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For the past 17 years, The Filipino Express has provided the Filipino American community the best news, arts and entertainment coverage from around the United States and the Philippines.
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Musings of a Holiday Freak
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LAST TUESDAY, after work, I was in my apartment giving myself some warmth and shelter from a 14-degree temperature. It was so cold outside; I literally saw my nasal fluids flow down from the tip pf my nose, in slow motion, and gradually froze to a crisp before even reaching the ground – like the new ice age has arrived. (I had to ask myself where would I be ‘The Day After Tomorrow’).
So, decided against going out and meeting some friends due to the cruel arctic weather, and ended up browsing for nice holiday movies on TV, which proved to be revealing.
During the course of my cable TV hoping, I found out that most of the hit Hollywood romantic movies have Christmas as their backdrop; specifically, Christmas time, or to be more politically correct, Holidays in New York. City.
Take for example the iconic “Sleepless in Seattle”. Will it have the same impact if it were set in summertime Oakland, California? I don’t think so.
How about the film “Serendipity”: Will it have the charm it has if it were set in springtime Dayton, Ohio? Unimaginable. Or the classic Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan starrer, “When Harry Met Sally”: I don’t believe it would have been that great if it were set in El Paso, Texas.
There really is something about the Holidays in New York that screams romance.
I suppose, it must be the unique blend of snow and skyscrapers that gives it the holiday ‘umph’ most Hollywood directors want in their love-themed films.
Or it could be the raw romance of old New York pulsating with holiday activities that gives credence to all these romantic movies. Whatever it is, the Holidays are a perfect time to fall in love in New York.
Actually, most of my single pals have this motto, “If ever you’ll fall in love, fall in love in New York at Christmas time.” I know it does sound like a lot of nonsense, but hey, I must admit, I believe this nonsense.
As long as it has something to do with love or romance, it has to be in wintertime, New York – Yes folks, even heartbreak. There is no better place on earth to fall in or out of love, than in cold, busy New York.
Imagine yourself holding hands with the one you love for the first time, at nighttime, in the middle of Rockefeller Center, where the lights of the big tree are as bright as your new found romance.
Or find yourself touching lips with your sweetheart in snowy Central Park, amid the faint clunking sounds of horse-driven coaches and tall buildings.
Or where else to part ways with your beloved, knowing it would be the last time you will ever see the person, than in busy Times Square, at dusk, while the snowflakes start to rest on your eyebrows?
The mixed emotions of a crowded, winter wonderland-full of lights could really grip your heart with pain, while giving out a hopeless smile in appreciation of the beauty of it all. The nameless faces, the unknown crowds giving you an invisible blanket and reminding you that everything will be alright, as the one you parted with slowly gets lost among the multitude and never to be seen by you, forever.
This might be too romantic for a lot of people, but not for me. How many times have I wanted to be in Tom Hank’s shoes, as he climbs up the Empire State building and finds his destiny waiting there?
How may times have I yearned to be Billy Crystal as he walks alone in busy Soho, nursing a broken heart? How many times have I imagined myself to be John Cusack laying in the middle of an ice skating rink in majestic Central Park and seeing Kate Beckinsale come back and claim a love that could have been lost for all eternity? The answer is a million times.
So, this holiday season, find or lose your love in New York City – simply because, there’s no other place else.
Free Holiday music to go with the love
Soulworks Records will be releasing a Christmas EP entitled “Rocky Yuletide EP”, featuring some of the hot and upcoming artists in the New York/New Jersey Fil-Am music scene like Gatchie Ignacio, former chief tunesmith of the band INU, The Happy Anlaogues and Sugarplum Fairy, to name a few.
The album is an all-original compilation available for free, as MP3 downloads, on the record label’s website: www.soulworksrecords.com
The free downloads would be available this holiday season from December 16, 2005 to January 6, 2006. Don’t miss the chance to get these rare, original Christmas songs.
Notable tracks are: “Basted Na Naman Sa Pasko”, “Christmas Eve”, “Sana Sa Pasko” , and “ Tearful Holiday”.
What to do this winter
Due to my acute boredom the other day, I have made a list of awesome things to do this winter.
