Marlene Aguilar sides with niece

I got a surprise call from Maegan Aguilar’s Aunt Marlene, sister of Ka Freddie, thanking me for helping Maegan by writing about the feud between the two.

“I told Freddie that I wouldn’t badmouth him, but I’m taking Maegan’s side,” Marlene  said. “My heart goes out to Maegan because her own mother did not come to her rescue. Maegan has daughters to feed and raise. I facilitated a  gig for her at Shangri-La Edsa Hotel. I will never abandon Maegan and her kids.”

Blood is indeed thicker than water. But in the case of Maegan and Freddie, it’s the plot that thickens. Hopefully, Marlene will serve as the bridge so they can meet halfway.

Opposite of villainess

When you hear  Gladys Reyes’ name, you associate it with  villain roles.  The contravida shows her soft side in her talk show, “MOMents” (Saturdays, 7 to 8 p.m. on Net 25),  now on its 25th season.

The show features celebs and their inspiring stories, parenting styles and family values. Gladys’ kids (Christophe, Aquisha and Grant) have their own segment (“Kiddie MOMents”). It reminds us that we are the sum total of all the moments and memories in our lives. We should never be too busy to spend moments and made memories with our loved ones.

Here’s my tête-à-tête with Gladys:

Who is your most memorable interviewee?

Madame Imelda Marcos. She gave us a tour of her home in San Juan and allowed me to ask personal questions.

How has your friendship with Judy Ann Santos evolved since “Mara Clara”?

Judai and I became closer when we had children. We are both hands-on moms. I consider her my “consistent friend.” We don’t have  to see or talk to each other often to preserve our friendship.

What makes your marriage work?

Its basic foundation is faith. Prayers, patience and partnership.

What would you advise aspiring contravidas?

Take advantage of every opportunity to showcase your talent. You can be the most hated contravida, but you must learn from your character and be the opposite in real life. Love your work, savor every moment and always be grateful.

MJ forever

We had a heartwarming  commemoration of Michael Jackson’s fifth death anniversary—the MJ WorldCry.

JULIUS Doria wows MJ fans at the WorldCry.

Members of MJ Fans Club Philippines gathered at Café ’80s last June 25. We paid homage to the King of Pop by displaying our MJ memorabilia and showing  a  video of previous MJ WorldCry events.

We lit candles (that formed the letters M and J), scattered petals of  red roses (MJ’s fave flower), as we prayed for our idol and sang the annual event’s anthem,  “Cry.”

We had an MJ cupcake tower and letter cakes that spelled “MJ Forever,” courtesy of Fernando’s Bakeshop, and  an MJ photo booth, courtesy of Nice Print Photo.

Highlight was the  song number of “X Factor” finalist Paulo Castro, who sounds a lot like MJ. He sang MJ’s ballad “Gone Too Soon” and MJ’s fave, “Smile,” plus a bonus Janet Jackson hit, “Again.”

Another highlight was the dance number of the best MJ impersonator I’ve seen, Julius Doria.

GMA7 News covered the event (special thanks to Jessica Soho and Aubrey Carampel).

It certainly felt like Michael was with us in spirit.  Go on moonwalking with the angels, MJ, and heal the world that just can’t stop loving you.

Kid stuff

What  we learn from children is not always childish. That’s what Cha-Cha “Bulilit” Cañete and David Remo (of “Binoy Henyo” and “‘Niño”) will prove in the newest magazine show, “Just for Kids” (Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.  on GMA News TV).

They will be joined by Alaska Ironkids, triathlon champ Tara Borlain and Victor de Guzman. The show features  kids’ various interests such as travel, sports, fashion, arts and culture.

Each segment is designed to help kids develop their potential. Apres tout, children are not things to be molded but persons to be unfolded.

Personal

Muchisimas gracias to Charisse Tinio and Pinky Fernando for their kindness beyond measure.

Thanks a mil to Raymond Porras, manager of Cafe ’80s for making the entire MJ Fans Club feel at home.