonte and Loisa Andalio.

Staying true to the lyrics of “Rosas”, the official music video was shot entirely in the vicinity of Marikina, paying homage to its wonderful community, scenery, and people. The LoiNie loveteam was indeed pure of passion in shooting their scenes together in the picturesque Marikina landscape, evident in the compelling final cut of the four-minute music video. (WATCH HERE)

Hours before its release on the official YouTube channel of Universal Records Philippines, ROSAS MV FT LOINIE quickly became a hot trending topic on Twitter. And quickly after the music video premiere, fans shared overwhelmingly positive remarks about its heartwarming impact as well.

“Rosas” is the lead single from Parokya Ni Edgar’s first album in five years, BorbolenMake sure to stream their new album now on your favorite digital streaming platforms!

#rosas #parokyaniedgar #ronniealonte #loisaandalio #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

The Allure of Angelique Lazo

Her main goal in life is “to continue to be of service to my fellowmen. For a career to be worthwhile, it should carry a social responsibility. If by what I do as a job, I could put a smile on someone’s face, I would.”

 

Angelique Lazo is a woman who has known romance, enjoyed its thrills and basked in its unspoken joys and experiences, and decided that love is more than all these. Her concept of love has matured. “Love is being able to maintain a relationship, staying in it through good and bad times,” she related.

Her main goal in life is “to continue to be of service to my fellowmen. For a career to be worthwhile, it should carry a social responsibility. If by what I do as a job, I could put a smile on someone’s face, I would.”

According to her being a media practitioner is “one of the best careers that one can have. At least, if you are not a total expert in it, you can interview the experts and you meet a lot of people. You learn a lot, too.”

She is in person as she is onscreen. She’s a person full of love, and full of wisdom. Her outlook is very positive. And she’s a very musical person. “I think I will die singing. I’ve inherited my singing voice from my mom (Susie). My mom is an original opera singer. I come from a family of entertainment people.”

Angelique has a wonderful family, to start with. His dad, Liberato Lazo, is a military man, gentle and astute. According to her, he’s a “walking encyclopedia.” Her mom Susie is an artist. Angelique is the only girl in a brood of four. Needless to say, Lazo’s children are all musically-inclined.

I asked her, are you happy? “You make your own happiness. Oo naman, hindi ba halata?”

Angelique is now enjoying wedded bliss. She’s regularly seen as the news anchor of Sentro Balita, the afternoon newscast of the People’s Television Network.

Here are the excerpts of the Q & A:

 

  • You once said that for a career to be worthwhile it should carry a social responsibility, how will you extend this to your fellow journalists?

I’m not going to say bad things about other people. I’ll start it with myself. I don’t agree with envelop-mental journalism—especially if you’re distorting the truth. You have to lead by example.

  • Will you sacrifice your profession for money?

You have to weigh things in the light of the future and the legacy you want to leave. Kung sa iyo okay lang na ganoon ang image mo pero trash naman ang ginagawa mo, kagustuhan mo ‘yan. Money you spend, and lose eventually.

  • Tell us about your childhood.

I grew up in Japan. I stayed there for eight years. And because of that, they thought that I was “Japayuki.” Kasi ang ibig sabihin talaga ng Japayuki ay galing sa Japan. In Japan, I learned a lot about their culture. I spoke their language. Life in Japan is different. Japanese people will teach you to clean your surroundings. They have a deep sense of respect for themselves and others. Living there, I became a more diligent Filipino. I studied there from grade school to high school. But in all honesty, our educational system is still the best.

  • What do you think is the solid foundation for a relationship to last?

Communication. You should never shut out the other. Once you stop talking that’s the end of it. There is no problem big enough if you talk it over. Another one is putting yourself in the other’s shoes. You won’t judge him right away. You would understand him more. And most of all, there should be between you a keen sense of integrity.

  • If you were to choose between love and career, what will you choose?

My mom chose love over career, and she’s happy. Love begets family. I think I would still choose family. I’m very family-oriented.

  • What is your greatest accomplishment so far?

Simple lang. These are the speaking engagements that I was invited to. For the fact that they invited me and interviewed me and in the process, they will tell you, “We want to be like you someday,” nakakaiyak, nakakataba ng puso. Kasi alam mo ‘yon hindi binabayaran, hindi gimmick.

  • What do you feel most grateful for?

My parents because they lead me towards the right path, because of the way they brought me up, have influenced me in the decision I make, my frame of mind, my sense of service, my zest for life. I was also thankful that I was able to study in good schools.

