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.”
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
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.
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.
“Whatever I do, I always give my best,” she related from a previous interview, “because not everyone is given a chance to be in showbiz.”
With her recent transfer to Kapamilya Channel (after a 25-year stay with rival GMA-7), veteran actress Sunshine Dizon is determined to stay and excel further in show business. She is set to star in the upcoming teleserye Marry Me, Marry You alongside thespians Paulo Avelino and Janine Gutierrez.
True to her name, Sunshine, in-person exudes a sunshiny disposition. She likewise, sounds very positive about her future. Having spent her early years in show business, Sunshine has acquired the look and attitude of a veteran. “Whatever I do, I always give my best,” she related from a previous interview, “because not everyone is given a chance to be in showbiz.”
An early entry in showbiz
Sunshine had an easy entry into show business because her mom Dorothy was a movie producer. As early as when she was three years old, her mom’s showbiz colleagues had convinced her to include Sunshine in the picture God’s Little Children, her first movie project. Her mom agreed for Sunshine to try her luck in showbiz.
Her mom didn’t go wrong because at a very young age Sunshine has made a mark in the industry. At 12, she bagged the much-coveted Best Child Actress Award from FAMAS. At 13, she became a favorite endorser in commercials. She is hopeful one day she might be able to achieve the status of her idols, Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos, and her all-time favorite American actress, Jodie Foster.
Acting-wise, Sunshine shared that she has matured through time. “All the films and shows that I did were all learning experiences.” She is best remembered for her outstanding portrayals in past TV series Ika-6 na Utos, Magkaagaw, Encantadia, and many more to mention.
Fondest childhood memory
Her fondest childhood memory was her trip back to the country from the United States when she failed to bring home with her the giant stuffed toy bear she purchased. “The flight attendants didn’t permit me to carry it on the plane. I threw tantrums. I told them that I would call 911 for child abuse. When I remember that incident, I just realized how stubborn I had been,” recalled the 37-year-old actress.
In private, Sunshine is a homebody and a bookworm. “Magala ang mga mata ko,” she said. “I’m the kind of person who will think a hundred times before I do something. Kaya siguro madalas sumakit ang ulo ko.”
Supportive family
What she values most in life is her family. “Because not everyone can have a family like the one I have, they’re always there for me and they are very supportive of my showbiz career. In the intriguing world of show business, they keep me sane.”
Sunshine is the youngest in a brood of three. She is very close to her other siblings, Richard and Chowtie; and to her mom Dorothy and dad Isagani.
Now that she’s a parent herself, she makes sure to always spend quality time with her two children. It has been an open book about how her past marriage turned out, but despite the chaos and drama, she maintains a good relationship with her estranged husband Timothy Tan for the sake of their children.
Both in reel and real life, Sunshine continues to shine and sounds very optimistic about what the future holds her.
(Based on the published exclusive interview in the old Mirror Weekly magazine by the same author)
“It’s rare that one is given a chance to be in show business. Work hard and make the most of it because you are not going to be in the limelight forever,” Jodi said.
Launched via a soft drink commercial, Jodi Santamaria, popularly known by her screen name Jodi Sta. Maria is steadily trekking a viable career in show business.
It might be fate which brought Jodi her chance to act on TV and the movies. She was discovered by a talent scout while eating in a fast-food restaurant in Buendia. And the rest is history.
In spite of her busy showbiz career, Jodi still leads a normal life by finishing her studies. She’s aware that showbiz is not a permanent job, and would be nice to have a fallback when she decides to retire from show business. Recently, she graduated from college at Southville International School with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the age of 39. “Remember, it’s never too late, and you are never too old to reach your stars,” she posted on Instagram.
In person, Jodi exudes confidence and cheerfulness, a window to her positive outlook in life. Jodie Chrissie Sta. Maria, in real life, is the youngest of two siblings. She grew up in Cabrera, Pasay.
She keeps her svelte figure by working out “whenever she feels like it.” If she couldn’t go to the gym she just does sit-ups at home to maintain a flat tummy. She looks blooming these days, reflective of her happy personal life. At present, Jodi’s boyfriend is actor Raymart Santiago.
Courtesy @ jodistamaria on Instagram
As a single parent, she’s a proud mom to son Thirdy from her past relationship with Pampi Lacson, son of Senator Panfilo Lacson.
Jodi intimates that she has come this far because she knows what she wants and she’s serious about her job. “It’s rare that one is given a chance to be in show business. Work hard and make the most of it because you are not going to be in the limelight forever,” she said from a previous interview.
In the face of a career-high, Ai-Ai de las Alas struggled as sole breadwinner and a single parent to her three children. Finally, she now feels complete and enjoying all aspects of her life – career, marriage, and motherhood.
Comedy Queen and Comedy Concert Queen Ai-Ai de las Alas’s business is to make people happy. But what can make her truly joyful is to be surrounded by the most important persons in her life – her children, a husband she can share her life with, and a happy home.
She was given another crack at marriage with a younger husband, Gerald Sibayan, whom, she said came at the right time. “Deep inside I know I’m a good wife, a good mother, and a good person.” The couple tied the knot in December 2017.
Ai-Ai and Gerald – happy together. Courtesy: filipinotimes.net
Aside from Gerald, her source of joy right now are her three children: Sancho Vito, Shaun Nicolo, and Sophia Andrea – her love children with estranged husband, singer Miguel Vera.
Her past experience of love has changed her a lot as a person. “Hindi na ako mapusok (I’m no longer aggressive when it comes to the affairs of the heart),” she admitted. “Noon kasi basta mahal ko hindi na ako nag-iisip (Because then, as long as I love you, I don’t think anymore).”
As a mom, she’s both strict and a spoiler. “Kasi ‘yong hindi ko naibibigay na oras, kung ano na lang ang gusto nilang hingin minsan ibinibigay ko na lang din,” (Because I don’t always have time for them, I just give what they want sometimes) she shared. “But I always remind them that we’re not rich. And if ever I can’t give them what they want, it doesn’t mean that I don’t love them. Ayaw ko lang na masanay sila sa pera.” (I just don’t want them to get used to money.)
Good at loving someone
Being a celebrity she still disdains the lack of privacy that goes with her job. “Minsan depende sa approach kasi may mga taong salbahe talaga,” (Sometimes it depends on the approach because there are really bad people.) she said.
She admitted that she’s a crybaby in real life. “Sometimes people have this notion that what you’re doing onscreen is the same thing what you’re doing in real life,” she explained. “I want them to know that I have also my own private life. Hindi lang nila alam na kaunting bagay lang iniiyakan ko na.” (They just don’t know that I’m crying over a few things.)
She said she’s a good cook and also good at loving someone. “My talent is GIB (Good in Bed) and sometimes it’s VGIB (Very Good in Bed),” she said in jest.
Ai-Ai is presently part of the cast of GMA Network’s romantic comedy-drama “Owe My Love,” top-billed by Lovie Poe and Benjamin Alves.
Ai-Ai has been in the business for the longest time and the sustainability she attributes to the kind of professionalism she gives to her craft. She handles stardom by keeping her feet on the ground.
Jaya has said many times: “I know my mom prayed a lot for me. I think that’s where all the blessings came from.”
After 30 years in show business, Queen of Soul, Jaya, feels that she has been blessed. “Life’s been treating me good. I’ve always pursued what I believe in and I don’t think of what people say. I do what pleases me as long as I don’t hurt anyone. And if I didn’t succeed the first time, I just keep on trying,” she shared.
Jaya said that she doesn’t plan to sing forever. “I don’t want to do this forever. I’m only doing this because I’m trying to satisfy myself and the talent that I have. I don’t think I will grow old in this profession. But that’s so far from now. But who knows . . .”
If there’s a song to describe her life, it would be “What Matters Most.” She said: “People tend to think about the temporary things in life. When we die what matters most is what we have done when we were still alive. While we are still alive let’s enjoy life, make friends, see different countries if you can afford it, breathe, live, enjoy the spirit that’s in you, improve what’s bad in you because we’re only human and we’re capable of committing mistakes. But what matters most is that we should love each other.”
As a woman, she admits she’s bading, independent, and strong-willed. “I didn’t graduate from high school but I still try to learn things by surfing the internet, doing research,” she shared. “As a person, I’m not very trusting but once I trust you, matagal ‘yon. Basically, I’m very loyal. I don’t really harbor ill feelings toward other persons. I just let it pass. I’m very impulsive also and loving, but I don’t forget the past because I based my present life on my past. And I don’t believe in too much in politics.”
Jaya on a roll
Since she launched her singing career locally some years ago, Jaya has become a household name. “I think I’m a little bit more self-assured now knowing the crowd expects me to give this type of music. And sometimes, I want to surprise them.”
Definitely, her living in the States for several years has had a big influence on her musicality. She says, she had the chance to listen to different types of music – Irish, Brazilian, African, reggae, pop, rock, alternative – name it.
“Because of that American influence in me, everybody noticed that I was a bit different when I came here. But I wasn’t trying to sound like anybody else. I’m influenced a lot by African-American music. Back in the old days, my voice was like matining na mataas. Now it has texture. I have the low tones and the high notes.”
Remembering her mom
Looking back at what she and her late mom, Elizabeth Ramsey had been through, Jaya muses: “Aside from my talent in singing, I’ve inherited some of her good traits, like her spirituality, but mine is in a different way. I’m not a collector of saints like my mom, but I have a few at home. I don’t pray as regimentally, but the moment I hold a rosary, I know that I will be saved.”
Jaya has said many times: “I know my mom prayed a lot for me. I think that’s where all the blessings came from.”
Jaya with her lovely family.
Jaya has been married for more than 14 years now (and counting) to non-showbiz husband, Gary Goditoc. The couple has two beautiful children.
“Evolution is a way to live. We should always challenge ourselves,” the multi-faceted artist shared.
Joey Ayala, to many, is associated with neo-ethnic, indigenous music. Joey, however, thinks he’s between an entertainer and a cultural artist. “I’m in between. I became an entertainer because of my association with culture and arts,” he shared.
Joey, to the unfamiliar, is in fact a multi-faceted artist. He is a poet, a story-teller, a guitarist, a performer, a multi-instrumentalist, a composer, a lyricist, and arranger. And that’s a lot of talent rolled into one.
“As an artist, my contribution here is the way I approach what I do. I’m trying to balance the form and content to make it of higher service to the people. My humble contribution to the evolution,” Joey said.
Joey’s talent was first recorded in his first two albums Panganay Ng Umaga (1982) and Magkabilaan (1986) which became underground classics while his 1992 release Mga Awit Ng Tanod Lupa helped decimate the borders between entertainment and education. And the rest is history
Beginnings
While earning his degree of Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the Ateneo de Davao University, Joey Ayala kept a continuing romance with his guitar, an instrument he learned to play from various means.
Writing was also a major part of his academic life. Yet through his schooldays, Joey didn’t go quite directly into a musical or writing career, but instead, he ventured into advertising, editing, financial consultancy, broadcasting, and theatre.
“I didn’t have a career direction. I was not even aware that I have a career,” he said. “I wasn’t really thinking of money. I resigned from my office work when I met people who are full-time artists from Canada. I was able to perform for a Folk Festival in Canada while I was working in the office.”
Local music industry
Joey shared that the state of the local music industry is pretty healthy now.
