AMY PEREZ and Carlo Castillo on their wedding day nice print photo
Amy Perez and I fondly call each other “MJ Twins” because we are both Michael Jackson fanatics. But beyond her love for The King of Pop, she adores the king of her heart, Carlo Castillo. After eight years of blissful togetherness, Amy and Carlo got hitched on Nov. 12 at The Mango Farm in Antipolo.
When we were working together in TV 5’s old show, “Ang Latest,” Amy used to tell me she was looking forward to the annulment of her marriage to singer Brix Ferraris. Last week’s wedding was the sum of all of Amy’s dreams and more.
For women like me, whose first marriages failed, Amy and Carlo’s love story serves as a beacon of hope that it’s never too late to have our “happily ever after.”
What did you learn from your first marriage?
I’ve realized that it’s important for you and your husband to have a personal relationship with God. And that, when you pray, you let His will be done.
What’s your advice to separated women who want to give marriage another try?
Have faith and be open to learning what you need to know. Accept that you need to change how you look at life.
Tell us about your kids.
Adi is 17. He will be in college next year. He sings well and is a loving kuya to Kyle, who is now 5. Kyle is a Michael Jackson fanatic, too. Kyle and I watch MJ’s “This Is It” concert all day when we can. My youngest, Seyah, is turning 2 in January. He is also starting to like MJ’s music.
What is the relationship of your eldest son (with Brix) and Carlo like?
Great. Adi has learned to appreciate his dad with all the love and care that Carlo shows him, too.
What’s your message to Brix?
I wish him well. I hope he is as happy and fulfilled as I am.
How do you balance being a mom, wife and career woman?
Even if I work weekdays, I make sure I find time to take Kyle to school and pick him up after. I squeeze in bonding time with Carlo, lunch/siesta with Kyle and Seyah, and merienda with Adi. Friday is our weekly movie date. We attend Bible study every Saturday and go to church on Sundays.
What is the sweetest thing that Carlo has done for you?
When I got my annulment in January 2013, Carlo told me to prepare for our wedding. I told him that I wanted him to propose. He said there was no need. When he sensed that I felt bad, he proposed a few weeks after his birthday.
How did he propose?
He did it during the family’s bridal shower for me. He said he was scared I’d change my mind.
How do you and Carlo resolve fights?
We’ve never had a major fight. Carlo just lets me be when I’m having a “drama queen” fit.
What are your honeymoon plans?
We are now on the Star Cruise Gemini … on an Asian tour.
How does it feel to be officially Mrs. Castillo?
Happy, blessed, thankful. I still have to practice signing with my new surname, though.
Fave hangout
Fun lives in my fave hangout, The Crowd Bar, at Madison Square on Pioneer St.,
Mandaluyong.
Check out the cool lineup: Nov. 19, Luke Mejares and James Sison; Nov. 20, Jimmy Bondoc; Nov. 21 “All About That Sax,” birthday show of saxophonist Alpha; Nov. 22 and 29, Lloyd Umali, with Yuki and Godo; Nov. 25, “I Laff U 2” with Marissa Sanchez; Nov. 27, Stars on 45 grand winner, Haydee Manosca; Nov. 28, “Playtime with Rechie D Generous.” Party mode on! Carpe noctem!
Kapamilya honors
ABS-CBNnews.com won the Coca-Cola Environmental Story of the Year at the Asian Environmental Journalism Awards (AEJA) for its report “A Tale of Three Disasters.” Radio station dzMM also won Best News Reporting at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) Prizes in Macau for its coverage of Supertyphoon “Yolanda. ” The network’s digital campaigns bagged four honors at the Internet Mobile and Marketing Association of the Philippines’ (IMMAP) 2014 Boomerang Awards.
The station’s passenger safety app “PasaHero” won the Gold Boomerang in the programs category and the Black Boomerang, a special award from Smart Communications, for Best in Mobile.
“Pinoy Big Brother All in Online Bahay ni Kuya” won a Silver Boomerang in the effectivity category and a Bronze Boomerang in the campaigns category.