In the cover story, Liza shared updates on her journey to becoming a global entertainer and the big narrative shift she has made since she signed under Careless Music.
“I feel like I’m getting a second chance at introducing myself as an actress,” says Filipino actress@LizaSoberano. “I’m just allowing myself as an artist to feel, to enjoy the process, to explore, to try things out that I would never have dared to try out when I was building my career in the Philippines.”
One of the Philippines’ most captivating young actors, the June/July 2023 cover star catapulted to fame acting in romantic comedies, but, as GRAZIA finds out, there’s more to this national sweetheart than meets the eye.
Set to make her Hollywood debut in the upcoming horror comedy “Lisa Frankenstein”—directed by Zelda Williams and co-starring Cole Sprouse and Kathryn Newton — Soberano gets candid about making her Hollywood debut, celebrity culture, and speaking her mind in the latest issue.
Editor-in-Chief: Pakkee Tan
Photographer: BJ Pascual
Stylist: Perry Tabora
Hair: Raymond Santiago
Makeup: Robbie Pinera
Producer: Kimi Felices
Set designer: Justine Arcena-Bumanlag
Stylist’s assistant: Kris Deleon
Production assistants: Clark Mancao, Justin Soberano
Ed Sheeran has released his new single ‘Eyes Closed’ alongside the official video (watch here).
Ed originally wrote ‘Eyes Closed’ a few years back. Starting as a break-up song, the lyrics took on a whole new meaning after Ed suffered a heartbreaking loss, which led him to revisit and reimagine the original version of the track for ‘-ʼ. One of the most pop-leaning sonics on his highly anticipated new record, ‘Eyes Closed’ captures the essence of love and loss, which is also reflected in the official video. Directed by Mia Barnes, we see Ed on a night out being followed by a blue monster – serving as a metaphor for grief, Ed is unable to shake it, wherever he goes, reminding him of the void that’s left in his life.
Speaking of the new song and the video, Ed says, “This song is about losing someone, feeling like every time you go out and you expect to just bump into them, and everything just reminds you of them and the things you did together. You sorta have to take yourself out of reality sometimes to numb the pain of loss, but certain things just bring you right back into it.
When I was thinking of concepts for the Eyes Closed music video, I wanted to make a video inspired by movies like Harvey, where the main character has an imaginary friend who’s a giant rabbit that no one can see. There’s also a book I read to my daughters where sadness is encapsulated by an imaginary creature. Often sadness is something that follows you around, engulfing the rooms you’re in, and you can feel and see it, but no one else around you can. So I decided to create my own big blue monster for the video. He gets bigger and bigger as the video goes on, til he takes up whole rooms, and is all I can see, just like sadness.”
Announced earlier this week, his all-new, four-part documentary “Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All” will air on Disney+ from 3 May 2023. Blending never-before-seen personal archives, interviews, and performances, the intimate documentary explores how his personal experiences have shaped him to become the artist he is today.
A Holy Week story of hope, surrender, faith, love, overcoming sickness, and the gift of life. “My life now is full of constant reflection and prayer. Everything in this world is temporary,” the singer and OPM icon said.
Acclaimed balladeer Chad Borja and one of the members of the popular male group, The OPM Hitmen looked back on his past life. For someone who had been through a difficult battle with the Big C a couple of years ago, he hopes that his story will inspire other cancer patients not to lose hope.
“God moves mysteriously. He has given me a second chance in life,” he shared in a previous interview. “He answered all my prayers.”
The OPM Hitmen: Renz Verano, Richard Reynoso, Rannie Raymundo, and Chad Borja. Image: bworldonline
Chad related that he found out he had thyroid cancer after his show with pop diva Kuh Ledesma in Los Angeles in August 1998.
“I was jogging one morning when I felt a block in my throat. I was so feverish at that time so I decided to consult a doctor. I had consulted four doctors from New York and LA, and they told me that I had an irritated sore throat,” he recalled.
When he returned to the Philippines, he went to Cebu, his native hometown to seek the advice of other doctors. He was told to take antibiotics.
