Wind beneath Jean-Marc Pingris’ wings

DANICA Sotto and Jean-Marc Pingris make sure to have fun together.

My friends often tease that I’m one of the original “PBA Wifeys,” since I was married  to a cager many basketball seasons ago. That was long before other show biz personalities hooked up with PBA players—like Danica Sotto, who is now married to Jean-Marc Pingris of my fave PBA team, San Mig Coffee Mixers.

Ping (Jean-Marc’s nickname) has dribbled his way into The House  of Obagi (HOO) as its endorser in The  HOO Factor (THF) campaign, which is built around the idea that any woman could get a man like a top PBA player to notice her glowing skin.

No doubt, Ping saw that and  more in his wife, Danica.

Nica and I always get a good laugh when we recall the time she portrayed me in my mom Inday Badiday’s life story in “Magpakailanman.”

She relishes her true-life  role as a mom to Mic (6) and Caela (2). As Ping’s team is slugging it out in the PBA Governors’ Cup elimination round,  Nica remains the wind beneath his every lay-up, free throw, rebound, assist and dunk.

Here’s my one-on-one with Nica:

What’s the hardest part about being Mrs. Marc Pingris?

Getting used to a cager’s erratic schedule. You can’t just plan a vacation anytime you want.

What’s the best part about being Mrs. Marc Pingris?

Waking up every day secure.

How do you help Marc prepare before a big game?

I serve him good food.

What do you do to help Marc relax after a big game?

Sometimes Marc wants to be alone for a few minutes when he gets home from a game. I let him have his space and then we catch up on lambing later.

What’s the craziest thing Marc and you have done together?

He carried me while running inside a grocery store. Hahaha!

What’s the sweetest thing Marc has done for you and the sweetest thing you’ve done for him?

Ang dami! Well, he recently planned  a surprise birthday party for me. He invited my friends and relatives. Sweetest thing I’ve done for him, I think, is searching all over for his French dad so they could finally meet.

How do you pamper and discipline your kids?

When they misbehave, we take away their gadgets, or they can’t watch TV. We pamper them by spending time and playing with them, and traveling with  them to new places.

How do you handle arguments?

We talk about it. We listen to each other.

What’s your Obagi ritual?

I use their sunblock.

Here’s my tête-à-tâte with Ping:

What are your rituals before a game?

Stretching, praying and  making sure I’m relaxed but focused.

Who are your fave PBA and NBA players?

In  PBA,  Danny Ildefonso and in NBA, Vince Carter.

Who is the hardest PBA player to guard?

Junemar Fajardo.

Who do you think is the greatest  basketball player of all time?

Michael Jordan.

What’s your Obagi regimen?

Obagi for under eyes. Elastiderm.

What do you love most about Nica?

Maasikaso, mapagmahal.

What’s your advice to aspiring PBA players?

Work hard, train hard and always pray. Always remember that one day all your hard work will pay off.

If you were not a basketball player, what would you be?

A  soldier.

When you retire from PBA, what do you plan to do?

Concentrate on business and travel more. Enjoy time with my family.

Sporty ‘amour’

I ran into my “Santa” friend Alan German and actor Piolo Pascual.

They were decked out in Under Armour (UA) apparel.  Papa P is UA Philippines’ brand ambassador, while Alan  is the PR.

My fitness-savvy friends, who hoard UA stuff abroad,  will surely troop to Bonifacio High Street now that the cool brand is available locally .

Ahh! Amour for U. Armour!