1. The Mouth Cleanser: wait for single digit temperature weather, pop a strong mint candy in your mouth, go outside, and then inhale with your mouth.
2. The Revenge of the Garbage Bins: This is for the rude garbage collector, who throws your garbage bins around the streets like they are part of the garbage. Get five garbage bags, stuff it with snow, tie the strings, and then pile it along with your real garbage. Revenge couldn’t be any sweeter.
3. Bundle Up: To save time, before going to work, after you shower, put on your full set of winter pajamas, socks included. Then, put on your regular work clothes. Now you have a layered outfit fit for the weather and that saves you time and quarters for your laundry. This way, when you arrive from work, you can just remove the outer clothes and you are all set up for the night. You can even eat supper in your office, and brush your teeth on the way home.
4. Hover Through: Desperate to own a Segway personal transport machine? Despair not, there’s a cheaper way. Instead of loaning $5,000 to buy a Segway, you can purchase a $200 Roomba – the robotic vacuum cleaner that moves around and cleans your floor by itself. It also works for hard surfaces, so whenever you don’t feel like walking, feel free to bring the Roomba to the mall and use it as your personal transport machine. Yes, you are going to ride on it. And you will be doing the mall a great, big favor too.
5. Invest on Skis and Sleds: During a blizzard, or just plain, hard snow, it is way faster to ski through the New Jersey Turnpike or the West Side Highway, than to be stuck in a 5 mile per hour bus or car. If you want extra money, buy a sled and make it as a makeshift carpool for your office mates. Of course, you will be pulling the sled like Alaskan huskies. But you will add a lot of cool points to your ego.
That’s it for now, Happy holidays to everyone!
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Ted Reyes is a musician, composer, record producer and journalist based in NYC. If you have any comments you can visit his website at www.tedreyes.com or email him at tedreyes@mac.com
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I’VE BEEN feeling a little bit like Scrooge lately.Bah! Humbug! It’s an unfamiliar feeling because I’ve always looked forward to celebrating Christmas.
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. After all, it has been a tumultuous year for me; so many changes have happened in my life and I’m still grasping the reasons behind all of it.
However, how can I even ignore the holiday spirit when all around me is abuzz with activities meant to celebrate it?
My friends and I have been talking recently, and our conversations eventually led us to discussing the stress we all fall prey to during the holiday season .From doing our mundane tasks to the unending demands placed by family and friends (whether consciously or not!), scrambling at the last minute to buy gifts to decorating our homes, spending long hours at work to paying our bills.
The situation is ironic in the sense that Christmas is touted to be the most “wonderful time of the year” and yet how can something wonderful leave almost everyone drained and stressed at the same time?
To begin with, we all try to be the ultimate multi taskers, we spread ourselves too thinly so we can accomplish everything. This is not a good thing. We all have to remember that the holiday does not change the hours from 24 to 30 in a day. We should realize that stress is inevitable, we even feel and experience it other times of the year, but more so during the holidays. when there’s so much stuff that needs to be done.
But it’s how we respond to these things that makes our lives less chaotic. To quote a line by Richard Carlson,PH.D. , Author of “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, and it is all small stuff”, “We lose sight of the bigger picture, focus on the negative and annoy other people who might otherwise help us”. That’s what happened to us when we don’t know fully well how to deal with these so-called stressors.
Yes, this is the season for giving and sharing but we can only give what we have. We have to set aside a “me” time for ourselves, and doing it will “de-stress” and “recharged” us. I might sound peculiar for saying this, but having time for ourselves during the season will ultimately make things around us be manageable and enjoyable.
Taking a moment to capture the spirit of the season thru praying and meditating will help us refocus. Setting aside 30 minutes or so of our busy day to exercise or do activities that are not related to the holidays will make us feel better.
I’ve always reiterated my stand on all aspects of life, and it is to keep many things to a minimum. We shouldn’t live a life that’s so grandiose when it would make us frazzled and worried most of the time. For example, we want to give gifts that are really expensive. Our intentions might be good, but if it means paying for those the rest of the year next year, we are not being good to ourselves.
We can still be the best host even if we asked for food exchange or potlucks during parties for it saves lots of time in the kitchen giving us more chance for mingling with family and friends.
I was telling my friends recently that I don’t want to be known as the “how-to-girl”, but I wouldn’t hesitate to give them my two cents worth of statement (or make that a dollar!) when I know it will teach them the stuff that has taught me in the past as well.
Holidays are synonymous with getting together with our love ones, and that is truly the bigger picture here. Without a doubt, if we’re happier and not harassed, we feel we belong more and are part of something special and makes us look forward to celebrating Christmas every year. And lest we forget, Christmas is not so much about following traditions as it is about opening our hearts.
The holiday season should inspire and teach us to experience a gamut of human emotions that makes us more humane and fulfilled in every sense, and not just preoccupied with material things. It’s not an event designed to be enjoyed only by a few, but by everyone. And, most importantly, Christmas is truly a celebration of life.
I’ve truly come full circle realizing that I would be cheating myself out by not savoring every moment the holiday brings, by being lil’ Scrooge or “feeling toxic ako” when I didn’t really have to.
Meanwhile, I’ll chill out, enjoy the season like I always have and be a kid at heart again. With these ideas in mind, I will be able to truly feel “ang magic ng Pasko!” It is the most wonderful time of the year!
May you all have A Blessed Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!
Thess Bacsal is a freelance writer and lives in California (but says, “feels right at home anywhere”). For feedbacks and suggestions, email her at july19rn@yahoo.com.
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MANILA --- Actress-turned-politician Aiko Melendez and her boyfriend, model Martin Jickain, have confirmed that they are planning to tie the knot next year.
The couple announced the news during the launch of a job fair in Cubao, Quezon City, Wednesday. The event was the brainchild of Melendez and fellow Quezon City councilor Wency Lagumbay.
“It will be next year. I wanted it in February but Wency is suggesting a better date to give as luck,” Jickain said.
“It will be a garden wedding. I want it to be solemn, very private. It will not be a carnival.”
It was the first time that Jickain, a ramp model and first runner-up in the 2005 Mossimo Bikini Summit, spoke of his romance with Melendez in public.
In October Melendez referred to the 22-year-old Jickain as “just an ardent suitor” after denying reports that she married the model in a secret ceremony held at the secluded Fairways and Bluewaters Golf and Country Club in Boracay.
Now admitting a whirlwind romance, Jickain said he was certain from the beginning of his relationship with Melendez that they would end up marrying. “I just knew. It’s destiny. There’s magic between us,” he said.
He said he had a big crush on Melendez for a very long time. He said he courted Melendez after being introduced to the actress last September.
He said he proposed marriage a few weeks after winning the actress’ heart. Jickain staged a grand marriage proposal in Boracay that the media picked up as a secret wedding ceremony.
Melendez, who is seven years Jickain’s senior, said their age gap has never been an issue between them.
She said Jickain came into her life when she was going through difficult times and it helped her to know him better.
“I realized he’s a God-given refuge,” Melendez said, adding that she draws strength from her man.
Melendez was previously married to Jomari Yllana, with whom she has a seven-year old son named Andre. Their marriage was annulled in July 2003, a year and a half after Melendez filed for invalidation on the grounds of psychological incapacity.
She claimed that there was a third party involved in the breakdown of the marriage, referring to the actress Ara Mina.
Early this year, Melendez announced that she was seeing the young singer Jonard Yanzon. Their nine-month relationship reportedly ended before the controversial bar melee on October 2 where Melendez allegedly assaulted Happy Ongpauco-Rivera and her friends at a Makati restaurant.
Jickain was with Melendez during the brawl.
The two camps swapped court charges of physical injury, slander and oral defamation, among others.
Melendez and Jickain said they were hoping the case would be peacefully resolved before they settle down. They said they are open to mediation if it is the best way to end the mess. (MNS)
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MANILA --- Love is not the only thing in Aubrey Miles’ mind these days. Although she doesn’t deny that she’s very much in love with her Fil-American boyfriend, Troy Montero, for the past months, she was preoccupied with her shooting for her first movie in months, “Exodus; Tales of the Enchanted Kingdom.”
