Zoren, BB finally face the music
ZOREN Legaspi (right), on interviewing BB Gandanghari: “Nabunutan ako ng tinik.” ARNIEL SERATO
For the longest time, Zoren Legaspi was hesitant to have a close encounter with BB Gandanghari, his wife Carmina’s ex (when BB was still Rustom Padilla).
After much prodding from colleagues, Zoren agreed to do a one-on-one interview with BB on TV5’s “Paparazzi” last Saturday. Even men can change their minds. I admire Zoren for being man enough to face BB, and I salute BB for being game.
It’s no joke to face the TV cameras with your spouse’s ex, especially in the case of Zoren and BB, who are in such an unusual situation. But over and beyond the show-biz side of it, Zoren and BB’s heart-to-heart talk goes to show that there really comes a time in everyone’s life (regardless of gender), when one kind of love gives way to another.
I asked Zoren afterwards:
What finally convinced you to interview BB?
I wanted to have an [honest-to-goodness] talk with him. It just so happened na it was on TV. It’s better to face the music in public and in a formal way, rather than keep avoiding each other. That way, it just turns into a circus. I also wanted to get to know BB more because she’s part of Carmina’s history. At para mabunutan na ako ng tinik.
What was Carmina and the kids’ reaction when they found out that you were doing it?
There was no reaction because it was really not a big issue for us. This was just for closure between me and BB. It was a big deal nung ’di pa kami nagharap.
What did BB’s say that struck you the most?
That I was the best man for Carmina.
What misconceptions about BB were erased by this encounter?
There are none; I never judged BB.
Is there any one question that you were too shy to ask?
None at all. We both agreed to lay our cards on the table. I even gave her a chance to ask me three questions. One was, would I rather interview BB or Rustom. I told her na mas comfy ako na si BB ang kaharap ko, kasi may tawanan.
’Pag si Rustom, it would have been a serious guy-to-guy talk. BB asked how much I loved Carmina. I told her that I could’t bear the thought of ever losing Carmina. And just in case I go before her, meron na akong investments for her and our kids na ’di n’ya alam.
Is it possible for deep friendship to blossom between you and BB?
We have a connection. I told her, “I accept you for who you are and for what you are.”
What do you admire most about BB?
Her honesty and sincerity, which I felt during the conversation, especially when she said, “I hope my God will accept me.”
Any unsolicited advice for BB?
She doesn’t need advice. What she needs is acceptance. We hugged as a sign of respect and acceptance.
Here are some highlights of the interview, which is one for the books.
Who’s that girl? Zoren Legaspi is snapped seemingly in an unguarded moment, caught in a hug that brings a huge smile to his lips. Long-lost girlfriend? Returning ex? She’s tall, too, huh? Find out who she is in Dollywood /F4. ARNIEL SERATO
Zoren: Mayroon ka bang sama ng loob sa akin?
BB: Honestly, wala. Wala ka namang kinalaman sa kung ano man ’yong nangyari sa past ni Carmina at Rustom. Kung may nararamdaman ako para sa ’yo, di ’yun galit kundi pasasalamat because I can see that you are taking care of Carmina and I’m very happy. Gusto ko lang naman mapunta sa maganda si Carmina and I think she’s very happy with you.
ZL: Was it difficult to say sorry when you told her about the “new you”?
BB: Yes and no. It was difficult because I didn’t want to make her feel that there was deception at that time because there wasn’t. At ayoko na pahabain. I’m very thankful na pumayag kang magkausap kami kahit may sarili na kayong buhay that time. Nabuo ang respeto ko kay Carmina bilang tao at sabi ko sa sarili ko…it’s a blessing na si Carmina ang naging parte ng buhay ko kasi napakaganda ng handling niya ng situation. Kung may isang tao na nakakakilala kay Rustom, si Carmina ’yun so I just thought I owed her…honesty.
ZL: Character-wise, ano ang wala si Rustom na meron si BB?
BB: Rustom was very insecure, masyadong people-pleaser. As BB, I’m very self-assured. I know what I want. I know what I can do. If people like me, good. If not, wala tayong magagawa.
ZL: Can you say na kumpleto ka na?
BB: I’m happy but I could be happier. My sexuality is an orientation; not a preference. So it’s not a choice. Because if it were, wow! One hundred times kong iispin. So kahit mahirap, kailangan kong harapin at tanggapin.
Personal advocacy
Conflicts, big or small, are best resolved peacefully. GMA News TV’s weekday primetime talk show “Personalan” fully embraces this. The show takes on a bold step further with the addition of new hosts Jean Garcia and Jolina Magdangal. Joining them are psychologists and life coaches Ali Gui, Sam Mendoza, Vangie Bautista and May Soriano. For them, being part of “Personalan” goes over and beyond the call of duty. It has become their personal advocacy to help others.
