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Hue Hotels and Resorts: Bringing colors to leisure

Hue Puerto Princesa is a standout hotel and resort-like feel at the heart of Puerto Princesa City.

This summer, let’s explore Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan and the gateway to almost every island in the province.

The room design combines both local and global inspirations to its interiors.

Just adjacent from the newly-opened Puerto Princesa airport, this writer stayed at Hue Hotels and Resorts admirable for its wide-open space, and for excellently combining global and local design to its interiors. Truly, a standout hotel and resort-like feel at the heart of Puerto Princesa City.

The moment we arrived at the hotel, we easily felt the warm welcome from its staff and front desk manager at the time of our visit. He ushered me to my comfy room and immediately got awe-struck with the room design – the carpet was made of a colorful banig, the welcome kit consisted of local delicacies and drinks, and the imported glass bottle (no, they don’t use plastic bottle) seemed so attractive. I made sure to check on the hotel swimming pool and Aminah Spa located on the roof deck. It was a relaxing feeling to have tried the soothing massage on our second day.

The hotel swimming floor located on the roof deck. Photo by Renjie Tolentino

The hotel restaurant is called Matiz Tapas Bar & Restaurant just very near the hotel lobby. It offers Classic-Filipino-Spanish and some Vietnamese dishes that pay homage to the Vietnamese community in Puerto Princesa. Matiz is being managed by Chef Gabby Prats.

The modern look of Matiz Tapas Bar and Restaurant. Photo by Renjie Tolentino

Hue Puerto Princesa is envisioned to be chic and creative with a “design-forward and culturally-rooted architecture.”

The property is being managed by Hospitality Innovators Inc. (HII). “It (HII) creates distinct hotel concepts that are original and one of a kind – this is what Hue Hotels and Resorts is all about, ” shares Chris Guballa, the hotel’s general manager. Guballa is also proud of its advocacy of promoting the local community through a hotel that promotes local products and culture.

City tour

Hue Puerto Princesa has not only given us superb accommodation but an unforgettable tour around the city.

We went to the famous Underground River named as one of the seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other interesting tourist spots we visited were Baker’s Hill, Butterfly Eco Garden, and Tribal Village, Rancho Mitra, Elephant Cave, Baywalk Plaza Quartel, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, and Buenavista View Deck (where you can see the beauty of Ulugan Bay and Tres Marias).

 

Our Puerto Princesa trip was made possible by Hue Hotels and Resorts  Puerto Princesa – one that truly brings colors to leisure.

#HueHotel #nicetomeetHue #HuePuertoPrincesa #Palawan #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Featured photo by Renjie Tolentino

(Special thanks to Experience Travel and Living magazine)

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Jaya: Her own person

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.

#showbizthrowbackseries #jaya #singer #exclusiveinterview #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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

Featured photo: Jaya with her late mom, Elizabeth Ramsey

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Stay longer in Nasugbu, Batangas

The town is blessed with abundant natural attractions, picturesque sceneries, cultural, historical, and religious sites, recreation and accommodation, gastronomic delights, and eco-tourism.

Nasugbu is about two hours drive from Manila. It is the town on the western coast of Batangas, and a favorite leisure and vacation getaway for tourists because of its proximity to Manila.

The town is blessed with abundant natural attractions, picturesque sceneries, cultural, historical, and religious sites, recreation and accommodation, gastronomic delights, and eco-tourism.

With the influx of tourists coming to Nasugbu, the Kaybiang tunnel was constructed to connect the Ternate-Nasugbu Road, making the trip to Nasugbu a less than an hour journey.

Kaybiang Tunnel – connecting the Ternate-Nasugbu Road, making the trip to Nasugbu a less than an hour journey. Courtesy: Facebook.com

Nasugbu has a population of 138,000, and it caters to the AB market. Frequent tourists to this area include Europeans, Americans, and some Asians.

Pico De Loro Cove: Offers an active vacation lifestyle

Pico De Loro Cove, which is set amidst the verdant green mountains and vibrant clear waters of Hamilo Coast is SM land’s premier leisure destination with 5,800 hectares of natural beauty. It only takes 90 minutes by car from Manila via the Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) and the Kaybiang Tunnel. This writer had a relaxing stay at Pico Sands Hotel, the cove’s premier hotel during a previous media tour.