“But I was bothered. I was fully convinced that there was something wrong with my system. I underwent an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), where I was put inside a machine as if it were a coffin for 45 minutes. I preferred not to take sleeping pills because I wanted to know what was happening. After a few hours, the doctors interpreted that I had a mass in my throat, so I needed to undergo a biopsy.
He continued: “Four days after the biopsy I was told that I had a cold nodule. My doctor friends from Cebu and Laoag told me that I needed to undergo surgery before it spread. My fears, doubts, confusion, and depression started to manifest. I decided to do some research and to get a good endocrinologist (in the name of Augusto Litongua) from Makati Medical Center,” he said.
Just to be sure, he underwent another test at the Philippine General Hospital. Still, the finding was malignant.
“The doctor told me that if I undergo surgery there’s a chance for me to get well,” he said.
But Chad had mixed feelings about undergoing the surgery because he was advised by a fortune-teller not to do it.
“In one of my guest appearances at GMA-7, I was predicted not to undergo an operation because something bad would happen to me,” he recalled. “Then I started praying. I went to Coney Reyes to seek advice and enlightenment. After that, I became stronger deep inside. I decided to go on with the operation. Imagine, I was crying for one hour and 30 minutes.”
Bad dream
On October 8, 1998, Chad underwent surgery at the Makati Medical Center.
“I didn’t feel anything. At that moment, I didn’t care if I lost my voice as long as I stayed alive to give me time to repent for my sins. But the torture was after the operation,” he shared. (Chad has now an artificial thyroid. The operation had left him a horizontal scar on his throat.)
During the first three months, Chad had to take radioactive iodine (a liquid medicine) as part of his treatment. He gained weight because of this medicine. Then he had to regularly monitor his blood to find out if the cancer had spread or not.
“Through this experience, I have learned to surrender my life to God,” he said. “The good news is that my cancer didn’t spread. However, there’s no assurance about it.”
Chad felt fortunate despite everything. “This is my second life,” he intimated. “Now when I wake up every morning, I pray and thank God for giving me an extension in life.”
Slowly, he went back to his singing. But this time around, he has a new outlook. “My life now is full of constant reflections and prayers. Everything in this world is temporary,” said Chad, who’s now a renewed Christian.
Chad said, what happened to him was like a bad dream. “Because of this difficult situation, I’ve become more humble. If I have grudges with people, I just humbled myself. I don’t let anger consume me.”
One thing he has learned from this experience is to be satisfied with what you have and never allow material things to rule your life.
“If you have the chance to say ‘I love you,’ to your parents, and loved ones, say it now, because you will never know what will happen,” concluded Chad, who has become a better person inside and out.
(Based on the article published in the now-defunct Mirror Weekly Magazine by the same author)
Everyone is excited to welcome the newest addition to the SOL community. Make some noise, and raise the banners for the 90s “IT girl” Ina Raymundo.
She’s 47 and she’s proud of it. And why not, Ina Raymundo will surely pass for a 20-year-old- something-woman. Her face and her figure has not aged a bit from the one we saw in the 90s. It is like she stopped aging.
Not only that, she has reinvented and transformed herself to be a model of an empowered woman. She continues to inspire women to pursue their careers, be fit and still be an involved parents. With five children under her care, she is still able to give ample time to upgrade herself and engage others with her passions. That’s strength – in both body and mind.
She is a certified plantita. Starting from one “Sensation” plant, she now takes care of various indoor plants with Anthurium and Monstera as two of the highlights of her mini-indoor jungle.
She is a social media influencer. With almost 2 million followers, more and more people are seeing her as someone who can be trusted and looked up to when it comes to balancing life and aging healthily, beautifully, and happily.
She is a health and fitness enthusiast, and she has the body to show for it.
Entrasol family during the press conference at Grand Hyatt Manila.
In all her pursuits, she is aptly supported by her family and Entrasol Platinum with PROCARE. She is the first to say that a woman on the go must never be without healthy food, most especially at an age where age-related issues are cropping up.
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Entrasol Platinum is available in two flavors, Chocolate and Vanilla at 200g and 600g. It is available online in Lazada and Shopee and all leading drugstores, groceries, and supermarkets nationwide at Php441.00 and Php1,134.00 respectively.
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After the massive success of the inaugural Clark Aurora Music Festival last June 2022 which gathered more than 150,000 attendees, the Philippines’ largest music festival is bringing back its magic this year.
Looking to escape the summer heat while still enjoying a wonderful festival? EP!C Events is once again ready to bring you the BIGGEST names in the OPM scene, giving you nothing but awesome live music, breathtaking views, and sheer excitement.
The Clark Aurora Music Festival this coming April 15 and 16 2023 promises to be even more spectacular than ever. This year’s lineup consists of a combination of various genres, from rising stars to the most sought-after artists of today – Ben&Ben, December Avenue, Arthur Nery, Adie, MRLD, and Lola Amour.
Moreover, Ely Buendia, Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Sponge Cola, Silent Sanctuary, and Mayonnaise are also expected to join the fun and bring superb and high-caliber music festival experience like no other.
Another thing worth looking for in this upcoming festival is the bigger and brighter batches of hot air balloons which will be displayed and light up Clark’s skyline, providing the perfect backdrop for a memorable weekend of music.
It’s going to be a huge weekend of music and a hot air balloon display, peeps! So, mark your calendars and get your tickets for the Aurora Music Festival! This is one event you won’t want to miss! See you there!
Clark Aurora Music Festival is presented by EP!C EVENTS and EGGSTOP in cooperation with ClarkGlobal City, Clark Development Corporation, and The Medical City Clark.
Visit their website for tickets http://ticket.clarkaurorafest.com/www.smtickets.com and all SM Tickets outlets and via Shopee https://shopee.ph/aurorafestival. For inquiries, call 09812390349.
As scriptwriter-director Bibeth Orteza said, “Ricky Lee is a remembrance of all that makes the idea of writing romantic: a lonely childhood, collegiate years without money to spend, a term in jail even. And then an enviable body of work.”
Ricky Lee has spent a good chunk of his career writing scripts for films. Like his screen films, he assumes multiple forms and shadows, complexity, and simplicity in one sleek package.
Filipino film buffs have bought this package, making Ricky, one of the best and most multi-awarded scriptwriters in the Philippines today. Some of his finest Filipino films include Himala, Moral, Brutal, Salome, Madrasta, Curacha, and Miguel/Michelle, among many others.
Aside from his many years of teaching at UP and the Ateneo, he has been conducting scriptwriting workshops, proof of his generosity in imparting career secrets to aspiring and upcoming writers.
Ricky is also a well-known fictionist, having won several literary awards. He has published an anthology of some of his works in 20 years in fiction, journalism, and film (Si Tatang at Mga Himala ng Ating Panahon.)
Revise, revise
Ricky recalls that his scripts of Brutal and Moral had five to seven drafts before he finally perfected them.
“Talagang madugo, hindi bawat revision may nabago lang, talagang overhaul ng skeleton,” he shared during a past interview. “Kasi ‘yong first sequence ng Brutal walang makaintindi kundi si Marilou (Diaz-Abaya). So you have to be patient and concentrate para mag ugat ang mga paa mo. Kailangan mayroong matatag na foundation.”
In writing a script, Ricky follows not just his own judgment. “Natanggap ko na na magkakaroon ng sariling buhay yong script. Whatever will be good for the script doon ako susunod,” he said. “I’m willing to adjust to the popular taste of the audience. Dahil gusto kong ma-reach ang audience ko kaya ako nagsusulat.”
He culled most of his ideas from real-life experiences; some from his imagination. “The ideas in terms of the situation, characters, and images are mostly from outside influences and the environment. Then the inside which is the emotion.”
Length of time
In his early years as a scriptwriter, Ricky could finish a script in a month (the longer script took three months at the most). Now he can finish a script in one or two days.
