CHRIS Tiu with wife Clarisse and daughter Amanda
Chris Tiu can’t ask for anything more. He is celebrating a double victory—the triumph of his team Rain or Shine in the last PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) championship season and the arrival of his firstborn, Amanda, on June 5.
Although the PBA sensation can’t make his baby girl follow in his footsteps in the hardcourt, he is overjoyed to have Amanda as the new muse in his life aside from his fab wife, Clarisse.
I teased Chris that it would be cute to pair baby Amanda with the baby boy-to-be (MJ) of another PBA superstar, James Yap.
Congratulations, Chris and Cla. May Amanda strengthen your teamwork all the more so your little “Family Three” will have winning moments through all the quarters and time-outs of your life.
Here’s my chat with Chris:
Describe how you felt the first time you held Amanda in your arms.
It was a feeling of joy that I’ve never felt before. It was the happiest moment of my life.
Are you a hands-on dad?
Yes. I help in every way—except breastfeeding (laughs). I put her to sleep, change diapers … It can get tiring, but I actually like doing them, except in the middle of the night.
Are you a husband or a father first?
Both. I’ve only been a dad for three weeks, so let’s see how that goes.
When Amanda is of age, what will you tell her suitors?
I haven’t thought about it. I guess I’ll have to train her early on to be smart like her mom … in choosing a life partner. He he.
How many kids do you plan to have?
Four or five. But I believe that everything is in God’s plan. We feel so grateful and blessed to be given a healthy and adorable baby—Amanda.
What rules would you tell Amanda to live by?
Having achievements is not the most important thing in life. What’s more important is that you are a good or virtuous person, and you treat other people well.
If you want to be happy, live simply and make sure to have a strong spiritual life.
What can Rain or Shine fans expect this season?
The last championship boosted the confidence of our team. We should be competitive like we’ve been consistent in the past four years. Fans can expect an energetic, unselfish brand of basketball.
Health drink
It was such a delight to see one of my favorite people in the biz, Tito Boy Abunda, at the media launch of his new endorsement, Tocoma (Total Colon Management) Dietary Supplement.
After his recent health scare, he takes extra precaution in everything he eats. The TV host wants to spread the good news that colon cancer can be prevented.
“Boy” to the world!
Personal
Thanks from the bottom of my heart to JR Francisco, Alexandra Santos, JM Ouano, Jun Babar, Carlo Martin and chef Luigi Muhlach for always making me feel at home in my fave oasis, One Tagaytay Place Hotel and Suites, and for the sumptuous meals at Amacena (onetagaytayplace.com).