The writer at Pico Sands Hotel
Courtesy: Pico Sands Hotel FB page

Pico De Loro is renowned for being part of the “center of the world’s biodiversity,” where more than 65% of the world’s marine species can be found. Its location within the Verde Island passage makes it an ideal jump-off point for cruising to other renowned island destinations such as Apo Reef, Mindoro, Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, and Boracay.

The property is composed of eight mid-rise residential buildings set around a serene environment. It makes owning a beach home as easy and practical as condominium living. Each condo comes with playing rights at the Pico De Loro Beach & Country Club, which has the most extensive land and sea-based recreational facilities in the Nasugbu area.

Pico De Loro Beach and Country Club

Together they offer an active vacation lifestyle and a wide range of indoor and outdoor sports and recreation options. Homeowners and guests can enjoy eco-adventures such as biking, trekking, fish-feeding, cove tour, diving, kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing, banana boat, Frisbee, jet skiing, paddle boarding, water taxi, and beach volleyball.

Nasugbu town: A major tourism destination

The tourist destinations inventory of the municipality has listed down 18 natural attractions, including the famous Hamilo Coves, the Karakawa Rivers and Falls, the Layong Bilog River, and the Tumalim Water Falls and River.

Mountains such as Mt. Talamitam, Mt. Batulao, Mt. Pico De Loro, famous for mountain climbing, surround the town. Rock formations are also scattered around Nasugbu Bay including the Elephant Rock, Pinnacle Rocks, and Payong-Payong.

Virgin island abounds the town with Fortune Island and Twin Island as the more popular ones. It is also surrounded by four marine protected areas: Fuego Point Marine Sanctuary, Taytayen/Etayo Marine Reserve, Pinagdakutan/Santelmo Marine Sanctuary, and Cutad/Pico De Loro Marine Reserve.

For a sumptuous local lunch, visit Kainan sa Dalampasigan in Martinez St. in Nasugbu. This 13-square- meter restaurant is owned by Normita “Tita Baby” Limjoco-Lucas and offers excellent home cooking and rustic ambiance.

Hearty lunch with DOT and Hamilo Coast marketing.

Nasugbu has a wide array of kakanin. It is said that there are at least 13 varieties of kakanin in town. Thus, an “abibingkahan” can be found in the public market where kakanin are being sold.

The tour was never complete without a visit to some religious sites like the main town church of Saint Francis Xavier Church and Lumang Simbahan where pilgrims and devotees from far and nearby towns come to visit every Friday to offer prayers to the Black Nazarene. Nevertheless, the influence of the Catholic Church in Nasugbu has been dominant in their culture and townspeople’s religious faith.

Saint Francis Xavier Church Nasugbu. Courtesy: Nasugbu Tourism Office

 The group ended the tour with a relaxing Barako foot bliss at Rain Spa of Pico Sands Hotel. This coffee-infused foot treatment relieves sore feet and frees up one’s thoughts. Coffee’s calming and anti-oxidant qualities are employed to relieve stress and tension as well as improve circulation, restoring the body’s natural balance.

In Nasugbu, you can definitely explore more tourist attractions, and deserving of another visit. This time, plan to stay longer in your next getaway with your loved ones.

By Ruby Asoy-Lebajo

(Based on the article published in Experience Travel and Living magazine by the same author. The media tour was organized by the Department of Tourism some years back.)

 #throwbacktravel #nasugbu #batangas #philippines #tour #attractions #tourism #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Julius and Christine Babao: Perfect for Each Other

After 17 years of wedded bliss, the couple’s love for each other grows more beautiful and precious as time goes by.

 

Televiewers may still remember how veteran broadcast journalist Julius Babao and TV host Christine “Tintin” Bersola’s romance blossomed on the set of Alas Singko Y Medya, the former morning show of ABS-CBN.

The good-looking couple had proceeded cautiously before they made a serious long-term commitment.

