Mariel Rodriguez and daughter Isabella
I have fond memories of working with Mariel Rodriguez in TV5’s defunct talk show, “Paparazzi.” She was sunshine on the set. In jest, we used to call each other “Acrobat Girl” because we were in the “show biz circus.”
I was touched when she gave me Mother’s Day goodies. Back then, Mariel told me she was not yet ready to be a mom because she and husband Robin Padilla still wanted to travel more. In their trips, they saw how tough it was for couples traveling with babies. But now, she’s more than ready for motherhood.
Mariel is a hands-on and full-time mom to her little princess, Isabella.
After giving birth, the hot mama granted the Inquirer her first interview. Thanks so much, Acrobat Girl, for accommodating me. Welcome to the wonderful, crazy world of motherhood. You are the gift that Isabella was born with. It will definitely be the merriest Christmas for your lovely Family Three!
What comes first—being a wife or a mother? I am a wife first. That came first, right? But right now, it’s Isabella who needs my attention. So, she has it all. Hopefully, I will be able to balance both.
The couple’s daughter, Isabella
What are some of the lessons your mother taught you that you will pass on to Isabella? Moisturize. Gotta keep the skin hydrated.
What excites you about motherhood? I am excited to raise a good person—who fears God and respects others.
That’s the challenge, and I am excited that, as a mother, I play the most important role in molding my child to be that person.
What scares you about motherhood? Everything scares me! Every day, I am scared. I don’t want to mess up.
A time for everything
Will you and Robin allow Isabella to join show biz? Isabella can do whatever she pleases, but everything should happen at the right time. There’s a time for everything. We want her to finish school, then what she chooses to do after is all up to her.
Do you breastfeed? Yes. In fact I’m breastfeeding my baby while I’m replying to you now.
What’s your favorite motherhood moment so far? In the morning when she wakes up, and she does all these facial expressions. I just stare at her and love every minute of it.
What are your Christmas plans? Aside from celebrating Jesus’ birthday, it will be all about Isabella.
Awesome foursome
Singers come and go. But only the legendary ones remain, such as Rico Puno, Hajji Alejandro, Marco Sison and Rey Valera. Catch them with special guest, Jessa Zaragoza, in “The Best of the OPM Hitmakers” on Dec. 9, 8 p.m. at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila. (For tickets, call 8919999.)
The balladeers say that upstaging each other is not their style. Since they know each other so well, it’s always a delight to watch them rib each other like old friends do. Let the awesome foursome take you on an OPM “senti” journey. Throwback hugot time.
Personal: Thanks a mil to Emil Po of the coolest oasis in Boradise, Lime Boracay, for an overdose of kindness.