For instance, the script of the movie Mapusok (starred by Rosanna Roces) was written for two days. As well as Malikot na Mundo (1997) and Sinner or Saint (1984). “I wrote Sinner or Saint on the airplane while going home from Brazil. Pagbaba ko ng airport, may script na ako,” shared Ricky.
The film Andrea by Superstar Nora Aunor was written in less than seven days. The longest material he wrote was Moral. “Hanggang nag shooting na nag-revise pa ako. Nagdidikta ako ng lines kay Marilou over the phone,” said Ricky, “because we wanted to find the best way of telling the story.”
Yet, it was the most fulfilling movie for Ricky.
Working with the best directors
His first year in the industry was a big advantage for Ricky because it was during this period that he got the chance to work with the local cinema’s best directors.
“Nakatrabaho ko agad sina Ishmael Bernal, Mike De Leon, Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Mel Chionglo, Lino Brocka, para akong nag workshop ng todo,” he said.
When he was working with Marilou he learned a different technique. “Expand. Push. When you develop the characters huwag kang nakakahon. Let’s go unstructured. Most of my works with her are mostly on women, like the trilogy of Brutal, Moral, and Karnal. We clicked because she’s a woman. Hindi ko kailanman ma-approximate ‘yong mga alam niyang nuances, malinaw sa kanya ang pagkababae.”
With Ismael Bernal, he learned how to go “classical and structured.”
Meanwhile, Mike De Leon was very conscious of details.
Whereas, Lino Brocka was grounded in one kind of social and political philosophy. “Laging malinaw iyon kay Lino. That’s very reassuring kasi alam mo ang direction,” he said.
Working with dexterous directors (with different approaches) has stretched Ricky’s creative side to the most. From 1979 up to now, Ricky is full-time in the movies. There may be ups and downs in his career, but there will always be people around who will pull him back from leaving the industry.
Nowadays, half of his time is spent writing scripts; the other half he devotes to writing literature, journalism, and theatre. And of course, teaching.
“I will never stop teaching even if it’s difficult to teach because I’m always grounded with reality,” he explained. “Kung puro showbiz ako, lulutang ako, maaaburido ka, o mababaliw ka kasi ang daming humihila sa iyo sa iba’t ibang sides. Mawawalan ka ng perspective.”
Working with the stars
Among the stars he has worked with, he particularly cherished the times when he became close with Nora Aunor. He first worked with Nora in Himala. But they became good friends while they were doing Andrea.
“Kasi trabahong kaibigan talaga ‘yon. We’re still friends up to now, but not as close as before,” he disclosed. Ricky related that he’s not close with celebrities. He keeps a distance from them as much as possible.
Turbulent childhood
Ricky’s turbulent childhood has taught him to face life’s challenges and to excel in one’s talent. He endured many hardships in his struggle to become the country’s multi-awarded scriptwriter.
Courtesy: Mell T. Navarro FB
He typifies the rags-to-riches story. He was born into immigrant families originally from Fujian, China, and was raised in Daet, Bicol. He had a desolate childhood after his parents died when he was still young. He grew up under the care of a relative.
He excelled in school both in Daet and UP. His college days were something for the books. He experienced hunger and loneliness and was jailed for one year during Martial Law for his student activism.
He didn’t resent his past. Rather, he became selfless. He uses his life experiences, struggles, idealism, and intelligence to create over 70 screenplays that have stimulated many Filipino moviegoers. For those pieces of work, he earned more than 30 (and counting) trophies from all the award-giving bodies in the local movie industry.
Because of his upbringing, Ricky related that he became a very shy person. However, he got over his shyness when he entered show business. “I was extremely shy because my father was also extremely shy. We hardly talked. But he loved me. I was very sure of that,” he intimated.
Behind his reserved manner are his witty punchlines. “Defense ko ‘yon para hindi nila ako tingnan sa likod,” he said. “I’m very trusting, but deep inside I’m afraid to trust people. Kasi ilang beses na akong nauntog.”