“Tinutukso-tukso kami hanggang sa ma-develop,” admitted Tintin during the past exclusive interview for a cover photoshoot.

Needless to say, they shared to have the same wavelength, and complement each other.

Said Julius:  “I’ve had a crush on Tintin since 1993 . . . I like her because she’s the first person I see in the morning. She’s a very natural person, very bubbly and she balances my personality.”

Said Tintin:  “Julius is the right man for me. He’s responsible, has a sense of humor, knows how to handle money, is very generous, and intelligent.”

For Julius, love knows no boundaries. His idea of a good relationship is something that allows a certain amount of “freedom” for both individuals.

For Tintin, it’s being there for each other through thick and thin, with or without money, in a good or bad mood.”

To this day, the couple has been blessed with a happy and fulfilling family life.

The couple has celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary last year. “To 17 years of love & marriage and beyond! Happy anniversary babe @christinebbabao! Love you!” was Julius’s message to her beautiful wife in his IG account @juliusbabao.

Courtesy: @juliusbabao IG account

Julius and Tintin have proven the old saying that “Marriage is like a fine wine, if tended properly, it just gets better with age.”

(Based on the cover story published in the now-defunct Mirror Weekly magazine with the same author)

#JuliusandTintinBabao #lovestory #exclusiveinterview #throwbackseries #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Photo by Mandy Navasero/file photo

 

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Lalaine Edson-Forgham’s ‘Gift for Mom’

Her mom didn’t live to see her beautiful Filipino-British mestiza daughter win the crown in the past Binibining Pilipinas beauty competition.

 “I wish my mom could see me now,” relates former Binibining Pilipinas-World 1999 Lalaine Edson-Forgham from a previous exclusive interview with the author. Her late mom, Gloria (a Filipina from Pampanga) urged her to join the contest. It was her dream to see her only daughter become a beauty queen.

In the question and answer portion during the 1999 Binibining Pilipinas coronation night: “What do you think is the most beautiful thing in the world today? And what would you do to preserve it?”

“It’s not a thing but a human being — it’s the birth of a child. To preserve it, nurture her with love because she’s our future and she will bring our future to us,” was Lalaine’s reply to the question with much confidence.

She cherishes the experience. “We were all old friends,” she says. “The 39 girls were all friends. We were treated all equally.”

The Binibining Pilipinas was her second contest, the first time was in London in 1995 where she bagged the Miss Philippines UK title. After that, she stopped school and came back to the Philippines to be beside her ailing mom. At present, the Filipino-British mestiza is a photographer and filmmaker based in London.

Lalaine’s favorite beauty queens are Abbygale Arenas and Patti Betita. “They’re beautiful and they walk gracefully,” she shares. “Abby is so kind, she gave me all the points that I should know about in joining a beauty pageant. She gave pointers on how to carry myself, how to walk, and look good. She also taught me how to achieve that winning attitude.”

Being the only child in the family is not at all lonely according to Lalaine. She says she has a lot of cousins to keep her company in times of sadness and happiness.

“I was brought up with my cousins around. So they’re like my brothers and sisters already. My mom raised me with Filipino values,” she shares. “When I was growing up many would say that I got the semblance from my dad, but now I’m more of my mom. The shape of my face, my eyes, and lips are from my mom; the color (hazel gray) of my eyes and eyebrows are from my dad. My nose is half of my dad and mom. And my sense of humor is from my dad.”

Lalaine was born in England. At the age of 10, she stayed in the Philippines for four and a half years. Then she returned to England and stayed until the age of 19. She came back in 1996 and worked in showbiz as a ramp and commercial model. And the rest is history.

Her beauty secret

Lalaine’s beauty secret is never to sleep with her makeup on and after pictorials, she automatically takes off her makeup. Then she washes with soap followed by a moisturizer. Before she goes to sleep, she applies an under-eye cream to lessen the eyebags.

“While we’re still young, we have to look after our skin,” she advises. “When I go out I don’t really put heavy makeup. I just put blush on and lipstick on. The real beauty comes from within. You have to be happy all the time. Smile. So you have a good aura,” she ends.

By: Ruby Asoy-Lebajo

Featured photo: Jun De Leon / file photo

Based on an original article of the author in Mirror Weekly Magazine, 1999

#throwbackseries #lalaineedson #formerbeautyqueen #photographer #filmmaker #makeupartist #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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How To Look Like a Beauty Queen

If there is anything we could call a “secret formula” for beauty and fitness, a positive outlook in life and a generous dose of self-esteem are surely among its main components. Dayanara Torres, former Miss Universe 1993 attests to this.

For over two decades after winning the Miss Universe pageant in 1993, Dayanara Torres remains a stunning beauty – inside and out. Now an actress, recording star, model, book author, mom, and a skin cancer survivor, the former Miss Universe is a Barbie Doll-look-alike with her fit figure and beautiful face.

“There’s really no secret formula in staying fit,” she said. “What I do is just I eat in moderation. That’s probably the reason why I look this way. And I love it.”

Dayanara said she doesn’t follow any special diet. “If ever I feel fat I just eat carbohydrates like potato and bread. Aside from her shapely body, her other best assets are her tantalizing eyes and a positive outlook in life.

One beauty secret she has learned over the years was “never to sleep with makeup on. “What can be found in her makeup bag (the one she carries most of the time) are lipstick, mascara, and concealer. “Usually when I go out I don’t want to put on heavy makeup,” she shared. “I just like to have a refreshing look. These three things in my purse make my appearance almost complete.”

Her beauty regimen consists of taking care of her whole body from top to bottom. “With my hair, it depends if I want to have it straight. If I want to have it curly, I put curlers on. I make sure that my hair doesn’t have too much damage. Then I put cream on my face and feet.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7wqF8FpGfE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Courtesy: @dayanarapr IG account

Dayanara seems to have different ways of seeing life. As a former beauty queen, she wants to be a role model for young people. “My life is a good example to all the young people in Puerto Rico, especially for people who don’t have the resources and money,” she related. “In life, nothing is impossible. Definitely, I’m somebody who works hard to achieve my goals in life. And in everything that I do, it should be 100 percent perfect. I’m a working person and I like to help other people as much as I can.”

She said that the Philippines was like her second home. She was grateful for the opportunities given to her way back after winning the Miss Universe beauty pageant. “The Miss Universe pageant has opened so many doors for me,” she said. “It gave me a chance to have a career in show business, and appear in shows like ASAP and Eezy Dancing. Because of these opportunities, I have discovered my talent in dancing as well as singing. I don’t know when I’m going to get tired. As of now, I’m enjoying every minute of my career,” she concluded.

During her time in the country, Dayanara appeared in the movies Basta’t Kasama Kita opposite former boyfriend and leading man Aga Muhlach, Type Kita . . . Walang Kokontra opposite Cesar Montano, Hataw Na opposite Gary Valenciano, among others.

Dayanara’s last visit to the Philippines was in 2017 as a judge for Miss Universe 2016.

#ThrowbackSeries #DayanaraTorres #MissUniverse1993 #BeautyandFashion #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

Featured photo courtesy of @dayanarapr IG account

 

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Joey Ayala: A Class All His Own

“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.

#joeyayala #music #cultureandarts #entertainment #preciousmoments #throwbackseries

Photo courtesy: Joey Ayala FB page

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Staying Connected With Former High School Classmates

Encountering our former classmates and reminiscing about old memories can enhance our understanding, strengthen our connections, and foster mutual respect.

 

In a time when face-to-face interaction is limited, there’s an incredible chance to cultivate and strengthen our connections in new and creative ways. There’s no better opportunity than now to stay connected, even when we can’t be together in person.

From the top, left: Maricar Schlossberger, Janeth Arce-de Guia, Jude Paul Reyes Uy, Michelle Lopez, and Cathy Robles-Buyayo.

On April 30, 2020, we were supposed to celebrate the 30th, or Pearl Anniversary, of our high school batch in Manila. However, the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of dwelling on the difficulties of the situation, we decided to use this time to reconnect with our high school classmates, especially those from our section (MMMHS Batch 1990, IV-1), whom we hadn’t seen or communicated with in years.