In “Exodus,” she plays Bangkila, the Air Elemental. She looks like a princess in her costume.
A P70-M production, “Exodus” has Senator Bong Revilla playing the title role. Directed by Erik Matti, the spectacular movie also stars Jay-R, Paolo Bediones, Benjie Paras, BJ “Tolits” Forbes, Iya Villania, and Phoemela Barranda.
Imus Productions co-produced Exodus with Reality Entertainment, in cooperation with Ignite Media and Enchanted Kingdom. (MNS)
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MANILA --- New child wonder BJ “Tolits” Forbes revealed that he has developed a close friendship with Senator Bong Revilla, his co-star in “Exodus: Tales from the Enchanted Kingdom.”
“Mabait siya,”said Tolits of Bong, “Magaling din kami pareho sa pelikula.”
In “Exodus,” Tolits plays the Earth Elemental. He has his own fight scenes in the movie. “Pero ang pinaka-exciting na eksena ko dito ay noong lumilipad na ako. Ang sarap. Ang galing talaga ng feeling na nasa itaas ka. Parang ‘di kapani-paniwala, pero, totoo,” said Tolits.
Bong, on the other hand, plays Exodus, a mercenary on whose shoulders rest the hope of the world. For his mission, he is allowed to keep as many precious stones as he can. These stones are owned by the natives in the underground world.
“I cannot ask for more in my career as an actor after this movie. Tunay na maipagmamalakií di lang ang istorya nito, kung hindi bawat karakter na featured sa pelikula. Sa special effects lang, tunay na kahanga hanga ang movie,” Bong boasted.
Two giant companies collaborated on this movie, the Revillas’ Imus Productions and Dondon Monteverde’s Reality Entertainment. They also tie up with Ignite Media and Enchanted Kingdom.
People involved in the production admitted that they spent about P70 million on “Exodus.”
When asked if they can break even, Bong answered, “Why not? This is a movie that has to be seen. At sa maraming dahilan. Ito ang pelikulang unang pagsasamahan namin ni Tolits. And we both did our best,” Bong beamed. (MNS)
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MANILA --- IT seems 2005 is not a lucky year for five local actresses, who have made public their break-ups from the men who were once the center of their lives.
Let’s talk about Shiela Ysrael first. Her female colleagues used to think she was very lucky to have married fellow actor Dan Fernandez, who eventually became the Vice Governor of Laguna.
The couple has three kids. They were a picture of a beautiful and happy family in a photograph which served as one of the campaign materials of Dan when he ran for Laguna governor in the last elections. Unfortunately he lost to Governor Ningning Salazar, a third termer.
Did life change drastically for Dan and Shiela when he lost the elections?
Nobody thought so. Not one member of the media who were at the presscon for “Panday” (where Dan is assigned a key role) sensed that he had a family problem. Not even those who used to be close to him and Shiela knew about it.
It was only when Dan himself said that he was filing an annulment because he discovered that Shiela was two-timing him did people learn that their marriage was on the rocks. He identified the third party as a 24-year-old guy who is based in London.
On the other hand, Shiela has accused Dan of physically abusing her in the 13 years that they have been married. She, likewise, asks the court to grant her custody of their three children.
Former child actress Snooky Serna is on the warpath. She is accusing husband Ricardo Cepeda of having a new girlfriend. But what reportedly irks her the most is Ricardo’s alleged pronouncement that he supported Snooky’s mom, brother and his family in all the years of their marriage.
“That’s a big lie,” Snooky said on national television. “I have my own work. And this is common knowledge.”
Snooky does not deny that she had hoped for a reconciliation. She realized after leaving their conjugal home that she still wanted her family intact. But she seemed to have made up her mind because she has announced that she will file for annulment soon.
Ricardo, who now works as an executive for a health food company which has offices abroad, has chosen to remain mum.
Plinky Recto was on national television last week denouncing a former boyfriend whom she had accused of beating her. Likewise, she revealed that he attempted to kidnap their son.
“The Buzz” host, Boy Abunda, asked Plinky what happened to the boy.
“Isinauli rin,” she replied.