As a child, he was wont to read almost everything. “Ang feeling ko noon parang inaarmasan ko ang sarili ko. So I accumulated a lot of knowledge. Basa ako nang basa ng libro since I was seven years old.” But he always wanted to become a writer.
When he was in his fourth year of high school at Daet Chung Hua High School, he wanted to run away from home but there was no chance. He had no money.
“Then I read an ad from Free Press (Filipino) that they would accept the short story. Pinadala ko ‘yong story ko (entitled ‘Mayon’) and it was accepted. Every week, binabantayan kong lumabas ang story ko. Finally, when I saw my byline, na reaffirm ‘yong pag-alis ko sa Bicol. I was paid Php50 for my story. That was the happiest time for me as a writer. Then I came to Manila.”
Ricky said that he experienced the most personal growth during his Bicol and UP years. “Those were the happiest years of my life. And also the starvation years for me,” he said.
As scriptwriter-director Bibeth Orteza said, “Ricky Lee is a remembrance of all that makes the idea of writing romantic: a lonely childhood, collegiate years without money to spend, a term in jail even. And then an enviable body of work.”
By Ruby Asoy-Lebajo
(Based on the feature article published in the old Mirror Weekly magazine by the same author)
They are known for their exquisite vocal harmony, the very essence of their music. And their avant-garde fashion statements. The CompanY, Asia’s premiere vocal group, is a visual and aural treat for the young and the young once.
If you have noticed, the Y in their name is a capital letter for visual identity. “We type it differently so that it doesn’t come out as too generic,” said Moy Ortiz, the leader of the group.
Organized in July 1985, the group started as a backup vocal group to such first-rate artists as Gary Valenciano, Kuh Ledesma, Zsa-Zsa Padilla, Martin Nieversa, Louie Reyes, and Celeste Legaspi. Their popularity snowballed when “Everlasting Love,” a cut from their debut album ‘Yon Na!’ became the most requested song in the early ‘90s.
Initially, when “Everlasting Love” was released people thought it was a foreign song. Later on, they found out that it was sung by a Filipino group.
Courtesy: YouTube
“It was just the right timing that we got a recording deal,” disclosed Moy. “Personality-wise we were more comfortable with ourselves. We knew how far we could go. We didn’t know that we would take a hit in pop.”
In terms of visual packaging, The CompanY is more experimental. Their target market includes the yuppies, young executives, and professionals.
“We are entertainers we have to be visually appealing and interesting onstage. So you have to capture the attention of your audience. We had the guts to experiment with our looks, hair, clothes, and shoes,” shared Moy.
Courtesy: The CompanY FB page
This group has been a company of friends ever since their Ateneo College Glee Club days, where they acquired extensive and rigorous training in voice and traditional choral works. When The CompanY made their crossover to professional singing, they applied the discipline and accuracy demanded by the classical school into the world of pop music.
Starting with 12 members, the group eventually stabilized at six. Now, they are down to a 4-member group. The CompanY is not an overnight success.
After many years in the entertainment industry, they remain active and continue to share their music with the world.
Gary Valenciano has unveiled a brand new song “Pwede Pang Mangarap”, released under Universal Records. It’s the type of buoyant, morale-boosting track that transports listeners to a much-needed ray of hope as we dare to rise above the seemingly dream-crushing effects of the pandemic.
The pandemic may be making its way out of our lives slowly but its aftereffect is still felt by many, especially among those who have been striving to stay afloat in the world of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. Some have had to stay closed for two years, while others have just had to shut down indefinitely. Thus, this uplifting track from Mr. Pure Energy came to life.
“Pwede Pang Mangarap” was made possible with the cooperation of The Association of the Filipino Franchisers Inc. (AFFI) and it’s the official TVC of BUYanihan, a known collective of brands, retailers, and MSMEs that aims to empower the Filipino entrepreneurs and help them highlight their world-class products. (WATCH THE OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO HERE)
“We’ve all heard of the light at the end of the tunnel, but I believe more in the fact that when our hope is fueled by our faith, God can become our light no matter where in the tunnel we may find ourselves in. Yes … I strongly encourage you to start dreaming once again,” says Mr. Gary V. about this powerfully crafted song.
