MELAI Cantiveros (left) and Pokwang
Pokwang said that while she was not yet ready to take the plunge with American boyfriend Lee O’Brien, she’s prepared to meet his parents in August.
The comedienne will fly to the United States for the two-night show, “Funtastik 4,” on Aug. 19 and 20 with K Brosas, Chokoleit, Pooh and Rayver Cruz. “After that, Lee and I will head to the Bay Area to see his family. I will make sure that I have my dictionary with me. I’ll also bring tissue paper in case my nose bleeds (for having to speak English often),” she quipped.
Pokwang said Lee is a supportive partner and understands the demands of her work. “He also gets along well with my daughter, Ria Mae. I sometimes feel envious that they get to spend time together, while I’m always out working. They got to visit tourist spots in Bicol while our production team was taping there,” Pokwang told reporters during the press conference for her soap series, “We Will Survive,” which aired its last episode last July 15.
She said she heard rumors that her Japanese ex-boyfriend, Ria Mae’s father, was “stalking” her on Facebook. “Ang ganda ko, ’di ba? Seriously, I think he just wants to see how his daughter is doing. I only wish he’d do something more concrete,” the comedienne said, adding that she wouldn’t mind arranging for Ria Mae to meet her father.
Meanwhile, Pokwang’s costar Melai Cantiveros admitted to have experienced rough patches in her two-year marriage with actor Jason Francisco, but has managed to “survive” it. “I will stick to this relationship no matter what happens,” she said.
The actress hinted that her disagreement with Jason was mainly because she became too busy with work and lacked quality time with her family. Aside from the series, Melai is also busy as a cohost of the morning talk show, “Magandang Buhay,” with Jolina Magdangal and Karla Estrada.
The couple, also known as “MelaSon,” has a 2-year-old daughter named Amelie Lucille or Mela.
“There is no such thing as a perfect relationship,” said Melai. “It’s impossible for a couple not to have petty fights. That’s how your love for each other gets tested. In the end, what matters is how hard you worked to patch things up.”
Melai claimed to have learned a lot from the experience. “I have to be good at balancing work and family time. I have to know my priority—which is to serve my family well. We both made a vow to God to stay together.” Since then, the couple made sure to rest on weekends and spend time by dining out, going to church or the mall.
Melai said they hope to have another baby when Mela turns 4. “But if another baby comes along sooner, we’ll welcome it,” she added.
E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph