Mark Gil’s happy place

MARK Gil was fiercely devoted to wife Maricar Jacinto-Eigenmann.

When my good friend, Ralph Eigenmann, a.k.a. Mark Gil, introduced me to his lovely wife, Maricar Jacinto-Eigenmann, we hit it off instantly.

An equestrienne, she is also a preschool teacher at Kinderfield Learning Center. No wonder she’s caring by nature. The gentle way she handles horses and kids speaks volumes about her. Ralph loved her fiercely.

It was his birth anniversary last Sept. 25. He would have turned 53. For the first time after Ralph’s passing, Maricar shares her innermost thoughts and feelings.

No doubt, Ralph will continue to baby Maricar from up above. Here are Maricar’s memories of that special day:

“The family had a wonderful time celebrating last Sept. 25 at Ralph’s favorite ‘happy’ place, Montemar Beach Club in Bataan.

“Luckily, we had the entire resort to ourselves. Our family alone occupied half the place!

Chill time

“Everyone had a chill time—swimming in the ocean or in the pool, drinking cold beer, and singing. All the grandchildren were there, running around and playing Frisbee.

“The most important part, of course, was the food. Cherie (Gil) had ordered Ralph’s favorites, paella and pinakbet. Yummy!

“I had brief still moments whenever thoughts of Ralph popped in my head. But it was a beautiful party and I felt that my husband had a big smile on his face on his special day.

“What I miss most about Ralph is his killer smile. It makes my heart melt. I loved seeing him smile because that would tell me that he was happy. Every time he smiled, his essence shone bright. That was why he was loved by so many.

“The most important thing I learned from Ralph is to cherish family. He valued me, our daughter, and all his children. Keeping the family intact was important to him. I’m proud to say that we made it happen by being together for 21 years.

THE EIGENMANNS at the gala screening of “Batch ’81” last week (from left): Andi, Gabby, Apples, Maricar, Michael, Eddie, Rosemarie, Geoff, Cherie, Stevie and Timmy (Sid Lucero) Instagram

Favorite movies

“My favorite among all his movies is ‘Batch ’81.’ It’s an intelligent film and was ahead of its time. I also love ‘Alapaap’ and ‘Magnifico.’

“Ralph hasn’t visited me in my dreams nor have I felt his presence. Maybe it’s also his way of helping me cope and move on. Up to now, I feel that he’s still taking care of me. Maybe in time he’ll visit me in my dreams. If he does, I’ll ask him to do so every night.

“Right now, I’m coping fine. There are light and heavy days. It’s pretty difficult when you miss someone terribly. All of a sudden, I would find myself in tears.

“Knowing Ralph, he hates it when I cry. So I shift to happy thoughts to make myself smile. It’s a process and I know it will take time. But the pain of losing someone is something that will never go away. I take it one day at a time.

“My husband prepared me well. Before he passed on, he reminded me to stay strong every day.

“I’m thankful for the support of all our friends and family—especially (Ralph’s manager) Tita June Rufino, his children who have been calling and checking on me constantly, my Ate Tonnette and Sistah Cherie and my daughter Stevie for being pillars of strength.

“I often tell Ralph in my prayers that I am certain that he is doing okay. I know in my heart that he’s in a happier place. I’ll be fine my Baby, because I know you’re just there and I promise that I’ll take care of Stevie.

“You are the biggest love of my life. Till we meet again.”

Kapamilya wins

ABS-CBN’s winning streak continues. After winning at the Asia Pacific Stevie Awards, the Kapamilya network bagged the Golden Stevie in the Company of the Year, Media and Entertainment category, at the 11th International Business Awards.

Awarding will be held in Paris on Oct. 10. The Kapamilya network will represent the Philippines as it will compete in the People’s Choice Stevie Awards for Favorite Companies in the Media and Entertainment category.

Kapamilya’s too good to beat!