Dawn’s advice to women trapped in unhappy marriages

Dawn Zulueta (left) with husband Anton and their kids—PHOTO BY SARA BLACK

Being fabulous is second nature to Dawn Zulueta. I always tease her that she ought to bottle “drops” from her personal “fountain of youth” and sell it. That would outsell all the beauty products combined.

The ever-poised actress is letting her hair down (for a change) in “Meant to Beh” with Vic Sotto (opens Dec. 25). It is the official Metro Manila Film Festival entry of Octoarts Films, M-Zet Productions and APT Entertainment.

Its title has such a hip and millennial vibe. The word “beh” is a new “term of endearment.” The film is a reunion of sorts for Dawn and Bossing (Vic’s moniker) after working together in the classic sitcom, “Okay Ka, Fairy Ko.” Their team-up is definitely zanier the second time around.

Here’s my chat with Dawn:

How does a woman know if a relationship is meant to be? If a woman has found her “center,” she will intuitively know what is “meant to be.” Having a prayerful life and regular meditation are the key.

What makes your marriage work? Give and take—and a whole lotta love. Anton (Lagdameo) and I enjoy being each other’s companion.

What’s your advice to women in unhappy marriages? Life is too short to stay unhappy.

Any amusing anecdote about Vic off-cam? We both enjoy music, so we enjoy singing our favorite songs (The Beatles, etc.). And just for fun, Bossing likes to change or omit some lyrics of a particular song, which always cracks me up.

What did you discover about him? He enjoys listening to classical music. His favorite is a Frédéric Chopin piece that was turned into a beautiful song, “No Other Love.”

What’s toughest about your balancing act as wife, mom and actress? Trying to give my kids a normal upbringing. It includes bonding time, like taking them to nonshow-biz affairs, sightseeing or visiting public places like beaches or museums. It’s difficult to do this when I am asked to pose for photos in crowded places as I am looking out to keep my children close by.

The frenzy is challenging—I am wearing two hats: a celebrity and a protective parent. I am first a parent. Sadly, I opt to skip giving them the experience of going out because of security hazards. Sorry, whining wasn’t my intention.

What advice would you eventually give your kids about love? Follow your heart, but take your brain with you.

What’s the naughtiest thing you’ve done? Oh, don’t let my Instagram feed fool you—I am kookier than most people think. When someone ticks me off, I have sarcastic lines and obscene gestures that run through my dark mind but never to see the light of day (laughs).

What are your favorite lines said by your characters? “Are you threatened?” (from “The Love Affair”)

“Sa langit lamang tayo maaring maging masaya. Doon kita hihintayin, Gabriel. Huwag kang magtatagal.” (“Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit”)

“Itong ganda kong ito?!” (“Meant to Beh”).