Catching up with Pops and Princess

FOREVER friends (from left): Pops Fernandez, the author and Princess Punzalan

I immensely enjoyed bonding with my “sisters,” Pops Fernandez and Princess Punzalan-Field at Sentro in Capitol Commons. Being with them made me miss our other “sis” Liezl Martinez more. But even in her absence, we can still feel her presence. Liezl has left an indelible mark on our hearts.

Pops and I were so delighted to meet Cess’ American husband Jay and their adorable daughter Elle. The way Elle loves to wave at everybody, she could be a future beauty queen. I teased Cess that since her plan to join a pageant did not materialize before, maybe Elle might fulfill that dream.

Cess was in town to tape the GMA 7 soap opera “Yagit.” She flew back to the United States, but will be back in August to shoot an indie film. “My role is quite complex,” she quipped. “I will play a rebel. The movie aims to guide Filipinos on how to vote wisely.”

Cess also has an offer to shoot another movie in New York. “I’m glad that I can have the best of both worlds,” she said. “Jay, Elle and I enjoy our quiet life in the US, but it’s good that I can come home every now and then for movie/TV projects”

The proud mom in Pops was ecstatic about the success of the concert she produced, “Next Attraction” topbilled by her son Robin and other show biz scions Karylle, Paolo Valenciano and Isabella. She told me that there will be a repeat in August.

Pops and I kept ribbing Cess because Jay seems like an ideal husband and father. He did not mind taking care of Elle and tucking her in, while we were chatting nonstop.

Thank you, Pipay and Cess, for not letting time and distance change a thing about our friendship and sisterhood. We will forever be in each other’s corner!

Edu Manzano. FILE PHOTO

Edu the restaurateur  

Not too many people know that Edu Manzano is a restaurateur. He owns a fab Chinese resto, Lucky Rainbow (Chino Roces corner Don Bosco Street; call 4781385) and Erwin’s Gastrobar (a Singaporean franchise) in City of Dreams. I pigged out on Peking duck, lobster, prawns, yang chao rice and other Chinese specialties at Lucky Rainbow.

Edu told me that he takes pride in the quality of the resto’s food. No wonder celebs, including James Yap and his girlfriend Mic Cazzola, Richard and Lucy Gomez, and Shalani Soledad-Romulo, among others, frequent the restos. I am so looking forward to hanging out with Doods in his gastrobar soon. We enjoy conversing in his native dialect, Hiligaynon. Damo guid na salamat, Migo! Your dishes satisfy me, just as your friendship keeps my heart filled with gratitude.

Young, fast and curious

The big winner of “Pinoy Big Brother: Unlimited” in 2012, Slater Young is the new face of Tattoo Mobile Broadband, the broadband brand of Globe Telecom and its flagship data promo GoSurf50. It gives subscribers access to top mobile game titles and Spotify (P50 for three days). Slater is the embodiment of today’s digital lifestyle. Constantly on-the-go and heavily dependent on his devices, he needs online access all the time, wherever he may be. Such is the life of the fast and curious!

Here’s my one-on-one with Slater:

What can you say about your ex-girlfriend Rachelle Ann Go’s international success?

I am very happy for her. She’s very talented and hardworking. She deserves it.

RACHELLE Ann Go

Are you in touch with Rachelle Ann?

I haven’t been in touch with her for a while now. We’re on good terms, though. We had the chance to talk the last time she was here for an event.

What did you learn from your relationship with Rachelle Ann?

God has a bigger plan than what we have for ourselves.

What’s your advice to the current batch of “PBB” housemates?

Be yourself. Use your time in the house to grow and learn more about who you are and who you want to be. Learning to get along with others is key.

SLATER Young

What’s your take on the gay housemate?

I support Ryan (Bacalla) fully. He is also a Cebuano like me. Gay or straight, we are all equal. Let’s learn to look beyond other people’s gender identity.

Tell us about your biz, LiteBlock.

LiteBlock is an eco-friendly and economical walling solution that makes houses greener and more affordable. We’re one of the pioneers of this technology in the Philippines. Please visit www.liteblock.ph for details.

What do you love most about Globe Tattoo?

It fits seamlessly into my life. Whether for business or pleasure, I always want to be connected, and Tattoo does that for me.