Francine: It’s hard to work with an ex

Francine Prieto

I felt Francine Prieto’s pain when I interviewed her for my “Hello Dolly” segment in “Paparazzi.” It’s been a year since her mom passed away but she’s still in the process of healing.

“It’s tough because Ma was our pillar of strength,” she said. “Sinanay niya kaming magkakapatid na umasa sa kanya kaya devastated kami lahat when she died.”

She took over her Ma’s duties which is quite a burden for her. “I support my family but the sad part is parang di pa sapat para sa mga kapatid ko ang tulong ko sa kanila,” she related. “Kaya bubukod na ako ng bahay pero bibigyan ko pa rin sila ng share. Sana bigyan naman nila ako ng chance na mag-enjoy sa buhay ko. Nakakapagod na parang pasan ko ang daigdig.”

Even her career and love life are in disarray. “Nawalan ako ng raket kasi tumaba ako,” she said. “Parang di nila matanggap na dating sexy star ay tumaba. Stress eating kasi ginawa ko but now baliktad na. Sa dami ng problema, wala na akong ganang kumain.”

Her nine-month romance with Bobby Yan, her coanchor in dzMM’s midnight show “Ka Date,” ended on a sour note. “It’s hard to work with an ex,” she said, “lalo na if it was a bad breakup. And we have to give love advice in our show. Friends naman kami, but the pain is still there. So I’ve asked management to transfer me to another show so I can heal faster.”

Marvin Agustin

Her Facebook status “I hate God” elicited so much flak. “Dami nag judge sa akin that time,” she recalled. “Pero di nila alam ang pinagdadaanan ko.”

But she vowed to have a more positive outlook now. “I take back those harsh words,” she said. “I’ve prayed for forgiveness. I know that after all these trials, God’s blessings await me.”

That’s the spirit, Francine! Don’t keep track of what you’ve lost. Instead cherish what’s left behind.

Not moving

Cesar Montano is staying put on GMA 7. The Kapuso network is cooking up an action series and a game show a la “Singing Bee” for Buboy. That puts an end to rumors that he is moving to TV5.

He told me he wants to make more movies about our Filipino heroes for the youth. Aside from that, he still paints, composes songs, does gardening, goes on medical missions for his Panaghoy Children’s Foundation, supervises his resto Bellisimo and dotes on his kids and wife. How he manages to do all that makes him a true-to-life hero like the roles he portrays.

Say Alonzo

Motherhood plans

Newlywed Say Alonzo is putting motherhood plans on hold. “Ryan and I have agreed that we will have a baby after two years,” she says. “We will focus on our career first so we can save more for our baby’s future and have more time to enjoy each other.”

For now, the couple will freeze time on honeymoon mode.

So sweet

Rochelle Pangilinan and Dingdong Dantes’ cousin Arthur Solinap were so sweet during the blessing of Posh Nails Commonwealth (the building where it’s located is owned by Angel Locsin). “We kept our relationship hush-hush for quite some time,” Rochelle said. “But we felt it’s time we come out in the open.” Love it, flaunt it!

Dad’s blessing

I asked the dad of Angel Locsin if he approves of Phil Younghusband for his daughter. “Kung saan maligaya si Angel boto ako,” he replied. “Mabait si Phil. Very thoughtful. Palaging may regalo.”

Angel’s dad may be blind but he sees how her heart smiles because of Phil.

Rochelle Pangilinan

Black Eyed Peas

Marvin Agustin’s Futuretainment (www.futuretianmentinc.com) will bring in the multi-awarded hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas on Oct. 25 at the Mall of Asia concert grounds. Twenty percent off on tickets for early birds. Hail apl.de.ap, the Black Eyed Pea-Noy!

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