Plinky, the only sister of Senator Ralph Recto and Batangas Vice Governor Ricky Recto, has an older son with her former husband.
It is now over between Ethel Booba and cager Alex Crisano. Drugs had to do with their split-up, according to Ethel. She blames Alex for enticing her brother to try doing drugs inside her own house.
She revealed there was a time when she was so in love with Alex that she almost turned her back on her family.
“Pero ‘di ko na siya mapapatawad sa ginagawa niyang ito,” said Ethel. “Sobra na ito.”
Alex, on national television, ridiculed Ethel for her “fractured” English.
Criselda Volks was a promising bold star when she joined showbiz nearly 10 years ago. She was just a teenager then.
Pretty and sexy, Criselda was supposed to star in a bold movie under OctoArts Films except that she got pregnant by actor Cris Villanueva.
They lived like husband and wife. Cris could not marry her since his marriage to his first wife was still valid.
The inevitable happened early this year when they started throwing mud at each other.
Wonder if it is true that Criselda is now carrying a torch for the grandson of a former top comedian, who reportedly has a son by another sexy star. What about Cris?
He’d rather keep his silence to not add to what had been already written about their separation. (MNS)
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MANILA --- Carmina Villaroel appeared in The Buzz’ to deny the report that something is wrong with her relationship with Zoren Legaspi.
They may not be married, she said, but they are a normal couple. They have their differences, but their love and respect for each other always prevail, added Carmina.
She herself informed Kris Aquino, through a text message, about the new development in their life.
She said they are transferring to a new abode in Pasig in January. Right now, they live in a townhouse in White Plains, where the school of their twins, Mavy and Casey, is located. (MNS)
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MANILA --- Beauty queen-turned-rock chick Daisy Reyes, who recently put out her album “Ode To The Irony Of Love,” secured the nods of rock goddesses Natalie Merchant and Sampaguita for her to rehash their big hits “Kind And Generous” and “Tao,” respectively.
Approval for the first, she said, was clinched straight from Natalie whom Daisy corresponded with via internet. “Natalie gave us her full blessings and did not even make us pay a single centavo for the song,” says Daisy.
“Kind And Generous,” a big 80’s favorite by New Wave fans, was done by Natalie right after she parted ways with legendary group 10,000 Maniacs.
“Tao,” on the other hand, is one of classic hits by Philippine Rock Queen Sampaguita that she has refused others to remake. The only other version apart from Daisy’s that is out in the market is that of Aegis’.
Daisy, who fell in love with “Tao” when she first heard it from a Sampaguita compilation given to her by a friend, said that she won the consent of the latter after the veteran rocker heard her demo of it.
“I’m very honored because everybody knows Sampaguita is this legend whose songs will live on even if not remade,” says Daisy. “To me her approval means that she saw something special in me or that I’m probably doing something right with my music.”
Although better known as beauty queen and actress, Daisy revealed that she had been singing rock songs other first contest piece was “Luha” by Sakada at the age of 12. After her acting career lay low, she rediscovered this first love by recording an album under a different label.
“But I didn’t like the songs they made me sing then,” she says. “That label had me do remakes and dance tunes that I couldn’t even relate to. Eventually, nawalan ako ng gana na mag-promote.”
To reconnect with her rock roots, she took up guitar and drum lessons. She also has been doing the live performance circuit lately with her band, Daze. Not surprisingly, people were reluctant to embrace her predilection for rock in the beginning since many thought she was “too pretty” for the genre.
“Di sila makapaniwala that I do Sheryl Crow, Alanis Morisette, The Cranberries, and Shakira,” says Daisy. “Di kinaya ng powers nila na paminsan-minsan, kaya ko din maghead bang!”
“Ode To The Irony Of Love” was a new experience to Daisy since she oversaw all aspects covering its production under her own label, Montage Music. Coming up with originals that made the final track list, she said, ate the biggest chunk from the timetable as she involved herself in the songwriting by sharing her thoughts and experiences with composers.
“I didn’t want to make the same mistake of putting out work that’s not representative of my true sound and feelings,” she says. “So even if I have to redo songs just to get it right and this actually happened several times ginawa ko.”