Truly, life can’t always be easy, we all fall short but what’s important is that we don’t lose hope and become stronger versions of ourselves. Always keep your dreams alive. Stream “Pwede Pang Mangarap” on your favorite digital streaming platforms today.
March may have ended, but we’re not done celebrating Women’s History Month just yet! We’re putting the focus on some of our favorite superstars – multifaceted women who are making waves in and out of the music industry.
These women continue to elevate their respective genres and empower others to express themselves, all while exploring different aspects of their artistry. Read on to discover if your favorite artist made the cut, and what songs of theirs you can’t miss!
Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa is an artist that needs no introduction. This pop superstar started her career by posting song covers on YouTube, but what propelled her into the spotlight was her hit song “New Rules.” From then on, it was just success after success for Dua, and the three-time Grammy Award winner is now on the US leg of her Future Nostalgia tour.
Dua Lipa
To share more about her experiences and create stronger connections with her fans, Dua also recently launched Service95. This weekly newsletter serves up curation of recommendations, stories, and conversations that readers won’t see or read anywhere else. Not long after, she launched her podcast called Dua Lipa: At Your Service, where she and several podcast guests discuss relevant topics such as the importance of responsible storytelling and women supporting women.
Songs you can’t miss: We’re pretty sure you’ve listened to “Levitating” a handful of times (and we can’t blame you), but another fun and upbeat song to stream is Dua’s latest release – “Sweetest Pie” with Megan Thee Stallion.
Bella Poarch
Anyone who’s on TikTok is bound to know Bella Poarch. This pure Filipina rose to internet stardom after a video of her lip-syncing became viral in August 2020, getting more than 50 million likes. What eventually followed was her rise to becoming the #1 most followed Asian on TikTok worldwide! Soon, all eyes were on the 25-year-old star, and she proved not long after that that her talents went beyond making TikTok videos.
Bella Poarch
In 2021, Bella released her first single called “Build a Bitch.” It became a global success, with its music video getting nearly 400 million views. This is no surprise, as the song is catchy, and fresh, and calls out the unrealistic standards that women are told they must live up to. Bella uses her music not only to entertain but also to go against problematic ideologies in today’s society.
Songs you can’t miss: “Build a Bitch” is a must-listen, but if you want the perfect blend of haunting and upbeat, check out her song with Sub Urban titled “Inferno.”
Saweetie
One female rap star who’s made a name for herself in recent years is Saweetie. The Grammy-nominated artist started writing rap music in her early teens and has pursued her passion for it since then. From uploading a now-viral freestyle video on Instagram to creating countless hit songs like “ICY GRL,” “High Maintenance,” and “My Type,” Saweetie is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with.
Saweetie
Outside of music, she released an ICY jewelry line and collaborated with UK-based fashion retailer PrettyLittleThings for her very own collection. Hard work and independence have always been in Saweetie’s blood, something that her Filipino-American family taught her at an early age. She’s proof that working for what you want pays off, and we are here for it!
Songs you can’t miss: If you’re looking for a song to hype you up and get you dancing, then “Best Friend” featuring Doja Cat is the go-to. Looking for something more sultry and sensual? Then check out Saweetie’s new breezy single called “Closer” featuring H.E.R.
GAYLE
Unfiltered, honest, and genuine – these are some words that describe chart-topping pop singer GAYLE. Much like Bella Poarch, this Gen-Z artist blew up on TikTok after sharing her hit song “abcdefu” on the platform. Since then, she’s been receiving much-deserved attention and acclaim, whether it’s being part of Billboard’s 21 under 21: The Ones To Watch or being a guest performer on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Gayle
GAYLE recently released her debut EP “a study of the human experience volume one,” which touches on her insecurities, desires, and raw emotions. Her relatable and nuanced songs embrace vulnerability, while also empowering others to be unapologetic about their feelings.