“The output of a local artist is now being recognized by the record company. I don’t know if that’s a good thing for the artist. But it must be a good thing for the record company,” he explained. “I say it must not be good for the artist because an artist without the record company can still make money from his music, without necessarily being distributed by a major record company. That’s how I survived as a musician for a while. Before I signed with anyone, I was already selling.”
Joey’s ultimate goal is “just to be better than I am now,” he concluded.
Her confidence and intelligence made her an achiever in her studies, and in her chosen career.
Actress-comedienne, singer, and columnist Giselle Sanchez is a well-endowed artist. She’s a pitbull of fun and talent. She’s a bundle of joy with an over-supply of good sense of humor. But she could be deadly serious, too, as far as work is concerned. When she gets into something, she sinks her teeth into it.
She’s a jack of all trades excelling in acting, hosting, singing, writing, and stand-up comedy. “I cannot be typecasted in just one field because women these days should be multi-talented. To be able to survive in this era you have to be versatile,” related Giselle from a previous exclusive interview.
Break
Giselle said she was lucky because when the opportunity came in, she was in the right place at the right time. In fact, what people didn’t know was that she was prepared to be there.
“My career started because I was in a group called SAMASKOM at UP (Samahan ng Mag-aaral sa Komunikasyon). And we wanted to come up with a comedy show,” she recalled.
“Since we didn’t have money we joined (then) Ready Get Set Go. E, ako gusto ko talagang magpapansin para ma-discover. I put makeup,” she laughed. “My first manager, Del Pascual saw me there and asked me if I wanted to join the movies. I said ‘yes.’ Actually, I was just waiting for his offer.
Then Tessie Tomas saw her at UP when they staged the said play. “At that time, I didn’t have a phone because we live in Rosario, Pasig. Basically, Del was the middle man. Then Johnny Manahan saw me and offered me a couple of guesting in all the sitcoms on Channel 2. After that they made me a regular cast in Ang TV, I was a teacher there. From Ang TV, I was guested for Mongolian Barbecue. Then, Wilma Galvante saw me and put me in SST as a regular host. After that Lorraine Schuck got me for It’s A Date. After so many years, ABS-CBN got me back. And the rest is history.”
Childhood
Maria Giselle Sanchez in real life was born under the sign of Taurus. She describes herself as “makulit, matigas ang ulo, matapang, loyal, loving, sensuous, and when I go to sleep ang daming tumatakbo sa isip ko.”
How she got her name was a funny anecdote. “No, it wasn’t taken from the ballet. No, my mom was not into the impressionism era. She was a fan of Lorna Tolentino and her name was Giselle. Then ginawa niyang Lorna because magbo-bold na siya,” she recalled.
She said her childhood was a happy one. “When I was three years old, I would lock myself inside the room and start acting and my mom would freak out feeling niya nasisiraan nang ulo ang anak niya,” she adds. “When I was 14, there was one director who dropped by our video shop then I approached him, ‘direk puwede ba akong mag-artista. Oo, ikaw ang ipapakain sa buwaya.’ Kaya ngayon gusto kong makita ang director na ‘yon. I’m sure laos na siya,” she laughed.
In person, Giselle has a whistle bait figure and flawless complexion that can match any beauty queens around. That ugly duckling girl grew up to be a jolly kid. Although she was not that pretty she had so much confidence to feel that she is beautiful. And this confidence made her an achiever in her studies, and in her chosen career.
“Without this confidence, I wouldn’t be where I am now. And my mom Gilda and dad Ike gave me that confidence,” she said, the pride in her voice unmistakable. “And you should give value to your family. I wouldn’t probably be here if I didn’t value my family.”
Giselle with her loving family. Courtesy: Giselle Sanchez FB page
Giselle’s versatility coupled with her intelligence has earned her a mark both in the entertainment and media industry. She graduated magna cum laude major in Mass Communications at the University of the Philippines. She is a mother of two, a happy wife, and a successful businesswoman.
She said the advantage of comedians is they stay long in the business. “As for stand-up comedy, your key is your mind,” she concluded.