Not all of us are fortunate enough to have our former classmates reside in one area. With distance from each other, responsibilities at home and work, and other factors separating us, it’s often difficult to gather together as a group.

So what should one do?

Firstly, a Facebook group was created by one of our classmates. It is where we can come to talk about our experiences (be it family matter, work, health, parenting, and high school memories) for other members to read, and comment on. By connecting virtually, members can still interact with one another and share stories from the convenience of their home or office.

Everyone is happy to know that the most active members in our FB group are doing well in their respective careers and family life. We have dedicated and hardworking front liners, Jude Paul Reyes Uy, a nurse in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, Ireland; Janeth Arce-de Guia, California-based nurse; and Maricar  Schlossberger, Indiana-based nurse;

Meanwhile, Michelle Lopez works in a finance company in Hong Kong;  Rowena Acohon-Elias, works as an engineer in Colorado; Cathy Robles-Buyayo, works in Marriott Hotel in Vancouver Canada;  husband and wife, Glenn and Shirley Viduya and family are based in Kansas; Cris Celis-Dargani and family are based in California;  Mari-Karr Cruto-Policar and family are based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Julian Cabrera and family are based in Maryland;

Former classmates who are based in Manila have been lucky also with their chosen fields of expertise: Joy Sigua is connected in a pharmaceutical company; Mariebelle Palma works as an audit specialist in a government firm; Ronald “Tenten” Rodriguez engages in talent management and salon business; Jeffrey Badion works in a retail company; Edwin Escanillas is a licensed financial advisor; John Enconado is now a successful ophthalmologist; Aldwin Bonavente specializes in electrical and auxiliary works, and Regina Hernandez works for a BPO industry.

There are some full-fledged educators in our batch, like Dr. Eriberto Astorga; as well as Rodolfo Bombon, who is into teaching; Josie Carangan Martinez works in the government under education sector, and Ferdinand Ocampo is a public school teacher in Manila. They are just some of the former classmates this writer has able to touch-based on FB. I hope to hear from others next time.

Virtual reunions can be eye-opening, because, generally, we develop wisdom and maturity as we age. “Encountering our former classmates and recalling old memories, good and bad may help us gain better insight into who we are now and how we got here,” according to Psychology Today. It may not only reveal information about us and how we have changed, but also similar information about our friends. Discussing and knowing this can lead to greater intimacy and respect for one another.

Indeed, this virtual reunion has lessened the burden of being in a trying situation like the COVID-19 pandemic. As a motivational speaker and author Rober Glazer said, “Many of us are coping with this crisis by looking for silver linings that can help us endure this challenge and improve our lives when it has passed. Everyone we know is suddenly available, often for the first and perhaps the only time in our lives. This has led to an extraordinary amount of online reunions where groups of people haven’t connected in years can catch-up without a specific agenda.”

Revisiting old memories and reconnecting with classmates and friends can be a wonderful experience, a chance to reflect on shared moments together. Renewing these friendships and reliving the fun and emotions we experienced in high school are two of the most common reasons people choose to participate in a virtual reunion, especially in today’s digital age dominated by social media.

By: Ruby Asoy-Lebajo

 

#virtualreunion #highschool #classmates #friends #socialdistancing #covid19pandemic #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Giselle Sanchez: A well-endowed versatile artist

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.

Photos courtesy @gisellesanchez FB page

#throwbackseries #entertainmentdays #gisellesanchez #preciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

 

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Jun and Abbygale De Leon’s Love Story

Jun and Abbygale have found each other and both feel right for each other. They have proven time and again that love knows no age. When you find true love, you will not care about the age difference anymore, all you will care about is spending life longer with each other. Nothing matters. It’s love.

Says he:  “It never occurred to me that I would offer marriage to anybody, after 20 years of working with beautiful women . . . Then I met Abby.”

Says she:  “Our love grows every day.”

Celebrity photographer Jun De Leon and former Bb. Pilipinas-Universe-turned-entrepreneur Abbygale Arenas have their own unique love story to tell.