The results are the fast paced and funky, “Give It To Me;” pop rock “Breaking Point;” pop alternative “Dedma” and; Latin rock carrier single, “I’ll Never Be The One.”
“Ode To The Irony Of Love” is distributed by Galaxy Records. (MNS)
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MANILA --- Lea Salonga looked radiant in her light blue maternity dress when she sang the finale number at the special show held at the Crowne Plaza ballroom last Sunday to end the National Week for the Gifted and meant as a tribute to the parents of gifted kids for nurturing the gift in their children.
Lea is so beautiful on stage that some writers surmise the baby she’s carrying in her womb must be a pretty girl. “Maganda siya magbuntis,” they add.
Lea came home to deliver her first baby here. “I’d rather give birth here than in the States as I feel more at home and comfortable here,” she says.
“Anyway, U.S. citizen pa rin naman ang baby ko as his dad is one.” (MNS)
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MANILA --- Mark Herras wants to make it clear he never hid the fact that he is an adopted son.
“ETK” interviewed his biological father, Nelson Herrera, who’s now imprisoned at the Quezon City Jail and implied that he is neglecting his own dad.
“Hinahayaan ko raw mabulok ang ama ko sa bilangguan,” Mark says. “I was still a baby when I was entrusted to my uncle, Jun Herras, na siyang nagpalaki sa akin and spent for my daily needs and education. I only met my biological father noong malaki na ako. Hindi ko talaga siya kinagisnang ama ko.”
In the “ETK” interview, his dad said he needs financial help from Mark so he can be freed. But most of those who saw him on TV say he should not bother Mark anymore. “Hindi naman pala siya ang nagpalaki rito at kahit singko ay hindi siya nakapag-contribute sa pag-aaral o pagkain nito, ngayong sumikat si Mark ay bigla siyang papa-interview sa TV para i-claim na anak niya ito,” they say. “Kung talagang mahal niya si Mark, huwag na niyang guluhin ngayong maganda na ang takbo ng buhay nito.”
Mark is not the first star who has a parent in jail. Marvin Agustinís dad and Jaycee Parkerís mom are also imprisoned, both for drug charges. (MNS)
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MANILA --- Marvin Agustin gets to play one of the most demanding roles in his career in the suspense-thriller, “Kutob,” Canary Films’ entry in the Metro filmfest.
“As Lemuel, Director Joey Reyes asked me to lose a lot of weight before shooting started so I went on diet and exercised a lot,” he says. “He also wanted me to look dark kaya nagpaitim ako. Lemuel is a lonely young man who leads a solitary life under the controlling influence of his spinster aunt, played by Liza Lorena. The role is so well written and it’s inspiring to act it out before the camera.”
By chance, Lemuel saves Erica (Rica Peralejo) when she’s having a fight with her estranged boyfriend, Carlo (Ryan Agoncillo). They become friends and Lemuel starts to believe that Erica is in love with him, but he is crushed when Erica reconciles with Carlo and decides to cut off all ties with him. This leads to a shocking chain of events where Lemuel tries to get back at Erica by making her life miserable by murdering all her friends who he thought are instrumental in driving Erica away from him.
So the film is very violent?
“It can’t be helped as the manner of the killings is different from one another,” says Marvin. “Talagang shocking ang dating ng bawat isa. I’m fond of murder mysteries and I must say talo pa nito ang ‘Scream’ and other fright movies I’ve seen before. Direk Joey has come up with scary sequences that will surely terrify the viewers and I won’t be surprised if there would be bloodcurdling screams inside the theaters.”
Marvin is inspired to work very hard these days for the future of his twin sons, Santiago and Sebastian. “I want to be a good father to them, so although their mom (Tetet Dy) and I don’t live together, I try to do my best to be active in rearing them whenever I’m not busy. It’s so fulfilling to see them grow day by day, parang hinihipan at ang bilis lumaki. I help feed them, carry them, change their diapers.”
He and Tetet have no plans of getting married soon. “We want to take it easy. If we’re really meant for each other, then the Lord will guide us properly. As of now, we know we’re both not ready yet.” (MNS)
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