To be happy on her own

POPS FILE PHOTO

Pops Fernandez is turning a year fiercer on Dec. 12. What better way to celebrate than by holding a “Penthouse Live Reunion Concert” at the PICC Plenary Hall?

Pipay blossomed in the popular GMA 7 variety show at the same time as her romance with ex-husband Martin Nievera. Since she is like a sister to me, I witnessed her private joys and woes.

How I wish her joie de vivre and inner strength will rub off on me. Even without the trappings of success, she is truly a beautiful person and an amazing woman.

Here’s my tête-à-tête with Pops:

What stands out in your memories of “Penthouse”?

My beginnings, my innocence, meeting new people and learning to hone whatever talent I didn’t even know I had.

What can the audience expect from the reunion concert?

We want to bring back the feeling of watching “Penthouse Live” on TV, through the songs, laughter, camaraderie, chemistry, dance numbers. Maybe a little bit of the fashion, too.

What do you miss most about the Martin you worked with in “Penthouse”?

Back then we were good friends. So we used to talk about each other’s love life. It was, and still is, fun to work with Martin. It feels so natural.

How has your perception of love changed through the years?

It definitely has [changed] … but it hasn’t traumatized me to the point of making me avoid love.

What’s your advice to ex-couples, to remain friends?

I think every situation is different. People have different stories… but moving on and learning to forgive are really the best ways to go.

Are you happier single or in a relationship?

I want to be happy on my own. And I am happy as I am… with or without someone. I don’t think your happiness should be dependent on other people.

What’s the best part of being you?

I try to improve myself through all the hardships.

What’s the toughest part of being you?

Even though I’m doing my own thing, I am still judged… but then that happens to all of us, right?

How has “Penthouse” turned you into the woman you are today?

I’ve learned so much. I didn’t expect to last as long as I have in the business. I thought I would just try singing and then move on to another career.

“Penthouse,” however, paved the way to so many opportunities. It was a place where I experienced the realities of life: I fell in love… honed my talents. Funny thing was, I was initially scared to guest in the show. I thought it was way too mature for me. Everyone was classy and dressed-up in the studio.

Charo’s charm

ABS-CBN president and CEO Charo Santos-Concio won the Gold Stevie Award in the category Female Executive of the Year in Asia, Australia, or New Zealand at the prestigious Stevie Awards for Women in Business held in New York on Nov. 14.

“I share this recognition with my fellow Filipinos and my family at ABS-CBN, whose passion to serve Filipinos around the world … makes me so grateful and proud to lead a company that puts public service at the heart of its business,” she said.

She also received the Gold Stevie Award for the Woman of the Year category for all Asia-Pacific nations (except Australia and South Korea).

She was named Asian Media Woman of the Year by ContentAsia, too.

That’s charm à la Charo!