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)
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
Abagatan ti Manila offers classy room accommodation and extensive facilities for the guests.
The weekend is lurking. Planning for a weekend escape nearby? Visit and enjoy another getaway with your loved ones at Abagatan ti Manila (Ilocano for South of Manila) nestled in Kaytitinga Road, Alfonso, Cavite. It has a laid-back feel and cozy ambiance that offers classy room accommodation and extensive facilities.
The premier hotel and events place has an extended pre-holidays flash sale – all regular rooms and suites are 40% off, stay period is until December 15 only. For more information, e-mail reservations@abagatanhotels.com, or call 09178554446.
Definitely, a refreshing and tranquil weekend stay awaits you in this serene and stylish sanctuary in the South.
With its proximity to the metro, Tagaytay is a go-to-destination for most tourists and local visitors due to its refreshing mountain air and breathtaking view of Taal Lake.
Recently, Tagaytay has been praised for being “a good model of tourism” amid the COVID-19 pandemic for opening tourist attractions and establishments to visitors without travel passes from areas under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) or no quarantine status, provided they follow minimum health standards, such as the wearing of face masks and following physical distancing protocols.
Zipline adventure at Picnic Grove
Sky Ranch at night
Balay Dako during foggy times
Some of the activities you can do here:
See the beauty of Taal Lake and volcano,
Have fun at Picnic Grove and Sky Ranch,
Feast on culinary classics in Balay Dako, which serves Filipino food with the Antonio’s Group’s dedication to quality and attention to detail.
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.”
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.
“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.
Encountering our former classmates and recalling old memories may help us gain better insight, stronger ties, and respect for one another.
There seems to be no better time to stay connected when physical interaction is next to impossible.
From the top, left: Maricar Schlossberger, Janeth Arce-de Guia, Jude Paul Reyes Uy, Michelle Lopez, and Cathy Robles-Buyayo.
Last April 30, 2020, could have been the 30th or Pearl Anniversary of our high school batch in Manila. However, it was canceled due to coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than focusing on how difficult the situation has become, we use this time to reconnect with our high school classmates particularly in our section (MMMHS Batch 1990, IV-1) whom we have not seen and communicated in years.
Not all of us are fortunate enough to have our former classmates reside in one area. With miles away 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;
Viduya family
Dargani family
Cabrera family
Policar family
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.
Edwin Escanillas
Aldwin Bonavente
Jeffrey Badion
Tenten Rodriguez (middle)
John Enconado
Joy Sigua (right)
Regina Hernandez
Mariebelle Palma
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.
Dr. Eriberto Astorga
Rodolfo Bombon & family
Ferdinand Ocampo & family
Josie Carangan Martinez (left)
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.”
It’s a wonderful feeling to go down memory lane and to reminisce about classmates and friends who have known us for a long time and have mutual experiences in the past. In fact, renewing old friendships and reliving fun and feelings we had in high school are two of the most common reasons people agree to be part of a virtual reunion, especially in this day and age of the digital world and social media.
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.”
“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. Courtesy: Giselle Sanchez FB page
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.
Master minimalist and award-winning artist Nikulas Lebajo has depicted the subject matter in the context of visual interpretation for his 20th one-man exhibition aptly titled “Carnival,” showcasing more than ten pieces of conscientiously, and well-thought-of oil on canvas paintings.
“Circus” 36″x 48″, Oil on Canvas, 2019
As life-imitates-art, the appeal of this theme to the artist is deeper as he looks back on his more than 30-year journey as an artist and what he has accomplished thus far in his painting career. He found it an excellent means by which to capture society’s idiosyncrasies. He presented his figures in such a way to express their inner meanings rather than their outer, anatomical forms. In this way, he was able to convey the nuances of his creations.
In one of his works titled “Circus,” characterizes the strong persona of the brawny man with the circus characters in the background doing their tricks and the almost silhouette images of his trademark jars in succession. He organized the images depicted and began to build volume of earth colors across the surface of the canvas. The effect was imagery that no longer ebbed but instead, vulnerable to enter the viewer’s space and construal. Almost crowded to the point of teeming, the figures in Nikula’s works astonish with their appearance.
“Bearded Lady”, 4×4, Oil on Canvas, 2020
Carnivalas a social institution, “is a culture defined by folk-humor, a temporary space where everything is permissible, except, arguably, violence.” It is a time of glut, occupying the space between art and life. It is a transitional space, continually changing.
“Circus Still Life”, 36″x 48″, Oil on Canvas, 2019
It wasn’t only Nikulas who got charmed by the carnival or has tackled the same theme. If we consider the development of modern art, it quickly becomes apparent those artists like Seurat, Renoir, and Degas to Picasso and Matisse, among others, all felt obliged to depict the circus. Nikulas has portrayed it in the present time by decomposing and deconstructing the figures using technology and skillful rendering.
And while the carnival is by definition a temporary space, subject to ebb and flow of life, the spirit behind it is never-ending, persisting in the creative minds of artists. As long as there are artists who remain captivated by the theme, it will live on. When we celebrate our gentler natures along with transcendent aspects of our humanity, we celebrate the fullness of being. It means living without trepidation and disgrace, it means being an all-embracing and upright human being.
At the opening reception of “Carnival”: Jonathan Sy, owner of Gallery BIG; Dominic John Galeon, Manila Bulletin sub-editor for Arts & Culture; and guestSpecial guests, Ms. Aditi Ahuja, Mrs. Universe-Generosity, philanthropist and artist (center); with her husband Proteek Ahuja; and Ms. Jeanette Kamphuis, Ms. Noble Queen, musician, and artist.
Nikulas recent works will be on exhibit until April 15, 2020, at The Saturday Group Gallery, 4/F East Wing, Shangri-la Mall, Mandaluyong City. It is presented by the Gallery BIG.
Nikulas started his painting career as the Grand Prize winner of the Shell National Painting competition in 1989. He had successive one-man shows at the then prestigious The Luz Gallery, a consistent prize winner in the past Shell, Metrobank, and Philippine Art Awards competitions, and has had exhibitions at noted galleries here and abroad. He took up Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines.
“Carnival” is sponsored by ABS-CBN’s Metro Channel and Metro.Style. Media partners include asianTraveler magazine, Alike Media, Inc., manileno.ph, Experience Travel and Living Magazine.
Do you want to travel during the weekend? Here are three nearby places you can go to if you need a quick break from the hectic city life.
The weekend is the best time to spend some quality time with your family and friends by going out with them. Indulge yourself and unwind.
Experience true comfort at these relaxing weekend getaways that will make you feel excited and stress-free.
Valentino Resort and Spa is a picturesque resort and spa located in Lipa Batangas and complete with a breathtakingly panoramic view of Mt. Makulot. Feel the love all around you when you stay here.
Shercon Resort and Ecology Park is situated in Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas. It has a variety of pools with its own character and beauty, and excellent facilities for every occasion – making your stay a memorable experience. It is also dubbed as the green forest resort bounded by lush, verdant greenery in its surroundings.
Bakasyunan Resort and Conference Center. As the name infers, Bakasyunan is a reliable “vacation place.” Situated in a 15-hectare forest property located in Tanay Rizal, the resort is a perfect sanctuary for everyone! Its back-to-nature ambiance and captivating panoramic vista have a calming effect on the soul. It has a cool and windy climate. You can do a lot of activities here such as swimming, camping, a zipline ride, rappelling, pool floating, mud sliding, ATV ride, wall climbing, teambuilding, horseback riding, carabao riding, golf, and a lot more.
