China Cojuangco-Gonzalez’s new show celebrates woman empowerment

CHINA with her daughter Lucia

HAD ENOUGH of sensationalized news, shallow programs and corny teleseryes?

Then switch to 2nd Avenue’s “In Her Shoes,” a new show that celebrates woman empowerment.

It airs every Sunday at 6:30 p.m. and is hosted by my good friend, China Cojuangco-Gonzalez. She is the new face of the female entertainment channel (2nd Avenue). They could not have made a better choice.

Chef China is truly a woman of substance and grace. Yet, she also knows when to let her hair down with panache. “In Her Shoes” is brimming with good vibes. Sort of the perfect “fit” when modern-day Cinderellas find the “missing pair,” with or without a Prince Charming around.

Here’s my Q and A with China:

What can career women learn from housewives and vice versa?

It’s basically how to be able to handle different responsibilities. Generally speaking, hard work is applied to both jobs. Yes, being a housewife is a job, too. A lot of patience and knowledge in each field is needed to be a good housewife and career woman. I still believe that experience is the best way to learn—whether it’s in the household or in the office.

How has your show helped you in your growth as a woman?

I have met and interviewed six wonderful, hard-working women, some of them even mothers and wives! I am amazed at how each woman has learned to live and love her complex life—and being successful at it, too. It makes me look at myself and see how I can also be a great woman myself. There’s always room for growth.

Tell us the latest about your daughter, Lucia.

She’s 2 and a half years old. A jolly, smart little one. She’s going to school soon, so [my husband] Gino and I are preparing ourselves for that.

What’s the best advice about marriage and motherhood that your mom gave you?

To be patient and kind to one another. Love each other in spite of your differences and arguments…

Same thing with being a mother: Always be available to the needs of Lucia, and to teach her values that were taught to us, as well.

How do you and Gino handle differences in the kitchen?

I still see Gino (also a chef) as my superior in the kitchen. I have so much respect for him, because most of what I learned in the kitchen came from him—and I’m still learning! We bond in the kitchen.

What makes your marriage work?

Communication, understanding, patience and vacations. Believe it or not, vacations help a lot in a marriage.

What’s the craziest or naughtiest thing that you and (sister) Mikee did together?

Mikee and I used to have toys for boys when we were young. Whenever (sister) Mai Mai would bully me, Mikee would come to the rescue, and we’d start cutting the hair of Mai’s Barbie collection and even replace the head of Ken and Barbie. Little things like that….

What’s your comfort food?

Sinigang na baboy or baka, adobo, tempura, hamachi sashimi and ama ebi.

Are aphrodisiacs real or just a fallacy?

To be honest, I don’t know…but based on experience—I have no experience with it (laughs)! I love eating oysters and durian, but I haven’t really felt their aphrodisiac effects.

If you were a dish, what would you be and why?

Cheesecake. It has a mix of flavors, just like my being multidimensional.

What’s the toughest part about being a Cojuangco?

Nothing. Growing up, I used to think it was hard to be a Cojuangco because of the many expectations of others. But as an adult, I realized that I’m as human as any person can be.

I make mistakes and learn from them. If I succeed, I pat myself on the back for it. There’s nothing tough about being a Cojuangco—and I wouldn’t want to be anybody other than who I am today!