I had the chance to interview my “second mom,” Amalia Fuentes, for my Hello Dolly segment in “Paparazzi.” Even if she has been in hibernation, Tita Nena gamely granted my request for a tete-a-tete and even drove herself to one of my fave restos, Thaipan (Scout Lazcano, QC), where the shoot would be held.
Here are some of her quotable quotes:
On her nephew Aga Muhlach: “We’ve had our differences but we’re OK. Even Charlene and I talk a lot. Our relationship is better now—wala nang mga tao sa paligid na nakikialam.”
In touch with Bobby
On her ex Romeo “Bobby” Vasquez: “We are often in touch. There will always be love between us. But I’d rather wake up mornings as a single woman. At some point in our lives, all lovers outgrow their need for each other. It’s hard to be always on the same level.”
On her daughter Liezl: “I don’t want to keep repeating myself because I’ve said my piece already about Liezl. All I can say is, walang ina na puwedeng makatiis sa anak.”
Nora’s angst
On Nora Aunor’s statement in YES! Magazine that she used to be a fan of Amalia but not anymore: “I don’t know where her angst is coming from. There was miscommunication when she shot a movie in my house in the 1990s. It’s a long story. But I don’t remember any instance when I didn’t allow her to kiss me, as she claims. I even made her stay in my house in the United States many years ago. I wish she could be consistent with her stories.”
On her grandaughter Alyanna (stylist to the stars): “Although I know she’s enjoying her job now and all the perks that go with it, I know she can achieve more. I want her to get a more stable job, but it’s really up to her.”
On Aga’s daughter Tasha’s performance in “The Sound of Music”: “I’m very proud of her. She’s always in character on stage even if it’s not her moment. Although Aga said it’s just a one-shot deal, I believe that Tasha can really act. And when she’s of age, Aga and Charlene may not be able to stop her if she really wants to be an actress.”
On former archrival Susan Roces’ stand about FPJ’s being cheated in the 2004 elections: “Susan minced no words. She did the right thing with grace and dignity. Hindi siya parang broken record na paulit-ulit lang. She said what she had to say once and with total conviction.”
Niño needs focus
On Niño Muhlach: “He always had an easy life because at a young age he already was making big bucks. He’s a good guy who just needs to focus and be guided more. It’s a major adjustment, from being a child wonder to what he wants to achieve next.”
On making a show-biz comeback: “I’m thankful I was able to save at the height of my career, so now I don’t need to do a project again just for money. If and when a worthwhile offer comes along, I’m open to the possibility.”
A sin to die poor
On being the matriarch of the Muhlach clan: “I would like to believe that it’s respect and not fear that they have for me. I always want the best for all of them. I try to instill in them what my lola told me, that it’s not a sin to be born poor but it’s a sin to die poor. We should all strive to make something out of our lives.”
On joining politics: “When I see the evil that some politicos do, I feel like I can do a better job than they can. But if I wanted to join politics, eh di sana noon pa. If FPJ won as president, Mareng Susan promised that I would be part of his kitchen cabinet.”
PERSONAL: Thanks from the bottom of my heart to my good friend, Jonathan Gulmatico, for my Christmas in November!
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