  • Whom do you admire most?

My dad and my mom. My mom had a flourishing career as an opera singer. She had a scholarship in Milan but chose to have a family. It’s hard to do that now; it’s self-sacrificing. We were brought up to appreciate things in life unlike some kids today who don’t value money. It seems life is so easy for them. Although my parents have means, they raised me to work hard, and not to be extravagant.

  • Aside from your family, what do you value in life?

Friendship. Sometimes your friends are your mirror. You will not see things for yourself, but they will tell you because they know you so well. I have a group of wonderful friends in the Ateneo Glee Club. We went on a trip all over the world. We’re together through thick and thin. There are also members of The CompanY.

(Based on the published feature article in the old Mirror Weekly magazine by the same author)

#AngeliqueLazoMayuga #newsanchor #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Photo courtesy: Angelique Lazo FB

Zsa Zsa Padilla: ‘Happiness is what you make it’

 

After more than three decades of working in the show business (she started in 1983), Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla is happy about her place in the industry and the kind of respect and recognition she gets from her colleagues. She has proven to herself that she’s not just a singer but an actress as well. She feels that the longer she stays in showbiz the more she gets better.

Photo courtesy of Zsa Zsa Padilla Facebook page

Zsa Zsa has admitted that she has become a veteran of sorts when it comes to love and relationships. “For a relationship to grow, there must be passion, love, and nurturing,” related the Kapamilya singer from a previous interview. “Because of what I’ve experienced in the past, I’ve learned to nurture more my present relationship. I’m happy with my present partner (fiancé architect Conrad Onglao).”

She said too much passion can also be dangerous in a relationship. There has to be balanced to achieve harmony. “With an overdose of passion you cannot distinguish anymore what’s right and what’s wrong,” she rationalized. “You don’t have to follow your heart’s dictates all the time. I’ve been there. I’ve been hurt. And I’ve hurt some people in the process. It taught me a lot. Eventually, when the passion fades, you need to have something to hold on to, the love has to be stronger. In my case, my children are there. They keep me going.”

Zsa Zsa is hoping that one day, she’ll be able to tie the knot with her present partner.  “I’m just waiting for the right time. It might come, it will come,” said Zsa Zsa, now in her mid-50s, looking more gorgeous than ever.

She disclosed that like everyone else there are days when she feels very depressed over nothing. “But I’ve realized that happiness is what you make it,” she said. “If I decide to be happy today, it’s my doing. As much as possible I don’t allow negative thoughts to put me down.”

Her children are giving her much joy and contentment. The proud mom has three beautiful and talented daughters – Karylle, Nicole, and Zia. When at home, she can be so simple and plain, but when she’s in front of the spotlight performing, she can be glamorous. Since she’s not getting any younger, she tries to take care of her health even more, and eat healthier food.

Reposted from the author’s published article in Manila Bulletin: https://mb.com.ph/2021/11/23/throwback-zsa-zsa-padilla-happiness-is-what-you-make-it/

 

#ZsaZsaPadilla #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Fans experience SB19’s ‘Our Zone’ anniversary concert on the big screen

The two-night “SB19 2021: Our Zone Third Anniversary Concert” was screened recently for public viewing exclusively at the Gateway Cineplex ATMOS 5.

Fans relived the MAHALIMA’s high-energy Big Dome moments as they debuted live their exciting new tracks and showcased new choreographies and arrangements for their earlier chart-topping releases.

The “SB19 2021: Our Zone Third Anniversary Concert” cinema release brought a unique viewing experience for fans who catch the boys for the first time on the big screen. Audiences were in for a special musical treat as they get to fully enjoy SB19’s larger-than-life performances on a wide cinema screen and surround sound system.

“It’s an honor for us to have fulfilled the group’s dream to celebrate an important career milestone on the Araneta stage. And we are not stopping there, as we are giving SB19 supporters more reasons to continue celebrating their journey in the industry,” said Irene Jose, COO of Uniprom Inc (the entertainment arm of Araneta Group).

#SB19 #anniversaryconcert #aranetagroup #gatewaycineplex #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Parokya Ni Edgar goes ‘Borbolen’ with their first album in five years

OPM fans, rejoice because your favorite Pop Rockers are back! Parokya Ni Edgar just dropped their long-awaited studio album “Borbolen” under Universal Records! It’s the band’s first album in over five years and follows Pogi Years Old in 2016.