Abby and Jun returned to the place where they fell in love two years before – Dubai. They sealed their relationship with marriage vows on August 29, 1998. It was a very quiet and intimate ceremony in an old church. They took off again for a grand honeymoon tour of U.S. cities — New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. It wasn’t really a “secret” wedding. The sweethearts had told their families of their plan. Still, Abbygale described it as the happiest day of her life. She choked on her lines. “Tears kept flowing from my eyes and it was only Jun whom I could see,” she recalled. Jun was equally emotional. It was a second try at marriage for Jun. This time, he explained, he wanted to keep the ceremonies simple then give his new wife a really grand honeymoon.

Jun and Abbygale as newlyweds. Image: personal file

First meeting

Abbygale first met Jun when she was only 18. Then, a young model that just got back from New York. She reported for a pictorial at then Jun’s studio at Traders Hotel (now Hotel Jen). Their second meeting was in Dubai in 1996 for the Mayflower Boutique pictorial project. Abbygale was the model and Jun was the photographer. “After we returned from Dubai, almost every night he would always visit my place in Mandaluyong,” said Abbygale.

Courtship

The courting stage was short revealed, Abbygale. “Dubai pa lang magka-holding hands na kami,” she giggled. When they returned to Manila, they were in a dating stage already. After two months, Jun told her that he wanted to go to Pampanga to meet her family.  “When he went there, he was with his children. Sabin ng mama ko, ‘sino kaya sa mga ito ang boyfriend ng anak ko.’”

On her relationship with Jun, Abbygale said that her mom was more open-minded than her dad, who was apprehensive at first of the situation. “But he changed when he saw that we were heading for marriage,” said Abbygale.

Abbygale has learned a mouthful of wisdom from Jun, “perhaps because of his experiences. He is my best supporter.” Image: google.com

The right time

Jun said, Abbygale, came at the right time in his life. “For me, marriage is not needing, but two people wanting to share. I used to live alone. Then suddenly, I felt I have something to share. That’s when I met Abby.”

The age gap was not at all a problem for them. “With us, it was never a problem,” said Jun. “Marriage should give you wings, not a chain. One nice thing about us, we both want to be together after a day’s work. Knowing where I am at this point in my life, I will not waste my time. I’ll give as much as I can.”

Thinking of the age gap, Abbygale said that “it adds ups to the good relationship we have at the moment. I treasure every moment we’re together.”

What Jun has learned from Abbygale is that “I could love again.” “That I can have a family of my own, that I can share my life with somebody else, that I can occupy my space with somebody, which before I couldn’t because I considered my room as my private domain – only my children could get inside. She opened the door. You know it’s difficult to recover again after a failed marriage.”

Abbygale, on her part, learned a mouthful of wisdom from Jun, “perhaps because of his experiences. He is my best supporter. What’s important in a relationship is to have love, trust, and respect. Show your partner that you love him. Don’t be influenced by others when it comes to your decision.”

Married bliss

Abbygale said she’s grateful to be part of Jun’s home. “This is not a regular marriage. Like, I don’t have to cook for two. He already has a home, isinali nya ako.” She had no problems with Jun’s children as well. “We get along well. I’m a friend to them. They call me Abby and I never consider myself their stepmom.” (Jun has seven children, namely: Christine, Timmy, Oliver, Patricia, Katrina, Nico, and Isabela).

Picture perfect: Jun and Abbygale with their children Irijah and Eli. Courtesy of Jun De Leon.

Jun returned the appreciation: “I thought I had everything until I met her. I had a family, a stable career, the professional respect I worked for. It never occurred to me that I would offer marriage to anybody, after 20 years of working with beautiful women.”

He added, “I see her inner beauty in so many ways – a good daughter, a sister, and a good friend. She has accepted me for what I am. It was like a big reward, a big bonus for me.”

Jun and Abbygale both feel that they deserve each other. Their union has been blessed with two beautiful children – Irijah, 18, who is taking up Filmmaking in Columbia Chicago; and Eli, 4. They are keeping the love alive after 23 years of married bliss.

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