The colors of China’s love

FROM left: Tingting Cojuango, baby Lucia, China and Gene Gonzalez at the Crayola-themed kiddie party

I had fun to the max at the Crayola-themed birthday party of  baby Lucia Cojuangco-Gonzalez, who turned a year old on Aug. 20.

Chef Gino and China were the picture of pure bliss as  they gamely goofed around with their little princess, who looked  adorable  in a crayon-inspired dress.

The fete was held Aug. 23  at the Cojuangco home in Dasmariñas Village, Makati, which was transformed into a  Crayola mini-village with festive décor  all over the place.

It made me feel like I was in Rainbow Dreamland.

Café Ysabel whipped up a  sumptuous buffet and Nice Print Photo captured all the fun moments  for Lucia’s “memory bank.”

In our chat, China recalled her difficult delivery (she was in labor for 31 hours!). If there were an Olympic medal for childbirth, China more than deserves one.

Here’s my one-on-one with China:

How long will you breastfeed  Lucia?

I’m slowly weaning already… but breast milk is best for babies because its benefits extend well beyond basic nutrition. Mother’s milk is packed with disease-fighting substances that protect babies from illness.

What’s the best part of motherhood?

Everything! It changed me as a whole. I’ve become so much more responsible. I often stare at Lucia because she gives me pure joy! There were a few adjustments. But after that, it was all smooth sailing.

What’s the hardest part of motherhood?

Worrying about Lucia all the time… Is she feeling well? Is she hungry?

What are your dreams for Lucia?

For now, that she doesn’t grow up too fast. That she remains a healthy, happy and good girl. My other dreams  for her will surely  follow soon.

Raving about ‘Rak’

I have not watched “Rak of Aegis (ROA),” but I am dying to catch it at the Peta Theater on its extended run (until Sept. 14). For tickets, call tel no. 8919999  or 0917-5765400.

My kids and friends are raving about the 100-percent  Pinoy  stage musical. They say that, in this time of political chaos,  ROA makes us proud to be Filipinos.

Here’s my tête-à-tête  with one of the play’s stars, Kakai Bautista. (I fondly call Kakai “Mrs. M”  because of her friendship with Thai hunk Mario Maurer.)

How has ROA changed your life?

After almost three years, I finally got to do a musical again. ROA changed my life in all aspects. Theater is my home and I feel safe there.

There’s magic in theater. Even if you are tired, it all melts away once you are onstage.

ROA made my love for our country grow stronger. There is still hope for the Philippines for as long as we  show our love and concern for our fellow Filipinos.

What made ROA click?

After 100 shows, it finally hit me that ROA is a success! We are a simple family offstage. When we pray, we always ask God that more people will understand the show’s message.

Never in our wildest dream did we anticipate that this play would set records. It’s so Pinoy. It’s so real—not pretentious at all.

The best review came from a balikbayan who told me: “I missed being Pilipino!”

Provocateur

It is dubbed the most provocative Koreanovela to hit local screens.

“Miss Ripley” airs weeknights after “Aquino and Abunda Tonight” on ABS-CBN.

Lee Da-hae, who was introduced to Filipinos via the hit series “My Girl,” plays the seductive and deceitful Emily in “Miss Ripley.”

Desperate to be successful, she pretends to be someone else and passes herself off as a graduate of the University of Tokyo.

She tries to make rich men fall for her and greed soon consumes her.

Marco  (Park Yoo-chun), a wealthy hotelier, proves to be her match. Emily sets her eyes on  his fortune and his heart.

That’s femme fatale, Korean style!