This impressive comeback album lands today with 14 tracks and features the carrier single “Rosas”. It’s a sweet love song with palpable 80’s-esque alternative rock sensibilities, painting a narrative about one’s earnest desire to go great lengths just to show his love to the apple of his eye. His symbol of faithful love? The fragrant roses that he prepared. (Watch the Official Lyric Video HERE)

With the wildest of comedic wits, the legendary and multi-awarded rock band named their latest album “Borbolen” after asking their followers for a word or term that accurately describes someone who’s a troublemaker, a legitimate scalawag, and a naughty individual who you still consider a friend despite of it all.

On PNE’s Facebook post on January 2019, vocalist Chito Miranda revealed that he’s writing a new song. That time, he wrote, “Ano ba magandang term or pwedeng itawag sa isang grupo ng magkakaibigan or magkaka-tropa na medyo pilyo at trouble makers at palagi kang pinapahamak kahit hindi sadya pero mababait naman at mahal na mahal mo? Hindi kelangang Tagalog.”

And all of a sudden, one fan suggested the word Borbolen, a Kapampangan word that means “pilyo”, “loko-loko”, “pasaway”, “sutil”, “maharot”, and “palabiro” in Filipino. And in true (and goofy) Parokya Ni Edgar fashion, they wholeheartedly embraced the idea.

Chito didn’t shy away in giving super useful information about the latest record to their fans. He also said that they triumphantly made this album without really being together because of the ongoing pandemic. “Yung ibang kanta dito, sinimulan ko right after namin ilabas ‘yung ‘Pogi Years Old’ 5 years ago. Yung iba, sinulat at nirecord namin during the pandemic and was recorded and mixed via email and Google Drive…kumbaga pasahan lang ng files. Yung isang kanta, kasama dapat sa “Bigotilyo” pero di pinayagan…pero ngayon, nilabas na rin namin. Sari-saring kanta, at iba’t-ibang panahon nabuo…pero lahat bago,” he shares.

If you love the band’s knack for giving feel-good “novelty pop rock” music with lots of silly “comic relief” and pop culture references, expect to hear more in this spanking new album. Of course, PNE is also known for their unmistakably frank, catchy, and earnest songs about love and in this comeback record, you’ll surely crave for more.

Borbolen includes previously released singles “Smile”, a song Chito wrote for his wife Neri Miranda and “Pati Pato (Parokya Remix)” with Shanti Dope and Gloc-9.

The band has been active for over 28 years now and time and time again, they are proven to be as powerful in the recording studio and on the live stage. Their unwavering fan base is a sheer proof too, as recently, it was announced that Parokya Ni Edgar is Spotify’s second most streamed OPM groups in 2021.

So better sit back, buckle up, and enjoy the ride as you go “Borbolen” with Parokya ni Edgar. Stream their new album now on your favorite digital streaming platforms!

#ParokyaniEdgar #Borbolen #UniversalRecords #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

BLACKPINK calls for fans’ support in climate action movement

Globe ambassadors BLACKPINK have lent their voices to the call for climate action. During the recent UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, the Korean mega-group addressed global leaders and audiences to come together in taking action in the ongoing fight against climate change.

In a video message presented during COP26, BLACKPINK’s members JISOO, JENNIE, ROSÉ, and LISA urged their fans and the younger generation to take a stand and act against the most critical issue affecting everyone.

“Climate change is an established fact. We have learned of the devastating changes to nature, to the global weather, and the air we breathe. And the changes that we feared are already beginning to transform our planet.  We have learned that we must act now. Urgently, to prevent much, much, worse,” the group said.

They noted the possible severe impacts on people and nature, with a third of the population being regularly exposed to extreme heat, which may lead to drought, health problems, and death.  Almost all warm-water coral reefs would also be destroyed, and sea ice would melt and devastate wildlife.

“We do not want to get there.  The important thing is that we all take responsibility because it just won’t be achieved without collective action.  Let’s work together for our planet and take climate action in your area,” BLACKPINK concluded.

Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications said, “We are very pleased to share the same advocacy as our brand ambassadors, BLACKPINK. We at Globe have long been advocates of climate action, with our commitment to the Race to Zero movement to achieve Net Zero GHG emissions by 2050 and limit global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius, as aligned with the Paris Agreement.”

In June 2021, Globe became the first and only publicly-listed Philippine company listed by the Science-Based Target initiative (SBTi) to commit to Business Ambition for 1.5 degrees Celsius and has officially joined as a participant of the Race to Zero.