Songs you can’t miss: If you loved “abcdefu,” then you’ll love the equally catchy “luv starved.”
Avril Lavigne
Rounding up this list is none other than pop-punk princess Avril Lavigne. The multi-platinum singer recently released her highly anticipated album “Love Sux,” sending fans into a frenzy. The album was well-received, with several critics praising Avril for sticking to her nostalgic pop-punk sound while making sure it’s current and in the now.
Avril is set to go on her Bite Me 2022 Canada Tour this coming May and will be part of several concerts and music festivals for the rest of the year. As a trailblazer in her genre and the industry in general, she continues to inspire fellow artists to stay authentic to their true selves as they work on their craft.
Songs you can’t miss: If you want to listen to songs that are reminiscent of Avril’s past hits, then give “Bite Me” and “Love It When You Hate Me” a try.
We’ve compiled all the songs you can’t miss from these artists onto one playlist! Listen to them here.
A woman of strength, style, and substance, Concert Queen Pops Fernandez finds greater joy in being on her own, doing the things she loves. “I have to keep moving and believing in the future, not just for myself but for my children,” she shares.
Life does go on for Concert Queen Pops Fernandez. She has become her own person and finds greater joy in being on her own, in experiencing her own successes.
She is busy as a bee – co-hosting with former husband Concert King Martin Nievera for “eXes&whys” over Cignal TV (channel 60 SD or 202 HD); maintaining her own YouTube Channel with 119k subscribers to date and is even active in social media (FB and IG).
At 55, Pops is looking great. She takes care of her overall well-being. She keeps the faith as evidence of her positive outlook in life.
Single parent
Pops considers being a single parent as difficult but she’s coping beautifully for the sake of her children – Robin and Ram.
“I have a life to live for my children,” she said from a previous interview. “I’m still their mother; what happened hasn’t changed that, and I must work for their future and make their lives as happy as I possibly could. I have to keep moving and believing in the future, not just for myself but for my children.”
She gives all the love and attention she could give to her two boys. “Ram and Robin are both loquacious and active,” she said. “But their attitudes are very different. When you talk to one, it should be different from the way you talk to the other because they’re two different personalities. But they love being together.”
She said being honest with them is the best way to cope with whatever they’re going through at present. “Sometimes parents think that because children are young, they don’t understand. I think it’s the other way around. They are smarter than we perceived them to be and they are more adaptive to change than older people,” she explained.
Of course, despite everything, it couldn’t be denied that Martin is still the father of her children. The boys see their dad whenever he’s free, and even go on trips with them just like one happy, modern family. Martin and Pops, whose marriage was annulled in 2000, have remained friends.
Pops added: “I don’t know how I could have made it without my friends and my faith in God. It’s true what they say about how a crisis has to hit you first before you feel God’s presence. Of course, there are times when you can’t help but ask God why this had to happen ‘coz sometimes you just feel like crying. But the good thing about God is that He has the answers to all the questions. I believe that there’s a reason for everything happening in my life.”
Pops throwback photo/ personal file
Hard lessons
Pops said she was very idealistic when she was younger. To be a single parent was farthest from her mind.
“When my parents separated, I told myself, “When I get married, I won’t let this happen to my kids.’ I had plans. I said, ‘I won’t do this, I won’t do that. I’ll be the best wife and mother I can be, then everything will be alright.”
She further explained: “But sometimes you just can’t help it. Things happen. Problems crop up. You try to fix them, but you can’t. You just learn to take things one day at a time and realized that each marriage and each situation is unique and that one rule doesn’t apply to all.”
What she always wanted was to have a complete family. “Just seeing my family happy is enough,” she said, “especially, my children.” But then, things don’t usually happen the way you want them.
For her, life can be a struggle and at the same time exciting. And there are always lessons learned after the pains, after the struggle. She had dried her tears and is going about the business of living as best as she can.
(Based on the article published in the old Mirror Weekly magazine by the same author)