Race To Zero is spearheaded by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and COP26 Presidency and backed by GSMA.  It aims to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to Net Zero no later than 2050 through the collective efforts of leaders, businesses, cities, regions, and investors worldwide. Globe’s commitment to establishing science-based targets and net-zero GHG emissions by 2050 is in line with the Paris Agreement and #RacetoZero Campaign.

Globe has already started its shift towards renewable energy, with 13 key facilities operating on 100% renewable energy. In addition, it has deployed over 7,400 green network solutions to achieve energy and resource efficiency in its cell sites nationwide. It has also implemented high standards of environmental management and stewardship through its ISO 14001-certified Environmental Management System to reduce its impact on the environment. The company is also aiming for an ISO 50001 Energy Management System certification for its key facilities by 2022.

The digital solutions platform has been doing its part in the fight against climate change through sustainable business processes and an established active strategy towards reducing both its short-term and long-term emissions.

Recently these efforts have been internationally recognized by GSMA, the largest global consortium of mobile networks. GSMA’s newly created COP26 Digital Hub has included Globe’s decarbonization journey as a case study.

Globe strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 13, which underscores the importance of climate action to save lives and livelihoods to address climate emergencies. Globe is committed to upholding the UN Global Compact principles and contributing to 10 UN SDGs.

To know more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

#Globe #BlackPink #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

#ThrowbackSeries Donita Rose: Conquering new grounds

Donita Rose, one pretty face who graced local cinema has conquered a new ground, where she can showcase her other expertise as a chef at a Filipino supermarket chain in the US. She left show business in 2020.

The Filipino-American actress, TV host, and former MTV Asia VJ has announced on her Instagram account a few months ago that she’s the new Corporate Research and Development Chef of Island Pacific, which has multiple stores in California and Nevada. Island Pacific is owned by Nino Lim, husband of former actress Krista Ranillo.

She shared on her Instagram: “Many of my closest friends have said that I look much happier these days. I attribute much of it to a job I’m passionate about, financial peace, being closer to loved ones, supportive friends and not to mention, the most amazing fans who shower me with never-ending words of encouragement (many visiting me from all over California to support @chirp.n.oink).”

Pretty Chef! Courtesy of Dashofdonita on Instagram

Her plans of going back to the US since the late 1990s had finally come true.  “Maybe someday, I’ll be able to go back to the US, not really to become a big star because a lot of people say that getting the break in that country is difficult,” she shared from a previous interview.

Donita Rose Cavett in real life was previously married to Eric Villarama (2003), got separated in 2016. They have a son named Joshua Paul. Her American father is from Oklahoma and her Filipina mom is from Pangasinan.

MTV VJ days

Donita related from a previous interview that she was chosen as MTV VJ after passing with flying colors the station’s rigorous audition. Particularly, she was chosen because of her good command of English and her easy-to-get-along-with personality.

To be a VJ she said, love for music must be innate in you. Donita of course is a follower of hip hop, R & B, and fast music. “It wasn’t given to me in a silver platter. I auditioned several times. I just trust in the Lord. I’ve been praying for this job. I think it’s a confirmation that God wants this job for me,” she said from an earlier interview with this writer.

While she was in Singapore and enjoying a career-high, Donita was listed as the 12th “Most Gorgeous” woman by Singapore entertainment magazine, ETC., FHM listed her as well as number seven among “Asia’s Sexiest Women.”

She also did her first international film titled Legacy. In the movie, she was paired with actor-singer David Hasselhoff.

A happy childhood

Donita shared that she had a happy childhood since her family is family-oriented. “We are a close-knit family. My family and my other relatives would meet every day for a little get-together in our backyard,” she recalled. “It was really fun.”

When she was younger, Donita wanted to become a marine biologist. That didn’t materialize of course. “So I just took up scuba diving. I dive every now and then, but that’s basically about it,” she said.

Donita is the eldest in a brood of four. She was born in America where she lived for five years. Then her family moved to Subic, Zambales, and eventually to Manila when Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991.

An inclination for acting

Donita was encouraged by her mom Adelina Ramos Cavett to enter showbiz. The inclination to act came from her mom who is a singer-dance instructor, and who directs stage play for children. Donita used to appear in stage plays when she was a kid.

She was discovered by the late master showman German Moreno when she went to watch GMA 7’s former shows Lunch Date and That’s Entertainment. Then only 17, Donita was asked by German if she wanted to join the show. And the rest is history.

Donita on-screen is the same off-screen. “I’m a very predictable person. I don’t have major mood swings. And I’m a woman of substance,” she quipped.

A Christian herself, Donita makes it a point to read the Bible every day. “I’ve been raised a Christian all my life,” she pointed out. “Now, I have developed a more personal relationship with the Lord. I talk to Him every day. I feel that He is so near to me.”

Above all else, she experiences a greater sense of security. “I know that one day I’ll go to Heaven. And He is there waiting for me. What I like about my life now is that I don’t have to worry about yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I’m very much secured,” she disclosed.

Donita believes that perseverance has its own virtue. There are certain blessings that come from God. And she’s happy and proud of what she has achieved for herself.

Photos courtesy of Ruby Asoy file/ Dashofdonita on Instagram

Reposted from Manila Bulletin online written by the same author: https://mb.com.ph/2021/10/17/throwback-donita-rose-conquering-new-grounds/

#DonitaRose #corporatechef #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph #throwbackseries

 

 

January Isaac-Bodlovic a.k.a Lumen: Not Just a Pretty Face

The laundry-conscious mama Lumen we saw on TV commercials wears two martial arts black belts – one for taekwondo and one for aikido.

We saw her lovely face on the boob tube in the role of Lumen, the worldly-wise and ingenious young wife and mom in the once-popular ad series of a detergent. Lumen is January Isaac a.k.a Sandra Gomez (her screen name).

She related that the “Lumen” commercial had contributed a lot to her popularity. However, she doesn’t want to think that it had made her an overnight sensation. “Honestly, I wasn’t expecting it to be a series. I thought it was just one project. For some people, they don’t see what I’ve gone through. It really took some time. But I should give credit to Lumen because that character has really helped me.”

Just like Lumen, she speaks her mind when it comes to being practical. “I weigh things before I buy. I’m very fond of shoes; I like shoes that are unusual and I buy them especially if they’re sporty.”

Throwback photos of January Isaac (Sandra Gomez): Personal file

A martial arts expert

This lady is not just a pretty face. In real life, she weàrs two martial arts black belts – one for taekwondo and one for aikido. She was introduced to taekwondo at the age of 11 and took up serious training at 15. After two years, she added another sport – aikido.

“My appetite for the martial arts was enhanced when I started joining inter-school competitions,” she said.  Her dad, Pastor Isaac, has become her mentor in a contact sport. “My dad used to be active in martial arts when he was my age. He suggested that I should try it.” More than anything else, it’s more of physical fitness for her. She’s also a semi-vegetarian.

Aside from being a health buff, she’s an artist, too. She loves everything that involves the arts – music, painting (she paints a landscape and still life in watercolor and acrylic), reading literature/classic, and theatre. Her favorite painters are Renoir and Monet.

Since she was eight years old, she has been watching musical plays. “From then on, I started loving it,” she said. “But that’s not the path I’m being led to.” January has taken the path to show business instead. She joined showbiz in 1997 and did some action flicks. What makes her different is that she enjoys her sports and she used it as a vehicle to get into the movies.

However, she doesn’t want to be confined to just doing drama or action movies. As much as possible, she wants to be a character actress “somebody who can be different.” “I don’t want to be stereotyped. I want a little bit of everything,” she quipped. “For me, it’s boring if you stick to just one character. I want to be versatile because that’s the joy of acting.”

Her name, January, was taken by her mother Millicent Joy, after a movie character, January Wayne, in the movie Once Is Not Enough. She was born in Cagayan de Oro City and comes from a well-to-do family. She is the eldest in a brood of three. Her other siblings are Hillary and Erik.

What is her secret of success?

“Believing in the talent that God has given you. Invest in that. Some people have talents but they don’t flourish, they don’t nurture them. For me, I really take care of it,” said the articulate January.

The Bodlovic family in the USA. Courtesy: @januaryibodlovic IG account

Above everything else, she has a strong faith, being a Christian. “Faith sustains me, that no matter how difficult life becomes, I’ll be okay. Never lose your faith in God,” said January, who has been living in the United States with her husband Wade Bodlovic. The couple has two beautiful children Hunter and Harley.

#ThrowbackSeries #BlastfromthePast #SandraGomez #JanuaryIsaac #Lumen#peopletalk #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Featured image: Courtesy @januaryibodlovic IG account